GB2624032A

GB2624032A - Extracting product from a container

Info

Publication number: GB2624032A
Application number: GB2216516.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jill Wilks Zena
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-11-07
Filing date: 2022-11-07
Publication date: 2024-05-08
Also published as: GB202216516D0

Abstract

An extraction implement 2002 suitable for aiding the extraction of product from a container (300, fig. 4) comprises a central shaft (601, fig 6) and a plurality of elements arranged around and protruding from said central shaft (602, 603, 604, fig. 6). The extraction implement is selectable from a plurality of extraction implements of different diameters disposed in a frame 2000, and each extraction implement 2002 is held by at least one frangible connection 2014 to the frame. In use, the selected extraction implement is removed from the frame and inserted into a container having an applicator wand (200, fig.2) with a head (206, fig.2) by way of an open end thereof. A push rod 2004 may be held on the frame by means of a resilient clip 2006. The push rod can be used to push the extraction implement through the open end of the container. The extraction implement is engaged with the head of the applicator wand such that when the applicator wand is manually moved within the container the extraction implement correspondingly moves to facilitate the transfer of product to the head of the applicator wand.

Description

EXTRACTING PRODUCT FROM A CONTAINER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns the extraction of product, such as a cosmetic product, from a container thereof.

Cosmetic products including mascara, eye liner, eyebrow liner, lip gloss, lipstick, lip plumper, spot concealer, foundation and eye shadow are commonly manufactured and sold in the form of viscous liquid, gel or powder, in a container with an applicator or "wand" having a head which in use is dipped into the product and then removed, carrying a quantity of the liquid for to application to a user's face or body. Many other products are similarly packaged and sold for different uses, for example paints including model paints, corrector fluid, ointments, oils including essential oils, lotions, nail varnish and other nail-care products and skin-care products.

All these different products commonly suffer from one particular problem, which is that a substantial part of the product becomes not readily accessible to the head of the applicator, around the top or the bottom of the container, and is therefore wasted. This is at a considerable cost to the user, especially in the case of expensive cosmetic products.

Various solutions to this problem have been suggested, but all give rise to inconvenience. For instance, one suggestion is to heat the container and then pour the remaining contents out, but (in addition to fire risk with volatile liquids) the product removed then has to be stored in another container. Further, heating may change the chemical composition of the product, rendering it unusable. Another suggestion for liquids is to loosen the liquid by the addition of alcohol, but this reduces its efficacy as a covering agent and may also cause skin problems for a user. A third suggestion is to cut off the top of the container to ease access for the applicator, but this leaves the contents open to the air and liable to dry up, and also may contaminate the product with plastic or bacteria.

A commercial proposal is the use of a small scoop that can be pushed down into the product in the container and then lifted out with a small quantity of the product. But such scoops are comparatively expensive and they are not very effective in reaching product at the bottom of the container or in scraping off product deposited on the wall of the container near its top. Also, their use often proves to be messy and time-consuming, the cup of such a scoop is prone to breakage, and such use could possibly cause contamination with bacteria.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved means of reducing wastage of product in a container without the problems of prior suggestions noted above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an extraction implement for aiding the extraction of product from a container, comprising: a central shaft; and a plurality of elements arranged around and protruding from said central shaft; the extraction implement being selectable from a plurality of extraction implements of different diameters disposed in a frame, and each extraction implement being held by at least one frangible connection to the frame enabling separation of a desired diameter of extraction implement from the frame, in use, a selected extraction implement being removable from the frame and insertable into a container having an applicator wand with a head, by way of an open end thereof, and the extraction implement being engageable with the head of the applicator wand, such that when the applicator wand is manually moved within the container, the extraction implement correspondingly moves to facilitate the transfer of product to the head of the applicator wand.

Advantageously, the extraction implement allows all or most of the product in a container to be used, thereby preventing large amount of product from being wasted. This is because the extraction implement is able to scrape off the product from an inner wall of the container, which is normally inaccessible by the applicator wand on its own, especially when the amount of product within the container is running low. This allows the product to be transferred to the head of the applicator wand for use. This means that users do not need to heat the product and/or container, or mix another liquid with the product to loosen up the product adhered to the inner wall of the container. This also means that users do not have to cut off the top part of the container to be able to obtain the inaccessible product.

