CA1200785A - Dispenser with self-sealing applicator - Google Patents

Dispenser with self-sealing applicator

Info

Publication number
CA1200785A
CA1200785A CA000419911A CA419911A CA1200785A CA 1200785 A CA1200785 A CA 1200785A CA 000419911 A CA000419911 A CA 000419911A CA 419911 A CA419911 A CA 419911A CA 1200785 A CA1200785 A CA 1200785A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
container portion
applicator
fluid
pressure
dispenser
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.)
Expired
Application number
CA000419911A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Walter G. Berghahn
Jack Weinstein
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Signal Investment and Management Co
Original Assignee
Walter G. Berghahn
Jack Weinstein
Bristol-Myers Company
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Signal Investment & Management Co.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Walter G. Berghahn, Jack Weinstein, Bristol-Myers Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Signal Investment & Management Co. filed Critical Walter G. Berghahn
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1200785A publication Critical patent/CA1200785A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D40/00Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
    • A45D40/26Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/2018Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
    • B65D47/2031Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure the element being formed by a slit, narrow opening or constrictable spout, the size of the outlet passage being able to be varied by increasing or decreasing the pressure

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A dispenser for dispensing fluids having a self-sealing applicator head which has a flexible arcuate surface in which one or more angular slits are cut; the angular slits make an acute angle of from about 25° to about 70° with the perpendicular to the tangent of the arcuate surface at the point where the slit meets the arcuate surface.

Description

3'7~

DISPENSER WITH SELF-SEALING APPLICATOR
_ _ _ _ _ This invention relates -to a self-sealing applicator for dispensing fluids and, more particularly, to an applicator of -this type which is especially useful for applying fluids that have a significant viscosity (e.g. lotion or cream products).
Dispensing containers for dispensing viscous liquids including lotions and creams axe known in the prior art.
Some typical examples that may be mentioned that are some-what related to the present invention are the dispensers shown in V.S. Patents 3,010,138 and 2,942t762. These are~ character-ized generally by the fact that they have an applicator element hereinafter referred to as applicator which comprises a trans-verse m~mber provided with vertically extending slits through which the contents of the container may be expressed and applied to a surface.
Applicators of the type shown in the aforesaid prior art have at least two disadvantages. In the first place, these applicators are not self-sealing. Consequently, after application of the product, they are inclined to leak, particu-larly when the container is maintained in a position in which the opening in the applicator faces somewhat downwardly.
A second di*ficulty with such applicators is that they are too flexible and readily deformed or collapsed when applied to a sur~ace. This makes it difficult to maintain the arcuate or cuxved shape of the applicator which is important particularly when the applicator is employed in a lotion or cream product that is to be applied to the armpit.
It has now been found that an improved self-sealing applicator may be provided if the applicator contains one or more dispensing slits which are cut through its arcuate applying surface at an angle with respect to the perpendicular to the tangent of said arcuate sur~ace at the slit point.
Furthermore, the improved applicator has an applicator head made of material that is su~ficiently resilient to allow produGt to be dispensed through the slits provided for therein when pressure is applied to such product and yet stiff enough so that when combined with the proper thickness and sur~ace curvature will not de~orm under normal application o~ ~orce.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a self-sealing applicator adapted to be used in dispensing fluids and particularly fluids having a signi~icant viscosity such as lotions, creams or the like.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an applicator of the a~oresaid type which resists being deformed under the normal application of ~orce.
It is still another object of this invention to provide an applicator having the characteristics described in the above objects that is adapted to deliver a ~luid~
especially in the form of a lotion or a cream to the armpit.
Other and more detailed objects will be apparent ~rom the ~ollowing description, claims and drawings.
The applicator of the present inVention may be employed in conjunction with a variety o~ containers designed to apply pressure to a fluid product in order to dispense the product ~rom the container. However, to si~pli~y the description of this invention, it will be described in conjunction with a so-called squeeze bottle or squeeze container.
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a dispensing device 3U embodying the present invention;

