WO2007093286A2

WO2007093286A2 - Godet and dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2007093286A2
Application number: PCT/EP2007/000852
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amelito Sombillo Bagtas; Benjamin Nathan Diamant; Danre Laigo Dulay; Satish Kumar Goel
Original assignee: Unilever Plc; Unilever Nv; Hindustan Unilever Limited
Priority date: 2006-02-15
Filing date: 2007-01-25
Publication date: 2007-08-23
Also published as: GB0603015D0; WO2007093286A3

Abstract

In a dispenser in which a stick material is advanced by a godet within a cylindrical barrel, there is a tendency for the stick and godet to separate before the stick is consumed. This can be ameliorated by attaching to the upper face of the godet strands, possibly forming a mesh or web, which may be formed in situ or comprise pre-formed net, such that when the dispenser is filled with a material in fluid form, it flows around the strands or through the mesh and on its solidification embeds the strands or mesh or web, thereby improving the anchorage of the stick material to the godet.

Description

Godet and Dispenser

Technical field The present invention relates to a dispenser for a cosmetic stick or like materials and in particular to a godet for employment within such a dispenser.

Background and prior art

Cosmetic formulations or like materials can be topically applied to a surface, such as skin, in a variety of different physical forms, using a variety of different dispensers (applicators) of which one combination comprises a firm stick. A dispenser for such sticks conventionally comprises a barrel that is open at one end within which a godet (platform, piston) can be advanced towards the open end. Such a dispenser often comprises a mechanism for advancing the godet and usually has a cap for the open end.

Herein, although the discussion of dispensers is made explicitly in relation to cosmetic formulations, including in particular antiperspirant and/or deodorant formulations, and is of particular benefit to cosmetic formulations, it will be recognised that the problems and their solution can apply mutatis mutandis to like materials. Such materials can include, if desired, therapeutic or curative formulations, intended for application to humans or animals. In use, a fraction of the cosmetic stick is conventionally advanced through the open end of the barrel and is wiped across the surface to which the composition is to be applied. This imparts a lateral force to the stick which could dislodge the stick from the barrel unless it is adhered to the upper face of the godet, up herein indicating towards the open end. Many compositions do not adhere particularly strongly to a simple surface of the godet, so the godet itself is commonly adapted to assist the composition to key with the godet. Such adaptations to the godet commonly include one or more of boring axially through the godet or extending lateral struts from a circumferential rim, possibly in conjunction with a skirt dependent beneath the godet or rim. Each of such adaptations provides a lateral surface to which the stick can adhere, that not only increases the surface area of contact between godet and stick, but additionally provides lateral support. Both contribute to resisting the lateral force applied when the stick is used, and thus reduce and in the extreme eliminate the risk of the stick being dislodged from the godet.

However, there is a price to pay for reducing or eliminating the risk of dislodgement, and that price is the inevitable retention of composition within the godet, which can easily amount to between 10 and 15% of the stick in commercially available stick products. This retained stick material is commonly wasted.

It would be inherently desirable to devise an adaptation to the godet which was capable of reducing the proportion of stick that is retained by the godet whilst at the same time reducing the risk of dislodgement. The problem of attaching cosmetic material to a godet has been addressed in Canadian Patent 1318279 to Carl Hefer assigned to Procter & Gamble, which discloses sticking an intermediate product attachment pad, in effect an open cell sponge, to the upper face of the godet, and thereafter keying the cosmetic or other material to the sponge. Whilst conceptually, the use of a sponge as an intermediate appears to be attractive, it suffers from a number of inherent disadvantages. It inevitably introduces a further manufacturing step, namely that of sticking the sponge onto the godet, which would entail applying a glue to the upper surface of the godet and then compressing the sponge against the glue. The risk is accordingly considerable that the glue used to stick the sponge to the godet would be forced under the contact pressure into the sponge pores and either blocks them and/or induces the sponge to remain in a compressed state. This would impair the ability of the sponge to absorb cosmetic material and thereby act as a keying member. If very little glue is used, then there is the risk of the sponge not being securely attached to the godet, so that the stick separates quite easily under normal use .

In any event, the sponge itself has to retain a considerable fraction of material to act as a keying member, likely to be a similar fraction as for an adapted godet. The product is also constrained by the need to render the glue and cosmetic composition compatible. In summary, therefore, the use of a sponge itself suffers from a number of potential disadvantages. It is an object of the present invention in at least some embodiments to provide an alternative manner of attaching a stick material to a godet.

It is an alternative or further object of some or other embodiments of the present invention, as the case may be, of at least ameliorating the risk of separation of a stick from a godet whilst reducing the proportion of material retained by the godet.

It is a further alternative object of the same or still other embodiments of the present invention to provide means for affixing stick material to a godet that reduces the proportion of stick material below 10-15% which is retained by certain commercially used godets.

Summary of the Present Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a godet suitable for insertion into a barrel of a dispenser of a material in stick form substantially in accordance with claim 1 herein.