In addition, providing a plurality of extraction implements in a frame allows users to be able to select an extraction implement with an appropriate size or diameter for insertion in a specific container. This allows the applicator wand to effectively engage with the extraction implement and thus enable the product on the inner wall of the container to be scraped off by the extraction implement and be transferred to the applicator wand.

The extraction implement may be made from a substantially flexible material. The flexible characteristic of the extraction implement allows it to substantially bend or flex to provide more contact with the inner wall of the container and thereby be able to scrape more product from the inner wall.

The extraction implement may be formed substantially of or coated with synthetic plastics material. The said synthetic plastics material may be low density polyethylene. For example, the extraction implement may be a high flow low density polyethylene resin such as PETILEN 122-19T. Alternatively, the said synthetic plastics material may be nylon, silicone, polypropylene or ABS. The synthetic plastics material allows the extraction implement to be substantially lightweight while having good strength, flexibility, resistivity and chemical inertness. This means that the extraction implement can be made from a non-toxic and non-hazardous material which is also suitable for recycling.

The frame may be substantially C-shaped or U-shaped. The frame may include a central member and first and second arms extending perpendicularly from respective ends of the central member.

The number of extraction implements provided in the frame may vary. The plurality of extraction implements may be equally spaced along the first and second arms of the frame. In other words, the distance or spacing between each extraction implement in the frame may be the same.

A push rod may be provided in the frame. The push rod allows the extraction implement to be inserted through the open end of the container without getting product around the opening of the container to unintentionally be transferred to the user's hands or fingers.

The push rod may be held by at least one frangible connection to the frame enabling separation of the push rod from the frame. The push rod may have the same length as the extraction implement. This allows the push rod to be provided with the frame having the plurality of extraction implements with different diameters.

The push rod may be cylindrical. In other embodiments, the shape of the push rod may vary.

The push rod may be made from substantially the same material as the extraction implement.

A resilient clip may be provided on the frame for receiving the push rod.

This allows the push rod to be kept with the frame after separating it from its frangible connection with the frame and thus allow it to be re-used.

The frame may be made from substantially the same material as the extraction implement and/or the push rod.

The resilient clip may be two flanges extending away from the frame.

The resilient clip may integrally form pad of the frame. The resilient clip may be made from substantially the same material as the frame.

The resilient clip may be provided on the first arm or the second arm of the frame. Alternatively, the resilient clip may be provided on the central member. The resilient clip may be configured to enable the push rod to extend in a direction parallel to the first arm, second arm or central member of the frame, when in use. This allows the push rod to extend along the frame without protruding out of ends of the frame depending on the length of the first arm, second arm and central member of the frame.

The plurality of extraction implements and/or the push rod may be disposed between the first and second arms of the frame. Ends of each extraction implement and/or push rod may be held by frangible connections with the first and second arms of the frame. Preferably, a first end of each extraction implement and/or push rod may be held by a frangible connection with the first arm of the frame, and a second end of each extraction implement and/or push rod may be held by a frangible connection with the second arm of the frame. However, in other embodiments, the extraction implements and/or push rod may be attached to the frame in other ways. For example, a first end or second end of each extraction implement and/or push rod may be held by a frangible connection with the central member of the frame.

The plurality of extraction implements and push rod may be equally spaced along the first and second arms of the frame. In other words, the distance or spacing between each extraction implement and push rod in the frame may be the same.

The protruding elements on each extraction implement may be arranged to form at least one fin upstanding from said central shaft along its length. The said fin may be helical, such that said fin winds around said central shaft. Advantageously, this provides the extraction implement with a surface that can easily scrape off product from the inner wall of the container.

The central shaft may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The direction of said at least one helical fin may be different in each portion. This further ensures that the extraction implement is able to scrape off product from the inner wall of the container, no matter what direction the extraction implement is moved by the applicator wand within the container.

Each protruding element may be a single fin. There may be a plurality of fins.

The said protruding elements may comprise a plurality of bristles arranged in at least one row, wherein each said row forms one of said fins. The bristles enable the extraction implement to brush the product off from the inner wall of the container.

The protruding elements may be arranged in annular formations spaced apart along said central shaft.

