EP2259696B1 - Package for dispensing a personal care product - Google Patents
Package for dispensing a personal care product Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2259696B1 EP2259696B1 EP09728310.5A EP09728310A EP2259696B1 EP 2259696 B1 EP2259696 B1 EP 2259696B1 EP 09728310 A EP09728310 A EP 09728310A EP 2259696 B1 EP2259696 B1 EP 2259696B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- package
- skin
- applicator
- cross
- contacting portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
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- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 17
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- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 3
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- TWJNQYPJQDRXPH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-cyanobenzohydrazide Chemical compound NNC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C#N TWJNQYPJQDRXPH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002799 BoPET Polymers 0.000 description 1
- FBPFZTCFMRRESA-FSIIMWSLSA-N D-Glucitol Natural products OC[C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)CO FBPFZTCFMRRESA-FSIIMWSLSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Natural products CCCCCCCC(C)CCCCCCCCC(O)=O OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920009441 perflouroethylene propylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
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- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000600 sorbitol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 229920003048 styrene butadiene rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003039 volatile agent Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D27/00—Shaving accessories
- A45D27/02—Lathering the body; Producing lather
- A45D27/04—Hand implements for lathering, e.g. using brush
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
- A45D34/04—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
- A45D34/042—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45D
- A45D2200/05—Details of containers
- A45D2200/054—Means for supplying liquid to the outlet of the container
- A45D2200/055—Piston or plunger for supplying the liquid to the applicator
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45D
- A45D2200/05—Details of containers
- A45D2200/054—Means for supplying liquid to the outlet of the container
- A45D2200/056—Reciprocating pumps, i.e. with variable volume chamber wherein pressure and vacuum are alternately generated
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1033—Brush for applying or spreading shaving foam or soap
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to packages for dispensing a liquid personal care product that is a shave prep composition.
- 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.
- 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.
- a package with skin-friendly dispensing and lathering capabilities may be used to apply and lather product directly onto the skin.
- the package may comprise a displacement member located remote from the portion of the package that contacts the skin.
- 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.
- an applicator and container that are ergonomically designed to lather product on various skin areas.
- 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.
- the present invention is directed to a package for dispensing a liquid personal care product that is a shave prep composition according to claim 1.
- 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.
- liquid personal care product 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.
- lathering refers to the act of agitating or spreading onto the skin a liquid personal care product to produce a foam or froth.
- 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.
- FIG.1 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- At least a part of skin-contacting portion 126 is designed to fit between a user's nose and upper lip.
- minor dimension 132 of skin-contacting portion 126 may be less than or equal to about 0.75 inches.
- minor dimension 132 of skin-contacting portion 126 may be less than or equal to about 0.5 inches.
- 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.
- major dimension 106 of body 102 substantially aligns with major dimension 130 of skin-contacting portion 126.
- first cross-sectional shape 104 and second cross-sectional shape 128 are in vertical alignment.
- cross-sectional shape 104 and cross-sectional shape 128 may not be in vertical alignment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- package 100 may comprise more than two distinct cross-sectional shapes.
- 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 4 illustrates applicator 124.
- 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.
- skin-contacting portion 126 may extend to various heights in various zones, so there may be more than one height of interest.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- safety cap 158 is a temporary cover and may be removed and discarded by the consumer after purchase.
- 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.
- 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.
- over cap 176 is made of PP.
- valve 186 may be disposed between body 102 and applicator 124.
- 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.
- 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 bi-directional, uni-directional, duckbill, claw, umbrella, cross-slit, and slit valves.
- 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.
- flow-restricting member 160 comprises a slit valve 164.
- Slit valve as used herein means a valve whose members are formed from incision(s) that have a closed and open position as described above.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- two sidewalls are located along either side of body 102 along major dimension 106.
- displacement member 166 is a piston (not shown) that is vertically moveable upward from bottom 120 of body 102.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- skin-contacting portion 226 of applicator 224 extends to a first height 234 from an applicator base 236.
- 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.
- flow-restricting member 260 comprises opposing members 262.
- flow-restricting member 260 comprises a valve, such as a slit valve 264.
- valve 286 may be disposed between body 202 and applicator 224.
- valve 286 may comprise a stationary piston 288, a compression spring 290, a collar 292, a ball 296, and a one-way valve 298.
- 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.
