WO2014089272A1

WO2014089272A1 - Dispenser with varying bottle majority and base cover

Info

Publication number: WO2014089272A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/073261
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel M. DOMINSKI; Jonathan Gross; Derek J. HARVEY; Alexander L. KWAPIS
Original assignee: Fusion Packaging I, LP
Priority date: 2012-12-06
Filing date: 2013-12-05
Publication date: 2014-06-12

Abstract

Dispensing apparatus for use in dispensing product. The dispensing apparatus has a container having a volume and for storing the product. The container has a first section comprising a material of a first light transmission coefficient and a second section comprising a material of a second light transmission coefficient that differs from the first light transmission coefficient. The dispensing apparatus also has pumping apparatus for connecting to the container and operable to draw a product, stored in the volume, to dispense the product.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Dispenser With Varying Bottle Majority and Base Cover

Technical Field

[0001] The preferred embodiments relate to dip tube packaging dispensers, preferably for fluid skincare and cosmetic products, and more particularly to a such an apparatus, and a method of making and using the apparatus, so as to provide a consumer the ability to view the product while also achieving other objects and advantages.

Background Art

[0002] Dip tube packaging dispensers are well known in the art and typically include a bottle atop which is located a pump, and a tube, or "dip tube," extends downward from the pump into the bottle. The pump is sometimes also covered by a cap or lid, such as for shipping, protection during periods of non-use, and aesthetics. During manufacture or filling of the dispenser, product, such as fluid skincare or cosmetics, are located within the storage volume of the bottle, and the dip tube therefore extends within the product. In operation, a user operates the pump by depressing downward on the pump actuator, thereby increasing pressure in the bottle. The user then releases the pump actuator, thereby drawing the product up through the dip tube and a pump inlet near the product, through a pump chamber, and out of the dispenser. When the user desires to dispense more product, the process is repeated, until eventually all, or substantially all, of the product has been dispensed.

[0003] While the above apparatus and operation are well known and have served consumer interests, the present inventors have recognized that such aspects may be improved, as is achieved with the preferred embodiments. Specifically, in the prior art, some dip tube dispensers use an entirely translucent or opaque bottle, thereby preventing a consumer from the ability to see or inspect the product stored in the bottle. Also in the prior art, some dip tube dispensers use an entirely clear (i.e., transparent) bottle and then apply a label, stamp or other deco to cover a portion or the majority of the bottle. This approach, however, often obscures the consumer's evaluation of the product's color. Further, in some cases where a clear bottle is used with copy printed directly on the clear bottle surface, the color of the copy information on the bottle may be difficult for a consumer to read due to the contrast of that information as printed with the product stored in the bottle. This approach also may permit the consumer to see the entire contents of the product stored in the bottle, which can include displaying a separation of the product formulation's components; seeing this separation may detract from the consumer experience or cause an uninformed consumer to mistake the separation as a problem with the product, thereby either jeopardizing a sale or adding to the complexity of the relationship as between the consumer and the vendor of the product. Still further, an all transparent bottle may involve or require the use of glass or a thicker clear plastic such as PETG (polyethylene terephthalate-G or PET-G), SAN (styrene acrylonitrile resin), or PCTG (glycol-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) for the entire bottle, but such a solution, however, is likely to be more expensive and may be cost prohibitive or at least a disadvantage in the commercial marketplace. The preferred embodiments improve upon these drawbacks, as further explored below.

Disclosure of Invention

[0004] In one preferred embodiment, there is dispensing apparatus for use in dispensing product. The dispensing apparatus has a container having a volume and for storing the product. The container has a first section comprising a material of a first light transmission coefficient and a second section comprising a material of a second light transmission coefficient that differs from the first light transmission coefficient. The dispensing apparatus also has pumping apparatus for connecting to the container and operable to draw a product, stored in the volume, to dispense the product.

