GB2083743A - Liquid delivery system for toiletries and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a device for applying liquid materials to the skin, said device having a poromeric plastic applicator surface 30 comprising a non- flexible, non-deformable, sintered, porous synthetic resin structure having a controlled porosity and having omni- directional interconnecting pores, and air vent means into the liquid reservoir comprising a channel 45 in sealing means 35, which channel communicates with the interior of container 10 and the atmosphere by offset apertures. This reduces flow of liquid through the air vent on inversion of the device for use. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Liquid delivery system for toiletries and the like The present invention relates to a liquid applicator for dispensing toiletries to the skin, and particularly for the application of antiperspirants and deodorants to the human axilla. The invention particularly relates to such an applicator having a novel air venting means.

Liquid applicators in general are well-known in the prior art, particularly the roll-on type commonly for antiperspirants and deodorants. These are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents 2,749,566; 2,923; and 2,998,616. Because of problems with roll-on type applicators, Berghahn et al., U.S. Patents 4,050,826 and 4,111,567, devised a liquid applicator comprising a container fitted with a head having a fixed, shaped form made of a non-flexible, non-deformable, sintered porous synthetic plastic resin having a controlled porosity and having omni-directional, interconnecting pores. The container is inverted to cause the liquid to contact and penetrate the porous head.The liquid overflow problems associated with conventional roll-ons is also present with this type of head and is solved by the provision of a liquid collecting channel adjacent the shaped applicator, permitting the excess liquid to drain back via the channel into an opening through the head into the liquid reservoir. This avoids an accumulation of liquid on the surface of the applicator and resulting crystallization of product being delivered.

In a real sense, the porous plastic applicator of Berghahn et al. resembles the conventional roll-on applicator except that is is stationary and has a drain channel. The liquid product being delivered must be brought into contact with the applicator head in order for the liquid to be delivered to the surface by capillary action. This requires inverting the container, as is true of the roll-on type of head, since there will always be dead space between the liquid in the reservoir and the applicator head. Thus, no way is provided for the liquid in the reservoir always to be in contact with the applicator head.

In copending commonly assigned Application Serial No.86,225, filed October 1979, is disclosed a delivery system for liquid toiletry products whereby a liquid product is absorbed onto an absorbent material which is in intimate contact with a non-flexible, non-deformable, sintered, porous synthetic plastic resin applicator head having a controlled porosity and omni-directional interconnecting pores, and whereby the absorbed liquid product is continuously delivered to the porous applicator head by capillary flow on demand.

The device has the advantage of eliminating dead air space and the need to invert the container, since the liquid is always in contact with the applicator head and available on demand at the surface of the applicator head.

Although the dispersing device of the copending Application Serial No. 86,225, resulted in a greatly improved control of flow and distribution of product, it was found the flow of product through the porous applicator head by capillary action was still not as great as desirable. This was due to the fact that as product is removed from the reservoir, the remaining space tended to result in a partial vacuum and retard the flow through porous applicator head. It has now been found that this difficulty may be overcome by the use of an air vent which extends from the outside of the container to the inner space of the case reservoir. The air vent, however must not allow liquid to flow out excessively while the device is in an inverted position; preferably the air vent means provides an elongated air vent path.

In the present invention, the applicator head may be of any suitable configuration, but a convex outer surface has been found to be particularly suitable for contact with various parts of the human body. Thus, the applicator head may have a hemispherical shape, either solid or hollow, or ellipsoidal.

The materials which are used to make the shaped applicator head are non-flexible, non-deformable, sintered, porous synthetic resins having a controlled porosity and having omni-directional interconnecting pores, formed of aggregates of united polymer particles. The degree of porosity of the porous materials can be controlled in their manufacture, thus insuring a wide range of porosity to suit a wide range of liquid products of varying viscosities. Sintered, porous applicator heads may be fabricated of a high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene, polyviny lidene fluoride, and the like.Products are available commercially under the trade designations "Porex" porous plastics and "Porous Poly." The pore size of the applicator may vary widely, depending on the liquid uto be delivered. Low-viscosity liquids, such as perfumes, may best be delivered via a small-pore plastic applicator, e.g., one micron or less. In general, the pore size may vary between about one to 200 microns, and for most purposes, generally about 10 - 50 microns are preferred.