- displacement member 266 is a trigger 268 that is depressible along body's 202 major dimension 206.
- a rib 272 from upper body 210 locks trigger 268 in place.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the product is a shave prep composition and the user may create a lather with skin-contacting portion 126,226, then use a razor to shave the prepared area.
- 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.
- 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.
- the liquid personal care product of the present invention 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 scope of the invention.
- the applicator or skin-contacting portion thereof may comprise a number of different materials and material forms, such as, bristles, foam pads, sponges, etc.
- material and physical properties of bristles can impact skin feel and latherability, for example. Table 1 and the following discussion illustrate this notion.
Landscapes
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
Description
- The present invention is directed to packages for dispensing a liquid personal care product that is a shave prep composition.
- 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.
- The present invention is directed to a package for dispensing a liquid personal care product that is a shave prep composition according to
claim 1. - 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 inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , taken along the line I-I. -
FIG. 4 is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown inFIG.3 . -
FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top portion of the embodiment shown inFIG. 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 inFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 , taken along the line III-III. -
FIG. 9 is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown inFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top portion of the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 , taken along the line IV-IV. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the top portion of the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional, perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 8 , taken along the line V-V. -
FIG. 13 is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIGS. 14a-f are examples of cross-sectional shapes the package may comprise. - 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 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 inFIGS. 1 to 5 .FIG.1 illustrates the top portion ofpackage 100, comprising abody 102, and anapplicator 124.Body 102 is able to be grasped with a user's hand; it comprises a horizontal plane defining a firstcross-sectional shape 104.Cross-sectional shape 104 comprises amajor dimension 106 oriented along a first axis and aminor 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 tobody 102, such as with screw-threads, a snap-fit collar, or the like. In a preferred embodiment,applicator 124 is integral withbody 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-contactingportion 126 comprising a horizontal plane defining a secondcross-sectional shape 128.Cross-sectional shape 128 comprises amajor dimension 130 oriented along a first axis and aminor dimension 132 oriented along a second axis. Skin-contactingportion 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-contactingportion 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-contactingportion 126 may be less than or equal to about 0.75 inches. In another embodiment,minor dimension 132 of skin-contactingportion 126 may be less than or equal to about 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment,major dimension 130 of skin-contactingportion 126 is less than or equal to about 1.5 inches.Major dimension 130 andminor dimension 132 may vary depending on the part of the skin skin-contactingportion 126 is meant to contact. For example, dimensions 130,132 may be larger if skin-contactingportion 126 is meant for users' legs, or smaller if skin-contactingportion 126 is meant for users' underarms or bikini area. - In one embodiment, such as shown in
FIG. 2 ,major dimension 106 ofbody 102 substantially aligns withmajor dimension 130 of skin-contactingportion 126. Also as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , firstcross-sectional shape 104 and secondcross-sectional shape 128 are in vertical alignment. In other embodiments,cross-sectional shape 104 andcross-sectional shape 128 may not be in vertical alignment. For example, skin-contactingportion 126 may be offset frombody 102 so that skin-contactingportion 126 is not positioned vertically abovebody 102, but rather extends from the side ofbody 102. Skin-contactingportion 126 may also extend horizontally frombody 102, or from any angle in between; skin-contactingportion 126 may be fixed at a certain angle or it may be adjustable by users. Cross-sectional shapes 104,128 ofbody 102 andapplicator 124, respectively, may take different forms. In various embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 14a-f , firstcross-sectional shape 104 and secondcross-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 whilecross-sectional