CA2048038C - Applicator for soft materials - Google Patents
Applicator for soft materialsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2048038C CA2048038C CA 2048038 CA2048038A CA2048038C CA 2048038 C CA2048038 C CA 2048038C CA 2048038 CA2048038 CA 2048038 CA 2048038 A CA2048038 A CA 2048038A CA 2048038 C CA2048038 C CA 2048038C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rod
- cartridge
- threads
- bore
- applicator
- 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 - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
- B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
- B43K21/00—Propelling pencils
- B43K21/02—Writing-core feeding mechanisms
- B43K21/08—Writing-core feeding mechanisms with the writing-cores fed by screws
- B43K21/085—Writing-core feeding mechanisms with the writing-cores fed by screws with a threaded propelling shank
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
- A45D40/02—Casings wherein movement of the lipstick or like solid is a sliding movement
- A45D40/04—Casings wherein movement of the lipstick or like solid is a sliding movement effected by a screw
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
- A45D40/20—Pencil-like cosmetics; Simple holders for handling stick-shaped cosmetics or shaving soap while in use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
- A45D40/20—Pencil-like cosmetics; Simple holders for handling stick-shaped cosmetics or shaving soap while in use
- A45D40/205—Holders for stick-shaped cosmetics whereby the stick can move axially relative to the holder
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
- A45D2040/0025—Details of lipstick or like casings
- A45D2040/0031—Replacement of the stick
- A45D2040/0056—Replacement of the stick by removing the old stick from the cartridge by screw movement of stick relative to the cartridge
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
- A45D40/20—Pencil-like cosmetics; Simple holders for handling stick-shaped cosmetics or shaving soap while in use
- A45D40/205—Holders for stick-shaped cosmetics whereby the stick can move axially relative to the holder
- A45D2040/208—Holders for stick-shaped cosmetics whereby the stick can move axially relative to the holder the relative movement being made by a rotating action, e.g. effected by a screw
Landscapes
- Coating Apparatus (AREA)
- Mechanical Pencils And Projecting And Retracting Systems Therefor, And Multi-System Writing Instruments (AREA)
Abstract
An improved applicator for soft materials includes a cartridge section and a relatively rotatable body section, the soft material being contained within the cartridge section and a plunger being provided to advance the soft material. The improvement resides in the shortened length of the cooperating threads of the plunger and its relationship to the cartridge and body sections, and in resilient compression or tension devices to prevent inadvertent separation of the respective parts of the applicator.
Description
This invention relates to an improvemenJc to an applica~or for sofc, moldable ma.erials as for example, soft cosmetics, crayons, marking pens, eye liners, eye shadows, lip sticks, lip liners and the like. in particular, it relates to an improvement to such applicators ~hat overcomes potential inoperative conditions caused by improper user activation of such applicators.
The particular applicators to which this improvement is directed are of .he type which include a cartridge containing the soft, moldable material within a longitudinal bore, a cap having a pointing insert therein and a body attached to the cartridge by a retention fitting and containing a rotatable plunger or follower rod means for expelling the material. The rod threadably engages the bore of the cartridge such that rotation thereof causes it to move linearly within the cartridge to express the soft material. Generally, clockwise rotation advances the rod and the material and counterclockwise rotation retracts the rod and material. An applica~or of this general type is disclosed in published PCT application No. 88/09267, published December 1, 1988. .
In prior applicators of this type, it often occurs tha!c a user may retract the plunger too far so that it bottoms out against the inner end of the applica.or body. When this happens before ~he threads of the rod become disengaged from the cartridge bo~e, .he rearward fo-ce against the body overrides the retention fitting with the cartridge and causes the two pieces co separate thus rendering the item inoperative. The present invention overcomes .his problem, effectively preventing excessive retrac'~ion of the rod and separation of the parts.
I~ is an object of this inven~ion to provide an applicator for soft moldable ma~erials, that overcomes the problem of the prior art.
It is a fur'cher object of this invention to provide an applicator that does not inadvertently disassemble.
Other objects and advantages of thls invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following descrip.ion.
The applicator of this invention includes in combination an elongated cartridge having first and second open ends with a longitudinal bore running be'cween them. Removably securable to the first or front end of the cartridge is a hollow cap which may have an in~rior, conical forming surface while a hollow body is attachable to the second or rear end of the cart~idge. The hollow body has a first open end and a second closed end which are connected by an inner longitudinal bore, the forward end of which is adapted 'o receive the rear end of the cartridge. A
charge of moldable soft material such as a cosmetic is inserted into the cartridge bore and forced by a pis'con or rod towards the closed end of the cap, preferably into the conical surface of the cap until a conical tip is formed. The cap may then be removed exposing a shaped point of soft material supported by che cartridge and available fo. use. The interior surfaces of the cartridge and the cap are sufficiently smooth and non-sticking so that the charge of ~oldable soft material is freely slidable within the carcridge and readily releasable from the cap.
The forcing piston or rod is an elongated member tha~ is inserted into 'che bore of the cartridge through -~he second end and is moveable by roca~ion to ac'c on the charge of soft I[laterial. The 20480~8 rod has a first end that is flared to contact the soft mate~ial and a second end that extends out of the second end of the cartridge into the hollow body.
