WO1980002261A1

WO1980002261A1 - Cosmetic dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO1980002261A1
Application number: PCT/US1980/000408
Authority: WO
Inventors: H Thompson; E Duval
Original assignee: Gillette Co LLC
Current assignee: Gillette Co LLC
Priority date: 1979-04-13
Filing date: 1980-04-11
Publication date: 1980-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 1981-10-13
Also published as: CA1128009A; GB2065508A; AU5995480A

Abstract

Cosmetic dispenser which includes a socket (10) with a dispensing opening and an applicator element (20) which is universally rotatable fitted within the opening. Rotation of the applicator element within the socket carries the cosmetic along a surface of the applicator element to the dispensing opening. Means (15, 23) are provided to restrain rotation of the applicator element within fixed limits. This structure lowers the manufacturing difficulty and minimizes the tendency of roll-on dispensers to entrap and pull on body hair.

Description

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to cosmetic dispensers, and is directed more particularly to such dispensers in which the cosmetic is dispensed by means of a rotating applicator element.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Cosmetic dispensers of the so-called "roll-on" type are well known in the art and have enjoyed wide commercial use, especially in the application to the skin of deodorants and antiperspirants. While numerous variations of such dis¬ pensers are known, they generally include a ground ball appli¬ cator element rotatably secured within a socket having a dis¬ pensing opening. The product is carried on the surface of the rotating ball to the dispensing opening for application, in the case of the above-mentioned cosmetic products, to the skin of the user. These dispensers are generally convenient to use and can apply the dispensed product accurately at the site where it is needed; with the trend away from aerosol dispensing, they are coming in for renewed interest. However, known roll-on cosmetic dispensers utilizing a ball turning in a socket exhibit the undesirable tendency to entrap and pull on body hair, a problem which effects a sub¬ stantial portion of male users of roll-on deodorants and anti¬ perspirants. Another problem associated with known roll-on dis¬ pensers is the high manufacturing ^'cost associated with the ground ball, a problem which is becoming more important with what appears to be a growing consumer preference for roll-on dispensers with a larger roller ball than heretofore has been in wide use. A ground ball provides the precision surface to fit the socket with the precise tolerances needed for accurate dispensing, and it also seems to grip the skin better for pos¬ itive rotation in its socket. However, the manufacturing pro¬ cess for the ball involves (1) molding, (2) grinding to restore -2-

roundness and eliminate mold marks, and (3) sorting out the samples that fail to meet specified tolerances. Therefore, substantial savings could be realized if the ground ball could be eliminated and replaced with a simple molded part. A further difficulty with known roll-on dispensers having a ground ball is that after a period of use, drying of the product tends to leave deposits interfering with rotation of the ball, with the result that the ball drags on the user's skin, the ground surface no longer by itself adequate to in- sure proper rotation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly it is an object of the invention to pro¬ vide a cosmetic dispenser of the roll-on type which will allow the realization of significant cost savings in comparison with known roll-on dispensers.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a cosmetic dispenser of the roll-on type which does not tend to entrap and pull on the hair of the user.

A further object of the invention is to provide a roll-on dispenser in which deposits resulting from drying of the product do not interfere with proper operation of the device.

A further and more general object of the invention is to provide a roll-on cosmetic dispenser which achieves the aforementioned objects and at the same time is perceived by th user to be convenient and comfortable in use.

With the above and other objeσ±s in view, a feature of the present invention is the provision of a cosmetic dis¬ penser which includes a socket having a dispensing opening and an applicator element adapted to be universally rotatable fitted within the socket. The applicator element has a surfac along which the cosmetic is dispensed by rotation of the appli¬ cator element within the socket, which carries the cosmetic to the dispensing opening. Means are provided to restrain ro¬ tation of the applicator element within fixed limits. The applicator element need only rotate a small amount, perhaps 5° to 20° in any direction from a neutral or central point, with the result that it need not be a perfect sphere, and in fact in certain embodiments of the invention only relatively small portions of the applicator element sur- face are substantially spherical. This is so because the limited rotation means that only limited portions of the sur¬ face will ever have to cooperate with mating portions of the socket. In part for this reason the applicator element can now be a simple molded part, since there is no longer a need to provide a high precision sphericity over much of its sur¬ face. It also follows from the limited rotation of the appli¬ cator element that hair pulling is substantially eliminated.