shape 128 may have a teardrop shape. Cross-sectional shapes 104,128 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.FIG. 1 illustratescross-sectional shape 104 andcross-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 anoutlet 112 that is in fluid communication withapplicator 124.Body 102 comprises aflat surface 114 thatpackage 100 rests on when it is not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion ofbody 102 may comprise alower gasket 116, anumbrella valve 118, and a bottom orbottom plate 120.Lower gasket 116 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer ("TPE") andbottom 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 illustratesapplicator 124. In one embodiment, skin-contactingportion 126 extends to afirst height 134 from applicator base 136, whereinfirst height 134 is equal to the highest point of skin-contactingportion 126. In other embodiments, skin-contactingportion 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 offiber receiving holes 140 to receive fibers 142 to form skin-contactingportion 126. Applicator base 136 comprises anorifice 144 to enable dispensing of product onto skin-contactingportion 126. To prevent dispensed product from getting stuck in the bottom half of skin-contactingportion 126 or cloggingoutlet 112, one ormore dispensing conduits 146 help direct the product to a preferred location within skin-contactingportion 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-contactingportion 126.FIG. 4 shows dispensing conduit 146 having aproximal end 148 and adistal end 154.Proximal end 148 has aninlet 150 that is in fluid communication withoutlet 112 ofbody 102 and acompression seal 152. In a preferred embodiment, a sufficient length of dispensingconduit 146 extends into skin-contactingportion 126, withdistal end 154 located somewhat close to a surface that contacts the skin, thereby dispensing more product closer to the skin. However, dispensingconduit 146 should not extend too far into skin-contactingportion 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 asecond height 156 that is less thanfirst height 134 of skin-contactingportion 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. Dispensingconduit 146 may be comprised of a variety of materials. For example, dispensingconduit 146 may be made of hard plastic and precautions may be taken by the manufacturer or user to prevent dispensingconduit 146 from contacting the skin and causing discomfort, scratches, or injury to the skin. However, in a preferred embodiment, dispensingconduit 146 is made of a softer material; one exemplary material is TPE. - A
safety cap 158 may be provided to cover dispensingconduit 146.Safety cap 158 prevents damage or disfigurement to skin-contactingportion 126 and it may also prevent leakage of product from dispensingconduit 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 tobody 102 orapplicator 124. Overcap 176 may comprise anouter ring 178 to compresssafety cap 158 and aninner ring 180 to containsafety cap 158. In a particular embodiment, aledge 182 on overcap 176 allows overcap 176 to snap into anotch 110 ofbody 102. Overcap 176 may also comprise aflat surface 184, allowingpackage 100 to be inverted, thus resting onflat surface 184 when not in use. In one embodiment, overcap 176 is made of PP. - In particular embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 5 , avalve 186 may be disposed betweenbody 102 andapplicator 124. In a preferred embodiment,valve 186 comprises anupper gasket 188 made of TPE or rubber, and atransition piece 190, a one-way valve 192, and avalve cover 194, all three made of PP. - Some embodiments of the present invention may employ one or more flow-restricting
members 160 associated with dispensingconduit 146. In a preferred embodiment, flow-restrictingmember 160 is positioned at or neardistal end 154 of dispensingconduit 146. Flow-restrictingmember 160 acts to inhibit and/or prevent water from entering dispensingconduit 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-restrictingmember 160 may be manually openable or pressure activated. Flow-restrictingmembers 160 may be any valve known in the art including but not limited to bi-directional, uni-directional, duckbill, claw, umbrella, cross-slit, and slit valves. - In one particular embodiment, flow-restricting
member 160 has at least two opposingmembers 162, whereinmembers 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 dispensingconduit 146, or to inhibit contamination or dilution of the product within dispensingconduit 146 orbody 102. For example, a user may rinse skin-contactingportion 126 under running water after use; the water can clog dispensingconduit 146 or dilute or contaminate the product if it gets insidebody 102. Anotherreason members 162 are biased to the closed state is to prevent unwanted leakage of the product ifpackage 100 is inverted while not in use.Members 162 may be forced into the open state when a volume of product is communicated frombody 102 through dispensingconduit 146 in response to manual forces being applied to a displacement member. Flow-restrictingmember 160 returns to its closed position upon removal of the manual displacement forces which results in stopping the dispensing of the product through dispensingconduit 146. - In another particular embodiment, flow-restricting