In one embodiment, the porous applicator head fits into an annular plastic ring which in turn fits into the top opening of the container which forms a reservoir for the liquid material to be dispensed. The container can be filled solely with the liquid product. As an alternative, the reservoir may contain an absorbent material, onto which the liquid to be delivered is adsorbed, and this absorbent material is in direct and intimate contact with the porous applicator head. This aspect of the invention insures continuous contact of the liquid with the applicator head and ease of delivery of the liquid on demand by capillary flow.The absorbent material used in the reservoir may be any material capable of absorbing the liquid to be delivered, such as cellulose acetate, polyester, cotton, rayon, nylon, or other suitable material, and capable of transferring the liquid therefrom continuously on damand by capillary flow (wicking). The absorbent material may take any suitable shape or form. In one embodiment, the absorbent material is the same non-deformable, non-flexible, sintered, porous synthetic resin material from which the applicator head is constructed. The form may vary, but a particularly advantageous delivery system will consist essentially of a container to hold the contents to be delivered, fitted with an annular ring in the opening with into which the porous head fits by friction, having a cylindrical porous plastic tube extending to the bottom of the container, and having a hemispherical top.The air vent is formed by the annular ring as explained hereinafter.

The container may obviously be of any suitable material, such a metal, glass, or plastic.

The delivery system of the invention may be used to deliver any topical liquid product to the skin. These may include, for example, after-shave lotions, pre-shave lotins, skin lubricants or emollients, suntan lotions, fragrances (perfumes, colognes, etc.), topical therapeutics (analgesics, acne formulations, antiseptics, etc.), lip and face rouge and the like. The delivery system is particularly useful in applying antiperspirants and deodorants and avoids the problems associated with roll-on applicators. Thus, the invention provides a means of applying a low viscosity, fast drying, non-sticky solution of aluminum chlorhydrate, avoiding the undesirable features of roll-ons, pump sprays, and sticks.

Since the porous plastic materials are hydrophobic and do not "wet" with water, it may be necessary to add alcohol to an antiperspirant formula to transfer the product from the container to the applicator head.

Crystallization of the solid components of the solution, such as aluminum chlorhydrate, may be avoided by the addition of certain esters, such as isopropyl myristate or isopropyl palmitate.

The invention may be better understood by reference to the drawings in which, Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the liquid delivery system with the cap of the package removed to show the hemispherical applicator head; Figure 2 is an elevational view with parts broken away to show a cross-section of the applicator head, annular ring and reservoir; Figure 3 is an elevational view similar to Figure 2 if a modified applicator head having a cylindrical portion extending to the bottom of the reservoir; Figures 4 and 5 are respectively top plan and elavational views of the annular plastic ring with the air vent.

Referring to the Figures 1 and 3, the liquid delivery system comprises an outer case 10 having a base 12 and a cap 14 which is attached by means of th reads 16 at the top of case 10. It will be understood that cap 14 could be attached by a friction fit also. Case 10 contains the liquid product 34 to be dispensed. A porous plastic applicator head 30 is fitted into an annular plastic ring 35 through centrai opening 41 of ring 35. Ring 35 has a cylindrical outer surface 36 with an annular groove 37 and a ridge 38 on the inner surface 42. An air vent 43 passes from groove 37 to inner surface 42 of ring 35. Applicator head 30 has an inner cylindrical portion 31 which fits into opening 41 of ring 35. The diameter of cylinder 31 is such that it forms a friction fit and a fluid tight fit of the applicator head 30 in ring 35.The applicator head-ring assembly is inserted into container 10 and the outer surface 36 of ring 35 forms a fluid tight friction fit in container 10. In this position, the cylinder 31 of the applicator head 30 extends nearly to the bottom inner surface 32 of container 10.