~21~7~

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the device shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a partial longitudinal cross section of the device shown in Fig. 1 taken along line 3'-3' of FiS. l;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another modification of this invention illustrating a selE-standing dispenser unit containing an applicator embodied in the present inven-tion;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view, partially in section, showing the manner in which the modification of this inven-tion shown in ~ig. 4 is squeezed to express product after the applicator has been removed ~y its supporting dish;
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the embodiment of this invention shown in Fig. 5 showing product that has been expressed from the applicator;
Fig. 7 is a partial longitudinal view of the modifica-tion shown in Fig. 6 taken along line 7-7 and showing the applicator being applied to an armpit;
Fig. 8 is a partial enlarged view of the view shown in Fig. 7 showing details of the outer marginal portion of the applicator shown in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is another partial enlarged view of the view shown in Fig. 7 showing details adjacent the lower margin of the depending annular skirt of the applicator shown in Fig. 7 Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another modification of this invention;
Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the modification of this invention shown in Fig. 10; and Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional detailed view of the venting means of the modification o~ this invention shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

7~

Referring to the drawings wherein the various numerals refer to the same structure in the several views, a device embodying the present invention is shown generally at 1.
This comprises a flexible squee~e bottle 3 and an applicator 5 fitted over the open end of squeeze bottle 3.
Applicator 5 comprises a domed shape applicator head 7 an~ a depending skirt 9. Skirt 9 is provided with a collar 10 which is designed so as to form a friction fit with the neck 11 of squeeze bottle 3O
Applicator head 7 is designed so that it may be snapped on to a collax 10 that engages neck 11 of squeeze bottle 3. However, collar 10 and applicator head 7 may be molded as a unitary piece from a suitable flexible material described in more detail below.
As indicated, applicator head 7 is dome shaped or arcuate in outline. The curvature and dimension of the applicator head are preferably chosen to conveniently accommodate the armpit of an average adult. The dimensions of the dome shaped applicator head 7 may vary somewhat.
Usually, it Will have an overall outside diameter in the range of from about 1 inch to about 3 inches with the pre~
ferred range being from about 1 1/2 inches to about 2 1/2 inches; that is to say that the outside diameter of the circle formed by the lower margin of the extremities of dome shaped applicator head 7 preferably has the aforesaid dimensions.
The radius of curvature of the arcuate applicator head 7 may also vary over a range. Ordinarily, however, this will fall within the range of from about 3/4 inch to about 2 1/2 inches inclusive, with the preferred ran~e being from about 1 inch to about 2 inches.
As pointed out above, in the preferred form of this invention, applicator head 7 is designed so that its surface 7~3~

curvature will not deform under normal application of force.
To insure this, the thlckness of the material constituting the applicator head 7 is selected so and to be within the range of about 0.020 inches ko about 0.050 inches and optimally within the range of from about 0.025 inches to about 0.040 inches.
The material used in fabricating applicator head 7 is such that it is sufficiently resilient to allow product to flow through angular slits provided for therein and yet will not be deformed under normal application of force.
A number of materials are known in the prior art which meet these criteria. By way o~ example~ the following may be mentioned: low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, etc. ~lowever, the materials of choice are low density polyethylene or linear low density polyethylene. Materials of this character are marketed under the trade designations Alathon 20 and Dowlex 2552.
An essential ~eature of th~ present invention is provision of a dispensing slit or slits 13 best shown in Figs.
l to 3. To insure that slits 13 function as sel~sealing slits, they are cut through the surface of applicator head 7 so that plane of the slit forms an acute angle with the perpendicular to the tangent o$ the curved applicator head at each slit. This is best shown in Fig. 3 as the angle ~ .
Angle ~ may vary somewhat depending upon the product viscosity and delivery rate desired. Usually, this will fall in the range of from about 25 to about 70, the preferred angle being about ~5.
One or more slits 13 may be cut through applicator head 7 in accordance with this invention. Usually, however, these will be two in number which will be symmetrically disposed near the top o~ the dome formed by applicator head 7.