member 160 comprises aslit 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, slitvalve 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, slitvalve 164 is made of silicone. The stiffness ofslit valve 164 in one embodiment is sufficient to prevent the slit from opening under the hydrostatic pressure of a liquid personal care product whenpackage 100 is placed in an inverted position. -
Body 102 may contain a liquid personal care product. Alternatively,body 102 may comprise aflexible bag 122 to contain a liquid personal care product;flexible bag 122 fits withinbody 102 and acts as a bladder. In a preferred embodiment,flexible bag 122 attaches to transitionpiece 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 withinpackage 100. In one embodiment,body 102 is flexible and resilient, and it is inwardly deformable along itsminor dimension 108 in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from withinbody 102 to skin-contactingportion 126. - In other embodiments,
package 100 comprises adisplacement member 166 that urges the product out ofbody 102 and onto skin-contactingportion 126.Displacement member 166 may be located away from skin-contactingportion 126 to allow product to be manually dispensed by the user while skin-contactingportion 126 is in contact with the skin. In a preferred embodiment, such as inFIG. 2 ,displacement member 166 comprises at least a portion, or sidewall, ofbody 102; wherein the sidewall (not shown) ofbody 102 is flexible, resilient, and deformable along itsminor dimension 108. In one embodiment, two sidewalls are located along either side ofbody 102 alongmajor dimension 106. In another embodiment,displacement member 166 is a piston (not shown) that is vertically moveable upward frombottom 120 ofbody 102. In one embodiment, the piston or similar member may extend partially withinbody 102 to dispense a liquid personal care product. A further example ofdisplacement member 166 is a trigger, as shown inFIGS. 6-12 and discussed more fully below. - A second
exemplary package 200 is shown inFIGS. 6 to 13 .Package 200 has many of the same features aspackage 100; most features are numbered consistently between the two, with a difference in the hundreds numeral, for example,body 102 ofpackage 100 vs.body 202 ofpackage 200. The descriptions, dimensions, and variations of the features ofpackage 100 may be applied to the corresponding features ofpackage 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 and8 depictpackage 200 comprising abody 202 and anapplicator 224.Body 202 ofpackage 200 comprises a horizontal plane defining a firstcross-sectional shape 204. Firstcross-sectional shape 204 comprises amajor dimension 206 oriented along a first axis, and a minor dimension 208 oriented along a second axis, as shown inFIGS. 7 and8 .Applicator 224 comprises a skin-contactingportion 226, wherein skin-contactingportion 226 comprises a horizontal plane defining a secondcross-sectional shape 228. Secondcross-sectional shape 228 comprises a major dimension 230 oriented along a first axis and aminor dimension 232 oriented along a second axis, as shown inFIGS. 7 and8 . In a preferred embodiment,major dimension 206 ofbody 202 substantially aligns with minor dimension 230 of skin-contactingportion 226, and firstcross-sectional shape 204 and secondcross-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 aflat surface 220. In a preferred embodiment,body 202 comprises anupper body 210 and alower body 216. -
FIG. 9 illustratesbody 202 having anoutlet 214 that is in fluid communication withapplicator 224.Upper body 210 comprises anotch 212, where anoptional over-cap 276 snaps on.Lower body 216 comprises abody cavity 218, wherein aflexible bag 222 fillable with a liquid personal care product fits withinbody cavity 218.FIG. 9 also illustrates a dispensingconduit 246, a flow-restrictingmember 260, adisplacement member 266, andoptional valve 286 ofpackage 200. - As seen in
FIG. 10 , skin-contactingportion 226 ofapplicator 224 extends to afirst height 234 from anapplicator base 236. In a preferred embodiment,applicator base 236 comprises a plurality offiber receiving holes 240 that receivefibers 242 to form skin-contactingportion 226.Applicator base 236 comprises anorifice 244 to enable dispensing of product onto skin-contactingportion 226. -
FIG. 11 illustrates dispensingconduit 246, and itsproximal end 248 anddistal end 254.Proximal end 248 has aninlet 250 and acompression seal 252.Distal end 254 has asecond height 256. Asafety cap 258 may be provided to cover dispensingconduit 246 and prevent leakage. Flow-restrictingmember 260 is associated with dispensingconduit 246. In a preferred embodiment, flow-restrictingmember 260 comprises opposingmembers 262. In other embodiments, flow-restrictingmember 260 comprises a valve, such as aslit valve 264. - In particular embodiments, as shown in