[0005] Other embodiments and aspects are also disclosed and claimed.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0006] The preferred embodiments are described in detail below by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 a is a perspective cutaway view of a dip tube dispenser in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

[0008] Figure lb is a perspective view of the assembled dip tube dispenser of Figure la.

[0009] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an interlocking anti-rotation apparatus that may be used as between either or both of the majority body portion 12₁ and the base cover 12₂ or the majority body portion 12₁ and the collar 12₃.

[0010] Figure 3 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative dip tube dispenser in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of an alternative dip tube dispenser in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[0013] Figure la illustrates a perspective cutaway view, and Figure lb illustrates a perspective view, of an airless dispenser 10 in accordance with preferred embodiments. Looking first to Figure lb, the dispenser 10 includes a bottle 12 that provides a storage volume for fluid product (e.g., cosmetics, skincare, liquid makeup). The bottle 12 preferably has a generally circular cross-section with an inner and outer diameter as selected by one skilled in the art (e.g., 0.7 to 1.2 inches), and as being formed generally cylindrical in shape. The bottle 12 includes preferably includes three separate parts: (1) a majority body portion 12^ (2) abase cover 12₂; and (3) a collar 12₃. As suggested by the names of these three parts, they provide different portions of the enclosure volume of the bottle 12, that is: (1) the majority body portion 12i provides the majority of the enclosure volume; (2) the base cover 12₂ provides the bottom (or base) of the enclosure volume; and (3) the collar 12₃ provides generally the top of the enclosure volume. [0014] In the preferred embodiment, the light transmission coefficient, that is, the amount of light that may pass, differs in the majority body portion 12χ and the base cover 12₂. Indeed, further preferably, the base cover 12₂ allows more light to pass through it than does the majority body portion 12_1; where for example the base cover 12₂ may be transparent or relatively transparent, while the majority body portion 12χ is either translucent or opaque. To accomplish these relative transmissive differences, preferably the majority body portion 1 χ and the base cover 12₂ are formed from different materials. For example, the majority body portion 12χ may be PP (polypropylene), while the base cover 12₂ is PCTG (glycol-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). As further detailed below, therefore, any product 10_P (see Figure la) stored within the volume provided by the bottle 12 will be more visible through the base cover 12₂, as compared to through the majority body portion 12χ and, indeed, the product 10_P may not be visible at all through the majority body portion 12^ Further in the preferred embodiment, the height H12_! of the majority body portion 12χ is greater than the height H12₂ of the base cover 12₂, where, for example, H12_! is greater than or equal to two to three times H12₂. For example, the height H12_! of the majority body portion 12₁ may be in the range of 2.00 to 2.5 inches, while the height H12₂ of the base cover 12₂ may be in the range of 0.75 to 1.0 inches. Completing the illustration of Figure lb, a cap 14 is located atop the bottle 12, and as further detailed below has a mateable abutment with a top portion of the collar 12₃. Note that both the cap 14 and the collar 12₃ may be formed from a same material (e.g., PP) as the majority body portion 12^