The said protruding elements may have a transverse dimension which is greater than that of the open end of the container and is resiliently deformable transversely to enable the extraction implement to be inserted into the container through said open end, whereafter the extraction implement resides. This allows the extraction implement with a diameter larger than the open end of the container to be inserted within the container. This is useful when the opening of the container is substantially small, but the diameter of the container body is substantially large thereby requiring a larger extraction implement to be able to engage with the applicator wand and contact the inner wall of the container.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a container of product having an applicator wand with a head, and an extraction implement according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of extracting normally inaccessible product from an axially extending container thereof, which the method comprises: providing an extraction apparatus including an applicator wand with a head for insertion in said product and an extraction implement according to the first aspect of the present invention; inserting the extraction implement into the container; engaging the extraction implement by the head of the applicator wand; and manually moving the applicator wand within the container, such that the extraction implement correspondingly moves to facilitate the transfer of product to the head of the applicator wand.

Once the extraction implement is inserted into the container, the extraction implement may pass axially by the head of the applicator wand within the container. This allows the elements protruding from the central shaft of the extraction implement to be in contact with the inner wall of the container to scrape off product adhered on the inner wall.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art. Components and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily define an order or ranking of any sort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first example of an apparatus for dispensing makeup in the form of a viscous liquid, comprising a container for the makeup and an applicator wand for applying it to a user's skin; Figure 2 shows the applicator wand of Figure 1 in more detail; Figure 3 shows a second example of a container and an applicator wand for makeup and illustrates the restriction of access which can result in wastage of the makeup; Figure 4 illustrates the container of Figure 3 in partial vertical cross-section; Figure 5 illustrates the container of Figure 1 in partial vertical cross-section showing an extraction implement for assisting dispensing makeup from the container, and also showing the makeup applicator wand; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the extraction implement shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a view corresponding to Figure 5 illustrating the extraction implement within the container; Figure 8a is a further view corresponding to Figure 5 illustrating manipulation of the extraction implement within the container; Figure 8b is a corresponding view to Figure 8a, showing further manipulation of the extraction implement; Figure 8c is a corresponding view to Figure 8a, showing further manipulation of the extraction implement; Figure 9 is a further view corresponding to Figure 5 illustrating manipulation of the extraction implement within the container; Figures 10a and 10b are a front view and perspective view of another embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 11a illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 11b illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 12a illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 12b illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 13a illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 13b illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 13c illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 14a illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 14b illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 14c illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 15a illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 15b illustrates a still further embodiment of an extraction implement; Figure 16a illustrates a plan view of a frame with a plurality of extraction implements of different diameters, a push rod, and a resilient clip; Figure 16b illustrates a plan view of the frame of Figure 16a with the resilient clip disposed in a different location on the frame; and Figure 17 illustrates a side view of the frame of Figure 16a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, these show a container 100 for makeup in the form of a viscous liquid and an applicator wand 200 for applying the makeup to a user's skin. The applicator wand 200 comprises a handle 202 having a stem 204 extending therefrom with a head in the form of a brush 206 at its free end. The container 100 and the applicator wand 200 are essentially conventional, and they are used conventionally: holding the handle, a user loads the brush 206 with makeup in the container 100 and then by means of the brush 206 applies it to the skin; where it may be rubbed in, smoothed out, contoured or otherwise worked for cosmetic purposes.

Regular users of makeup know that it is commonly difficult to get the brush into makeup around the side of the container 100 at the top and the bottom, resulting commonly in wasted makeup. For completeness, the cause of this is illustrated by Figure 3, which illustrates an alternative make up container 300. In this example the applicator wand 301 includes a sponge 302 rather than a brush. At the top, engagement of the stem 303 with corners of the container 300 -the position of the stem is indicated by the broken line 304 -prevents the sponge 302 from reaching the side of the container 300 near its top. At the bottom, the need for the sponge 302 to rest clear of the base of the container 300 when the applicator wand 301 is not in use means that the stem 303 is generally not long enough to push the sponge 302 across the width of the container 300.

There is therefore potential wastage of makeup, illustrated at 401, 402 and 403 in Figure 4, which may be as much as 20% or more of the original (expensive) contents.

Turning now to Figure 5 and returning to the first example of a container 100 and applicator wand 200, the invention described herein affords a solution to this problem. As the level of makeup 501 in the container 100 falls to a low level through use, the user knows that the wastage problem is approaching. They then insert into the container 100 an extraction implement 502 configured and arranged to be inserted into the container 100 by way of its open end 102.