FIGS. 9-11 , avalve 286 may be disposed betweenbody 202 andapplicator 224. In a preferred embodiment, best seen inFIG. 10 ,valve 286 may comprise astationary piston 288, acompression spring 290, acollar 292, aball 296, and a one-way valve 298. In one embodiment,stationary piston 288 andcollar 292 are made of PP, whilecompression spring 290 andball 296 are made of stainless steel. -
FIGS. 8-12 depictdisplacement member 266 which is associated withbody 202.Displacement member 266 is inwardly moveable in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from withinflexible bag 222 to skin-contactingportion 226. In a preferred embodiment,displacement member 266 is atrigger 268 that is depressible along body's 202major dimension 206. In one embodiment, arib 272 fromupper body 210 locks trigger 268 in place. InFIG. 11 , atrigger holder 274 extends offapplicator base 236 to holdtrigger 268 in place;trigger 268 has two arms which hug thecollar 292. TwoL ribs 270 and the tail oftrigger 268 are visible inbody cavity 218, as seen inFIG. 12 .L ribs 270 are optional; their purpose is to preventtrigger 268 from damaging or pinchingflexible bag 222. In operation, trigger 268 displaces a movingcylinder 294 which in turn displaces a volume of the product fromflexible bag 222 to skin-contactingportion 226. In a particular embodiment,trigger 268,L ribs 270,rib 272,trigger holder 274, and movingcylinder 294 are made of PP. -
FIGS. 9 and13 best show an optional overcap 276 that is removeably attached overapplicator 224. Overcap 276 comprises anouter ring 278 to compresssafety cap 258 and aninner ring 280 to containsafety cap 258. Aledge 282 on overcap 276, visible inFIG. 9 , allows overcap 276 to snap intonotch 212 ofbody 202. Overcap 276 may also comprise aflat surface 284, allowingpackage 200 to be inverted, thus resting onflat surface 284 when not in use. - 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. The product is a shave prep composition and the user may create a lather with skin-contacting portion 126,226, then use a razor to shave the prepared area. 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.
- 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. The liquid personal care product of the present invention 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 scope of the invention.
Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ingredient Base Base Base Base Base Base Water QS QS QS QS QS QS Palmitic Acid 7.75 6.0 0 0 6.0 0 Triethanolamine 6.05 4.7 8.76 8.76 4.7 8.76 Stearic Acid 2.6 2.0 0 0 2 0 Myristic Acid 0 0 14.0 14.0 0 14.0 Mineral Oil kaydol 0 0 0 0 1.5 0 Glyceryl Oleate 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 2.5 1.5 Sorbitol (70% solution) 1.0 1.0 0 0 0.5 0 Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.5 0.3 0.75 0.75 0.3 0.75 Polyox WSR-301 (PEG-90M) 0.06 0.06 0 0 0.06 0 Polyox WSR-N-12K (PEG-23M) 0.05 0.05 0 0 0.05 0 Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate (30%) 1.0 0 6.67 6.67 0 6.67 Polymer LR30M cationic 0.1 0.2 0.45 0.45 0.2 0.45 Fragrance 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 PVP K60 (45% solution) 0 0 0.49 0.49 0 0.49 Glycerin 0.5 1.5 8.5 8.5 0.5 8.5 Colorant 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 Parts of Base Mixed w/Lathering Agent 97.15 97.15 96 97.15 97.15 100 Volatile Lathering Agent 2.85 2.85 4.0 2.85 2.85 0 - 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) Bristle Material Bristle Diameter Bristle Length Skin-Contacting Major Dimension Skin-Contacting Minor Dimension 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 - 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." 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.
- 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 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 (7)
- A package (100) for dispensing a liquid personal care product that is a shave prep composition, the package comprising:a body (102) for grasping with a user's hand, the body containing the shave prep composition;an applicator (124) comprising an applicator base (136) and a skin-contacting portion (126) extending from the applicator base (136) to a first height (134);a dispensing conduit (146) through which the shave prep composition is dispensable from the body (102), wherein the dispensing conduit (146) comprises a proximal end (148) and a distal end (154), wherein the proximal end (148) comprises an inlet (150) that is in fluid communication with the body (102), wherein the distal end (154) extends from the applicator base (136) to a second height (156) that is less than the first height (134);
characterised by a flow-restricting member (160) associated with the dispensing conduit (146);
wherein the body (102) comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape (104), the skin-contacting portion (126) comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape (128), each of the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape comprises a major dimension (106)(130) oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension (108)(132) oriented along a second axis, and wherein the major dimensions (106)(130) are greater than the minor dimensions (108)(132). - A package according to Claim 1, wherein the flow-restricting member (160) is positioned at or near the distal end (154) of the dispensing conduit (146).
