EP2259695A1

EP2259695A1 - Package for lathering a personal care product

Info

Publication number: EP2259695A1
Application number: EP09728677A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Matthew Groh; Theresa Louise Johnson; Steven Schennum; Thomas Mckeon; Jeremy Abel
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2008-03-31
Filing date: 2009-03-31
Publication date: 2010-12-15
Also published as: US20090263175A1; WO2009124047A1; CN101980629A; CA2715514A1

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

PACKAGE FOR LATHERING A PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to packages for lathering a liquid personal care product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquid personal care products are available in a wide variety of packages, including bottles, jars, tubes, and cans. Liquid personal care products meant for application to the skin are traditionally dispensed from a container onto users' hands and then applied to the skin by hand. Examples of such products include lotion, facial cleanser, and shaving cream. This application method however can be messy, and that portion of the product that does not get transferred from users' fingers is wasted.

Few liquid personal care products on the market have applicators or lathering aids. While patents relating to brush attachments for shaving cream in traditional aerosol cans do exist, there are no well-known lathering aids for shaving cream currently available for consumer purchase. U.S. Patent No. 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 representative of the prior art: the container is cylindrical and the shaving brush attachment has a cylindrical fan shape that is rounded at the top. This sort of applicator may not work well to lather product onto smaller skin areas, such as the space between the nose and upper lip; an applicator with a shape other than cylindrical may work better. But, if the shape of the applicator is not cylindrical, it may be hard for the user to view the orientation of the applicator, particularly when the applicator contains foamed product and is placed against the skin. Accordingly, there is a need to inform users of the orientation of the applicator as they hold it close to the skin.

To solve these problems, a package with skin-friendly dispensing and lathering capabilities may be used to apply and lather product directly onto the skin. There is a desire to develop a package that allows the product to be dispensed directly from a container onto the skin. A need exists for a container that better fits into a user' s hand. The package may comprise a displacement member located remote from the portion of the package that contacts the skin. There exists a need for a flow-restricting member to keep water and other impurities out of the dispenser and container as well as prevent the product from flowing out of the container unless force is consciously exerted on the container to dispense the product. Also, a need still exists for an applicator and container that are ergonomically designed to lather product on various skin areas. As a result, if an applicator and/or container are not the traditional round shape, a need exists to inform the user of the positioning of the applicator in relation to the positioning of the container so the user may better line up 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 objects mentioned. A particular embodiment may, but need not, embody every object of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a package for lathering a liquid personal care product. A first exemplary embodiment comprises a body for grasping with a user's hand, wherein the body comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape. The embodiment also comprises an applicator comprising a skin-contacting portion, wherein the skin-contacting portion comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape. 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, wherein the major dimensions are greater than the minor dimensions.

A second exemplary embodiment comprises all of the elements of the first exemplary embodiment. In addition, the body is flexible, resilient, and inwardly deformable along its second axis in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from within the body to the skin-contacting portion.

A third exemplary embodiment comprises all of the elements of the first exemplary embodiment. In addition, the body comprises a body cavity. The embodiment comprises a flexible bag, wherein the flexible bag is fillable with a liquid personal care product, and wherein the flexible bag fits within the body cavity. The embodiment also comprises a displacement member associated with the body that is inwardly moveable in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from within the flexible bag to the skin-contacting portion.

A fourth exemplary embodiment comprises, in addition to the features of the first embodiment, a package in which the body further comprises 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 orientationally corresponds to the second cross-sectional shape so that as the body is manipulated by a user's hand, a user can be assured that the skin-contacting portion is oriented as intended on the skin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, taken along the 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 the line III-III.

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

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

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

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

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

FIGS. 14a-f are examples of cross-sectional shapes 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 limited to the specific ingredients, methods, conditions, devices, or parameters described herein, and that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification, including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent basis "about," it will be understood that the particular values form 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 designated.

The packages of the present invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the features of the invention described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.

The term "latherable" as used herein refers to a liquid personal care product that is able to form a foam or froth when agitated or spread onto the skin. The liquid personal care product may lather by entrapping air, by comprising a surfactant-type substance, or by another means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Water addition may or may not be necessary to obtain a foam or froth, but it may enhance benefits or results depending on the type of product used. Agitation or spreading may be by hand, but is preferably by applicator. Agitation or spreading may be rapid or slow, and may comprise irregular and regular movements.

The term "lathering" as used herein refers to the act of agitating or spreading onto the skin a liquid personal care product to produce a foam or froth. For instance, a product may be dispensed as a gel and then lathered into a foam. If a product is already in the form of a foam or froth when dispensed from its package, lathering may comprise spreading product onto the skin to cover an area of skin.