[0015] Returning to the cross-sectional view of Figure la, additional details are now discussed in connection with the dispenser 10. In the preferred embodiment, the three parts of the bottle 12 are preferably snap fit with respect to one another, using a valve seal that applies to both sides of the adjacent parts to create a strong, watertight, and airtight seal between the parts. Looking first as between the majority body portion 12₁ and the base cover 12₂, the physical attachment of these two parts may be complicated by the differing properties of the different materials used for each part. The preferred embodiment, however, overcomes such complications with a preferably double-snap configuration, whereby during assembly of the bottle 12 the two parts are brought together with a sufficient co-axial force so as to snap them into the illustrated configuration; thus, the two (i.e., double) recesses in the downward portion of the majority body portion 121 overcome the corresponding two outward-facing protrusions in the base cover 12₂. Note also that the lower recess on the bottle majority 12₁ has both an outer and inner piece pointing downward to form a two-ridged groove, and the base cover 12₂ has a single upward extending piece that fits within those two pieces (e.g., tongue in the groove). This configuration may provide additional stability and strength, and note also that the inner piece of the two piece groove also provides a seal as protection against leakage of the product 10_P. Moreover, this double-snap configuration provides additional strength and protects the parts from leaking or from "popping" off or detaching, for example if the dispenser 10 is dropped. Looking second as between the majority body portion 12₁ and the collar 12₃, since these two parts may be formed of a same material as mentioned above, then the physical attachment as between the two may in some preferred embodiment be simplified, as compared to that between the majority body portion 12₁ and the base cover 12₂, discussed above. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, and as shown in Figure la, the majority body portion 12₁ and the collar 12₃ may be affixed to one another with a single-snap configuration, such that the two parts are brought together with a sufficient co-axial force so as to snap them into the illustrated configuration with the one recess in the downward portion of the collar 12₃ overcoming the corresponding one outward-facing protrusion in the majority body portion 12χ. Note also that the double snap configuration as between the majority body portion 12₁ and the base cover 12₂ may give rise to a greater retention strength than the single one as between the majority body portion 12₁ and the collar 12₃, although either such interface may be adjusted by one skilled in the art in additional embodiments. In any event, note also that the collar 12₃ has a downward extending inner and outer piece two-ridged groove, with the upper portion of the majority body portion 12₁ having a single upward extending piece fitting within the groove. Hence, again the inner piece of the two-ridged groove adds support as well as seal protection against product leakage. Lastly, the cap 14 is configured to snap fit down atop the collar 12₃, where in the preferred embodiment this snap relationship is less complicated and requires a lesser force, as compared to either the double-snap or single-snap configurations described above.

[0016] The remaining aspects in Figure lb are generally consistent with dip tube dispensers as known in the art and, as such, they are only briefly noted here. In this regard, the upper portion of the collar 12₃ includes a cylindrical threaded portion, having a diameter smaller than where the collar 12₃ mates with the bottle 12, where the threads are for mating with a pump body 16. The bottom of the pump body 16 has an inlet 16i that connects to the dip tube 18, and the dib tube 18 extends into the enclosure volume of the bottle 12 and hence into the product 10_P. Further, the dip tube 18 is in fluid communication, via the pump body 16, to a dispensing outlet 20 near the top of the pump body 16. The dispensing operation, therefore, is generally as known in the art and as also described earlier in the Background of the Invention section of this document, so that actuation of the pump body 16 causes the product 10_P to be drawn from inside the bottle 12 and out the outlet 20. [0017] Given the preceding, one skilled in the art should appreciate various aspects of the preferred embodiments, including a bottle enclosure volume that incorporates at least two parts. Each such part is formed from a different respective light-transmissive material and the parts together enclose the sides and bottom of the enclosure volume. Preferably, the more light transmissive (or transparent) part is that which is typically oriented at the bottom of the dispenser when the dispenser is standing, such as for use or for display prior to sale. Indeed in this latter regard, one of the bases for the preferred embodiment relationship of the heights H12₂ relative to H12i is to accommodate various retail display cases. More particularly, it has been observed in connection with the preferred embodiments that some retailers will present, for view or sale, air tube dispensers in a display case that typically stores the dispensers upright by retaining the dispensers near the bottom portion of the dispenser. Thus, the bottom of the dispenser is often masked from view in such a display case. In contrast, therefore, the preferred embodiments still endeavor that a consumer may view a portion of the product 10_P through the base cover 12₂ by establishing the height H12₂ of the base cover 12₂ sufficiently large enough to exceed the height of the retaining mechanism of the display. On the other hand, the height H12₂ is still maintained as lesser than the height H12_! of the majority body portion 12_1; so that the larger height H12_! of the lower light transmissive body portion 12χ provides at least two functions: (i) it allows graphics, decos, labels, textual information and the like to be applied/adhered to the majority body portion 12_1; where such information may be readily perceived by the consumer without having the contrast of that information with the product 10_P as appears on an all-clear bottle; and (ii) it prevents the consumer from seeing any potential separation of the materials of the product 10_P, as may occur with various cosmetics and the like. Various benefits are thusly achieved in the preferred embodiments.