~ .
D~1~7~5 In the preferred form of the invention, each slit will be a segment of the same cir~le which will have a diameter in the range of from about 1/4 inch to about 1 1/2 inches.
As previously mentioned, in a preferred form of this invention, container portion of the present dispenser takes the form of a squeeze bottle 3O This is necessarily made of flexible material which will usually be a flexible plastic material. A number of materials are known in the prior art which are suitable for this purpose. By way of example, the following may be mentioned: low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene. A material which is preferred is linear low density polyethylene tDowle~ 2552).
Another modification of this invention is illustrated in Figs. 4 through 9. This is a standing dispenser best shown in Fig. 4 in the position in which it will ordinarily be stored bef~re and after use. This comprises a supporting base 12 which takes the form of a dish or bowl into which the applicator S will fit. When stored in this fashion, the slits 13 face downwardly and the contents of the container ~low down-wardly under the influence of graYity to fill the spaceimmediately behind slits 13. In this condition, the dispenser is ready for the next use. It needs only to be picked up and squeezed in the manner described in more detail below.
This will cause some of the contents of the container e.g.
2S cream or lotion 1~ to be expressed through the slits 130 After the squeezing pressure is released, the cream or lotion 1~
expressed as best shown in Fig. 6 is ready to be applied to the armpit of a subject.
The modification of this in~ention showm in Figs. 4 through 9 is also provided with an external shielding member 14 which is not readily deformed. This will take the form *Registered Trademark 3i~7~i of an elongated cup having a widened mouth 26 which may be slipped over squeeze bottle 3. In the preferred form of this invention, shielding member 14 will be made of a rigid material such as a rigid plastic e.g. polypropylene or high impact polystyrene. However, to enable the user to apply pressure to the squeeze bottle 3 without removing the shielding member 14, a pair of cut-outs 16 are cut through shielding member 14 which are large enough so that the fingers of the user can pass through and reach the aqueeze bottle 3.
This can best be seen in Fig. 5.
In the modification of this invention illustrated in Figs. 4 through 9, the applicator head takes the form of a threaded applicator head 15 preferably molded as a single piece. Applicator head 15 is likewise provided with a domed shape having the same characteristics as applicator head 7 described in the modification of this invention shown in Figs. 1 through 3. In this case, however, an a~nular skirt 17 is provided which is integra~ with applicator head 15 and depends from the underside thereof.
Threads 19 are molded on the internal surface of annular skirt 17 and are best shown in the detail drawing Fig. 9. Threads 19 are designed to mate with the threads 20 on the extexnal sur~ace of a squeeze bottle 3 whereby the threaded applicator 15 may be secured tG squeeze bottle 3 containing the product to be dispensed.
Threaded applicator 15 is constructed with an over-hang portion 21 that extends radially from the outside wall o~ annular skirt 17. This forms an annular space 23 which surrounds skirt 17 having a roof 25 and a side wall 27. Side wall 27 is provided with a bead 29 which is designed to engage a corresponding bead on the neck of shielding me~ber 14 when the applicator 15 is screwed onto squeeze bottle 3.

~¢?7~3~

Threads 24 are also provided on the outer surface of widened mouth 26 o~ shielding member 14. This is best seen in Fig. 7. Threads 24 mate with corresponding threads (not shown) in supporting base 12. By means o~ these mating threads, the total dispenser unit may be screwed into base 12 and the standing unit shown in Fig. 4 is obtained.
In using the modification of this invention shown in Figs. 4 through 9, the dispenser is first unscrewed from its supporting base 12. Pressure is then applied to squeeæe bottle 3 through the openings 16 in shielding member 14 as shown in Fig. 5. Pressure on squeeze bottle 3 is then released sealing slits 13 and a quantity of lotion or cream 12 remains on the surface of applicator 15. This is best seen in Fig. ~.
The cream or lotion 12 is then applied to the armpit 32 by running applicator head 15 over the surface of armpit 32.
This is best seen in Fig. 7.
When the applicator head 15 is run over the surface of armpit 32, the pressure applied opens slits 13 momentarily.
This serves to vent the package and the fluid material removed fxom the container is replaced by air that enters the container through slits 13.
The modification o~ this invention shown in Figs. 10 through 12 is very much like the construction shown in Figs.
4 through 9. In this case, however, a single cut-out 41 cut into shielding memher 14 replaces the pair of symmetrical cut-outs 16 shown in said modi~ication of Figs. 4 through 9.
This modification, however, is also provided with an auxiliary venting means~ In some instances, when the f~exible squeeze bottle 3 is vigorously squee~ed, venting through slits 13 is not always sufficient for the proper function of the applicator.