Container 10 has a air vent 44 leading into groove 37 of ring 35. Air vents 43 and 44 are offset, preferably 1800. Thus an air vent is provided into reservoir 34 through vent 44 around cavity 45 formed between groove 37 and the inner wall of case 10. Cavity 45 thus forms an elongated air vent path through vent 43 in ring 35.

Container 10 is filled with liquid product 34 and the product is delivered to the surface of head 30 through cylinder 31 by capillary action or wicking action. If container 10 is inverted for use, any flow of liquid through vent 44 from reservoir 38 will have to flow around groove 37 to reach vent 44 and thus allows sufficient time for use before this takes place and any leakage of liquid to the outside can occur.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the applicator head 20 has a shortened base cylinder 21 fitting into opening 41 of plastic ring 35. In this embodiment, if the product level is low enough so that it does not touch the head, the container is inverted to wet inner surface 28 of applicator head 20. To facilitate wetting of applicator head 20, case 10 may be filled with an absorbent material, not shown, filling space 26 and in contact with inner surface 28 of applicator head 20.

It will be obvious that other variations of the applicator head may be made. For example, the cylinder rod 31 may be a solid rod, or it may consist of segments rather than a complete cylinder. Also, in an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the air vent connecting the interior and exterior of the container may be provided in the applicator head. Thus, for example, a small hole, of the order of 0.01 inch in diameter may be provided through the top of an applicator head having a convex applicator surface to equalize pressure in the container and provide a continuous flow of liquid product. When the container is inverted, the inner surface of the applicator head is wetted with the liquid product. Friction or pressure against the outer surface of the applicator head delivers liquid product from the pores of the applicator head. The air vent allows for full and continuous flow of liquid when the container is in an inverted position but does not leak excessively.

AFTER SHAVE LOTIONS Example 1 - after shave lotion % Weight Alcohol (SDA-40 or39C) 60.00 Propylene Glycol 3.00 Water, deionized 36.00 Fragrance 1.00 Example2 - after shave lotion (high emollience) %/wt.

Alcohol (SDA-40) 75.00 Di-isopropyl Adipate 10.00 Propylene Glycol 5.00 Water, deionized 9.25 Fragrance 0.75 Example 3 - after shave lotion (low alcohol, antiseptic) %lwt.

Alcohol (SDA-40) 40.000 Hyamine 10X (Rohm & Haas) 0.250 methyl benzethonium chloride Menthol 0.005 Ethyl p-aminobenzoate 0.025 Water, deionized 59.720 Fragrance q.s.

PRE-SHAVE LOTIONS Example 4 - pre-shave (beard softener and lubricant) %lw Alcohol (SDA-40) 80.00 Di-isopropyl Adipate 5.00 Menthol 0.05 Propylene Glycol 3.70 Lactic Acid (80%) 0.30 Water, deionized 9.95 Perfume 1.00 Example 5- pre-shave lotion %/wt Standamul G (Henkel) 10.00 (octyl dodecanol) Alcohol (SDA-40) 90.00 Perfume, Color, Preservatives q.s.

Example 6 - pre-electric shave %Iwt.

Di-isopropyl Adipate 15.00 Alcohol (SDA-40 or 39C) 84.00 Perfume 1.00 Example 7- pre-electric shave %Iwt.

Isopropyl Myristate 19.00 Alcohol (SDA-40) 71.00 Water, deionized 10.00 Perfume q.s.

Example 8 - pre-electric shave (astringent type) %Iwt.

Zinc Phenolsulfonate 1.00 Alcohol (SDA-40) 40.00 Menthol 0.10 -Camphor 0.10 Distilled Witch Hazel Extract 40.00 Water, deionized 18.80 Example 9 %/wt.

Mineral Oil, 50 cs. visc. 99.5 Perfume 0.5 Color, Preservatives q.s.