Advantageously, by the provision of a multiplicity of upstanding strands, possibly forming a mesh or web, that are attached to the godet and extend up from its upper face, the stick material in fluid form flows through the mesh into contact with the upper surface of the godet. This arrangement has at least three benefits. First, it permits the stick material to adhere directly to the godet, thereby avoiding the complications of employing an intermediate material which might or might not be adhered to one or other or both of the godet and stick material. Secondly, there is no need to compress the strands against the godet during the process of filling the dispenser barrel, so when the material solidifies, the mesh is embedded and in many embodiments, a volume of material is trapped between the mesh and the godet. In addition the surface of the strands increases the effective surface area for adhering to the stick material. Both of these features together significantly improve the ability of the stick to withstand lateral forces when the stick is wiped across a surface and therefore assist the stick to be retained on the godet. Thirdly, the strands themselves do not retain any, and the web or mesh at worst retains only a very little material. Material trapped between the web or mesh and the godet can be released during normal use of the stick, so that very much less stick material is denied from ready use by the consumer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, is provided a process for making a godet having an improved capability to retain a stick attached thereto comprising the steps of forming a godet having an upper and a lower surface and simultaneously or subsequently attaching to said godet strands extending away from said upper surface.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispenser for a stick material which comprises a barrel and incorporates a godet in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a dispenser according to the third aspect in which a godet made in accordance with the second aspect is inserted into a barrel having an open first end, an opposed second end and a tubular sidewall of constant internal lateral dimensions extending between said first and second ends and optionally a cap is fitted over said first end.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a stick product which comprises a solid stick material contained within a dispenser in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a stick product comprising the step of introducing a solidifiable stick material in fluid form into the barrel of a dispenser assembled in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention, passing around the strands and into contact with the upper surface of the godet and thereafter permitting or causing the material to solidify.

Detailed Description of the Present Invention and preferred Embodiments thereof.

In its various aspects, the present invention relates to a godet, a stick dispenser employing the godet, a stick product in which a slide stick material is housed within the dispenser and method of making godet, stick dispenser and stick product respectively.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that a multiplicity of strands are attached directly or indirectly to an upper face of the platform of the godet, such that when fluid stick material is filled into the dispenser, it can penetrate past the strands and into contact with the upper surface of the godet platform and accordingly when the material solidifies, it traps the strands within the solid stick material. A strand is attached indirectly when connected via an intermediate member, such as an intermediate strand.

Short flexible strands which do not overlay each other can alternatively be called bristles. It is advantageous for at least some of the strands to be parallel and particularly advantageous for some or all of said parallel strands to extend across the platform from at or near its periphery on one side to the other.

In some desirable embodiments, none or substantially none of the parallel strands intersect, thereby forming a web of substantially parallel strands. Where the godet has a major and minor axis, the web advantageously extends parallel to the minor axis. Whilst all the strands can be parallel, in an alternative and acceptable arrangement, alternative strands can be parallel, thereby forming a zigzag.

In many highly desirable embodiments, some or all of the strands overlay each other (intersect) to form a mesh, so that a fraction of the stick material is disposed between the mesh and the godet. The strands, as such or in the form of a mesh, anchor the stick to the godet. Such an arrangement provides a convenient means to strengthen the bonding of the stick to the godet, to improve resistance to the effects of lateral force, whilst in effect minimising the proportion of solid material that is not readily available to the consumer.

In the present invention, a strand is a fibre having a ratio of length : diameter of at least 5:1 and in many embodiments of at least 10:1. Individual strands are commonly flexible, though when formed into a mesh and especially into a preformed net, some stiffening of the resultant mesh can occur. The strands, or commonly at least 80% of them are at least 3mm in length and often not longer than 40mm in length, the length (l_c) being calculated as l_c = l_m/n where I_n, is the measured length and n is the number of points of attachment of the strand to the godet. For strands which do not form a mesh or web, their average length is preferably in the range of from 4 to 8 mm. Strands which form a mesh or web, and especially a pre-formed net have an average length which usually takes into account the size of the godet. The average l_c is often in the range of from 0.8r to 1.25r where r is the average radius of the godet platform. When the mesh or web strands have l_c up to Ir, the mesh is most conveniently attached like a sail and when l_c is above Ir, such as from 1.05r to 1.25r, the mesh or web very desirably extends across the godet from edge to edge. In several preferred embodiments herein, the platform has an average radius r of from 14 to 28 mm and particularly from 18 to 25 mm. In such preferred embodiments the average length (l_c) of the strands forming the mesh can conveniently be selected in the range of least 8.5 mm, such as from 10 to 30mm. It will be recognised that the averaged measured length l_m for such strands that are attached at each end is double that of l_c. Particularly when the strands form a mesh or web, a fraction of them can be short, particularly in the vicinity of the attachment of the mesh or web across the platform adjacent to a diameter. It will also be recognised that the mesh or web extends tautly across the top face of the platform (when l_c = Ir) , and particularly suitably if the platform is apertured.

The strands themselves often have an average diameter of at least 0.3 mm, and commonly less than 2mm. An average diameter of o.4 to 0.5 mm is particularly contemplated for non-meshed strands.