Means are provided on the second end of the rod to engage the inner surface of the body such that rotation of the body causes ~he rod to rotate. A
portion of the rod adjacent its second end is provided with threads that engage cooperating threads in the bore of the car~ridge to convert rotation into linear movement. Preferably, clockwise rotation advances the rod into the cartridge and counterclockwise rotation retracts the rod from the cartridge into the body. The body attaches to the cartridge by means of a retention fitting, such as a cooperating annular detent and groove, to allow the body and cartridge to rotate relative to each other about a co~non longitudinal axis.
To overcome the problem of the prior art, the length of the threads on one threaded portion of the rod is limited and a resilient means is introduced into the body to cushion and absorb the rearward force of the retracting rod. In this manner, the force is absorbed and redirected in a spring-like manner to keep the rod threads engaged with those of the cartridge, even though the rod is fully retrac~ed. Furthermore, limiting the thread length causes the threads to disengage before the rearward force becomes sufficient to fully compress the resilient means and force the barrel out of retenlion with the cartridge.
More specifically, according to the invention, in an applicator for dispensing a moldable soft material, comprising an elongated cartridge having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal through bore adapted to receive charge of moldable soft material and having threads along a portion .
thereof inward from said second end; a cap threadably removable from said first end of said cartridge; an elongated body having a first open end, a second closed end and a longitudinal bore therebetween, said first open end adapted to receive said second end of said cartridge in relative rotational attachment, said cartridge and said body adapted for relative rotation about a common longitudinal axis; an elongated rod having a first end insertable into the bore of said cartridge from said second end of said cartridge and a second end extending from said second end of said cartridge into the bore of said body, said rod having threads cooperating with said threads within said cartridge bore and means at said second end of said rod cooperating with said bore of said body to cause said rod to rotate and move linearly in response to rotation of said body; the improvement comprising: resilient means within the bore of said body between the second end of said rod and the closed end of said body and the threads on said rod extending over only a portion of the length of said rod such that said threads will disengage from the threads of said cartridge bore when said rod is moved linearly into said body before the second end of said rod fully compresses said resilient means; whereby, rotation of said body in one direction advances said rod into said cartridge and rotation in an opposite direction retrac's said rod from said cartridge into said body, whereby continued retraction of said rod into said body causes said second end of said rod to contact and compress said resilient means, said resilient means absorbing the linear force of retraction, and whereby the threads on said rod are of a length to disengage from the threads in the bore of said cartridge before said resilient means is fully compressed, the stored energy in said compressed resilient means tending to urge said rod forward to reestablish engagement of said threads.
In the drawings which illustrate the invention, Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an applicator according to this invention;
Fig. 2 is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing the construction of the prior art;
Fig. 3 is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing the construction of a preferred embodiment of the present inven-tion;
Fig. 3a is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing the construction of a preferred embodiment of the invention with an alterna-tive form of resilient means;
Fig. 3b is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing -the construction of another alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3c is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing the construction of a preferred embodiment of the invention with a further alternative form of resilient means;
Fig. 3d is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing ~he construclion of a preferred embodiment of the invention with a s~ill further alternative form of resilient means;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a resilient means as used in the present invention;
Fig. 5a is a perspective view of a plunger rod of the applicator of the invention;
Fig. 5b is a perspective view of a plunger rod of the prior art;
Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross section of the applicator body along line A-A of Fig. l;
2048d38 ' Fig. 7 is a side view of the cartridge portion of the applicator, the bore and internal threads being shown in phantom lines;
Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross section along line A-A of Fig. 1 of an alternative embodiment of an applicator body of this invention; and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a plunger rod of this invention to be used with the applicator body of Fig.
8.
As shown in Fig. 1, the applicator comprises three sections, the cap 1, the cartridge 2, also shown in Fig. 7, and the body 3. Looking at Figs. 2 and 3, the cap 1 fits onto the forward end 7 of the cartridge 2 and contains a forming insert 4.
Attachment of the cap 1 to the cartridge 2 is preferably by cooperating threads 5. The forming insert 4 is made separately from the cap 1 and inserted during assembly of the applicator. The insert 4 may be machined from an extruded rod of TeflonTM or and more preferably, is injection molded from other suitable materials such a CelconTM. The cartridge 2 has a longitudinal bore 19 therethrough in which is charged a mass of moldable, soft material, such as a cosmetic 6 which fills the forward end 7 of the cartridge 2 and is pressed against the forming insert 4 of the cap 1 so as to mold the cosmetic 6 into a smooth tapering point 8.
The portion of the bore 19 in the rearward end 9 of the cartridge 2 has internal threads 21, the purpose of which is disclosed below.
Attached to the rearward end 9 of the cartridge 2 is the applicator body 3, also shown in Fig. 6. A retention fitting 10 holds the two parts together, while allowing for relative rotation of each. This retention fitting 10 preferably comprises an annular detent 22 on the rearward end 9 of the cartridge 2 and a cooperating annular groove 23 in the inner surface of the body 3. These features are shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Preferably, the rearward portion of the inner cavity 24 of the body 3 has an internal surface 25 that is other than round. This internal surface 25 comprises a plurality of planes abutting along their long edges such that the internal surface 25 of the body 3 has a polygonal cross section. The forward portion of the inner cavity 24 is round to accommodate the rearward end 9 of the cartridge 2.
When the applicator is assembled as in Fig.l, there is within the body 3 and extending into the cartridge 2, plunger rod 12 (see Figs. 3 and 5a).