The following exemplary packages further describe and demonstrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. A first exemplary package 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.l illustrates the top portion of package 100, comprising a body 102, and an applicator 124. Body 102 is able to be grasped with a user's hand; it comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape 104. Cross-sectional shape 104 comprises 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 of various materials. Examples of suitable plastic materials include high density polyethylene ("HDPE"), low density polyethylene ("LDPE"), polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polypropylene ("PP"), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, nylon, and fluorinated ethylene propylene. Body 102 may be made via a number of processes known in the art, such as blow molding, injection molding, and the like. Body 102 may be comprised of transparent, translucent, or opaque materials, or it may be comprised of a combination of materials with these properties. In a preferred embodiment, body 102 is opaque and made of thermoplastic resin via an extrusion blow molding process. In other embodiments, body 102 may be transparent to show unique color, texture, pattern, or inclusions of a liquid personal care product; for example, moisturizing beads or white color to signify suitable for use on sensitive skin.

Many prior art packages have applicators which are attachable, but not integral to the package. Applicator 124 may be attachable or removeably attached to body 102, such as with screw-threads, a snap-fit collar, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, applicator 124 is integral with body 102, which means that the applicator is assembled with the body during manufacturing and is not intended to be removed by a consumer during the product lifetime. Applicator 124 comprises a skin-contacting portion 126 comprising a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape 128. Cross-sectional shape 128 comprises a major dimension 130 oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension 132 oriented along a second axis. Skin- contacting portion 126 may comprise bristles, a sponge, a loofah, a shower puff, or another material or combination of materials that is capable of lathering a liquid personal care product. Skin-contacting portion 126 may be rinsed after use.

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

In one embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 2, major dimension 106 of body 102 substantially aligns with major dimension 130 of skin-contacting portion 126. Also as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first cross-sectional shape 104 and second cross-sectional shape 128 are in vertical alignment. In other embodiments, cross-sectional shape 104 and cross-sectional shape 128 may not be in vertical alignment. For example, skin-contacting portion 126 may be offset from body 102 so that skin-contacting portion 126 is not positioned vertically above body 102, but rather extends from the side of body 102. Skin-contacting portion 126 may also extend horizontally from body 102, or from any angle in between; skin-contacting portion 126 may be fixed at a certain angle or it may be adjustable by users. Cross-sectional shapes 104, 128 of body 102 and applicator 124, respectively, may take different forms. In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 14a-f, first cross-sectional shape 104 and second cross-sectional shape 128 may be oblong circles, squares, or triangles; further exemplary shapes include teardrop and pear. 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. Cross-sectional shapes 104, 128 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. FIG. 1 illustrates cross-sectional shape 104 and cross-sectional shape 128 as symmetrical, oblong circles. In further embodiments, package 100 may comprise more than two distinct cross- sectional shapes.

Referring to FIG. 3, body 102 has an outlet 112 that is in fluid communication with applicator 124. Body 102 comprises a flat surface 114 that package 100 rests on when it is not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of body 102 may comprise a lower gasket 116, an umbrella valve 118, and a bottom or bottom plate 120. Lower gasket 116 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer ("TPE") and bottom plate 120 is preferably made of PP. It should be noted that these aforementioned features, as well as other features described throughout, are not limiting on the scope of the appended claims where such features are not explicitly recited.

FIG. 4 illustrates applicator 124. In one embodiment, skin-contacting portion 126 extends to a first height 134 from applicator base 136, wherein first height 134 is equal to the highest point of skin-contacting portion 126. In other embodiments, 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 made out of PP and comprises a plurality of fiber receiving holes 140 to receive fibers 142 to form skin-contacting portion 126. Applicator base 136 comprises an orifice 144 to enable dispensing of product onto skin-contacting portion 126. To prevent dispensed product from getting stuck in the bottom 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 more efficient use of the product because more product is available for lathering onto the skin rather than filling up the lower portion of skin-contacting portion 126. FIG. 4 shows dispensing conduit 146 having a proximal end 148 and a distal end 154. Proximal end 148 has an inlet 150 that is in fluid communication with outlet 112 of body 102 and a compression seal 152. In a preferred embodiment, a sufficient length of dispensing conduit 146 extends into skin-contacting portion 126, with distal end 154 located somewhat close to a surface that contacts the skin, thereby dispensing more product closer to the skin. However, dispensing conduit 146 should not extend too far into skin-contacting portion 126 or it might too aggressively contact or scratch a user's skin when in use. As such, in one embodiment, distal end 154 extends from applicator base 136 to a second height 156 that is less than first height 134 of skin-contacting portion 126. In this configuration, distal end 154 may still contact a user's skin during use, but desirably not to the point of causing significant irritation to one's skin. Dispensing conduit 146 may be comprised of a variety of materials. For example, dispensing conduit 146 may be made of hard plastic and precautions may be taken by the manufacturer or user to prevent dispensing conduit 146 from contacting the skin and causing discomfort, scratches, or injury to the skin. However, in a preferred embodiment, dispensing conduit 146 is made of a softer material; one exemplary material is TPE.