'7~

To this end, an auxiliary ~enting means 43 is provided in squeeze bottle 3. In the modification illustrated, this vent is disposed in the roof 44 of s~ueeze bottle 3. Vent 43 is cut through the floor of a small concavity 45 that is formed in roof 44. Vent 43 takes the ~oxm of an upper V-shaped trough 46 and a lower slit 47. When the fluid material is expressed from squeeze bottle 3, the vacuum created therein causes air to rush into V-shaped trough 46 and open slit 97. When the pressure is equalized, slit 47 closes sealing off the contents of squeeze bottle 3 from the atmosphere.
In use, the modifications of this invention illus trated in Figs. 1 through 3 on the one hand and 10 through 12 on the other, are employed in essentially the same manner described above in connection with the modification shown in Figs. 5 through 9. Only slight modifications in the procedure are necessary to accommodate the particular construction.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific ~orms thereof, it will be understood that many changes and modifications may ~e made without departing from the spirit of this in~ention.

Claims (9)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A dispenser for dispensing fluid comprising a container portion for storing said fluid and a self-sealing applicator portion for applying said fluid to a surface;
said applicator portion being positioned so as to be in communication with fluid maintained in said container portion; said applicator portion having an arcuate surface and being adapted to accommodate the armpit of an average individual; said applicator portion also being constructed of flexible material and provided with at least one angular slit cut through its surface whereby the interior of said container portion is made to communicate with the atmosphere when pressure is applied to said fluid; said angular slit being such that it makes an acute angle of from about 25°
to about 70° with the perpendicular to the tangent of the arcuate surface of said applicator portion at the point where said slit meets said arcuate surface; said container portion being adapted to apply pressure to the fluid contents of said container portion whereby the fluid contents of said container portion may be expressed through said angular slits when pressure is applied to said fluid contents and whereby said angular slits are self-sealed when the pressure on said fluid contents is relieved.
2. A dispenser according to Claim 1 in which said arcuate surface has a radius of curvature in the range of from 3/4 inch to about 2 1/2 inches.
3. A dispenser according to Claim 1 in which said applicator portion has an overall diameter in the range of from about 1 inch to about 3 inches.
4. A dispenser according to Claim 1 in which at least two of said angular slits are cut through the surface of said applicator portions; said slits forming segments of a circle having a diameter in the range of from about 1/4 inch to about 1 1/2 inches.
5. A dispenser according to Claim 1 in which said container portion is also made of flexible material whereby pressure may be applied to the fluid contents of said container portion by squeezing said container portion.
6. A dispenser according to Claim 5 including shielding means encompassing said container portion; said shielding means being relatively rigid whereby the inadver-tent application of pressure to said flexible container portion and the inadvertent expression of fluid from said container portion is avoided; said shielding means being provided at specified places thereof with means for select-ively applying pressure to said flexible container portion.
7. A dispenser according to Claim 6 in which said means for selectively applying pressure to said flexible container portion comprises a single opening or a cut through the said shielding means; said opening being of sufficient dimension so that average fingers may pass therethrough to engage and squeeze said flexible container portion.
8. A dispenser according to Claim 6 in which said means for selectively applying pressure to said flexible container portion comprises a pair of openings cut through said shielding means; said openings being of sufficient dimension so that average fingers may pass therethrough to engage and squeeze said flexible container.
9. A dispenser according to Claim 6, 7 or 8 including a self-standing base, said self-standing base being adapted to engage and support said dispenser in the region of its applicator portion so that said dispenser is supported in a standing position with the slits in said applicator portion facing downwardly.
CA000419911A 1982-11-08 1983-01-20 Dispenser with self-sealing applicator Expired CA1200785A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US44004182A 1982-11-08 1982-11-08
US440,041 1982-11-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1200785A true CA1200785A (en) 1986-02-18

Family

ID=23747177

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000419911A Expired CA1200785A (en) 1982-11-08 1983-01-20 Dispenser with self-sealing applicator

