US2685387A - Cosmetic dispenser - Google Patents

Description

R. GANAY COSMETIC DISPENSER Filed April 4, 1950 Aug. 3, 1954 ANRW,

FICE-;

l Snventor Zen/5' GAA/ny (Itter-neg Patented Aug. 3, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims. l

This invention relates to a dispensing device, more particularly, to a device for dispensing powder, perfume, lotions and the like.

This application is a continuation in part of my copending application, Serial No. 125,713, iiled November 5, 1949, now abandoned, entitled Combination Powder and Rouge Dispenser.

In dispensing devices for dispensing face powders, lotions, perfumes and the like, it is desirable that the dispenser be capable of manufacture at a low cost and that its operation be simple so that the average user will be able to operate the same-in the intended manner without difiiculty and without the necessity of any special skill.

It is also desirable that dispensers of the character described be capable of delivering a measured and suitable amount of powder or other material being dispensed and that the dispenser be so designed that leakage of the contents is not likely to occur.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for face powders, lotions, perfumes and the like which is of simple construction and which is easily manipulated. 1t is a further object of the invention to provide a dispenser of the character and for the purpose described which Will deliver a measured and suitable amount of powder or other material being dispensed.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a dispenser or" the character and for the purpose described which is so designed that there is little likelihood of leakage of the powder or the material contained therein.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the ensuing description and the appended claims.

Certain forms which the invention may assume are exemplified in the following description and illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section taken through the dispenser of my invention in one of its preferred forms.

Figure 2 is an end view of the dispenser of Figure 1, as seen from the bottom of Figure 1 with the bottom cap removed.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section taken through another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section taken through yet another embodiment which is especially adapted to dispensing lotions, perfumes and other viscous liquid materials.

Figures 5 and 6 are top plan and side views, re-

spectively, of a compact provided with the dispenser of my invention.

Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, one form of dispensing device is there shown which is generally designated as IIJ. It comprises as its main structural element a cylinder or tube I I. The cylinder I I and, in fact, most of the other parts of the dispenser may be constructed of brass or any other suitable material. The exterior surface of the tube I I, as well as the other parts described hereinafter, may be polished or enameled or otherwise treated to provide a decorative appearance and design.

IThe tube I I is open at its upper end and at its lower end it is reduced somewhat in diameter to provide an annular shoulder I2, for a purpose explained hereafter. Preferably the bottom, closed end i3 of the tube is outwardly convex, as illustrated, and it is formed with a small axially located dispensing hole Ill. A closure member I5 is provided for the hole I4, which pivots on a pivot screw i6 and snaps over the convex end of the tube. The dispenser may, if desired, be provided with a bottom cap or cup I6 which forms a frictional fit with the lower end of the tube II and abuts the shoulder I2 as illustrated. The cap I6 may hold a rouge cake Il and a rouge puff I8 as illustrated.

The upper end of the tube H is fitted with a connector member or tube I9 which is open at its lower end and closed at its upper end except for. a small axial hole 20. The lower or body portion 2I of the connector member I9 is of a diameter to form a close, sliding lit with the upper end of the tube Il, and the upper end 22 of the connector member I9 is of reduced diameter to provide a shoulder 25. The connector member I9 is formed with a bead 26 to serve as a rim and as a stop member to abut the upper end of the tube II, as illustrated.

A top cap or cover member 21 is provided which is open at its lower end and is closed at its upper end except for a relatively large hole 28 formed centrally therein for a purpose explained hereinafter. The lower end of the top cap 2l forms a close, sliding fit with the body portion of the connector member i9 above the bead 2t and, as shown, an annular space 29 is provided between the cap 29 and the reduced portion 22 of the connector member I9.

A. plunger Si] is provided which forms a close,l

sliding lit with the upper, smaller end 22 of the connector member I9, and which travels in the above mentioned annular space 29. The plunger 30 is closed at its upper end, which is formed with a button or pressure member 3l. A light expansion spring Si is provided which bears at its upper end against the upper end of the plunger 38 and at its lower end against the top of the connector member is. Accordingly, the spring 32 will normally hold the plunger 3s in the elevated position as shown, with its button 32 protruding through the hole 28.

In use the tube li will be filled to a suitable level with a powder 33, or with a lotion or perfume. To ill the tube l l, the whole top assembly, including the connector member i9, plunger 36 and top cap 2l', are removed by grasping the bead 26 and pulling the top assembly out of the tube il. After the tube il has been lled, the top assembly is reinserted and the device is then ready for use.

When it is desired to dispense powder or other material from the device, the bottom cap I6 is removed and the plunger 3u is operated by merely pressing the button 3 l. It will be apparent that, as the plunger 30 travels downwardly, it will force air through the hole 29, the body of powder 33 and out through the dispensing hole it. Travel of the plunger Bil is governed by the length of the annular space 2t. Accordingly, a measured and suitable amount of powder will be dispensed on each stroke.