The extraction implement 502 comprises a material denser than the makeup 501 and therefore sinks in the liquid makeup to the bottom of the container 100. In this position the extraction implement 502, which is dimensioned to allow the head of the applicator wand 200 to pass it, can be engaged by the head, which in this example is brush 206. The implement 502 can then be manipulated within the container 100 to transfer makeup 501 to brush 206.

Makeup is also left behind at the top of the container, as shown at 503 and 504, and this can also be extracted using the implement.

The implement may be lighter such that it does not sink; in which case the applicator wand can be used to manipulate it around the container, and downwards if required.

While this description refers to containers containing makeup, the extraction implement can be used in a container of any shape and size, in which the product contained therein is accessed using any kind of applicator wand. The product may be any kind of viscous liquid, gel, powder etc that requires an applicator wand for extraction. It may be appropriate to alter the size and shape of the implement accordingly.

Figure 6 illustrates extraction implement 502, in perspective view. In this embodiment, extraction implement 502 is formed from an internal shaft 601 with three helical fins 602, 603 and 604 that wind around internal shaft 601 along its length. Each of fins 602 to 604 has a triangular cross-section along its length.

Extraction implement 502 in this embodiment is formed in a single piece from a flexible and resilient plastic, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, nylon, silicone, polypropylene, ABS, etc. In other embodiments the implement could be formed from another type of material, or even more than one material; for example if the fins are required to be more flexible or lighter than the internal shaft, they could be formed separately and attached to the internal shaft. The manipulation of extraction implement 502 is illustrated by Figure 7. On insertion of applicator wand 200 into container 100, brush 206 moves axially past extraction implement 502 and pushes it to the side of the container.

Brush 206 may deform slightly, as may extraction implement 502, dependent upon the materials used to make both. In any case, extraction implement 502 should be of a width such that it is pressed firmly against the inner wall 701 of container 100 by brush 206 or other applicator wand head, and such that brush 206 or other applicator wand head engages by a friction fit with the side of extraction implement 502. The applicator wand 200 may be angled slightly inside container 100 to produce the friction fit.

Once brush 206 has been engaged with extraction implement 502, the user moves applicator wand 200 within container 100 in three ways in order to transfer makeup 501 onto brush 206. These three ways are illustrated in Figures 8a, 8b and 8c. In these Figures, makeup 501, that is inaccessible using applicator wand 200 alone, is not shown for clarity. However, it should be understood that after the user has moved applicator wand 200 in one or more of these ways, makeup 501 has either been transferred to brush 206 or has been moved to a more accessible location.

First, as shown in Figure 8a, applicator wand 200 may be rotated. The rotation is shown by arrow 801, which in some embodiments causes implement 502 to rotate in the opposite direction, as shown by arrow 802, due to the friction fit between side wall 701, implement 502 and brush 206. After enough rotations, extraction implement 502 will be substantially coated with makeup, sufficient to transfer to brush 206 as it is rotated. In addition to makeup 501 being transferred onto implement 502, any makeup on inner wall 701 will be transferred onto implement 502 and thereby to brush 206.

If the user moves applicator wand 200 in a stirring motion within container 100, as indicated by arrow 803 rather than in a rotating motion, implement 502 will move within container 100 in a circular motion around the inside of the container, as indicated by arrow 804, wiping makeup from the inside 701 of container 100. In Figure 8b, implement 502 has been moved to the other side of container 100. The user may then recommence rotation to transfer makeup 501 from the new area of the container.

In other embodiments, due to the shape and size of the implement or due to the lack of friction on the inside of the container, rotation of the applicator wand will not cause the implement to rotate, but will again cause the implement to move within the container in a circular motion. In that case, lifting the applicator wand away from the implement and replacing it in a different position will cause the applicator wand to engage with the implement in a different place, thus transferring the makeup to the applicator wand. The user may not be able to see inside the container, but continued movement of the applicator wand in various ways will ensure that all the makeup is eventually transferred to the applicator wand.

Finally, as shown in Figure 8c, the user can move applicator wand 200 axially within container 100 while pressing on implement 502 as indicated by arrow 805, and this will cause implement 502 to also move axially. This enables makeup on the inner wall of container 100 to be transferred to brush 206 on further rotation or movement of applicator wand 200 as described above, and also makeup 503 and 504 at the top of the container, as shown in Figure 9. Additionally, axial movement may move makeup 501that is around the inside wall 701 of container 100, from the base 806 of the wall to the middle area 807, where it is normally accessible by brush 206.