As shown in Fig. 5a, this part comprises a shaft 13 divided into a first threaded portion 14, a second non-threaded mid-shaft portion 15, preferably of smaller diameter than the first portion 14, and a flared pushing end 16. At the base of the threaded portion 14 is driving lug 17 comprising an enlarged portion having a plurality of sides 13 that correspond to the shape of the internal surface 25 of the rearward portion of the body's inner cavity 24, the overall size of the lug 17 being slightly smaller than the inner cavity 24 to allow the plunger rod 12 to telescope therein. By forming the driving lug 17 and the rearward surface 25 of the cavity 24 in the same shape, the plunger rod 12 can be made to rotate when the body 3 is rotated and because of the cooperative threading, 14a and 21, of the rod 12 and cartridge 2, the rotation of the rod 12 will be converted to linear travel within the body 3 and the cartridge 2.
Alternatively, as shown in Figs 8 and 9, the inner cavity 24 of the body 3 may be cylindrical throughout its length with the rearward surface 25 of slightly smaller diameter. This rearward surface 25 is provided with at least one longitudinal groove 29 along its length. On the rod 12" the lug 17' corresponds to the shape of the rearward portion 25 of the inner cavity 24 and has a'c least one lateral cooperating member, such as the two projections 30, that travel within the longitudinal groove 29.
Preferably there will be two grooves 29 diametrically opposite in the body 3 and two projections 30 arranged to fit the grooves. Such a projection and groove combination will function like the shaped lug 17 and rear portion 25 of the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 5a and 6 to transfer rotation of che body 3 to the rod 12", the longitudinal na~ure of the groove 29 allowing linear movement of the rod 12".
The rearmost end of the body 3 may be solidly molded as shown in Fig. 8 or, if 'chere is an aperture, closed with a plug 11 (see Fig. 6).
When first assembled with the moldable material, preferably a cosmetic, such as eye shadow or lipstick, the driving lug 17 or 17' and most of 'che threaded portion 14 of the shaf-c 13 extend into the inner cavity 24 of the body 3. The rest of the plunger rod 12 or 12" extends into bore 19 to the cartridge 2 where the pushing end 16 engages the mass of cosmetic 6. This pushing end 16 is preferably flared to make a good but slidable fit with the bore 19 of the cartridge 2 so as to push the cosmetic 6 ahead of i'c.
In applicators of the prior art, as shown in Fig. 2, the threads 14a on ~che threaded portion 14 of the plunger rod 12' extend along the shaft 13 from the driving lug 17 to the beginning of the mid-shaft 15. Such a prior art rod 12' is shown in Fig. 5b.
Thus, when the applicator is assembled, the driving lug 17 is adjacent the bottom 20 of the inner cavity 24 of body 3 with the threads 14a at the forward end of threaded portion 14 engaging the inner threads 21 at the rearward end 9 of cartride 2. In this case, rotation of body 3 in a counterclockwise direction will cause rod 12' to attempt to retract further from the cartridge 2, thus pushing against the bottom 20 of inner cavity 24 of body 3. This causes body 3 and cartridge 2 to separate at the retention fitting 10, rendering the applicator inoperative.
The applicator of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 3, is similar to the prior art, but overcomes the above-described defect in the following manner.
The plunger rod 12, as best seen in Fig.
5a, is modified so that the threads 14a extend along only part of the shaft portion 14. l'hus, unlike the prior art of Fig. 5b, less than the full length of this portion 14 is threaded, for example 1/2 to 7/8, preferably 2/3 to 3/4, the length of portion 14 from driving lug 17 to the beginning 15' of the mid-shaft 15. By reducing the threaded length in this manner, plunger rod 12 is not bottomed out against bottom 20 when -the applicator is assembled, since rod 12 extends further into bore 19 of cartridge 2 before the respective threads 14a and 21 engage each other.
The space between driving lug 17 and the bottom 20 of body 3 is sufficient such that threads 14a and 21 of plunger r~d ~2 and cartridge 2, respectively, will disengage before lug 17 contacts the bottom 20, thus preventing the inadvertent separa~ion of cartridge 2 and body 3.
When rod threads 14a disengage from the cartridge threads 21, rod 12 falls to the bottom 20 of body 3. Therefore to reengage threads 14a and 21 without dismantling the applicator, the invention provides a means to reengage the threads 14a and 21 of rod 12 and cartridge 2 in the event rod 12 is caused to retract too far into body 3 from cartridge 2.
The reengaging means may comprise an insert 1026 placed in body 3 between the bottom 20 thereof and the driving lug 17 of plunger rod 12, as shown in Fig. 3. The insert 26 may be made of a resiliently compressible, elastomeric material such as, for example, sponge rubber, neoprene or the like.
15Fig. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of insert 26 which is substantially cyclindrical with slightly frusto-conical ends 27a and 27b. Having the ends in this shape facilitates introduction of the insert 26 into inner cavity 24. Although insert 26 may be solid, it is preferred that it have a longitudinal bore 28 centrally located and continuous from one end 27a to the other end 27b. It is believed that provision of such a bore 28 improves the resiliency of the insert 26 providing better spring action between the bottom 20 of body 3 and lug 17 of plunger rod 12.
When insert 26 is in place in the applicator of the invention, ro~ation of the body 3 relative to car-~ridge 2 so as to retract the plunger rod 12 from the car-~ridge 2, will cause the driving lug 17 to press against the end of the insert 26.