- A package according to either of the proceeding claims, wherein the flow-restricting member (160) comprises at least two opposing members (162), wherein the members (162) converge into a closed state and diverge into an open state, wherein the members are biased to the closed state to inhibit water from entering the dispensing conduit (146), and wherein the members (160) may be forced into the open state when a volume of liquid personal care product is communicated from the body (102) through the dispensing conduit (146).
- A package (100) according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the second height (156) is about half the first height (134).
- A package (100) according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the package (100) further comprises a valve (186) disposed between the body (102) and the applicator (124).
- A package (100) according to any of the proceeding claims wherein the flow-restricting member (160) is a valve (186) selected from the group consisting of bi-directional, unidirectional, duckbill, claw, umbrella, cross-slit, slit, and combinations thereof.
- A package (100) according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the flow-restricting member (160) is a flexible slit valve.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US7252108P | 2008-03-31 | 2008-03-31 | |
PCT/US2009/038953 WO2009124049A1 (en) | 2008-03-31 | 2009-03-31 | Package for dispensing a personal care product |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2259696A1 EP2259696A1 (en) | 2010-12-15 |
EP2259696B1 true EP2259696B1 (en) | 2018-03-28 |
Family
ID=41059508
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09728310.5A Active EP2259696B1 (en) | 2008-03-31 | 2009-03-31 | Package for dispensing a personal care product |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090263174A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2259696B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101980630A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2715516A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009124049A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (20)
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MX2011009861A (en) | 2009-03-20 | 2011-09-29 | Procter & Gamble | Brush head for use on a container for dispensing a composition. |
US8844766B2 (en) | 2009-07-14 | 2014-09-30 | Sterilogy, Llc | Dispenser assembly for dispensing disinfectant fluid and data collection and monitoring system for monitoring and reporting dispensing events |
US20110076088A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-03-31 | David Matthew Groh | Package For Dispensing A Personal Care Product |
US20110220138A1 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-15 | Roberts Michelle A | Apparatus and system for a fingernail cleaning device |
USD762392S1 (en) | 2010-03-23 | 2016-08-02 | Genimex Jersey Ltd. | Laid back brush |
USD734908S1 (en) | 2010-03-23 | 2015-07-21 | Genimex Jersey Ltd. | Upright sponge |
US20110259359A1 (en) | 2010-04-27 | 2011-10-27 | David Matthew Groh | Device For Dispensing A Personal Care Product |
US20110274627A1 (en) | 2010-05-06 | 2011-11-10 | Ali Abdelaziz Alwattari | Method Of Making An Aerosol Shave Composition Comprising A Hydrophobical Agent Forming At Least One Microdroplet |
US20110272320A1 (en) | 2010-05-06 | 2011-11-10 | Ali Abdelaziz Alwattari | Aerosol Shave Composition Comprising A Hydrophobical Agent Forming At Least One Microdroplet |
US20110289890A1 (en) | 2010-05-27 | 2011-12-01 | Brian Lee Floyd | Product Dispensing Device |
EP2665562B1 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2022-01-26 | The Gillette Company LLC | Actuator for a dispensing apparatus |
US20120301210A1 (en) | 2011-05-26 | 2012-11-29 | Thomas Arthur Sturgis | Brush for use with a composition |
WO2013025891A1 (en) | 2011-08-16 | 2013-02-21 | The Gillette Company | An aerosol shave composition comprising a hydrophobical agent forming at least one microdroplet and an anti-irritation agent |
US8661650B2 (en) | 2011-09-27 | 2014-03-04 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. | Method of making an electromechanical personal care device |
US20130280174A1 (en) | 2012-04-20 | 2013-10-24 | The Gillette Company | Personal care composition comprising metathesized unsaturated polyol esters |
USD736636S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-08-18 | iMOLZ, LLC | Aerosol container |