There is thus provided an extraction implement for aiding the extraction from a container of product, comprising a central shaft, such as shaft 601, and a plurality of elements, which in this example is helical fins 602 to 605, arranged around and protruding from the central shaft. The extraction element is insertable into a container having an applicator wand with a head, by way of an open end thereof, and once inserted will be able to pass axially by the head of the applicator wand within the container. The extraction implement is engageable with the head of the applicator wand, such that when the applicator wand is moved within the container, the extraction implement correspondingly moves to facilitate the transfer of product to the head of the applicator wand. This transfer may be directly from the implement to the applicator wand head, or it may be facilitated by moving the product to a part of the container that is accessible by the applicator wand head.

It is also noted that the movement of the extraction implement 502 may serve to mix the makeup, helping to soften and/or reliquefy it if it has started to dry out.

Implement 502 can be of any suitable shape or size. In embodiments in which the fins are flexible and resilient, it may even be of a diameter greater than the opening 102 of the container. In this case, the extraction implement 502 is in use deformed from an expanded state wherein the extraction implement 502 has a transverse dimension greater than the open end 102 but less than the internal transverse dimension of the container 100. Once pushed into the container 100 the extraction implement 502 opens to an expanded state and can then be manipulated by engaging the brush 206 or other head of the applicator wand 200 to help extract the normally inaccessible viscous liquid 501. It is therefore envisaged that a single size of implement could be used for a wide variety of shapes and sizes of container. Alternatively, a different size and shape of implement may be used for each container.

Other embodiments of the invention are envisaged, and described with reference to the remaining Figures.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in front and perspective view respectively in Figures 10a and 10b. In this embodiment extraction implement 1001 has two portions, a first portion 1002 and a second portion 1003, and the direction of the four fins 1004, 1005, 1006 and 1007 around central shaft 1005 is right-handed in portion 1002 and left-handed in portion 1003. This could be reversed in other embodiments, or alternatively the fins could run in a single direction along the whole length (as is the case in the embodiment shown in Figure 12a and Figures 13a-13d). Throughout this document, the term "direction" as applied to a helical element refers to the handedness of the helix. In this embodiment, the fins 1004 to 1007 are wider and taller than the fins 602 to 604 of implement 502, and are roughly square in cross-section rather than triangular. Central shaft 1005 has a relatively smaller diameter than internal shaft 601.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in front view and perspective view respectively in Figures 11a and 11b. In this extraction implement 1101 there are two fins 1102 and 1103 around an internal shaft 1104, and rather than being in one piece they are each formed from a row of bristles, such as bristles 1105. As with implement 1001, the direction of the fins is different in different portions of the implement. In other embodiments using rows of bristles, there might be only a single direction (see Figure 12b). The shaft and bristles in this embodiment are formed in a single piece from a plastics material, but could be formed separately.

Figure 12a illustrates an alternative to implement 1001 in which the four helical fins run in a single direction. Figure 12b similarly illustrates an alternative to implement 1101 in which the two helical rows of bristles run in a single direction.

Figures 13a to 13c show alternative embodiments similar to implement 502. In Figure 13a there is a single fin, and in Figure 13b there are two fins. In Figure 13c there are four fins, but they have only a shallow slant rather than winding around the entire shaft. More fins, or fins slanted at any angle, could be used.

Figures 14a and 14b illustrate alternative embodiments in which the fins do not slant at all, but run parallel to the axis of the central shaft. In Figure 14a there are six equidistant fins. In Figure 14b there are eight fins with alternating heights, four of the fins being taller than the other four. More or fewer fins, at varying heights, could be used.

Figure 14c illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the fins do not run the length of the shaft. There are a number of smaller fins covering the central shaft. The fins are aligned in rows along the length of the central shaft, and offset from each other around the circumference. In similar embodiments the fins may be aligned or not aligned in each direction.

Figure 15a illustrates an embodiment comprising a rod with a row of bristles attached, forming a single helical fin.

The embodiment shown in Figure 15b comprises an axially extending rod with a plurality of bristles extending radially therefrom and arranged in annular formations spaced apart along the rod.

Figures 16a to 17 illustrate a frame 2000 provided with a plurality of extraction implements 2002 with different diameters, a push rod 2004 and a resilient clip 2006 The frame 2000 is a substantially planar material comprising a central member 2008, a first arm 2010 extending perpendicularly from a first end of the central member 2008 and a second arm 2012 extending perpendicularly from a second end of the central member 2008, thereby forming a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped frame 2000.