Because insert 26 is compressible, the rearward force of plunger rod 12 will be absorbed by insert 26 as it is compressed between driving lug 17 and bottom 20 of the body 3, rather than that force being transferred to the body 3 and overcoming the retention fitting -10. Furthermore, the resilience of insert 26 is such that, when the plunger rod 12 is retracted sufficiently to disengage the threads 14a and 21, the insert functions as a spring to push the plunger rod 12 forward, thereby maintaining the respective threads in contact. Thus, rotation of body 3 in the opposite direction will once again advance rod 12 into the cartridge 2.
The foregoing is a preferred embodiment of the invention. Other embodiments within the scope of che following claims are deemed to be included herein. For example, in place of elastomeric material, the resilient, insert may be formed as a resiliently compressible metal or plastic spring-like member, e.g. a coiled or molded metal or plastic spring 26' such as shown in Fig. 3a, a molded spring 26''' of engineering plastic material such as shown in Fig. 3c, or a Belleville spring 26'''' of steel or plastic, such as shown in Fig. 3d. Fig. 3b shows a still further embodiment in which the resilient insert rather than being a compression device placed becween lug 17 and the bottom 20 of the body 3, is a tension spring 26" secured between the rear end 9 of the cartridge 2 and lug 17 and enclosing the rod 12 wi'chin che body 3. In this manner, excessive rotation of the body 3 so as to retract rod 12 beyond the point of engagement of the threads 14a and 21, places tension on spring 26" so that it will pull the rod forward to reengage the threads 14a and 21. This embodiment preferably employs the projection 30 and groove 29 means shown in Figs. 8 and 9 to effect cooperation between the rod 12 and the body 3. In either case the springs, whether compression or tension springs, must have sufficient memory to fully return to their unstressed condition and may be tempered. Also, the shape of the forming insert 4 2048p38 may be rounded rather than conical, or the forming insert may be entirely omitted. Still other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the foregoing description and appended claims will become apparent to those of skill in the ar~ after reviewing this application.
The particular applicators to which this improvement is directed are of .he type which include a cartridge containing the soft, moldable material within a longitudinal bore, a cap having a pointing insert therein and a body attached to the cartridge by a retention fitting and containing a rotatable plunger or follower rod means for expelling the material. The rod threadably engages the bore of the cartridge such that rotation thereof causes it to move linearly within the cartridge to express the soft material. Generally, clockwise rotation advances the rod and the material and counterclockwise rotation retracts the rod and material. An applica~or of this general type is disclosed in published PCT application No. 88/09267, published December 1, 1988. .
In prior applicators of this type, it often occurs tha!c a user may retract the plunger too far so that it bottoms out against the inner end of the applica.or body. When this happens before ~he threads of the rod become disengaged from the cartridge bo~e, .he rearward fo-ce against the body overrides the retention fitting with the cartridge and causes the two pieces co separate thus rendering the item inoperative. The present invention overcomes .his problem, effectively preventing excessive retrac'~ion of the rod and separation of the parts.
I~ is an object of this inven~ion to provide an applicator for soft moldable ma~erials, that overcomes the problem of the prior art.
It is a fur'cher object of this invention to provide an applicator that does not inadvertently disassemble.
Other objects and advantages of thls invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following descrip.ion.
The applicator of this invention includes in combination an elongated cartridge having first and second open ends with a longitudinal bore running be'cween them. Removably securable to the first or front end of the cartridge is a hollow cap which may have an in~rior, conical forming surface while a hollow body is attachable to the second or rear end of the cart~idge. The hollow body has a first open end and a second closed end which are connected by an inner longitudinal bore, the forward end of which is adapted 'o receive the rear end of the cartridge. A
charge of moldable soft material such as a cosmetic is inserted into the cartridge bore and forced by a pis'con or rod towards the closed end of the cap, preferably into the conical surface of the cap until a conical tip is formed. The cap may then be removed exposing a shaped point of soft material supported by che cartridge and available fo. use. The interior surfaces of the cartridge and the cap are sufficiently smooth and non-sticking so that the charge of ~oldable soft material is freely slidable within the carcridge and readily releasable from the cap.
The forcing piston or rod is an elongated member tha~ is inserted into 'che bore of the cartridge through -~he second end and is moveable by roca~ion to ac'c on the charge of soft I[laterial. The 20480~8 rod has a first end that is flared to contact the soft mate~ial and a second end that extends out of the second end of the cartridge into the hollow body.
Means are provided on the second end of the rod to engage the inner surface of the body such that rotation of the body causes ~he rod to rotate. A
portion of the rod adjacent its second end is provided with threads that engage cooperating threads in the bore of the car~ridge to convert rotation into linear movement. Preferably, clockwise rotation advances the rod into the cartridge and counterclockwise rotation retracts the rod from the cartridge into the body. The body attaches to the cartridge by means of a retention fitting, such as a cooperating annular detent and groove, to allow the body and cartridge to rotate relative to each other about a co~non longitudinal axis.
To overcome the problem of the prior art, the length of the threads on one threaded portion of the rod is limited and a resilient means is introduced into the body to cushion and absorb the rearward force of the retracting rod. In this manner, the force is absorbed and redirected in a spring-like manner to keep the rod threads engaged with those of the cartridge, even though the rod is fully retrac~ed. Furthermore, limiting the thread length causes the threads to disengage before the rearward force becomes sufficient to fully compress the resilient means and force the barrel out of retenlion with the cartridge.