The strands can be attached either at one end or preferably at both ends to the platform of the godet or alternatively to an intermediate member that is itself attached to the platform. The strands can be attached very conveniently at or adjacent to the periphery of the platform, and particularly when the strands are formed into a mesh. Additionally or alternatively, the strands can be attached on the upper face of the platform remote from its periphery. The arrangement of strands on the face can be random in distribution, but alternatively and preferably such strands are arranged in a pattern, such as a grid or concentrically. The number of strands attached to the platform is often selected in conjunction with the size of the platform. Desirably there are at least 3 strands attached per cm of the periphery of the platform, and particularly desirably from 3.5 to 4.5 strands per cm. Where a strand is attached twice, then it is counted twice. The number of strands is often conveniently selected in the range of from 20 to 200, such as from 25 to 100. A platform having a periphery of from 9 to 13 cm advantageously has from 35 to 55 strands attached, either directly or via an intermediate peripheral strand or like member.

When the strands do not interweave to form a mesh or exist in the form of a web, they are suitably distributed around or adjacent to the platform periphery and additionally or alternatively extend from the upper face of the platform. Such strands are very desirably moulded integrally with the godet .

It will be recognised that in practice, the mesh apertures are dimensioned in conjunction with the stick material so as to permit the material to pass through. Inter alia, the aperture dimensions will take into account the viscosity of the material as it reaches the mesh the force under which the material is introduced into the dispenser barrel, the direction of flow of the material relative to the mesh and the flexibility of the mesh itself, or more particularly any strands forming the mesh. Naturally, therefore, the minimum dimensions of the mesh are dependent at least partly on the material itself, at least partly on the conditions under which the dispenser is filled and at least partly on the nature of the mesh.

The mesh can advantageously be in the form of a net that has been pre-formed prior to being brought into contact with the godet. This can be considered to be a unitary mesh. Likewise, herein, the web can comprise a peripheral strand attached to the cross strands. The peripheral strand can itself be attached to the platform. Such a web is called herein a unitary web.

Alternatively and in other preferred embodiments, the mesh can be formed on the godet itself, for example by the inter- meshing of diverse cross strands, at least some of which are attached to the godet. Although the description herein refers to a mesh, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to use of a single mesh and that if desired a plurality of meshes can be used. Likewise the web can be formed by strands extending across the face of the platform without having a peripheral strand.

In some desirable embodiments employing the mesh or particularly a preformed net, the mesh or net is affixed to the godet at or adjacent to its periphery, by which is meant at or adjacent to its line of contact with the barrel interior. By way of example, the godet can be in the form of a central platform and a peripheral locking ring between which the mesh is trapped. The mesh can conveniently be attached around the entire periphery, thereby having the potential readily to form the mesh into a dome-like structure. If desired, the locking ring can represent a significant fraction of the radius, or minor radius of the godet, for example have a radial width of from 2 to 8 mm.

In other embodiments that are in themselves favoured, the mesh, especially as a preformed net, may be attached in two or more opposed arcs, and not attached between those arcs, thereby forming a sail-like structure. In both of the two aforementioned variations, the mesh may extend across the upper face of the godet or across only fractions of it. In both such variations, the mesh is capable of trapping material between it and the upper surface of the godet.

In a further variation, the mesh, preferably a preformed net, is attached to the godet along a single edge of the mesh, either along a straight, curved or serpentine line. In this variation, which can also be employed advantageously, either by itself or if desired in conjunction with the other variations or either of them, the mesh extends outwardly from the godet with trapping a substantial amount of material. Accordingly, it functions as a result of embedding itself in the solidified stick. By suitable dimension and design of net, it is possible for example to create a frustoconical mesh if the net is attached all around the godet, or a dome with an opening wider than any single aperture.

Where a plurality of meshes or webs is employed, they are preferably disposed symmetrically and advantageously positioned so as to provide support to the stick. So, for example if the godet is a non-circular ellipse, such as having a ratio of major to minor diameters of from 1.25:1 to 2.25:1, especially from 1.5:1 to 2:1, meshes are preferably disposed symmetrically along or across the major diameter of the godet, such as symmetrically to both sides o the minor axis .

Other means of attachment of a net to the godet include adhesive, such as along an edge strip of the net, leaving the remainder of the net to act as a mesh to engage with the stick material, or by heat bonding the net to the godet. This latter is advantageous if the net and godet are made from similar thermoplastics, softening at about the same temperature. Alternatively, and also very desirably, the platform and strands can be made from two different plastics, for example in a bi-injection process, so as to offer stiffness for the platform and flexibility and softness for the strands.

In a number of very desirable embodiments herein, the web or mesh or plurality of webs and/or meshes comprises additionally a peripheral strand attached to the cross strands forming the web or mesh as the case may be. The peripheral strand is attached to the platform. In one particularly convenient arrangement, the peripheral strand is attached to the platform at a pair of diametrically opposed locations around the platform, such as for example adjacent to the minor diameter of an oval platform. The user of the stick can, if so desired detach the web or mesh from the platform when it has become exposed by severing the attachment of platform and peripheral strand. One attachment can resemble a living hinge. The peripheral strand can be integral with or attached to a tab, preferably opposite the living hinge to assist detachment of the unitary web or mesh. The tab most desirably can be accommodated within an indent in the outer face of the rim of platform. Although removal of the web or mesh will inevitably remove a fraction of the bonding surface between the godet and the stick product, by that time, the residual depth of the stick has become small so that the detaching moment on passing the stick across the skin surface has correspondingly become small.