USD762481S1 (en) | 2014-04-11 | 2016-08-02 | iMOLZ, LLC | Oval shaped can |
USD838494S1 (en) * | 2016-12-02 | 2019-01-22 | Geka Gmbh | Eyeliner with microbristles |
USD825931S1 (en) | 2017-02-10 | 2018-08-21 | FC Brands Ltd. | Foaming brush |
FR3078236B1 (en) * | 2018-02-27 | 2021-09-17 | Capsum | PACKAGING FOR PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR COSMETICS, AND CORRESPONDING PROCESS |
Citations (1)
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US20060171772A1 (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2006-08-03 | Byun Young K | Cosmetic case |
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US1981851A (en) * | 1933-02-15 | 1934-11-27 | Marion H Aten | Massaging and shaving brush |
US4252455A (en) * | 1979-06-11 | 1981-02-24 | Pena Abelardo De | Shaving brush attachment |
US4603992A (en) * | 1985-01-23 | 1986-08-05 | Kavoussi James P | Aerosol shaving brush |
US4772148A (en) * | 1986-05-30 | 1988-09-20 | Buschemeyer Sallie Q | Liquid applicator |
DE4016353A1 (en) * | 1989-05-19 | 1990-12-06 | Ivo H Dr Med Wozelka | Application of creams and jellies onto body - involves container with filler opening, outlet, applicator brush and valve |
FR2727608B1 (en) * | 1994-12-06 | 1997-01-10 | Oreal | DISPENSER FOR A LIQUID CONSISTENCY PRODUCT WITH PASTE |
GB9725531D0 (en) * | 1997-12-02 | 1998-02-04 | Nettlefold Jonathan | Shaving brush |
JP2000177767A (en) * | 1998-12-15 | 2000-06-27 | Kao Corp | Application container |
FR2792296B1 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2001-06-01 | Oreal | APPLICATOR CAPSULE AND APPLICATION ASSEMBLY PROVIDED WITH SUCH APPLICATOR CAPSULE |
US6749092B2 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2004-06-15 | Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. | Deformable dispensing valve |
FR2829116B1 (en) * | 2001-09-04 | 2004-08-27 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING A PRODUCT, PARTICULARLY COSMETICS |
US6533484B1 (en) * | 2001-09-13 | 2003-03-18 | Allegiance Corporation | Solution applicator |
FR2832297B1 (en) * | 2001-11-19 | 2004-08-06 | Oreal | PACKAGING AND APPLICATION SET OF A PRODUCT |
KR200277197Y1 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2002-06-03 | 변영광 | cosmetic implement having improved injecting structure |
FR2834873B1 (en) * | 2002-01-18 | 2004-02-20 | Lir France Sa | IMPROVED POWDER DISPENSER |
US6662973B1 (en) * | 2002-07-02 | 2003-12-16 | Stephen P. Velliquette | Fluid flow control valve/seal for fluid dispensers |
US20050045200A1 (en) * | 2003-08-26 | 2005-03-03 | Zeunik Robert L. | Shaving brush having a cavity for shaving cream |
FR2860496B1 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2006-06-23 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING A COSMETIC PRODUCT |
WO2005053457A1 (en) * | 2003-12-02 | 2005-06-16 | Tokiwa Corporation | Container with applicator |
US7287927B2 (en) * | 2005-03-21 | 2007-10-30 | Chuen Chern Co., Ltd. | Valve assembly |
KR100626174B1 (en) * | 2005-03-22 | 2006-09-20 | 변영광 | Cosmetics case |
US7384208B2 (en) * | 2005-03-28 | 2008-06-10 | El Management Corp. | Flow-thru cosmetic applicator package |
US7874466B2 (en) * | 2006-11-07 | 2011-01-25 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Package comprising push-pull closure and slit valve |
US7425102B1 (en) * | 2007-03-01 | 2008-09-16 | Velliquette Stephen P | Fluid flow control valve/seal for fluid dispensers |
FR2919585B1 (en) * | 2007-07-30 | 2012-05-04 | Oreal | PACKAGING AND APPLICATION DEVICE |
US7419323B1 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2008-09-02 | Chuen Chern Co., Ltd. | Cosmetic device |
-
2009
- 2009-03-31 US US12/415,446 patent/US20090263174A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-03-31 WO PCT/US2009/038953 patent/WO2009124049A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-03-31 CN CN2009801113343A patent/CN101980630A/en active Pending
- 2009-03-31 EP EP09728310.5A patent/EP2259696B1/en active Active
- 2009-03-31 CA CA2715516A patent/CA2715516A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060171772A1 (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2006-08-03 | Byun Young K | Cosmetic case |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2259696A1 (en) | 2010-12-15 |
WO2009124049A1 (en) | 2009-10-08 |
US20090263174A1 (en) | 2009-10-22 |
CA2715516A1 (en) | 2009-10-08 |
CN101980630A (en) | 2011-02-23 |
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