More specifically, according to the invention, in an applicator for dispensing a moldable soft material, comprising an elongated cartridge having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal through bore adapted to receive charge of moldable soft material and having threads along a portion .
thereof inward from said second end; a cap threadably removable from said first end of said cartridge; an elongated body having a first open end, a second closed end and a longitudinal bore therebetween, said first open end adapted to receive said second end of said cartridge in relative rotational attachment, said cartridge and said body adapted for relative rotation about a common longitudinal axis; an elongated rod having a first end insertable into the bore of said cartridge from said second end of said cartridge and a second end extending from said second end of said cartridge into the bore of said body, said rod having threads cooperating with said threads within said cartridge bore and means at said second end of said rod cooperating with said bore of said body to cause said rod to rotate and move linearly in response to rotation of said body; the improvement comprising: resilient means within the bore of said body between the second end of said rod and the closed end of said body and the threads on said rod extending over only a portion of the length of said rod such that said threads will disengage from the threads of said cartridge bore when said rod is moved linearly into said body before the second end of said rod fully compresses said resilient means; whereby, rotation of said body in one direction advances said rod into said cartridge and rotation in an opposite direction retrac's said rod from said cartridge into said body, whereby continued retraction of said rod into said body causes said second end of said rod to contact and compress said resilient means, said resilient means absorbing the linear force of retraction, and whereby the threads on said rod are of a length to disengage from the threads in the bore of said cartridge before said resilient means is fully compressed, the stored energy in said compressed resilient means tending to urge said rod forward to reestablish engagement of said threads.
In the drawings which illustrate the invention, Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an applicator according to this invention;
Fig. 2 is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing the construction of the prior art;
Fig. 3 is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing the construction of a preferred embodiment of the present inven-tion;
Fig. 3a is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing the construction of a preferred embodiment of the invention with an alterna-tive form of resilient means;
Fig. 3b is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing -the construction of another alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3c is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing the construction of a preferred embodiment of the invention with a further alternative form of resilient means;
Fig. 3d is a section along line A-A of Fig.
1 showing ~he construclion of a preferred embodiment of the invention with a s~ill further alternative form of resilient means;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a resilient means as used in the present invention;
Fig. 5a is a perspective view of a plunger rod of the applicator of the invention;
Fig. 5b is a perspective view of a plunger rod of the prior art;
Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross section of the applicator body along line A-A of Fig. l;
2048d38 ' Fig. 7 is a side view of the cartridge portion of the applicator, the bore and internal threads being shown in phantom lines;
Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross section along line A-A of Fig. 1 of an alternative embodiment of an applicator body of this invention; and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a plunger rod of this invention to be used with the applicator body of Fig.
8.
As shown in Fig. 1, the applicator comprises three sections, the cap 1, the cartridge 2, also shown in Fig. 7, and the body 3. Looking at Figs. 2 and 3, the cap 1 fits onto the forward end 7 of the cartridge 2 and contains a forming insert 4.
Attachment of the cap 1 to the cartridge 2 is preferably by cooperating threads 5. The forming insert 4 is made separately from the cap 1 and inserted during assembly of the applicator. The insert 4 may be machined from an extruded rod of TeflonTM or and more preferably, is injection molded from other suitable materials such a CelconTM. The cartridge 2 has a longitudinal bore 19 therethrough in which is charged a mass of moldable, soft material, such as a cosmetic 6 which fills the forward end 7 of the cartridge 2 and is pressed against the forming insert 4 of the cap 1 so as to mold the cosmetic 6 into a smooth tapering point 8.
The portion of the bore 19 in the rearward end 9 of the cartridge 2 has internal threads 21, the purpose of which is disclosed below.
Attached to the rearward end 9 of the cartridge 2 is the applicator body 3, also shown in Fig. 6. A retention fitting 10 holds the two parts together, while allowing for relative rotation of each. This retention fitting 10 preferably comprises an annular detent 22 on the rearward end 9 of the cartridge 2 and a cooperating annular groove 23 in the inner surface of the body 3. These features are shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Preferably, the rearward portion of the inner cavity 24 of the body 3 has an internal surface 25 that is other than round. This internal surface 25 comprises a plurality of planes abutting along their long edges such that the internal surface 25 of the body 3 has a polygonal cross section. The forward portion of the inner cavity 24 is round to accommodate the rearward end 9 of the cartridge 2.
When the applicator is assembled as in Fig.l, there is within the body 3 and extending into the cartridge 2, plunger rod 12 (see Figs. 3 and 5a).
As shown in Fig. 5a, this part comprises a shaft 13 divided into a first threaded portion 14, a second non-threaded mid-shaft portion 15, preferably of smaller diameter than the first portion 14, and a flared pushing end 16. At the base of the threaded portion 14 is driving lug 17 comprising an enlarged portion having a plurality of sides 13 that correspond to the shape of the internal surface 25 of the rearward portion of the body's inner cavity 24, the overall size of the lug 17 being slightly smaller than the inner cavity 24 to allow the plunger rod 12 to telescope therein. By forming the driving lug 17 and the rearward surface 25 of the cavity 24 in the same shape, the plunger rod 12 can be made to rotate when the body 3 is rotated and because of the cooperative threading, 14a and 21, of the rod 12 and cartridge 2, the rotation of the rod 12 will be converted to linear travel within the body 3 and the cartridge 2.