The strands can desirably be natural or synthetic for example made from a polymeric substance which is capable of forming a thread and therefore can be interwoven, or formed into a non-woven sheet with apertures. Suitable synthetic substances include thermoplastics, including polyethylene or polypropylene, nylon, polyamides such as polyacrylamide and other polymers that can be spun or extruded to form a strand. Natural substances which can be contemplated include cotton and processed natural fibre-forming substances such as rayon.

Desirably, the web or webs or mesh or meshes subtend an area (MA) of that is at least half and in many instances is at least the same as the lateral cross section of the barrel (BA). In some desirable embodiments, the ratio of MA:BA is from 1.1:1 to 3:1 per mesh. Additionally if the godet upper surface is convex, then advantageously, the ratio of MA: GA (godet upper surface area) is from 1.25:1 to 2:1.

In practice, the mesh apertures often have a diameter, by which is meant the minimum distance between opposed sides, of at least 2 mm, and commonly not greater than 8 mm. In many suitable embodiments the diameter is from 4 to 6 mm.

The mesh desirably comprises apertures that together constitute at least 20% of the subtended area of the mesh (MA) and especially a least 50%, the higher the proportion of apertures in MA the easier it tends to be for solid stick material to be released as the stick nears the end of its useful life, assuming the same sized apertures. The apertures usually constitute no more than about 95% and often not more than 90% of the subtended area MA of the mesh.

The strands in the web commonly are on average spaced at from 2 to 8 mm apart.

The godet employable herein can very conveniently have a platform with a mathematically continuous upper face, i.e. its top wall constitutes a deck. This is suited to top filling of the stick material into the dispenser. The platform, whether it constitutes a deck or is apertured, can optionally define a central threaded aperture for cooperation with a threaded spindle for advancing the godet towards the open end of the barrel into which the godet is inserted. In some desired embodiments, the upper surface of the platform can be flat, in at least some preferred embodiments its upper surface is convex and in yet other suitable embodiments, its upper surface is concave relative to at least one axis. Advantageously, the shape of the upper surface corresponds, at least approximately, with the surface to which the product is intended to be applied. Thus, for example, application to facial skin, the upper surface is preferably flat or convex, for application to lips, the upper surface particularly is concave longitudinally, but flat laterally and for axillary application, the upper surface is most desirably convex.

In a subclass of desirable embodiments, particularly suited to the barrel being bottom filled, the platform top wall itself comprises a central hub and peripheral rim joined by a plurality of arms, such as at least 4 arms, preferably an even number, defining apertures through which the barrel can be filled, preferably with a thin top wall to minimise the volume of stick material within. Optionally, the top wall can comprise at least one rib spanning across the rim and intersecting with an arm. The rib can be similar in width and thickness to the arm. In this subclass, the wastage of stick material can be reduced compared with a conventional godet lacking a net or web or plurality of bristles, by reducing its depth of the arms and rim compared with those of the conventional godet, whilst still maintaining a similar retention of the stick on the godet. Alternatively, the addition of the net/web/bristles improves the retention of the stick on the godet. Preferably, the rim and arms each have a thickness (width) of at least 0.8 mm for example from 1 to 5 mm, and a depth of at least 1.5 mm for example from 2 to 5 mm.

In a variation to the above-mentioned subclass of embodiments, one or more of the apertures in the top wall of the godet platform is itself spanned by a web or mesh, called herein a platform web or mesh to differentiate it from the web or mesh that is attached to the platform and extends towards the mouth of the barrel that houses the godet . The platform web or mesh is formed from unidirectional or intersecting strands, which can have a similar thickness and/or spacing to those forming the net or web, as described, for example, hereinbefore. A platform strand thickness of from 0.35 to 0.5mm is preferred. When a web or mesh is incorporated, the minimum preferred rim depth can be even slightly smaller than in its absence, approaching lmm and a minimum width approaching 0.6mm.

The godet itself can be solid, or if desired can be hollow or have a strengthening dependent skirt. The lower face of the godet is preferably selected in conjunction with a means chosen to advance the godet. In some advantageous embodiments, that are particularly suited to product intended for cost-sensitive regions in the world, the lower face has a flat or concave central region which is dimensioned to be contacted reasonably comfortably by a finger. A dispenser employing such a godet is operated by inserting the finger into the barrel underneath the godet and pushing it upwards. An alternative means for elevating the godet comprises a spar attached laterally to at least one side of the godet dimensioned to project through a longitudinal slot in the side of the barrel. A yet other means for moving the godet longitudinally comprises a threaded spindle extending through a threaded aperture in the godet, together with a means mounted on or in the barrel for rotating the spindle. Such means can comprise a rotor wheel attached to the spindle and mounted on the barrel, either beneath the barrel cylinder or extending through opposed openings at the lower end of the cylinder. An alternative means can comprise a ratchet and pawl arrangement engaging a cog mounted on the spindle.

The sides of the godet are shaped and dimensioned in preferred practice to make close contact with the interior of the barrel. In some embodiments, the side of the godet is flat and in others is convex in cross section. A sealing ring can be mounted, if desired, peripherally around the godet to assist sealing between the godet and the interior face of the barrel.