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

Package 100 optionally comprises an over cap 176 that is removeably attached to body 102 or applicator 124. Over cap 176 may comprise an outer ring 178 to compress safety cap 158 and an inner ring 180 to contain safety cap 158. In a particular embodiment, a ledge 182 on over cap 176 allows over cap 176 to snap into a notch 110 of body 102. Over cap 176 may also comprise a flat surface 184, allowing package 100 to be inverted, thus resting on flat surface 184 when not in use. In one embodiment, over cap 176 is made of PP.

In particular embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, a valve 186 may be disposed between body 102 and applicator 124. In a preferred embodiment, valve 186 comprises an upper gasket 188 made of TPE or rubber, and a transition piece 190, a one-way valve 192, and a valve cover 194, all three made of PP.

Some embodiments of the present invention may employ one or more flow-restricting members 160 associated with dispensing conduit 146. In a preferred embodiment, flow- restricting member 160 is positioned at or near distal end 154 of dispensing conduit 146. Flow- restricting member 160 acts to inhibit and/or prevent water from entering dispensing conduit 146, while also preventing product from flowing out of package unless force is consciously exerted on a displacement member to dispense the product. Dispensing of the product may then be more accurately controlled and unwanted dispensing of the product may be substantially prevented. "Flow-restricting member" 160 as used herein means any of numerous mechanical devices by which the flow of a liquid personal care product may be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports, orifices or passageways. Flow-restricting member 160 may be manually openable or pressure activated. Flow-restricting members 160 may be any valve known in the art including but not limited to bidirectional, uni-directional, duckbill, claw, umbrella, cross-slit, and slit valves.

In one particular embodiment, flow-restricting member 160 has at least two opposing members 162, wherein members 162 converge into a closed or substantially closed state, and diverge into an open state. Members 162 are biased to the closed state to inhibit and/or prevent water or impurities from entering and clogging dispensing conduit 146, or to inhibit contamination or dilution of the product within dispensing conduit 146 or body 102. For example, a user may rinse skin-contacting portion 126 under running water after use; the water can clog dispensing conduit 146 or dilute or contaminate the product if it gets inside body 102. Another reason members 162 are biased to the closed state is to prevent unwanted leakage of the product if package 100 is inverted while not in use. Members 162 may be forced into the open state when a volume of product is communicated from body 102 through dispensing conduit 146 in response to manual forces being applied to a displacement member. Flow-restricting member 160 returns to its closed position upon removal of the manual displacement forces which results in stopping the dispensing of the product through dispensing conduit 146.

In another particular embodiment, flow-restricting member 160 comprises a slit valve 164. "Slit valve" 164 as used herein means a valve whose members are formed from incision(s) that have a closed and open position as described above. Preferably, slit valve 164 is made of a relatively flexible material, such as silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride, urethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, styrene-butadiene copolymer, and other materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, slit valve 164 is made of silicone. The stiffness of slit valve 164 in one embodiment is sufficient to prevent the slit from opening under the hydrostatic pressure of a liquid personal care product when package 100 is placed in an inverted position.

Body 102 may contain a liquid personal care product. Alternatively, body 102 may comprise a flexible bag 122 to contain a liquid personal care product; flexible bag 122 fits within body 102 and acts as a bladder. In a preferred embodiment, flexible bag 122 attaches to transition piece 190. Flexible bag 122 may be made out of HDPE, LDPE, mylar film, or other suitable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Package 100 comprises a means to dispense a product contained within package 100. In one embodiment, body 102 is flexible and resilient, and it is inwardly deformable along its minor dimension 108 in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from within body 102 to skin-contacting portion 126.