The means restraining rotation of the applicator element may include structure associated therewith or with the socket portion of the dispenser, or both. In certain preferred embodiments the applicator element is in the form of a molded shell, generally of an inverted cup shape, being generally spherical only where it must fit a mating socket surface, and is limited in rotation by interference between the edge of the shell (or lip of the cup) and fixed stops formed in the socket part. In other preferred embodiments, the applicator element includes depending structure interfering with support structure for the socket, whereby to limit rotation. The invention also contemplates adjustable dispensing rates made possible by providing an upper portion of the socket in the form of a threadedly connected retainer which is adjusted up or down to increase or decrease the tolerance between the applicator element and socket and therefore the rate of product delivery.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing dis- cussion, it should be noted that for the purposes of the present invention, the applicator element is not generally a sphere, although it usually has at least a partial spher¬ ical surface, but represents a modification of the somewhat like-functioning ball element of prior art roll-on dispensers. Like the corresponding element in the prior art, the applica¬ tor element generally is universally rotatable or pivotable about a substantially fixed point, but does not undergo translational motion to any substantial degree. By univer¬ sally rotatable it is meant that the applicator element, like the prior art ball, is free to rotate about three perpendicular intersecting axes.

It will also be appreciated that as a further consequence of the limited rotation feature substantially the same portion of the applicator element surface is always exposed through the dispensing opening of the socket, with the result that this portion never has to function as a bearin or a sealing surface. This aspect of the invention allows the exposed surface of the applicator element to be textured or contoured as desired for improved spreadability of the product or varying the user feel or sensation. For example, the surface may be flat, convex, concave, textured like a golf ball, rippled, stippled, and so forth. When the applica¬ tor element is smooth-finished and substantially flat or slightly convex, on application of the dispenser to the user's skin, the forces are spread over a larger area as compared to a spherical surface, and a comfortable, smooth, even silky feeling is perceived. Furthermore, when the exposed surface

OMPI j,_, WIPO of the applicator element is more or less flattened, applying that flattened surface to the user 's skin with a rocking motion to the applicator provides forces positively breaking any dried deposits in the mechanism that might otherwise interfere with its rotation; this is another reason why a ground surface is not needed to assist proper operation. Another consequence of the limited rotation is that it is possible to provide dispensing openings through the applicator element itself. A still further consequence is that the limited rotation by itself would tend to result in a lower product flow rate, since the applicator element may be rotating during only a part of the user's movement across the skin, with the result that better flow control is easier to achieve and, of particular importance, the dimensions and their tol- erances between applicator element and socket can be en¬ larged, further obviating the need for a ground ball surface.

The above and other features of the invention, including various novel details of construction and combin¬ ations of parts, will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawing and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular devices embodying the invention are shown by illustration only and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Reference is made to the accompanying drawing in which are shown illustrative embodiments of the invention from which its novel features and advantages will be apparent. Fig. 1 is an elevational view, partially in sec¬ tion, showing a cosmetic dispenser illustrative of the in¬ vention_?

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the device of Fig. 1, shown ready for dispensing;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the applicator element in a position limiting its further rota¬ tion;

Fig. 4 is an elevational sectional view illustrative of a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing the applicator element in a position limiting its further rota¬ tion;

Fig. 6 is an elevational sectional view illustrative of a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, showing the applicator element in a position limiting its further rotation

Fig. 8 is an elevational sectional view illustrative of a fourth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8, showing the applicator element in a position limiting its further rotation and