The godet is most suitably made from a thermoplastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

The size of the godet is at the discretion of the manufacturer of the product, subject to the constraint that in practice its size and that of the barrel are designed together. The planar lateral area of the godet is usually at least 125mm². In many instances, its planar area is not greater than 1800mm². For many products intended for cosmetic or therapeutic use, its planar area is from 150 to 1500mm². The instant invention has applicability particularly for godets having a planar area of at least 400mm². The instant invention is highly desirable for oval godets having a ratio of major to minor diameters of at least 1.5:1, and especially those with a planar area of at least 400 or 500mm², e.g. up to 1500mm².

The volume of the stick to be housed in and dispensed from the barrel is at the discretion of the producer. The dispenser is particularly intended to be hand held, for example housing a stick of from about 5 to 250 mm³, and in many instances up to 100 mm³. For some preferred uses, such as antiperspirant or deodorant sticks, the volume of housed stick is from 20 to 80 mm³.

The shape of the barrel cylinder in internal cross-section is at the discretion of the producer. Commonly, as indicated hereinabove, the cylinder is round or oval. Round cylinders have commonly been adopted for products intended for contacting lips, whereas oval cylinders have advantages in circumstances in which a wider surface area is desired to be contacted at a single stroke, because the hand grips a cylinder between opposed thumb and fingers, and can therefore accommodate an oval of larger diameter than a circle. The exterior of the barrel is at the discretion of the producer. It may be substantially flat, convex or concave in side profile. The barrel can conveniently be moulded from a thermoplastic, such as a polypropylene or polyethylene, and can be the same material of construction as that of the godet or different.

Preferably, the open end of the barrel is fitted with a removable cap, advantageously friction fitted or/and with co-operating snap-fit locking beads on cap and barrel, so as to be air tight when the cap is replaced over the open end. It is particularly suitable to mould the cap from a thermoplastic .

The dispenser is conveniently made by separately making the godet and the barrel, and then inserting the godet in its correct orientation through the open end of the barrel. In the event that the dispenser comprises a means for advancing the godet towards the open end of the barrel, such means is mounted on and/or in the barrel at its end opposed to the open end before, simultaneously with, or after insertion of the godet and the means and godet are assembled together.

The product is most conveniently made by first assembling the dispenser comprising a barrel having an open end and a godet is mounted within said barrel and advanceable towards said open end, said godet and barrel defining a chamber, and thereafter introducing a fluid, solidifiable material into said chamber. Commonly, this is achieved by heating the solidifiable material to a temperature above the temperature at which the material solidifies under the prevailing conditions of introduction into the chamber and contact with the godet. It will be recognised that, in some embodiments, such as especially when the godet has a non-perforated upper face, it is preferable to top fill the dispenser, i.e. filling through the open end of the barrel. Where the godet has at least one aperture, for example for co-operating with a threaded spindle, the producer has the choice of top filling or inserting a former in the open mouth of the barrel and filling through the aperture. Either when top or bottom filling, it is highly desirable to introduce the solidifiable having a viscosity on contact with the mesh that permits its ready penetration through the mesh apertures. This can usually be obtained by heating to a temperature that is sufficiently higher than its quiescent solidification temperature, such as at least about 4 or 5°C higher. The solidification temperature if not already known to the producer can usually be measured by simply plotting temperature change of a sample under constant cooling.

The stick material that can be employed in the instant invention is at the discretion of the producer. It is especially suitable for the material to comprise a liquid carrier and a gellant for the carrier that is soluble in or at least finely distributed throughout the carrier thereby forming an apparent single phase liquid, by heating the mixture to an elevated temperature, commonly at least 40°C or higher and which on cooling the mixture to below its ' solidification temperature. It will be recognised that the liquid carrier can comprise a mixture of liquids and a combination of gellants can be employed in accordance with the knowledge of the skilled man and/or as described in literature and/or commercialised. Likewise, it is understood by the skilled man that the temperatures for first forming an apparent single phase and thereafter solidifying the phase will vary in accordance with his selection of carrier liquids and gellants. For many gellant/liquid combinations, the mixture is heated to above 60⁰C and for a fraction of those, even to above 85°C to achieve a single phase, and is thereafter commonly cooled by around 15 to 35°C until solidification occurs.

Without being restricted to the below-mentioned carrier liquids, in certain highly desirable embodiments, the liquid carrier comprises at least one hydrophobic liquid, having a melting point of not higher than 20⁰C and a solubility of not higher than 0.5g per lOOg water at 25°C. Such oils preferably have a boiling point in excess of 100⁰C. Suitable hydrophobic liquids are well known to the skilled man include silicone oils, hydrocarbon oils, branched chain aliphatic fatty alcohols of at least 10 carbons, emollient ester oils or benzoate or naphthenate oils, such ester oils commonly comprising at least one alkyl substituent of 10 to 25 Carbons, including unsaturated glyceride oils and other naturally occurring oils or ether oils such as polyalkylene oxide alkyl ether oils. Such oils provide a particularly desirable carrier for an active ingredient, which can be in the form of a particulate solid suspended in the carrier or in solution in a suspended liquid phase (an emulsion) .