In other embodiments, package 100 comprises a displacement member 166 that urges the product out of body 102 and onto skin-contacting portion 126. Displacement member 166 may be located away from skin-contacting portion 126 to allow product to be manually dispensed by the user while skin-contacting portion 126 is in contact with the skin. In a preferred embodiment, such as in FIG. 2, displacement member 166 comprises at least a portion, or sidewall, of body 102; wherein the sidewall (not shown) of body 102 is flexible, resilient, and deformable along its minor dimension 108. In one embodiment, two sidewalls are located along either side of body 102 along major dimension 106. In another embodiment, displacement member 166 is a piston (not shown) that is vertically moveable upward from bottom 120 of body 102. In one embodiment, the piston or similar member may extend partially within body 102 to dispense a liquid personal care product. A further example of displacement member 166 is a trigger, as shown in FIGS. 6-12 and discussed more fully below. A second exemplary package 200 is shown in FIGS. 6 to 13. Package 200 has many of the same features as package 100; most features are numbered consistently between the two, with a difference in the hundreds numeral, for example, body 102 of package 100 vs. body 202 of package 200. The descriptions, dimensions, and variations of the features of package 100 may be applied to the corresponding features of package 200 discussed below, unless otherwise noted. In a preferred embodiment, body 202 is opaque and made of thermoplastic resin via an extrusion blow molding process.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict package 200 comprising a body 202 and an applicator 224. Body 202 of package 200 comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape 204. First cross-sectional shape 204 comprises 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 comprises a skin-contacting portion 226, wherein skin-contacting portion 226 comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape 228. Second cross-sectional shape 228 comprises 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, major dimension 206 of body 202 substantially aligns with minor dimension 230 of skin-contacting portion 226, and first cross-sectional shape 204 and second cross-sectional shape 228 are in vertical alignment. Also in a preferred embodiment, package 200 has first cross-sectional 204 and second cross-sectional 228 shapes that are symmetrical, oblong circles. Body 202 comprises a flat surface 220. In a preferred embodiment, body 202 comprises an upper body 210 and a lower body 216.

FIG. 9 illustrates body 202 having an outlet 214 that is in fluid communication with applicator 224. Upper body 210 comprises a notch 212, where an optional over-cap 276 snaps on. Lower body 216 comprises a body cavity 218, wherein a flexible bag 222 fillable with a liquid personal care product fits within body cavity 218. FIG. 9 also illustrates a dispensing conduit 246, a flow-restricting member 260, a displacement member 266, and optional valve 286 of package 200.

As seen in FIG. 10, skin-contacting portion 226 of applicator 224 extends to a first height 234 from an applicator base 236. In a preferred embodiment, applicator base 236 comprises a plurality of fiber receiving holes 240 that receive fibers 242 to form skin-contacting portion 226. Applicator base 236 comprises an orifice 244 to enable dispensing of product onto skin- contacting portion 226. FIG. 11 illustrates dispensing conduit 246, and its proximal end 248 and distal end 254. Proximal end 248 has an inlet 250 and a compression seal 252. Distal end 254 has a second height 256. A safety cap 258 may be provided to cover dispensing conduit 246 and prevent leakage. Flow-restricting member 260 is associated with dispensing conduit 246. In a preferred embodiment, flow-restricting member 260 comprises opposing members 262. In other embodiments, flow-restricting member 260 comprises a valve, such as a slit valve 264.

In particular embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, a valve 286 may be disposed between body 202 and applicator 224. In a preferred embodiment, best seen in FIG. 10, valve 286 may comprise a stationary piston 288, a compression spring 290, a collar 292, a ball 296, and a 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.

FIGS. 8-12 depict displacement member 266 which is associated with body 202. Displacement member 266 is inwardly moveable in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from within flexible bag 222 to skin-contacting portion 226. In a preferred embodiment, displacement member 266 is a trigger 268 that is depressible along body's 202 major dimension 206. In one embodiment, a rib 272 from upper body 210 locks trigger 268 in place. In FIG. 11, a trigger holder 274 extends off applicator base 236 to hold trigger 268 in place; trigger 268 has two arms which hug the collar 292. Two L ribs 270 and the tail of trigger 268 are visible in body cavity 218, as seen in FIG. 12. L ribs 270 are optional; their purpose is to prevent trigger 268 from damaging or pinching flexible bag 222. In operation, trigger 268 displaces a moving cylinder 294 which in turn displaces a volume of the product from flexible bag 222 to skin-contacting portion 226. In a particular embodiment, trigger 268, L ribs 270, rib 272, trigger holder 274, and moving cylinder 294 are made of PP.

FIGS. 9 and 13 best show an optional over cap 276 that is removeably attached over applicator 224. Over cap 276 comprises an outer ring 278 to compress safety cap 258 and an inner ring 280 to contain safety cap 258. A ledge 282 on over cap 276, visible in FIG. 9, allows over cap 276 to snap into notch 212 of body 202. Over cap 276 may also comprise a flat surface 284, allowing package 200 to be inverted, thus resting on flat surface 284 when not in use.