On release of the button 3l, the expansion spring 32 will return the plunger to its up-position as shown in the Figure l, thereby creating a vacuum and sucking air in through the bottom hole lll, up through the body of powder 33 and through the top hole into the space above the connector member i9. rlhis accomplishes two results: the supply of air for the next stroke is replenished and the upward sweep of air through the powder keeps it loose and obviates any tendency of the powder to become densely packed.

Referring now to Figure 3, the dispenser there illustrated is generally designated as 4l). It comprises telescopically arranged inner and outer tubes 4i and B2, respectively. The outer tube il is closed at the top and its upper end 43 is of greater diameter and is formed with a shoulder 44.

The inner tube 52 is provided at its upper end with a closure i5 having' a small hole 46 formed therein, and above the closure 45 it is provided with snap members l? to be received within the upper end d3 of the outer tube. It will be apparent that, by this means, a connection between the inner and outer tubes il and 42 is provided, whereby these tubes can be readily separated or assembled, and when assembled they will remain so until pulled apart by a positive force. Also, the outer tube 42 forms a sliding lit with the inner tube 4I, and a light expansion spring 48 is provided which urges the inner and outer tubes apart so that the snap members il are normally seated upon the shoulder 44. It will be apparent that, upon application of downward pressure to the upper end of the outer tube 42, air will be compressed in the upper end 43 thereof and will pass down through the hole 46 into the inner tube lli. Upon release of pressure, the spring 48 will restore the tubes to their normal positions and, in so doing, will create a vacuum in the upper end 43, This will, of course, draw air from the inner tube dl.

A removable bottom plug 5S is provided for the lower end of the inner tube 4l, The plug 5i) is tubular and it is formed at its lower end with a closure 5l which also forms a rim 52 to seat against the lower end of the inner tube 4l. The plug 5e forms a close, sliding iit with the inner tube lli, and it is formed at its lower end with a small dispensing hole 53 which is intended to register 4with a somewhat larger, inverted U-shaped hole 54 at the lower end of the inner tube 4l. Merely by turning the bottom plug 58 relatively to the inner tube lll, the dispensing hole 53 may be opened or closed, and if desired a pin and slot connection (not shown) may be provided between the plug 59 and tube 4l, to indicate two positions, one closed and the other open.

In operation the device of Figure 3 is employed as followed: The bottom plug 50 will be removed whenever it is necessary to fill the inner tube 4l. When this tube has been filled with powder, perfume, lotion or other material to be dispensed, the plug Eil is reinserted. To dispense, the plug Sil is turned to register the bottom openings 53 and 54 and the upper end 43 of the outer tube 4i is pressed downwardly, as by means of thumb pressure. Compressed air will be forced down through the hole d6, through the body of material in the inner tube lll and out through the bottom openings 53 and Sil. A measured quantity of material will be thereby dispensed.

Referring now to Figure 4, the device there illustrated is especially adapted to dispensing liquid materials, such as perfumes and lotions. This device, which is generally designated as 60, comprises a tube 6I which is similar to the tube il oi' Figure l, including a dispensing hole (not shown) at its lower end and a closure member 62. A connector member 63 is provided having a lower end SS which forms a close, sliding fit with the upper end of the tube SI. An annular bead 65 is provided to seat against the upper end of the tube 6i and the connector member E3 also has a closed upper end 66 of lesser diameter ending in a shoulder 6l. A tubular plunger 58 is provided which forms a sliding t with the upper end 65 of the connector member 63, and the plunger is formed at its upper end with a pressure member or button S9. A cap l is provided having a hole il in its upper end to receive the button B9. This cap forms a close sliding t with the connector member 63 below the shoulder El, for the purpose of securely clamping the plunger in place, yet allowing disassmbly of the several parts. Also, a light expansion spring 12 is provided to normally urge the plunger upwardly.

The device of Figure 4, as thus far described, is very similar to that of Figure 1. However, the device or" Figure e is intended primarily for use in dispensing lotions, perfumes and other liquids which may be rather viscous. Dispensing such liquids presents different problems, and to the end of solving these problems I have devised a special form of air tube which will now be described.

As will be seen, a long tube 'l5 of relatively small inside and outside diameters is provided. The upper end of this tube extends through the top of the connector member 53 to communicate with the plunger 68, and it extends downwardly to a point near the bottom of the tube 5 i. At its lower end the tube 'l5 is formed with a conical, downwardly diverging mouth le. The base of the cone l is relatively wide compared to the diameter of the tube El and it is located close to, but is spaced from, the lower end of the tube Si.

