GB1583323A - Roll-on dispenser with flexible membrane - Google Patents

Abstract

The dispenser comprises an application ball (14) and a porous membrane (18) cooperating with the latter in order to control the dispensing of specific amounts of powder or liquid. The amount of material dispensed is dependent on the porosity of the membrane (18), the porosity of the membrane (18) for its part being dependent on the degree of deformation caused by the application ball (14) when the dispenser is actuated. <IMAGE>

Description

(54) ROLGON DISPENSER WITH FLEXIBLE MEMBRANE (71) We, BRISTOL-MYERS COMPANY, a Corporation organised and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, having offices located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- The present invention relates to dispensers and more particularly, to applicator ball type, roll-on dispensers for dispensing powders and fluids, such as deodorants, antiperspirants and talcs.

U.S. Pat, No. 2,749,566 discloses an applicator ball type, roll-on dispenser. The ball is rotably supported in the open, dispensing end of the dispenser, so that as it is rotated on the skin of the user it picks up material to be dispensed from inside the container and deposits the material on the skin. However, when the dispenser is inverted, the material continues to be deposited on and around the ball, even if the dispenser is not being used. Thus, the excess material not applied to the skin is wasted or otherwise falls out of the dispenser.

Therefore, the need exists for means to regulate material dispension, which means would allow dispension only when the ball is rolled against the user's skin and in relation to the pressure being applied to the ball.

This invention seeks to provide a dispenser of this type with means for control of the amount of material being dispensed.

This invention also seeks to provide a dispenser of this type which is particularly suited to dispensing powders.

This invention also seeks to provide a dispenser of this type which is particularly suited to dispensing low viscosity fluids.

In accordance with the present invention, a dispenser is provided having an open end, an applicator disposed in the open end, means for rotatably supporting the applicator and limiting its inward movement into the container, which means contact an inner minor portion of the applicator, and a member surrounding an outer minor portion of the applicator to limit the outward movement of the applicator away from the open end of the container. A variably porous membrane is interposed between the applicator and the portion of the container adapted to hold the material to be dispensed.The porosity of the membrane varies with the degree of its deformation, the porosity of the membrane increasing on deformation from an undeformed state in which the membrane resists flow therethrough of material to be dispensed to a deformed state in which the membrane is sufficiently porous to allow material to flow therethrough. The means for rotatably supporting the applicator permits Its inward movement against the membrane, whereby the applicator bears against and deforms the membrane when it is pressed inwardly to allow some of the material to be dispensed through the membrane.

The present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a partial, longitudinal sectional view of the dispensing end of a preferred embodiment of the dispenser of this invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a partial, longitudinal sectional view similar to Figure 1 but showing the dispenser in its inverted operation position and showing the deformation of the porous membrane by the applicator ball.

Figure 4 is a partial, longitudinal sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a dispenser of this invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, reference numeral 10 indicates generally a dispenser, which includes a container 12, an applicator 14, and an annular applicator retaining ring 16. Container 12, typically formed of glass or polystyrene, carries at its open end an outwardly extending flange 20 and external threads 22. Applicator 14 is preferably a round ball, but it may also be egg-shaped, cylindrical, or of any other shape of circular cross-section which will allow it to rotate in ring 16. For ease of description, applicator 14 will hereinafter be referred to as a ball. Ring 16 is preferably formed of a relatively resilient material, such as polyethylene, and carries at its lower end an inwardly extending flange 24. Flange 24 engages flange 20 to secure ring 16 to the end of container 12.Ring 16 is provided at its upper end with an annular bearing portion 26, which surrounds an outer minor portion of ball 14 and which functions to retain ball 14 against movement outwardly from container 12. Ring 16 is further provided with three radially inwardly extending lugs 28 (best seen in Figure 2) forming bearing surfaces, which engage an inner minor portion of ball 14 and which functions to rotatably support ball 14 at the open end of the container 12. Lugs 28 can also be molded directly to container 12.

A portion of the inner surface of ring 16 is recessed to provide a reservoir space 30, which improves the dispensing action of dispenser 10. U.S. Pat. No. 2,749,566 discloses the device described in detail thus far.

The present invention contemplates the insertion of a variably porous membrane 18 between ball 14 and the portion of container 12 adapted to hold the material to be dispensed.

To facilitate this insertion, membrane 18 is preferably provided with a bead 32 around its periphery which engages a groove 34 formed in ring 16. Bead 32, groove 34, and flange 20 co-operate to retain membrane 18 in the position shown in Figure 1. Membrane 18 may be made from any material which has a relativ ely low porosity in its undeformed condition, as shown in Figure 1, but which will become relatively porous in its deformed (i.e., stretched and/or bent) condition, as shown in Figure 3.