It will be recognised that although the product has been contemplated above in conjunction with a hydrophobic liquid carrier, and that such compositions are especially suitable for many cosmetic or pharmaceutical or veterinary preparations, the carrier liquid can alternatively be hydrophilic. Suitable hydrophilic liquids can comprise water, and/or water-miscible alcohols, which can be monohydric or polyhydric (including dihydric) .

The proportion of carrier liquid in the stick material is usually selected in the range of from 30 to 90% thereof, and in practice the proportion arises from taking into account the efficacy of the active ingredient and the capability of the gellant to solidify the chosen carrier liquid/blend. For lipsticks, for example, the proportion of carrier is often towards the lower end of the range as a result of the high content of pigment, whereas for various medicaments, the proportion of carrier is often towards the upper end of the range, because the active ingredient is highly efficacious and is thus present in only a small fraction of the stick material. In antiperspirant sticks, the carrier often comprises an intermediate proportion, such as 40 to 70%.

Without being restricted to the below mentioned gellants, in many embodiments, the gellant is selected in accordance with the knowledge of the skilled man. Thus, for solidification of hydrophobic liquids, the gellant is commonly selected from naturally occurring or synthetic waxes, including silicone waxes, hydrocarbon waxes, linear fatty alcohols of at least 14 carbons and waxes formed by hydrogenating naturally occurring unsaturated glyceride oils, oil-soluble polyamides and polyamide/polysiloxane copolymers, polyalkylenes including polyethylene and polybutadiene, polystyrene and polyalkylene/polyarylene copolymers such as SEBS, cellulose and starch gellants and fibre-forming non- polymeric gellants, including cellobiose esters, hydroxystearic acids, sterols, N-acylaminoacid amides, and cyclic dipeptides. Gellants suitable for solidifying hydrophilic liquids include water-soluble polymers such as polyethylene oxides, polyvinylacrylates and polyacrylamides . The proportion of gellant in the stick material is often selected in relation to the liquid that being gelled, such as within the range of from 2 to 50% by weight of the liquid, and in practice the proportion is in accordance with the capability of the gellant to solidify the liquid/blend. For waxes, the proportion is often at least 20% of a hydrophobic liquid/blend, whereas for many polymers or non- polymeric fibre-forming gellants, the proportion is often selected in the range of from 2 or 3% to 15% of the liquid/blend. Enough gellant is employed, in practice, to solidify the composition to be dispensed, for example having a hardness of less than 30 mm, particularly less than 25mm and especially less than 20mm penetration in a conventional penetrometer equipped with a Seta wax needle (weight 2.5g, cone angle at the point of the needle specified to be 9°10' +/-15^Λ, holder 47.5g), measured after five seconds.

The active ingredient that can be dispensed from the invention dispensers described herein can comprise any- active ingredient that is soluble or dispersible in the chosen carrier liquid and is at the discretion of the producer. Such active ingredients are commonly solid or liquid at 20⁰C. Without being prescriptive, such active ingredients can comprise any cosmetic or therapeutic active material known to the skilled person, including ingredients intended to alter the appearance or perception of the body including skin and hair, or alter their physical properties, and/or act in a curative or prophylactic manner to cure or inhibit skin ailments, diseases or irritations. Such active ingredients can include fragrances, moisturisers, anti- wrinkle or skin anti-ageing agents, anti-irritants, sunscreens, skin emollients, dyes, hair lighteners, deodorants, antiperspirants, pigments, and treatments for acne, psoriasis or other skin diseases. The active ingredient is commonly selected within a range of from 0.01 to 60% by weight of the stick material, and usually varies depending on the efficacy of the selected ingredient for its chosen function. For example, a pigment often is selected within the higher end of the range, whereas a deodorant active is often chosen toward the lower end of the range. The dispenser can be used in a conventional manner to apply the stick material by wiping the stick across the surface, be it skin or other substrate.

Having given a detailed description of the invention and at least some preferred embodiments therein, it will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures. Figure 1 represents a plan view of a dispenser including a godet with mesh and with cap removed;

Figure 2 represents a cross section of the dispenser of

Figure 1 viewed along its minor lateral axis;

Figure 3 represents a plan view of a godet fitted with an alternative mesh;

Figure 4 represents a cross section of the dispenser of

Figure 3 viewed along its major lateral axis;

Figure 5 represents an alternative dispenser in cross section fitted with a godet having two meshes; Figure 6 shows in H view a round godet;

Figure 7 represents a plan view of a dispenser having a godet and integrally formed strands not forming a mesh or web;

Figure 8 shows a cross section through the dispenser of Figure 7, viewed along its minor axis;

Figure 9 represents a three-quarter view of an alternative godet having a removable web.

Figure 10 represents a plan view of the godet of Figure 9 with web lifted from one side; Figure 11 represents a three-quarter view of an alternative godet having a removable mesh; Figure 12 represents a plan view of the godet of Figure 11 with mesh lifted from one side;

Figure 13 represents a plan view of a godet similar to that of Figure 11 but with a platform deck; Figure 14 represents a plan view of a godet of Figure 11 similar to that of Figure 11 but with a meshed platform; Figure 15 represents a plan view of a godet similar to that of Figure 10 but with a webbed platform;

Figure 16 represents a plan view of an alternative godet having a meshed platform.