Alternatively, as shown in Figs 8 and 9, the inner cavity 24 of the body 3 may be cylindrical throughout its length with the rearward surface 25 of slightly smaller diameter. This rearward surface 25 is provided with at least one longitudinal groove 29 along its length. On the rod 12" the lug 17' corresponds to the shape of the rearward portion 25 of the inner cavity 24 and has a'c least one lateral cooperating member, such as the two projections 30, that travel within the longitudinal groove 29.
Preferably there will be two grooves 29 diametrically opposite in the body 3 and two projections 30 arranged to fit the grooves. Such a projection and groove combination will function like the shaped lug 17 and rear portion 25 of the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 5a and 6 to transfer rotation of che body 3 to the rod 12", the longitudinal na~ure of the groove 29 allowing linear movement of the rod 12".
The rearmost end of the body 3 may be solidly molded as shown in Fig. 8 or, if 'chere is an aperture, closed with a plug 11 (see Fig. 6).
When first assembled with the moldable material, preferably a cosmetic, such as eye shadow or lipstick, the driving lug 17 or 17' and most of 'che threaded portion 14 of the shaf-c 13 extend into the inner cavity 24 of the body 3. The rest of the plunger rod 12 or 12" extends into bore 19 to the cartridge 2 where the pushing end 16 engages the mass of cosmetic 6. This pushing end 16 is preferably flared to make a good but slidable fit with the bore 19 of the cartridge 2 so as to push the cosmetic 6 ahead of i'c.
In applicators of the prior art, as shown in Fig. 2, the threads 14a on ~che threaded portion 14 of the plunger rod 12' extend along the shaft 13 from the driving lug 17 to the beginning of the mid-shaft 15. Such a prior art rod 12' is shown in Fig. 5b.
Thus, when the applicator is assembled, the driving lug 17 is adjacent the bottom 20 of the inner cavity 24 of body 3 with the threads 14a at the forward end of threaded portion 14 engaging the inner threads 21 at the rearward end 9 of cartride 2. In this case, rotation of body 3 in a counterclockwise direction will cause rod 12' to attempt to retract further from the cartridge 2, thus pushing against the bottom 20 of inner cavity 24 of body 3. This causes body 3 and cartridge 2 to separate at the retention fitting 10, rendering the applicator inoperative.
The applicator of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 3, is similar to the prior art, but overcomes the above-described defect in the following manner.
The plunger rod 12, as best seen in Fig.
5a, is modified so that the threads 14a extend along only part of the shaft portion 14. l'hus, unlike the prior art of Fig. 5b, less than the full length of this portion 14 is threaded, for example 1/2 to 7/8, preferably 2/3 to 3/4, the length of portion 14 from driving lug 17 to the beginning 15' of the mid-shaft 15. By reducing the threaded length in this manner, plunger rod 12 is not bottomed out against bottom 20 when -the applicator is assembled, since rod 12 extends further into bore 19 of cartridge 2 before the respective threads 14a and 21 engage each other.
The space between driving lug 17 and the bottom 20 of body 3 is sufficient such that threads 14a and 21 of plunger r~d ~2 and cartridge 2, respectively, will disengage before lug 17 contacts the bottom 20, thus preventing the inadvertent separa~ion of cartridge 2 and body 3.
When rod threads 14a disengage from the cartridge threads 21, rod 12 falls to the bottom 20 of body 3. Therefore to reengage threads 14a and 21 without dismantling the applicator, the invention provides a means to reengage the threads 14a and 21 of rod 12 and cartridge 2 in the event rod 12 is caused to retract too far into body 3 from cartridge 2.
The reengaging means may comprise an insert 1026 placed in body 3 between the bottom 20 thereof and the driving lug 17 of plunger rod 12, as shown in Fig. 3. The insert 26 may be made of a resiliently compressible, elastomeric material such as, for example, sponge rubber, neoprene or the like.
15Fig. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of insert 26 which is substantially cyclindrical with slightly frusto-conical ends 27a and 27b. Having the ends in this shape facilitates introduction of the insert 26 into inner cavity 24. Although insert 26 may be solid, it is preferred that it have a longitudinal bore 28 centrally located and continuous from one end 27a to the other end 27b. It is believed that provision of such a bore 28 improves the resiliency of the insert 26 providing better spring action between the bottom 20 of body 3 and lug 17 of plunger rod 12.
When insert 26 is in place in the applicator of the invention, ro~ation of the body 3 relative to car-~ridge 2 so as to retract the plunger rod 12 from the car-~ridge 2, will cause the driving lug 17 to press against the end of the insert 26.
Because insert 26 is compressible, the rearward force of plunger rod 12 will be absorbed by insert 26 as it is compressed between driving lug 17 and bottom 20 of the body 3, rather than that force being transferred to the body 3 and overcoming the retention fitting -10. Furthermore, the resilience of insert 26 is such that, when the plunger rod 12 is retracted sufficiently to disengage the threads 14a and 21, the insert functions as a spring to push the plunger rod 12 forward, thereby maintaining the respective threads in contact. Thus, rotation of body 3 in the opposite direction will once again advance rod 12 into the cartridge 2.