Fig. 10 is an elevational sectional view illustrativ of yet a fifth embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawing and in particular to Figs. 1-3, it will be seen that the illustrative cosmetic dispenser includes socket 10 having a dispensing opening into which is fit applicator element 20, and cap 30. The socket is substan- tially circular in horizontal cross-section. A frusto-conical lower portion 11 of the socket 10 leads to neck 12 connecting to a product container (not shown) . Above portion 11 a cylin¬ drical section 13 of the socket is externally threaded for en¬ gagement with cap 30 and extends upwardly to terminate in an

OMP inwardly-directed retainer 14. Four stops 15 are spaced 90° apart on the inner surface of the socket at the inner section of portion 11 and cylindrical section 13. Applicator element 20 is an injection molded part snap fit into socket 10 and includes a smooth-surfaced somewhat convex upper portion 21 connected to a depending skirt 22 representing a section of generally spherical surface and terminating at lip 23. De¬ pending cylindrical tube 24 extends from the intersection of upper portion 21 and skirt 22 to a lower end 25 resting on the frusto-conical portion 11 of socket 10. Cap 30 has in¬ ternal threads mating with the external threads on socket

10 and in the upper section thereof includes internal ring 31.

When cap 30 is screwed down on socket 10, ring 31 applies pressure uniformly around the perimeter of upper por- tion 21 of applicator element 20 to force it straight down¬ ward in the socket to bring lower end 25 of tube 24 into sealing relationship on frusto-conical portion 11, establishing a tight seal when the cap is completely screwed down, as best shown in Fig. 1. This seal is no longer maintained with the cap removed (Fig. 2) , and flow communication is established from the product container, into the socket between portion

11 and the lower end 25 of tube 24, then through the clear¬ ance between skirt 22 and cylindrical section 13 and retainer 14, and to the outside. In operation the dispenser is up-ended sufficiently to bring the product to the socket area, where rotation of the applicator element assists product flow to the outside for dis¬ tribution by the upper portion 21 of applicator element 20 on a surface to which the product is applied. As seen in Fig. 3, rotation of the applicator element on frusto-conical portion 11 as a bearing surface is limited by the interference of lip 23

OMPI Λ- ^~ WIPO . with stops 15, but it will be appreciated that with a slight modification of construction, the rotational limit could in¬ stead be by interference of lower end 25 of tube 24 with the stop* 15. It is also shown in Fig. 3 that rotation of the applicator element to its limiting position opens up the flow channel between the elements 11 and 25, as shown at 26, insuring sufficient delivery of product.

It will be apparent that in the device of Figs. 1-3, stops 15 may be fewer or greater in number than the four shown, or they may be combined in the form of a contin¬ uous molded ring around the inner circumference of the socket.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, the cosmetic dis¬ penser shown therein includes applicator element 40 shaped like an inverted cup, with skirt 41 of sufficient length to provide a bearing surface in cooperation with four bosses 43 equally spaced around the inside of socket 44. The skirt terminates at its lower end in lip 42. Retainer portion 45 of socket 44 holds the applicator element assembly, and four equally spaced stops 46 at the lower end of the socket limit rotation of the applicator element. A cap 47 includes a cam ring 48 bearing on the retainer portion 45 and compressing it inwardly to seal the system when it is not in use. With the cap removed, the applicator element is free to rotate as the dispenser is moved back and forth along a surface to which the cosmetic product is to be applied, the rotation limited now by interference between lip 42 and stops 46, as best shown in Fig. 5.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 6 and 7, in which the applicator element rotates on a central pivot comprising a separate ball-and-socket joint. A post 51 supporting the ball portion 52 of the ball-and-socket -9- joint 53 projects upwardly as part of a fitment 50 which in¬ cludes ducts 54 for product flow and Which is secured within the neck 55 of the dispenser by any suitable means. An appli¬ cator element 56 includes depending structure forming a socket portion 57 of ball-and-socket joint 53 plus a skirt 58 ter¬ minating in lip 59 and received within retainer portion 61 of socket 60. Interiorly of the socket are four equally- spaced stops 62. A cap 47a includes a cam ring 48a bearing on the retainer portion 61 and compressing it inwardly to seal the system when not in use. With the cap removed, rotation of the applicator element on ball joint 53 is limited by in¬ terference between lip 59 and stops 62, as best shown in Fig. 7.