The dispenser (1) shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a tubular oval barrel comprising a side-wall (3) having an internal ratio of major : minor diameter of 11:5 with a flat rimmed open end (9). Within the sidewall (3) is closely fitted an oval godet (2) which has a central platform (4) having on its under-face a shallow central finger locating indentation (8) and around which platform (4) is mounted a peripheral locking ring (5) via snap fit beads (6). A preformed nylon net (7) is secured between the platform (4) and locking ring (5) .

The dispenser shown in Figures 3 and 4 is a variation of and differs from the dispenser of Figures 1 and 2, in that the godet (2) has two symmetrically positioned preformed nets (7a, 7B) extending parallel with the minor axis of the dispenser between two arcs (10), each of which subtends about 45 degrees.

The dispenser of Figures 1,2 and 3,4 are assembled by extending net (7) around the periphery of platform4 and pushing locking ring 5 downwardly around the platform 4 until snap fit beads 6 engage, thereby securing the net (7) to the godet (2) . The godet (2) in then slid upwardly into the barrel sidewall (3). The dispenser (1) is filled at a filling station (not illustrated) by flowing a fluid solidifiable material through open end (9), preferably at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the barrel, to encourage the material to pass through the apertures in the net (7) such that on cooling and solidifying the net anchors the material to the godet.

An alternative dispenser shown in Figure 5 comprises an oval tubular barrel comprising a side-wall (103) having an internal ratio of major : minor diameter of 9:5 with a convex open end (111), when viewed along the minor lateral axis of the dispenser, two opposed base-plate arcs (110A, HOB) defining a central aperture and two opposed central windows (113) in the sidewall (103) between base-plate arcs (HOA, HOB) . An oval godet (102) is slidably mounted within the barrel sidewall (103) and comprises an oval platform (104) with a centrally positioned circular skirt (112) defining a threaded aperture, and a peripherally mounted locking ring (105) via snap fit beads (106). Two preformed nets (107A, 107B are secured between the platform (104) and locking ring (105) . A threaded spindle (109) extends through and engages with the central aperture in the godet (2) and is mounted on a knurled circular thumb-wheel (108) which located between the base-plate arcs (HOA, HOB) . The dispenser (101) is preferably assembled as for Figures 1 and 2 without insertion of the spindle/thumb-wheel, but with a former (not illustrated) then inserted into the open top (111) . The dispenser can then be filled through the aperture defined by the skirt (112), and the spindle inserted whilst the material is still fluid.

The thumb-wheel in Figure 5 can be varied by being located underneath the base-plate (110A, HOB) and having a lateral cross section similar to that of the barrel.

The godet shown in Figure 6 comprises a tablet-shaped platform (201) and warp and weft strands (202, 203) that are heat welded to the platform peripherally to its upper face, thereby forming a mesh.

The dispenser (201) shown in Figures 7 and 8 comprises a tubular oval barrel comprising a side-wall (203) having an internal ratio of major : minor diameter of 11:5 with a flat open end (209) . Within the sidewall (203) is closely fitted an oval godet (2) which has a central platform (204) having on its under-face a shallow central finger locating indentation (208) and around which platform (4) is mounted a peripheral skirt (205) . A multiplicity of integrally moulded flexible strands (7) extends towards barrel open end (209) from the platform (204).

The dispenser of Figures 7 and 8 is assembled by sliding godet (202) downwardly into the barrel sidewall (203) . The dispenser (201) is filled at a filling station (not illustrated) by flowing a fluid solidifiable material through open end (209) , preferably at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the barrel, to encourage turbulent flow of the material to pass between the strand (207) such that on cooling and solidifying the strand (207) together with the platform (204) anchors the material to the godet (202) .

An alternative godet shown in Figures 9 and 10 comprises an oval platform (304) of major:minor ratio of 11:5 and periphery of 11 cm comprising a rim (310) having an indent (318) for tab (317), a central internally screw-threaded hub (311) linked by four symmetrically arranged arms (312). A unitary web (313) comprising a peripheral strand (314) an aperture-defining strand (315) and a multiplicity of parallel strands (307) is attached to rim (311) of the platform (304) by a tear away strip (316) and a diametrically opposed the peripheral strand 314 has an integrally moulded lift up tab (317).

Figure 13 shows a further alternative godet shown in Figures 11 and 12 which comprises an oval platform (404) of major :minor ratio of 11:5 and 11cm periphery comprising a rim (410) with indent (418), a central internally screw- threaded hub (411) linked by four symmetrically arranged arms (412) . A unitary mesh (413) comprising a peripheral strand (314) an aperture-defining strand (415) and a multiplicity of intersecting parallel strands (407) is attached to rim (411) of the platform (404) by a tear away strip (416) and a diametrically opposed the peripheral strand (414) has an integrally moulded lift up tab (417) . Figure 15 shows a variation of the godet illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the platform (504) comprises a rim (510) with indent (518) a central internally screw-threaded hub (511) linked by a deck (519) .

Figure 14 shows a further variation of the godet illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, in which the platform (604) further comprises a platform mesh of intersecting strands (620) strung between the rim (610) with indent (618) and the arms (612) .