The foregoing is a preferred embodiment of the invention. Other embodiments within the scope of che following claims are deemed to be included herein. For example, in place of elastomeric material, the resilient, insert may be formed as a resiliently compressible metal or plastic spring-like member, e.g. a coiled or molded metal or plastic spring 26' such as shown in Fig. 3a, a molded spring 26''' of engineering plastic material such as shown in Fig. 3c, or a Belleville spring 26'''' of steel or plastic, such as shown in Fig. 3d. Fig. 3b shows a still further embodiment in which the resilient insert rather than being a compression device placed becween lug 17 and the bottom 20 of the body 3, is a tension spring 26" secured between the rear end 9 of the cartridge 2 and lug 17 and enclosing the rod 12 wi'chin che body 3. In this manner, excessive rotation of the body 3 so as to retract rod 12 beyond the point of engagement of the threads 14a and 21, places tension on spring 26" so that it will pull the rod forward to reengage the threads 14a and 21. This embodiment preferably employs the projection 30 and groove 29 means shown in Figs. 8 and 9 to effect cooperation between the rod 12 and the body 3. In either case the springs, whether compression or tension springs, must have sufficient memory to fully return to their unstressed condition and may be tempered. Also, the shape of the forming insert 4 2048p38 may be rounded rather than conical, or the forming insert may be entirely omitted. Still other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the foregoing description and appended claims will become apparent to those of skill in the ar~ after reviewing this application.
Claims (11)
1. In an applicator for dispensing a moldable soft material, comprising an elongated cartridge having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal through bore adapted to receive a charge of moldable soft material and having threads along a portion thereof inward from said second end; a cap threadably removable from said first end of said cartridge; an elongated body having a first open end, a second closed end and a longitudinal bore therebetween, said first open end adapted to receive said second end of said cartridge in relative rotational attachment, said cartridge and said body adapted for relative rotation about a common longitudinal axis; an elongated rod having a first end insertable into the bore of said cartridge from said second end of said cartridge and a second end extending from said second end of said cartridge into the bore of said body, said rod having threads cooperating with said threads within said cartridge bore and means at said second end of said rod cooperating with said bore of said body to cause said rod to rotate and move linearly in response to rotation of said body; the improvement comprising:
said rod comprising a flared head at said first end, a reduced diameter mid-section, and a rear section adjacent said second end, said threads on said rod being limited to and covering less than the full length of said rear section from said cooperating means forward a distance of from 1/2 to 7/8 the length of said rear section, and resilient means within the bore of said body between the second end of said rod and the closed end of said body, said threads on said rod extending over only a portion of the length of said rod such that said threads will disengage from the threads of said cartridge bore when said rod is moved linearly into said body before the second end of said rod fully compresses said resilient means; whereby, rotation of said body in one direction advances said rod into said cartridge and rotation in an opposite direction retracts said rod from said cartridge into said body, whereby continued retraction of said rod into said body causes said second end of said rod to contact and compress said resilient means, said resilient means absorbing the linear force of retraction, and whereby the threads on said rod are of a length to disengage from the threads in the bore of said cartridge before said resilient means is fully compressed, the stored energy in said compressed resilient means tending to urge said rod forward to reestablish engagement of said threads.
said rod comprising a flared head at said first end, a reduced diameter mid-section, and a rear section adjacent said second end, said threads on said rod being limited to and covering less than the full length of said rear section from said cooperating means forward a distance of from 1/2 to 7/8 the length of said rear section, and resilient means within the bore of said body between the second end of said rod and the closed end of said body, said threads on said rod extending over only a portion of the length of said rod such that said threads will disengage from the threads of said cartridge bore when said rod is moved linearly into said body before the second end of said rod fully compresses said resilient means; whereby, rotation of said body in one direction advances said rod into said cartridge and rotation in an opposite direction retracts said rod from said cartridge into said body, whereby continued retraction of said rod into said body causes said second end of said rod to contact and compress said resilient means, said resilient means absorbing the linear force of retraction, and whereby the threads on said rod are of a length to disengage from the threads in the bore of said cartridge before said resilient means is fully compressed, the stored energy in said compressed resilient means tending to urge said rod forward to reestablish engagement of said threads.
2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said resilient means comprises a substantially cylindrical insert having a length to substantially fill the area within the body between the second end of the rod and the closed end of the body when said applicator contains a full charge of moldable soft material.
3. The applicator of claim 2, wherein said insert is made of an elastomeric material.
4. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said resilient means is a metal or plastic spring.
5. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said means at said second end of said rod cooperating with the bore of said body comprises a lug having a plurality of sides, said bore of said body having an internal surface comprising an equal number of sides.
6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said means at said second end of said rod cooperating with said bore of said body comprises at least one lateral projection adapted to be confined and travel in a longitudinal groove within the bore of said body.
7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said threads extend along said rear section of said rod from said cooperating means forward a distance of from 2/3 and 3/4 the length of said rear section.