It is contemplated that the package 100,200 of the present invention may include alternate mechanisms for dispensing the personal care compositions of the present invention. These include electronic pumps, manual pumps, screw-containing mechanisms, aerosols, pressurized gasses, trigger pumps, and the like. One of ordinary skill would readily be able to integrate the mechanism for dispensing the personal care composition into the present invention.

In an exemplary method of use, after obtaining package 100,200, a user may remove optional over cap 176,276 and safety cap 158,258. If preferred, the user may wet skin- contacting portion 126,226. The user may then hold skin-contacting portion 126,226 against the desired skin surface and deform body 102,202 or move displacement member 186,266 inwardly. In response, an amount of product is forced out of package 100,200 via dispensing conduit 146,246 to skin-contacting portion 126,226. As the user moves skin-contacting portion 126,226 around on the skin surface, the product dispensed is lathered by skin-contacting portion 126,226. In an example where the product is a shave prep composition, the user may create a lather with skin-contacting portion 126, 226, then use a razor to shave the prepared area. In an example where the product is a facial or body cleanser, skin-contacting portion 126,226 may be used to exfoliate and cleanse the skin while creating a lather. In particular embodiments, when the first axes of body 102,202 and skin-contacting portion 126,226 are in alignment, the user may more easily determine the orientation of skin-contacting portion 126,226 because body 102,202 visually intimates the positioning of skin-contacting portion 126,226. This may be important, for example, if a user is trying to lather the area between the nose and upper lip.

Packages 100,200 of the present invention may contain a wide variety of liquid personal care products, preferably those that are latherable by 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, serums, and sprays. Examples of suitable products to be contained in body 102,202 or flexible bag 122,222 include body wash, body lotion, facial cleanser, facial lotion, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shave gel or cream, self tanner, nail polish, nail polish remover, and other personal care products. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid personal care product is a shave prep composition. The following six examples of shave prep products are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed to limit scope of the present invention as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The above examples can be made as follows: Mix the water with glycerin and then add to this mixture a pre-blend of the LR30M and hydroxyethylcellulose powders. For formulas containing sodium myristoyl sacrosinate, add this component next. For formulas containing PVP K60, add this component next. Mix until homogeneous and start heating. Stop mixing, and then add the fatty acids. When the temperature reaches 75⁰C, add triethanolamine and mix for approximately 10 more minutes. Cool to less than 35⁰C, and then add the fragrance and colorant. For example 6, store in closed container until it is charged into an appropriate dispenser. For examples 1-5, combine the base composition with the lathering agent and charge the mixture into containers or packages capable of containing volatile agents.

As noted above, the applicator or skin-contacting portion thereof may comprise a number of different materials and material forms, such as, bristles, foam pads, sponges, etc. Regarding the use of bristles, material and physical properties of bristles can impact skin feel and latherability, for example. Table 1 and the following discussion illustrate this notion. Table 1 (Dimensions are in inches)

Consumers perceived the nylon bristles having a bristle diameter of 0.006 or 0.008 inches to be too stiff, and nylon bristles having a bristle diameter of 0.003 or 0.004 as being in the right range for softness. Bristles having a "mid-length" (that is those of 0.7 inches) were preferred for stiffness over those that were shorter or longer.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical 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 herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same 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. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A package for lathering a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: a body for grasping with a user's hand, wherein the body comprises 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 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.

2. A package according to Claim 1 , wherein the first axis of the body substantially aligns with the first axis of the skin-contacting portion.

3. A package according to Claims 1 and 2, wherein the first cross-sectional shape and/or the second cross-sectional shape is symmetrical.

4. A package according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the first cross-sectional shape and/or the second cross-sectional shape is asymmetrical.

5. A package according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape are in vertical alignment.

6. A package according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the skin-contacting portion is designed to fit between a user's nose and upper lip.

7. A package according to any of the proceeding claims, 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 according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the package comprises an over-cap, the over-cap being removeably attached to the body.

9. A package according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the body contains a shave prep composition.

10. A package for lathering a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: a body for grasping with a user's hand, wherein the body comprises a body cavity and a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape; a flexible bag, wherein the flexible bag is fillable 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 comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape; and a displacement member associated with the body that is inwardly moveable in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from within the flexible bag to the skin- contacting portion; 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.

11. A package according to Claim 10, wherein the body comprises a sidewall, and wherein the displacement member is the sidewall, wherein the sidewall is flexible, resilient, and deformable along the body's second axis.

12. A package according to Claims 10 and 11, wherein the body comprises a bottom, and wherein the displacement member is a piston that is vertically moveable upward from the bottom.

13. A package according to Claims 10 through 12, wherein the displacement member is a trigger.

14. A package according to Claims 10 through 13, wherein the body contains a shave prep composition.