Suitable materials are those having an open cellular structure, such as open-celled foamed polyurethane, PVC, or rubber.

In such an open-celled foam or sponge membrane, where the membrane is in its undeformed condition, the interconnecting pores offer a sufficient degree of friction or resistance to the flow therethrough of the material to be dispensed to prevent an unintended dispension. When ball 14 presses upon and deforms the membrane, the resultant stretching thereof opens the pores sufficiently to permit a controlled flow of material throught the membrane and out of the container, which flow depends upon the degree of deformation of the membrane.

Another suitable type of material from which the membrane may be made is one having a resilient or solid rubber-like structure, which has been subjected to a mechanical piercing, slitting or equivalent perforating operation. Such a membrane prevents material flowthrough in its indeformed condition, but when deformed by ball 14, the membrane stretches to permit the material to flow through the opened, pierced or slit loci. Ball 14 has some freedom of movement in the inward direction (toward the inside of container 12 and against membrane 18) and, therefore, lugs 28 are designed to be deformable, either by being made of a very resilient material or by having as narrow a width as possible.Alternatively, lugs 28 can be recessed somewhat from ball 14 and the spring action of membrane 18 will perform the function of rotatably supporting ball 14, lugs 28 acting only as a limit stop.

To use the dispenser of the present invention, it is inverted, as shown in Figure 3, so that the contents of container 12 flow against membrane 18. Initially, no substantial flow of material through membrane 18 occurs because the membrane is not deformed and, therefore, its holes or passages or pores are not open.

However, when ball 14 is pressed inwardly against membrane 18 (as seen in Figure 3), the passages of the membrane are opened and there is material flow through the membrane and into the spaces between ball 14 and ring 16, including reservoir 30. Should dispenser 10 now be righted and the pressure on ball 14 be removed, the material which has flowed through membrane 18 will remain above the membrane 18 and in contact with ball 14 because the passages through membrane 18 are closed. Ball 14 can therefore dispense some of the material upon rotation, since some material is retained in contact with ball 14. This action is particularly desirable when the material to be dispensed is a powder because without membrane 18, the powder would fall back into container 12 when the dispenser was righted.The valving action of membrane 18 is also useful when the material to be dispensed is low viscosity liquid. Should such a low viscosity liquid be placed in a dispenser disclosed by the above referred to U.S.

Pat. No. 2,749,566 and the dispenser be inverted, the liquid would run out. With the present dispenser, however, the valve action of membrane 18 would prevent such flow or control it, depending upon the pressure on ball 14.

In another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 4, lugs 28 are replaced with a continuous annular bearing surface or flange 36. In this embodiment, when dispenser 10 is inverted and ball 14 is pressed inwardly, the material to be dispensed from container 12 flows through membrane 18 and fills the spaces between membrane 18 and ball 14, but cannot fill reservoir 30 because ball 14 is pressed against flange 36. Release of pressure on ball 14 closes the passage through membrane 18 and allows material flow into reservoir 30. If ball 14 is now pressed inwardly again and rotated for dispensing, the only material available for dispensing is that material in reservoir 30, since ball 14 riding on flange 36 prevents further flow.Selection of the size of reservoir 30 win therefore allow selection of a controlled quantity of material to be dispensed for each cycle of no-pressure and pressure on ball 14.

The action of membrane 18 can be determined by several factors. Typically, a thickness of 0.005 to 0.50 is contemplated for the membrane when it is incorporated into a dispenser of the antiperspirant type, with 25 to 150 holes, passages or pores per linear inch.

Naturally, the thickness of the membrane is inversely related to the amount of flow which will occur for a given amount of deformation.

Membrane 18 can also perform a filtering function with respect to particle size, as well as acting as a moisture seal. Selection of membrane material and thickness will also effect the amount of pressure required to depress the applicator ball.

The surface of ball 14 may be textured to facilitate its dispensing function, as shown if Figure 4. This texturing is particularly desirable when the material to be dispensed is a finely divided powder. Texturization may take the form of protuberances or indentations, such as ridges, bumps, grooves, dimples or waves. The depth of such texturization as well as its frequency may be adjusted in conformity with the material to be dispensed.