Example 10 %/wt.

Lantrol AWS (Emery) 10.00 Water, deionized 35.00 Alcohol SDA-40 (95%) 55.00 Perfume q.s.

SUNTAN LOTIONS Example 11-suntan oil %/wt.

Isopropyl Isostearate 45.00 Lanolin Oil 2.00 Amyl Dimethyl PABA 1.00 Mineral Oil, 355 cs. 51.90 Propylparaben 0.10 Example 12 - clear hydroalcoholic suntan lotion %/wt.

Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol 2.5 Alcohol, SDA-40 (95%) 60.0 Example 13 - clear hydroalcoholic suntan lotion (cont'd.) %lwt Amy Dimethyl PABA 2.5 Water, deionized 17.5 Glycerin 10.0 Oleyl Alcohol 7.5 Example 14-suntan liquid %/wt.

Ucon Fluid LB-625 (Union Carbide) 60.775 PPG-24 Butyl ether Alcohol, SDA-40 (95%) 30.000 Homomenthyl Salicylate 8.000 Perfume 1.200 Color (1% FD & C Yellow &num;6) 0.025 Example 15 %/wt.

Propylene Glycol para Amino Benzoate 4.0 Tween 20 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate) 9.0 Alcohol SDA-40 (95%) 45.0 Water 42.0 FRAGRANCE Example 16- cologne (men's or ladies) %/wt.

Alcohol SDA-40 80-90 Perfume 4-6 Water, deionized 4-16 Example 17- emollient cologne %/wt.

Alcohol SDA-40 70.5 Water, deionized 19.5 Dipropylene Glycol 5.0 Lantrol AWS (Emery) 5.0 (PEG-75-Lanolin Oil) Perfume q.s.

TOPICAL THERAPEUTICS Example 18 - analgesic (for relief of muscular pain) %Iwf.

Methyl Salicylate 10.00 Oleoresin Capsicum 1.00 Methyl Nicotinate 0.25 Isopropyl Myristate 5.00 Alcohol SDA-40 83.75 Example 19- acne treatment %Iwt.

Salicylic Acid 3.00 Boric Acid 2.00 Methyl Benzethonium Chloride 0.08 Isopropyl Alcohol 63.00 Water, deionized 31.92 Example 20 %Iwf.

Aluminum Chlorhydrate (50% aq.) 50.0 Ceraphyl 41 (Van Dyk) 5.0 -(C12-C15 Alcohol-lactate ester) SD-40 Ethanol (190) 45.0

Claims (6)

1. A liquid applicator suitable for use in the application of liquids to a surface of the human body comprising a container having a container body adapted for storing a quantity of said liquid, said container having an opening at the upper end thereof; said applicator means being secured in said opening; said applicator means comprising a non-flexible, non-deformable, sintered, porous synthetic resin structure having a controlled porosity and having omni-directional interconnecting pores, and means to provide an elongated air vent path from the interior to the exterior of said container.

2. A liquid applicator suitable for use in the application of liquids to a surface of the human body comprising a container having a container body adapted for storing a quantity of said liquid, said container having an opening at the upper end thereof; annular ring means positioned in said opening, said applicator means secured in said ring means; said annular ring means forming a liquid tight seal between said container and said applicator means; said annular ring means having a groove around its outer surface, forming an annular cavity between said ring and innercontainerwall, an opening through said container to said cavity, an opening through said ring from said cavity, said openings being offset; said applicator means comprising a non-flexible, non-deformable, sintered, porous synthetic resin structure having a controlled porosity and having omni-directional interconnecting pores.

3. The liquid applicator of Claim 2 wherein said applicator head extends into said container to a point near the base ofthe container.

4. The liquid applicator of Claim 2 wherein said container contains an absorbent reservoir means for said liquid.

5. The liquid applicator of Claim 4 wherein said reservoir means comprises a natural or synthetic fibrous material.

6. The liquid applicator of Claim 2 comprising in addition a cap fitted over said applicator means.