In the operation of this form of device, it is opened, lled and closed in the same manner as the device of Figure 1, and to dispense fluid, thebutton E3 is operated similarly to the button 3 I` of Figure 1. However, it will be apparent that a relatively broad front of air meets the fluid on the dispensing stroke of the plunger, and that the large diameter of the cone 'i6 will impede the passage of air upwardly in the tube 6 l. In eiect, an air piston is provided, which is advantageous because, for one thing, the air does not tend to channel through the body of fluid.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown a combination article generally designated as 80 which includes a compact 8| having a body portion 82 and a lid 33 hinged to the body at 84. A rouge or lipstick case 85 and a powder, perfume or lotion dispenser 85 are shown attached to the compact, as by means of brackets 8l. The dispenser t may be any suitable plunger type dispenser suoh as that shown in Figure 1, and parts illustrated which are similar to parts of Figure 1 are similarly numbered. The lipstick case 35 is shown as comprising a body portion 81 and a cap 8S. The discharge may be to the inside of case 80 as shown at instead of the exterior.

rIhis forni oi article is attractive and neat in appearance, it is suiiiciently compact to be carried in a ladys handbag or purse, and it provides the advantages of a compact, a lipstick case and a powder or lotion dispenser all within small compass.

In the various forms of my device illustrated in the drawings and described hereinabove, certain factors of design should be considered. These factors can be worked out to provide optimum results by a modicum of trial and error.

rFhus, the top and bottom holes should be large enough to allow for passage of air yet small enough to avoid clogging. A diameter between about 0.004 inch and 0.032 inch, is generally adequate to meet both requirements. Also, the travel of the plunger should be suiiicient to dispense an adequate but not excessive amount of material, and the expansion spring should be strong enough to create a good vacuum but not so strong as to carry powder or liquid into the plunger. Also, the size of the plunger should be such, in relation to its travel, to provide a sui1- cient, but not excessive quantity of air.

It will thus be apparent that a dispensing device adapted to dispense race powder, perfume, lotion and the like has been provided in a variety oi forms. All oi these are simple in construction and design, can be fabricated from inexpensive material are very easy to operate. Each of them is characterized by the fact that, by the application of a slight manual pressure, a measured quantity of material is dispensed. The suction strokes counteract the tendency of the dispensing or pressure strokes to compact a powder, and one form or device is specially suited to dispensing viscous liquide. In all of its forms, the dispensing device is compact and attractive and as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, it may be included in a small article together with a compact and lipstick case, and it may be carried about in a ladys purse or handbag.

While I have illustrated and described my invention in detail, it is to be understood that various changes may be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as dened in the appended claims.

Among the changes would be adaptations for special uses such as containers for dispensing medical dosages and similar purposes. In addition it is to be understood that even though reference has been made to tubular construction, it is not to be assumed that the same must be circular in section. It is apparent that the tubular members may be oval, rectangular, square or any other suitable sectional shape.

I claim;

l. A device of the character described, comprising a tubular container having a closed end and an open end, said closed end being formed with a small hole not to exceed .032 inch for directly dispensing powder, lotion or the like; a tubular connector member and closure for the open end of said container, said connector being formed with a lower portion received within said tubular container, an annular bead to seat-on the upper end of said container and an upper, closed portion having a small air passage formed therein; a plunger having a cylindrical wall the internal side of which guides on said connector and forms a closed air chamber thereover, reciprocally mounted on the upper portion of said connector member for reciprocating movement to force or draw air through said air passage: a spring urging said plunger' member to draw air through said air passage; and a cap iitted over said plunger and connector members and allowing access to said plunger for operating the plunger.

2. A dispensing device comprising a tubular member adapted to hold a body of material to be dispensed, said tubular member being open at one end and closed at the other end and having a small dispensing hole formed at the closed end; a tubular connecting and closure member slidably received within said open end and having a small air passage formed therein for passage of air into and out of said 'tubular member, said closure member being formed with a bead for seating against the open upper end of said tubular member and with an annular shoulder spaced from said bead outwardly of the open end of the tubular member; a tubular plunger slidably mounted and guided on said connecting member for forcing air through said air passage into said tubular member on the work stroke and to suck air through said air passage on the suction stroke; a 'tubular retainer having a limit member and slidably mounted on said connecting member and surrounding said plunger, said retainer being adapted to confine the stroke of said plunger to movement between said shoulder and limit member; and an expansion spring disposed within said plunger and outside said closure member normally urge the plunger to its rest position in engagement with said limit member.

leiercnces Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 573,932 Oesterheld Dec. 15, 1896 671,766 Johnson Apr. 9, 1901 755,299 Kent Mar. 22, 1904 923,822 Dorment June 8, 1909 1,006,075 Foster Oct. 17, 1911 2,116,716 Rose May 1o, 1938

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