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0108636A3 (en)
JP (1) JPS59103873A (en)
KR (1) KR840006608A (en)
AU (1) AU538448B2 (en)
CA (1) CA1200785A (en)
GR (1) GR79085B (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5275496A (en) * 1988-02-08 1994-01-04 The Mennen Company Stick package with applicator surface

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4728006A (en) * 1984-04-27 1988-03-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Flexible container including self-sealing dispensing valve to provide automatic shut-off and leak resistant inverted storage
US4982751A (en) * 1989-09-26 1991-01-08 Pola Chemical Industries, Inc. Compact case
DE19858410A1 (en) * 1998-12-17 2000-06-29 Schwan Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh Application device
EP1966110B1 (en) 2005-12-19 2013-04-24 Ge Healthcare As Purification process of iodixanol
DE102007039355B3 (en) * 2007-08-21 2009-02-26 Mapa Gmbh Gummi- Und Plastikwerke teats
JP5775524B2 (en) 2009-11-26 2015-09-09 アイマックス ダイアグノスティック イメージング ホールディング リミテッド Preparation and purification of iodixanol
GB201209384D0 (en) * 2012-05-25 2012-07-11 Obrist Closures Switzerland A dispensing valve
FR3009935B1 (en) 2013-08-30 2018-07-27 Oreal DEVICE FOR CONDITIONING AND DISPENSING A COSMETIC PRODUCT
EP3209157B1 (en) 2014-10-24 2018-04-18 Unilever Plc. Dispenser for a cream, gel or soft solid composition
US10194730B2 (en) 2014-10-24 2019-02-05 Conopco, Inc. Method of controlling perspiration

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3674183A (en) * 1971-02-01 1972-07-04 Herny B Venable Dispensing device
DE2313482C3 (en) * 1973-03-19 1982-04-01 Todor Dipl.-Ing. 6100 Darmstadt Pavlov Tube closure with a cap
DE2914272A1 (en) * 1979-04-09 1980-10-23 Wippermann Gerhard Pump operated paste dispenser - has flexible bag with contents in container with inlet valve and flexible wall portion to pump air in intermediate space

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5275496A (en) * 1988-02-08 1994-01-04 The Mennen Company Stick package with applicator surface

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS59103873A (en) 1984-06-15
AU1683383A (en) 1984-05-17
AU538448B2 (en) 1984-08-16
GR79085B (en) 1984-10-02
EP0108636A3 (en) 1985-08-28
KR840006608A (en) 1984-12-01
EP0108636A2 (en) 1984-05-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA1316508C (en) Resilient squeeze bottle package for dispensing viscous products without belching
US5108007A (en) Valve controlled squeezable fluid dispenser
US3592365A (en) Pump-type dispensing apparatus
US3342379A (en) Squeeze bottle and support cap
KR930004461Y1 (en) Flexible container including self-sealing dispensing valve
RU2272763C2 (en) System for metering product distribution having elongated tip with pressure-releasable valve
US8087547B1 (en) Dispensing devices with bottom outlet for dispensing viscous liquids
US8016507B2 (en) Directional dispensing valve
EP0395380B1 (en) Dispensing package for fluid products and the like
US5033647A (en) Value controlled squeezable fluid dispenser
US2898007A (en) Elastic container with reciprocating plunger
US4154366A (en) Dispensing container
EP0591601A1 (en) Squirt dispenser for toilet bowl cleaner with improved coverage under the toilet bowl rim
US4548524A (en) Dispensing package with applicator surface
US5938087A (en) Spurt minimizing dispensing structure
CA1200785A (en) Dispenser with self-sealing applicator
WO1999029585A1 (en) Package for dispensing flowable cosmetics
CA2045034C (en) Bottle refilling apparatus
US5860571A (en) Dispensing bottle having two openings
CA2506437A1 (en) Squeeze-bottle of liquid medicine
US2979236A (en) Dispenser caps for fluid containers
US20090236339A1 (en) Dispensing closure with orifice external seal
US6199725B1 (en) Automatically closing stopper for dispensing liquids from deformable containers
KR19990029123A (en) Dispensing Container
US5906300A (en) Double wall applicator

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
MKEX Expiry