[0018] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an interlocking anti-rotation apparatus 30 that may be used as between either or both of the majority body portion 12₁ and the base cover 12₂, or the majority body portion 12₁ and the collar 12₃. Specifically, Figure 2a illustrates two concentric rings 30i and 30₂. Each ring is intended to generally illustrate the two-ridged groove formed either at the bottom of the majority body portion 12₁ or the bottom of the collar 12₃, as discussed above. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, an additional anti-rotation feature is provided, which in the illustrated embodiment is a single notch 32_N formed within one of the rings, which in the illustrated example is ring 30i. Note further, however, that notch 32_N could be formed as multiple notches or shapes over a larger portion, or the entire perimeter portion, of a ring and for mating with a compatible member as described below. Additionally, while Figure 2a illustrates the notch 32_N formed in ring 30i, it could instead be implemented in the other ring 30₂, or in both rings 30i and 30₂. Further, therefore, the part that is to snap fit with respect to the rings 30i and 30₂ is provided with a comparable pin 32_P or similar shaped item to fit within the anti-rotation feature 32_N, as shown in Figure 2b. For example, therefore, if in Figure 2a the rings 30i and 30₂ represent the collar 12₃, then in Figure 2b the upper extending tongue portion of the majority body portion 12χ is shown as ring 30₃ and includes such a pin 32_P, which is aligned with the anti-rotation feature notch 32_N when the two parts are coaxially aligned and snapped together. As a result, once so fitted, the two parts (i.e., the collar 12₃ and the majority body portion 12χ) are thereafter prevented from coaxially rotating with respect to one another. Similarly, if the rings 30i and 30₂ represent the bottom portion of the majority body portion 12_1; then in Figure 2b the upper tongue portion of the base cover 12₂ is shown as ring 30₃ and includes such a pin 32_P, which is aligned with the anti-rotation notch 32_N when the two parts are coaxially aligned and snapped together. As a result, once so fitted, these two parts (i.e., the majority body portion 121 and the base cover 12₂) are thereafter prevented from coaxially rotating with respect to one another. These aspects may be beneficial during the filling of the dispenser 10 with the product 10p, as the filling entity may hold the bottle 12 along any of the rotationally limited parts while then screwing the pump body 16 onto the collar 12₃, thereby avoiding any rotational slippage of the dispenser (assuming a sufficiently restricted amount of torque and the stoppage of the application of feree once the pump body 16 is sufficiently screwed down in place).

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative dip tube dispenser 10' in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In general, the dip tube dispenser 10' is comparable in various respects to the dispenser 10 shown and described in connection with Figures la and lb, so comparable references numbers are carried forward from earlier and the illustration should be readily understood by one skilled in the art with repeating various details here. A distinction, however, is that the protrusions/recesses used for the interfaces as between the majority body portion 12₁ and the base cover 12₂ or the majority body portion 12₁ and the collar 12₃ may be adjusted, as may be seen by comparing Figures la and 3.

[0020] Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of an alternative dip tube dispenser 10" in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In general, the dip tube dispenser 10" is also comparable in various respects to the dispensers 10 and 10' shown and described above, also using comparable references numbers in Figure 4. A distinction, however, is that dispenser 10" includes a threaded relationship to mate or affix the majority body portion 121 and the base cover 12₂; as show, therefore, the base cover 12₂ includes a threaded portion 12_2TP extending upward for mating with a receiving set of threads 12_1TP located at the bottom inner diameter of the majority body portion 12^ Thus, the alternative of Figure 4 implements a threadable relationship as between the majority body portion 12₁ and the base cover 12₂, in contrast to the above-described snap-fit relationship of earlier embodiments. Different considerations may bode for the selection of one alternative over the other where, for example, in various preferred embodiment manufacturing processes, the snap-fit apparatus may prove more desirable.