Figure 15 shows a variation of the godet illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, in which the platform (704) further comprises a platform web formed from unidirectional strands (720) strung between the rim (710) with indent (718) and arms (712) .

Figure 16 shows a yet further alternative godet which comprises an oval platform (804) of major:minor ratio of 11:5 and 11cm periphery comprising a rim (810) a central internally screw-threaded hub (811) linked by four symmetrically arranged arms (812) and crossed by two ribs (821) . The platform is spanned by a mesh forming from intersecting strands (807) which have an average length l_c of Ir.

Examples 1-5.

In these Examples, representative formulations summarised in Table 1 below are made by the steps of forming a mixture of carrier liquid or liquids, gellant and optionally at least some of the cosmetic or other active ingredient, heating and mixing the mixture until the gellant has melted or dissolved in the carrier liquid, thereby forming a free-flowing mixture with the gellant distributed through the carrier, mixing in the remainder, if any, of the cosmetic or other active ingredient, cooling or allowing the mixture to cool and before the mixture has reached its setting temperature, pouring it into a dispenser according to Figure 5, modified by employing only a single net. Thereafter, the product is cooled to ambient and a cap is fitted over the open end of the dispenser.

Table 1

alkyl phenyl silicone oil¹ is DC556 (trade mark)

Aminoacid amide² is N-lauroyl-L-glutamic acid di-n-butylamide

Aminoacid amide" is N-(2-ethyl hexanoyl) -L-glutamic acid di- n-butylamide

AZAG⁴ is Aluminium-Zirconium Chorohydrate glycine complex Dimethicone copolyol⁵ is Abil EM90 (Trade mark)

Claims

1. A godet suitable for incorporation in a dispenser for a cosmetic stick comprising a barrel having a cylindrical wall of constant internal lateral dimensions and an open upper end said godet comprising a platform having an upper face and a lower face and having a periphery dimensioned to fit in peripheral contact within a barrel for a cosmetic stick, and a multiplicity of strands affixed to said platform and extending up from said upper face.

2. A godet according to claim 1 in which the strands extend at least 5mm from the upper face of the platform.

3. A godet according to claim 3 in which the strands extend from 10 to 60mm from the upper face of the platform.

4. A godet according to any preceding claim in which at least some of the strands are parallel, extending over the upper face of the platform.

5. A godet according to claim 4 in which none of the strands intersect, the parallel strands forming a web.

6. A godet according to claim 5 in which the strands are spaced apart at from 2 to 8mm on average.

7. A godet according to claim 4 in which at least some of the strands intersect to form a mesh.

8. A godet according to claim 7 in which the mesh comprises a pre-formed net.

9. A godet according to either of claims 7 or 8 in which the mesh comprises apertures having a diameter of from 2 to 8mm.

10. A godet according to claim 9 in which the mesh comprises apertures having a diameter of from 4 to 6mm.

11. A godet according to any of claims 7 to 10 in which the mesh forms a dome.

12. A godet according to any of claims 5 to 11 in which the web or mesh, as the case may be, has a surface area of from 1.01 to 2.5 times that of the upper face of the godet .

13. A godet according to any of claims 7 to 15 in which the mesh has apertures which constitute from 20% to 85% of its surface.

14. A godet according to any preceding claim in which the strands are made from a thermoplastic material.

15. A godet according to any preceding claim in which at least some of strands are attached to the godet at or adjacent to its periphery.

16. A godet according to any preceding claim in which the strands are integrally moulded with the platform.

17. A godet according to claim 15 in which the strands form a unitary web or mesh which is detachable from the platform.

18. A godet according to claim 17 in which the unitary web or mesh comprises a peripheral strand from which cross strands extend.

19. A godet according to claim 18 in which the peripheral strand is attached to the platform on two opposed sides of the platform.

20. A godet according to claim 18 or 19 in which a tab is affixed to or integral with the peripheral strand.

21. A godet according to any preceding claim in which the platform comprises a hub and a rim spanned by a solid deck.

22. A godet according to any of claims 1 to 20 in which the platform comprises a hub and a rim spanned by a plurality of opposed arms defining apertures, which apertures are optionally spanned by strands defining a platform web or mesh.

23. A godet according to any preceding claim in which the upper face of the platform is flat.

24. A godet according to any of claims 1 to 22 in which the upper face of the platform is convex.

25. A godet according to any preceding claim in which the platform has a skirt extending peripherally from its lower face.

26. A dispenser for a cosmetic stick comprising a barrel having an open first end, an opposed second end and a tubular sidewall of constant internal lateral dimensions extending between said first and second ends, a godet located within the barrel and interposed between said first and second ends which godet is in peripheral contact with the sidewall and is capable of being urged towards said first end, and optionally a cap for the first end, in which said godet is as described in any preceding claim.

27. A dispenser according to claim 26 further provided with means to impel the godet towards said first end.

28. A cosmetic product comprising a dispenser in accordance with claim 26 or 27 in which a solid cosmetic composition is disposed between the godet and the first end of the barrel.

29. A product according to claim 27 in which the cosmetic composition comprises an antiperspirant or deodorant active.