As shown in Figures 16a and 16b, the first arm 2010 and the second arm 2012 of the frame 2000 have equal lengths. The length of the first arm 2010 and the second arm 2012 are longer than the length of the central member 2008. In this embodiment, the first 2010 and second 2012 arms are about two times longer than the central member 2008. However, in other embodiments, the first 2010 and second 2012 arms may have a shorter length than the central member 2008.

Nine extraction implements 2002 and one push rod 2004 are provided in the frame 2000. In other embodiments, different numbers of extraction implements 2002 may be provided in the frame 2000. Each extraction implement 2002 is formed from an internal shaft with four helical fins that wind around the internal shaft along its length, thereby providing the extraction implement with a star-shaped cross-section as more clearly shown in Figure 17. The push rod 2004 is a cylindrical member.

The extraction implements 2002 and push rod 2004 are disposed between the first 2010 and second 2012 arms of the frame 2000. The extraction implements 2002 and push rod 2004 are equally spaced along the first 2010 and second 2012 arms in that the distance or spacing between them are the same.

The plurality of extraction implements 2002 is arranged in an ascending order in the frame 2000, starting with the extraction implement 2002 with the smallest diameter being disposed between the ends of the first 2010 and second 2012 arms attached to the central member 2008 of the frame 2000. In this embodiment, three sizes of extraction implements 2002 are provided. Three extraction implements 2002a are size small, three extraction implements 2002b are size medium and three extraction implements 2002c are size large, as can be more clearly seen in Figure 17. The diameters broadly range from around 3 to 8 mm, for example 3 mm, 5mm, and 7 mm across the fins. However, in other embodiments, more sizes may be provided, or all the extraction implements 2002 may be provided with different sizes or diameters. The push rod 2004 is disposed between free ends of the first 2010 and second 2012 arms and is disposed next to the extraction implement 2002 with the largest diameter. This can be seen more clearly in Figure 17.

The extraction implements 2002 and the push rod 2004 are attached to or held by the frame 2000 by frangible connections. A first end of each extraction implement 2002 and push rod 2004 is attached to a side of the first arm 2010. A second end of each extraction implement 2002 and push rod 2004 is attached to a side of the second arm 2012. However, in other embodiments, only one end of the extraction implement 2002 and/or push rod 2004 may be attached to the frame 2000 by a frangible connection. For example, an end of each extraction implement 2002 may be attached to a side of the central member 2008. In further embodiments, the extraction implement 2002 and push rod 2004 may be attached to the frame 2000 in different ways. The frangible connection enables easy separation of a desired diameter of extraction implement 2002 and/or push rod 2004 from the frame 2000. For example, a user can break off the frangible connection by pulling or pushing the extraction implement 2002 or push rod 2004 away from the frame 2000. The removed extraction implement 2002 can then be inserted through an open end of a product container using the push rod 2004. The first or second end of the push rod 2006 may be used to push the extraction implement 2002 into the container.

Each frangible connection is formed as a triangular protrusion 2014 on a side of the first arm 2010 and second arm 2012. A side of each triangular protrusion 2014 is connected to a side of the first arm 2010 or second arm 2012, and a tip of each triangular protrusion 2014 is connected to an end of the extraction implement 2002 or push rod 2004. When the user removes an extraction implement 2002 or push rod 2004 from the frame 2000, the tip of the triangular protrusion 2014 separates from an end of the extraction implement 2002 or push rod 2004. Note that not all the triangular protrusions in Figures 16a and 16b are referenced.

In Figure 16a, the resilient clip 2006 is provided on the first arm 2010 of the frame 2000. In Figure 16b, the resilient clip 2006 is provided on the second arm 2012 of the frame 2000. In both embodiments, the resilient clip 2006 is provided substantially in the central portion of the first 2010 or second 2012 arms. However, in other embodiments, the resilient clip 2006 may be provided anywhere along the length of the first 2010 or second 2012 arms. The resilient clip 2006 forms integrally part of the frame 2000. The resilient clip 2006 comprises two flanges 2016 that extend in a direction away from the first 2010 or second 2012 arm of the frame 2000 thereby forming an aperture in the frame between the flanges 2016, as can be seen in Figure 17. The flanges 2016 also extend in a direction substantially towards each other. In other words, each flange 2016 extends from the frame 2000 in a substantially diagonal direction. This allows the push rod 2004 to be held in place by the resilient clip 2006.