In the embodiment of Figs. 8 and.9, the applicator element 70 rotates on four equally-spaced vertical ribs 71 molded interiorly of the ball, in cooperation with the inner surfaces of socket 74. In a manner previously described ro¬ tation is limited by interference between lip 73 of skirt 72 and four equally-spaced stops 75 formed in socket 74, and sealing is by means of cam ring 48b compressing retainer por¬ tion 76 against the ball.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10 the means re¬ straining rotation of the applicator element include structure attached thereto interfering with the inside walls of the pro- duct container. In addition means are provided for adjusting the rate of product flow. The product container 80 narrows at neck portion 81 to form a socket 82 which receives applica¬ tor element 83. The applicator element has a smooth, flattened, slightly convex upper surface 84, and depending from its lower end is a short post 85, molded integrally therewith. The applicator element is held in the socket by a retainer 86, -10- connected to the socket by screw threads 87. The system is sealed by a cap 88 with an internal ring 89 which,-when the cap is in place, presses down on the upper surface 84 of applicator element 83 to center it and force it into sealing relationship with complementary surfaces of the socket 82.

When the cap is removed, product can flow between applicator element and socket in the manner previously described, aided by rotation of the applicator element between limits determined when post 85 interferes with neck portion 81 of the container. By raising and lowering retainer 86, util¬ izing screw threads 87, the overall tolerances around the applicator element are varied, thereby controlling the flow rate.

While various aspects of the invention have been illustrated by the foregoing detailed embodiments, it will be understood that various substitutions of equivalents may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

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Claims

- - What is claimed is:

1. A cosmetic dispenser comprising a socket having a dispensing opening, an applicator element universally rota¬ table within said socket and having a surface along which said cosmetic is dispensed by rotation of said applicator element within said socket to carry said cosmetic to said dispensing opening, and means restraining rotation of said applicator element within fixed limits.

2. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which said applicator element includes only a partial spherical surface.

3. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which said applicator element has a substantially flat surface disposed in said dispensing opening.

4. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which said socket includes means for retaining said ball within said socket.

5. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 1, and further including a cap for sealing said dispenser.

6. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 5, in which said cap includes means biasing said applicator element into sealing relationship with said socket.

7. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 4, and further including a cap for sealing sa d dispenser, said cap including means compressing said retaining means into sealing relationship with said applicator element.

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8. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 1, in which said restraining means comprises a fixed stop within said socket and structure on said applicator element inter¬ fering with said stop, whereby to limit rotation of said applicator element.

9. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 8, in which said structure compreses a skirt portion of said appli¬ cator element disposed within said socket.

10. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 8, in which said structure comprises a tube depending from said applicator element.

11. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 1, and further including container structure connected to said socket, in which said restraining means comprises a post depending fro said applicator element, said post interfering with said con¬ tainer structure whereby to limit rotation of said applicator element.

12. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 4, and further including means for adjusting a clearance between said applicator element and said socket.

13. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 12, in which said adjusting means comprises an adjustable connection between said retaining means and said socket.

14. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 13, in which said adjustable connection is threaded. -13-

15. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 1, and further including bearing structure facilitating rota¬ tion of said applicator element within said socket.

16. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 15, in which said bearing structure comprises a tube depending from said applicator element and terminating in a lower end, said lower end riding on a frusto-conical portion of said socket.

17. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 15, in which said applicator element includes a skirt portion dis¬ posed within said socket, and said bearing structure com¬ prises a boss in said socket supporting said skirt portion.

18. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 15, in which said bearing structure comprises a ball-and-socket joint having a first connection to and interiorly of said ball and a second connection to said dispenser.

19. A cosmetic dispenser as defined in claim 15, in which said bearing structure comprises a rib formed inter¬ iorly of said applicator elememt, said rib riding on an in- terior surface of said socket.

SURETY

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