8. In an applicator for dispensing a moldable soft material, comprising an elongated cartridge having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal through bore adapted to receive a charge of moldable soft material and having threads along a portion thereof inward from said second end; a cap threadably removable from said first end of said cartridge; an elongated body having a first open end, a second closed end and a longitudinal bore therebetween, said first open end adapted to receive said second end of said cartridge in relative rotational attachment, said cartridge and said body adapted for relative rotation about a common longitudinal axis; an elongated rod having a first end insertable into the bore of said cartridge from said second end of said cartridge and a second end extending from said second end of said cartridge into the bore of said body, said rod having threads cooperating with said threads within said cartridge bore and means at said second end cooperating with said bore of said body to cause said rod to rotate and move linearly in response to rotation of said body; the improvement comprising: a tension resilient means within the bore of said body between the second end of said cartridge and the second end of said rod and attached thereto, said resilient means being coaxial with and enclosing said rod within said body, and the threads on said rod extending over only a portion of the length of said rod such that said threads disengage from the threads of said cartridge bore when said rod is moved linearly into said body before said resilient means is placed under full tension and before the second end of said rod contacts the closed end of said body; whereby, rotation of said body in one direction advances said rod into said cartridge and rotation in an opposite direction retracts said rod from said cartridge into said body, such that continued retraction of said rod into said body places tension on said resilient means, said means absorbing the linear force of retraction, and whereby the threads on said rod are of a length to disengage from the threads in the bore of said cartridge before said resilient means is fully tensed and before said rod contacts the closed end of said body, the stored energy in said tensed resilient means tending to urge said rod forward to reestablish engagement of said threads.
9. The applicator of claim 8, wherein said tension resilient means comprises a coiled spring of memory material.
10. The applicator of claim 8, wherein said rod comprises a flared head at said first end, a reduced diameter mid-section, and a rear section adjacent said second end, said threads on said rod being limited to and covering less than the full length of said rear section from said cooperating means forward a distance of from 1/2 to 7/8 the length of said rear section.
11. The applicator of claim 10, wherein said threads extend along said rear section of said rod from said cooperating means forward a distance of from 2/3 to 3/4 the length of said rear section.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US61165990A | 1990-11-13 | 1990-11-13 | |
| US07,611,659 | 1990-11-13 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2048038A1 CA2048038A1 (en) | 1992-05-14 |
| CA2048038C true CA2048038C (en) | 1995-02-28 |
Family
ID=24449925
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2048038 Expired - Lifetime CA2048038C (en) | 1990-11-13 | 1991-07-29 | Applicator for soft materials |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0510181A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2980981B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2048038C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1992008387A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2698249B1 (en) * | 1992-11-24 | 1998-11-20 | Suzuno Kasei Co Ltd | Mechanism for the supply of cosmetic products of the stick type, container using it and cartridge used therein. |
| KR100238356B1 (en) * | 1993-09-08 | 2000-01-15 | 호소에이사오 | Cartridge-type feeding case for a solid object |
| US5765955A (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 1998-06-16 | Tokiwa Corporation | Stick-shaped cosmetic cartridge and stick-shaped cosmetic extrusion case |
| FR2790924B1 (en) * | 1999-03-16 | 2001-05-25 | Oreal | DISTRIBUTOR WITH A PUSH-BUTTON RETURNED TO AN INITIAL POSITION BY AN ELASTIC BODY WORKING IN TRACTION |
| EP4221537A1 (en) * | 2020-09-29 | 2023-08-09 | L'oreal | Adapter with interchangeable element for connecting makeup applicator to an external device |
| FR3116424B1 (en) * | 2020-11-26 | 2023-02-10 | Oreal | Adapter with an interchangeable element for connecting a make-up applicator to an external device |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE335158A (en) * | 1925-06-24 | |||
| US2287364A (en) * | 1941-10-06 | 1942-06-23 | Listo Pencil Corp | Mechanical pencil |
| US2488179A (en) * | 1946-05-28 | 1949-11-15 | Jr John A Engel | Cushioned pencil point |
| US2979029A (en) * | 1957-10-28 | 1961-04-11 | Melnikoff Zachary | Eyebrow pencil and sharpener therefor |
| FR1196278A (en) * | 1958-05-20 | 1959-11-23 | Pinaud | Mechanical pencil particularly applicable to eyeshadow pencils |
| DE1228162B (en) * | 1959-05-11 | 1966-11-03 | Montblanc Simplo Gmbh | Writing instrument with longitudinally adjustable writing tip holder |
| US3115118A (en) * | 1961-05-01 | 1963-12-24 | L H Mellin Inc | Replaceable crayon pencil mechanism |
| GB956651A (en) * | 1961-08-24 | 1964-04-29 | Ronald Walter Mccosker | Improvements in and relating to propelling instruments |
| US3132743A (en) * | 1962-01-19 | 1964-05-12 | Risdon Mfg Co | Cosmetic container |
| US4013370A (en) * | 1975-12-01 | 1977-03-22 | Antoine Gingras | Fountain tooth-brush |
| DE3728427C1 (en) * | 1987-08-26 | 1988-12-01 | Schwan Stabilo Schwanhaeusser | Application device with a mine from a spreadable mass |
-
1991
- 1991-07-29 CA CA 2048038 patent/CA2048038C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-11-13 EP EP19920901172 patent/EP0510181A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1991-11-13 JP JP50228092A patent/JP2980981B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-11-13 WO PCT/US1991/008456 patent/WO1992008387A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0510181A4 (en) | 1993-05-19 |
| JPH05504903A (en) | 1993-07-29 |
| EP0510181A1 (en) | 1992-10-28 |
| JP2980981B2 (en) | 1999-11-22 |
| CA2048038A1 (en) | 1992-05-14 |
| WO1992008387A1 (en) | 1992-05-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed | ||
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) |
Effective date: 20121202 |