The length of the flanges 2016 extends in a direction parallel to the length of the first 2010 and second 2012 arms of the frame 2000. However, in other embodiments, the resilient clip 2016 may not form an aperture in the frame 2000. Furthermore, the flanges may not extend away from the frame 2000 in a substantially diagonal direction. In other words, the flanges 2016 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the frame 2000.

In use, the push rod 2004 is pushed and held in a space formed between the flanges 2016 of the resilient clip 2006, wherein a surface of the push rod 2004 abuts an inner surface of each flange 2016. Figure 16b shows the flanges 2016 of the resilient clip 2006 with curved ends.

In this embodiment, the plurality of extraction implements 2002 is flexible and is made from high flow density polyethylene resin such as PETILEN I22-19T. However, in other embodiments, they may be made from other synthetic plastics material such as nylon, silicone, polypropylene or ABS. The frame 2000, resilient clip 2006, and push rod 2004 are made from substantially the same material as the extraction implements 2002. However, in other embodiments, the frame 2000, resilient clip 2006, and/or push rod 2004 may be made from other materials.

Many other embodiments of the extraction implements are envisaged, having one or more elements upstanding from a central shaft. The embodiment adopted will depend upon the product to be extracted from the container, and the likely shape of the container. For example, different embodiments are likely to be needed to extract a gel, a powder, liquids of varying viscosities, and so on. Further, a makeup container is shaped differently from a paint container, and so on.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that the invention is a money-saving implement offering a practical way of dislodging normally wasted, inaccessible and trapped product within a tube or container, and it can also optionally be used to mix the product within the tube. To scoop the product out of a container is difficult and messy, whereas the extraction implement described herein is easy to use and makes no mess. The implement may be heavy enough to move freely within the tube to help dislodge normally inaccessible product but light enough to be rotated (clockwise or anticlockwise) around the wall of the tube using the suppliers applicator wand. Any kind of applicator wand that can engage with any embodiment of the extraction implement would be suitable.

The method of using the extraction implement is as follows. Containers of varying shapes and sizes are manufactured/supplied filled with a product which is normally fluid or semi-fluid, or possibly powdered. Access to the product is via an opening at one end of the container, which commonly incorporates a screw thread or locking system allowing attachment of a cap. The cap complements the container with a male/female screw thread or connection to seal the container and keep the contents within the container.

The cap normally has a fixed integrated wand with an applicator wand head at the furthest end of the wand. The consumer uses the product and will try to scoop out the contents by rotating the applicator wand head within the container. Over a period of time a percentage of the content within the container is used up but access to the entire amount of product within the container is impossible using the wand and applicator wand supplied. This residual product would normally be left in the container and wasted, and eventually thrown away. Sometimes the supplier places a stopper at the entrance to the container to keep the product inside and to make sure that the applicator wand is not overloaded. This stopper restricts access to the product at the top of the container and hence this percentage of product is wasted. Also, the wand is also too short to reach the bottom of the tube, so this percentage of product is also wasted.

Once the product within the container is either too difficult to reach or it is desirable to increase the amount of product on the applicator wand head, it is the time to insert the extraction implement. A form of the implement appropriately sized, weighted and shaped depending on the size and shape of the container and the applicator wand is then inserted into the opening of the container. The applicator wand can then be inserted back into the container, but not screwed closed. The wand is then gently rotated, turning either clockwise or anticlockwise, moved in a stirring motion, or moved up and down and from side to side of the tube, to dislodge and retrieve product otherwise inaccessible and not reached by the head of the applicator wand supplied. The container cap is replaced when the container is not in use.

Thus the invention provides a method of extracting product normally inaccessible from the sides of an axially extending container thereof by providing an suitably designed/shaped extraction implement engageable by the head of an applicator wand, wherein said method comprises that the extraction implement is inserted into the container, the extraction implement is engaged by the head of the applicator wand and the applicator wand is manually moved within the container, such that the extraction implement correspondingly moves to facilitate the transfer of product to the head of the applicator wand.