While the invention has been described in specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood that it is not to be so limited, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention claimed in the appended claims.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A dispenser comprising a container having an open end, an applicator disposed in the open end, means for rotatably supporting the applicator and limiting its movement inward into the container, which means contact an inner minor portion of the applicator, and a member surrounding an outer minor portion of the applicator to limit the outward movement of the applicator away from the open end of the container, wherein a variably porous membrane is interposed between the applicator and the portion of the container adapted to hold the material to be dispensed, the porosity of the membrane increasing on deformation from an undeformed state in which the membrane resists flow therethrough of material to be dispensed to a deformed state in which the membrane is sufficiently porous to allow mateiral to flow therethrough, and the means for rotatably supporting the applicator permitting its inward movement against the membrane, whereby the applicator bears against and deforms the membrane when it is pressed inwardly to allow some of the material to be dispensed through the mem brane.

2. The dispenser of Claim 1, wherein the means for rotatably supporting the applicator comprises a plurality of spaced lugs, the spaces between the lugs permitting passage of material from the container when the applicator is in contact with the lugs, thereby enabling continuous dispensing of the material.

3. The dispenser of Claim 1, wherein a continuous annular flange is provided as the applicator supporting means for contacting the applicator around its inner minor portion when the applicator is at the limit of its inward movement, the flange preventing passage of the material from the container when the applicator is in contact therewith, whereby only a controlled amount of the material is available for release for each inward movement of the applicator.

4. The dispenser of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the membrane is made from an open celled foam or sponge material.

5. The dispenser of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the membrane has from 25 to 150 holes per linear inch and is 0.005 to 0.50 inches thick.

6. The dispenser of any one of the preceding Claims wherein the surface of the applicator is textured.

7. The dispenser of any one of the preceding Claims wherein the membrane is made from a perforated, solid resilient material.

8. A roll-on dispenser according to Claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described.

9. A roll-on dispenser substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 or Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (9)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. material in reservoir 30, since ball 14 riding on flange 36 prevents further flow. Selection of the size of reservoir 30 win therefore allow selection of a controlled quantity of material to be dispensed for each cycle of no-pressure and pressure on ball 14. The action of membrane 18 can be determined by several factors. Typically, a thickness of 0.005 to 0.50 is contemplated for the membrane when it is incorporated into a dispenser of the antiperspirant type, with 25 to 150 holes, passages or pores per linear inch. Naturally, the thickness of the membrane is inversely related to the amount of flow which will occur for a given amount of deformation. Membrane 18 can also perform a filtering function with respect to particle size, as well as acting as a moisture seal. Selection of membrane material and thickness will also effect the amount of pressure required to depress the applicator ball. The surface of ball 14 may be textured to facilitate its dispensing function, as shown if Figure 4. This texturing is particularly desirable when the material to be dispensed is a finely divided powder. Texturization may take the form of protuberances or indentations, such as ridges, bumps, grooves, dimples or waves. The depth of such texturization as well as its frequency may be adjusted in conformity with the material to be dispensed. While the invention has been described in specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood that it is not to be so limited, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention claimed in the appended claims. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A dispenser comprising a container having an open end, an applicator disposed in the open end, means for rotatably supporting the applicator and limiting its movement inward into the container, which means contact an inner minor portion of the applicator, and a member surrounding an outer minor portion of the applicator to limit the outward movement of the applicator away from the open end of the container, wherein a variably porous membrane is interposed between the applicator and the portion of the container adapted to hold the material to be dispensed, the porosity of the membrane increasing on deformation from an undeformed state in which the membrane resists flow therethrough of material to be dispensed to a deformed state in which the membrane is sufficiently porous to allow mateiral to flow therethrough, and the means for rotatably supporting the applicator permitting its inward movement against the membrane, whereby the applicator bears against and deforms the membrane when it is pressed inwardly to allow some of the material to be dispensed through the mem brane.

2. The dispenser of Claim 1, wherein the means for rotatably supporting the applicator comprises a plurality of spaced lugs, the spaces between the lugs permitting passage of material from the container when the applicator is in contact with the lugs, thereby enabling continuous dispensing of the material.

3. The dispenser of Claim 1, wherein a continuous annular flange is provided as the applicator supporting means for contacting the applicator around its inner minor portion when the applicator is at the limit of its inward movement, the flange preventing passage of the material from the container when the applicator is in contact therewith, whereby only a controlled amount of the material is available for release for each inward movement of the applicator.

4. The dispenser of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the membrane is made from an open celled foam or sponge material.

5. The dispenser of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the membrane has from 25 to 150 holes per linear inch and is 0.005 to 0.50 inches thick.

6. The dispenser of any one of the preceding Claims wherein the surface of the applicator is textured.

7. The dispenser of any one of the preceding Claims wherein the membrane is made from a perforated, solid resilient material.

8. A roll-on dispenser according to Claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described.

9. A roll-on dispenser substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 or Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.