[0021] Given the preceding, one skilled in the art should appreciate various aspects of the preferred embodiments, including a dispenser that incorporates at least a two-part product volume enclosure, with each part varies from each other, such as in the material forming it, so that the amount of light that may pass through each differs. In certain respects, the preferred embodiment dispenser is consistent with the functionality of prior art dispensers, yet with additional novel aspects there are increased functionality and benefits for either cosmetic manufacturers or distributors, as well as the end consumer. In addition to the previously discussed examples, others include that a preferred embodiment displays the color/shade of the stored product 10_P to the consumer through a preferably clear base, where the dispenserlO (or 10' or 10") may be filled in the normal filling process and is not a separately filled base or injected color button. As another example, the less light transmissive majority body portion 12₁ continues to provide ample space to which various information may be attached. As a result of the preceding, therefore, various benefits are achieved over the prior art, while also accommodating considerations with respect to design, manufacture, and cost. Further, while these features serve to illustrate the inventive scope as have been demonstrated by certain preferred embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope is further subject to various modifications, substitutions, or alterations, without departing from that inventive scope, as further guided by the following claims.

Claims

Claims:

What is claimed is: 1. Dispensing apparatus for use in dispensing product, comprising:

a container having a volume and for storing the product, the container comprising:

a first section comprising a material of a first light transmission coefficient; and

a second section comprising a material of a second light transmission coefficient that differs from the first light transmission coefficient; and

pumping apparatus for connecting to the container and operable to draw a product, stored in the volume, to dispense the product.

2. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 :

wherein the first section is transparent; and

wherein the second section is opaque.

3. The dispensing apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first section comprises a base of the container on which the dispensing apparatus is able to stand.

4. The dispensing apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first section is smaller than the second section.

5. The dispensing apparatus of claim 2 wherein the second section is at least twice as long as the first section.

6. The dispensing apparatus of claim 2:

wherein the first section comprises PCTG or PMMA; and

wherein the second section comprises PP.

7. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 :

wherein the first section comprises PCTG or PMMA; and

wherein the second section comprises PP.

8. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container comprises a third section for connecting to the pumping apparatus.

9. The dispensing apparatus of claim 8:

wherein the first section is transparent; and

wherein the second section and the third section are opaque.

10. The dispensing apparatus of claim 8 wherein the third section and the second section comprise apparatus for snap fitting with respect to one another.

11. The dispensing apparatus of claim 8 wherein the third section and second section comprise apparatus for snap fitting and limiting coaxial rotation with respect to one another.

12. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pumping apparatus comprises a dip tube.

13. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first section and the second section comprise apparatus for snap fitting with respect to one another.

14. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first section and the second section comprise apparatus for snap fitting and limiting coaxial rotation with respect to one another.

15. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 :

wherein the container comprises a third section for connecting to the pumping apparatus;

wherein the third section and the second section comprise first apparatus for snap fitting with respect to one another;

wherein the first section and the second section comprise second apparatus for snap fitting with respect to one another.

16. The dispensing apparatus of claim 15:

wherein the first section and the second section comprise differing materials; wherein the second section and the third section comprise a same material; and

wherein the second apparatus for snap fitting requires a stronger assembly force than the first apparatus for snap fitting.

17. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first section and the second section comprise thread apparatus for a screw fit with respect to one another.

18. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the product comprises a fluid.

19. A method of assembling a dispensing apparatus for use in dispensing product, comprising:

assembling a container having a volume and for storing the product, comprising the step of snap fitting a first section comprising a material of a first light transmission coefficient to a second section comprising a material of a second light transmission coefficient that differs from the first light transmission coefficient; and

connecting a pumping apparatus to the container, the pumping apparatus operable to draw a product, stored in the volume, to dispense the product.