The extraction invention can also be used to help mix whilst assisting in extraction of the contents of the container if required. This process is carried out by inserting the extraction implement into the container with the cap/applicator removed and then placing a finger over the opening of the tube and shaking it from side to side along the length of the container, allowing the extraction implement to move freely. Once this process is completed the applicator wand can be re-inserted and either 1) engaged with the extraction implement and manually manipulated to move it, extracting normally inaccessible product, or 2) the cap can be replaced on the container and sealed closed, and the resulting dislodged product used in the future. The process can be repeated if required.

The extraction implement remains in the container until no more product can be extracted, after which it is discarded with the spent container. For completeness it may be noted here that containers are supplied in a variety of shapes and sizes with applicators having heads of various kinds including brushes, sponges and combs, and the invention is adaptable to fit. Thus, a user chooses a form of the implement depending upon the configuration and dimensions of the tube and applicator wand. A container may also be supplied with an extraction implement already contained within it.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An extraction implement for aiding the extraction of product from a container, comprising: a central shaft; and a plurality of elements arranged around and protruding from said central shaft; the extraction implement being selectable from a plurality of extraction implements of different diameters disposed in a frame, and each extraction implement being held by at least one frangible connection to the frame enabling separation of a desired diameter of extraction implement from the frame, in use, a selected extraction implement being removable from the frame and insertable into a container having an applicator wand with a head, by way of an open end thereof, and the extraction implement being engageable with the head of the applicator wand, such that when the applicator wand is manually moved within the container, the extraction implement correspondingly moves to facilitate the transfer of product to the head of the applicator wand.
2. An extraction implement according to claim 1, wherein the extraction implement is formed substantially of or coated with synthetic plastics material.
3. An extraction implement according to claim 2, wherein the synthetic plastics material is low density polyethylene.
4. An extraction implement according to claim 3, wherein the low density polyethylene is high flow low density polyethylene resin.
5. An extraction implement according to claim 2, wherein said synthetic plastics material is nylon or silicone or polypropylene or ABS.
6. An extraction implement according to any preceding claim, wherein a push rod is provided in the frame.
7. An extraction implement according to claim 6, wherein the push rod is held by at least one frangible connection to the frame enabling separation of the push rod from the frame.
8. An extraction implement according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the push rod is cylindrical.
9. An extraction implement according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein a resilient clip is provided on the frame for receiving the push rod.
10. An extraction implement according to claim 9, wherein the resilient clip integrally forms part of the frame.
11. An extraction implement according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame is substantially C-shaped or U-shaped, including a central member and first and second arms extending perpendicularly from respective ends of the central member.
12. An extraction implement according to claim 11, wherein the resilient clip may be provided in the first arm or the second arm of the frame.
13. An extraction implement according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein ends of each extraction implement are held by frangible connections with the first and second arms of the frame.
14. An extraction implement according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the spacing between each extraction implement in the frame are the same.
15. An extraction implement according to any preceding claim, wherein the protruding elements are arranged to form at least one fin upstanding from said central shaft along its length.
16. An extraction implement according to claim 15, wherein said fin is helical, such that said fin winds around said central shaft.
17. An extraction implement according to claim 16, wherein the central shaft comprises a first portion and a second portion and the direction of said at least one helical fin is different in each portion.
18. An extraction implement according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein each protruding element is a single fin.
19. An extraction implement according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein said protruding elements comprise a plurality of bristles arranged in at least one row, wherein each said row forms one of said fins.
20. An extraction implement according to any preceding claim, wherein the protruding elements are arranged in annular formations spaced apart along said central shaft.
21. An extraction implement according to any of claims 1 to 20, wherein said protruding elements have a transverse dimension which is greater than that of the open end of the container and is resiliently deformable transversely to enable the extraction implement to be inserted into the container through said open end, whereafter the extraction implement resides.
22. An apparatus comprising a container of product having an applicator wand with a head, and an extraction implement according to any of claims 1 to 21.
23. A method of extracting normally inaccessible product from an axially extending container thereof, which method comprises: providing extraction apparatus including an applicator wand with a head for insertion in said product and an extraction implement according to any of claims 1 to 21; inserting the extraction implement into the container; engaging the extraction implement by the head of the applicator wand; and manually moving the applicator wand within the container, such that the extraction implement correspondingly moves to facilitate the transfer of product to the head of the applicator wand.
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the extraction implement axially passes by the head of the applicator wand within the container, once the extraction implement is inserted in the container.