DISPENSER WITH A FLOW-THROUGH COMPRESSIBLE GASKET

BACKGROUND

Devices exist for dispensing cosmetic, medicinal, food, household, or other type products. Such devices usually consist of an outer housing, a delivery mechanism for dispensing the different types of products, and an applicator. For example, in various industries, devices are employed for applying powder, gel, creams, or lotions. In the cosmetics and personal care industries, devices are used to apply lipstick, lip balm, skin creams, lotions, compact powder, loose powder, and other cosmetic products to portions of the face and body.

Typically, these devices have many drawbacks. For example, the product may not be dispensed at a controlled rate, allowing either too little or too much to come out of the device. Another problem is that an applicator on the device may allow product to continue to flow out of the device, once the desired amount of product has been dispensed. For example, the product may leak or spill out of the device, especially when travelling from one location to another for reapplication during the day, resulting in a wasted amount of product and a mess for the user. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for improved devices.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of dispensers with flow-through compressible gaskets, which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

This disclosure is directed to dispensers with flow-through compressible gaskets having a at least one aperture. This disclosure describes a dispenser includes a housing with a reservoir for containing a powdered cosmetic product. The dispenser includes a flow-through compressible gasket with a at least one aperture. The dispenser has an outer dial being actuatable to selectively deliver the powdered cosmetic product through the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket. Furthermore, the dispenser with the flow-through compressible gasket is capable of delivering product and preventing leakage of product.

This disclosure is also directed to a flow-through compressible gasket having at least one aperture that is substantially circular-shape or substantially hour-glass shape. The flow through compressible gasket is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed above or will be discussed below can be achieved independently in various implementations, or may be combined in yet other implementations, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an illustrative dispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket according to one implementation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of exemplary applicators for the dispensers;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, taken along line A-A and along line C-C of an illustrative dispenser cap for the dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5
a, 5b, and 5c are a bottom view, a top plan view, and a perspective plan view respectively, of an illustrative flow-through compressible gasket according to one implementation; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 are exterior views of an illustrative dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another illustrative implementation of a dispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket;

FIG. 9 is perspective view of the outer dial according to the implementation of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inner dial according to the implementation of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 11
a, 11b, and 11c are a top plan view view, a front perspective view, and a side view respectively, of the illustrative flow-through compressible gasket according to an implementation;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the illustrative flow-through dispenser of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative dispenser of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview

One implementation of this disclosure is directed towards dispensers with flow-through compressible gaskets in a rotating motion to dispense product and to prevent leakage of the product. For example, a cosmetic dispenser includes a housing having a reservoir for containing a powdered cosmetic product. The dispenser includes a flow-through compressible gasket with at least one aperture. Furthermore, the dispenser includes an outer dial with at least one aperture being actutable to selectively deliver the powdered cosmetic product through the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket. The flow-through compressible gasket provides a mechanical seal between the outer dial and an inner dial. The dispenser includes an applicator coupled to the outer dial for applying the powdered cosmetic product, such that the product delivery passageway terminates in the applicator.

Another implementation includes a product dispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket having at least one aperture. An outer dial coupled to the flow-through compressible gasket is rotatable between an open position defining a delivery passageway for a product and a closed position for preventing product leakage. The outer dial in the open position by rotation causes the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket to align with one or more apertures in an inner dial and/or outer dial. Furthermore, the outer dial in the closed position by rotation causes the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket to align with a plurality of raised sections in the inner dial and/or outer dial to create a seal. The seal helps prevent leakage of the product.

In yet another implementation, the flow-through compressible gasket with at least one aperture may include an hourglass shape configuration and may be made of a material having elastomeric properties.

By way of example and not limitation, dispensers with flow-through compressible gaskets described herein may be applied in many contexts and environments. For example, dispensers with flow-through compressible gaskets may be implemented for medicinal products, cosmetics and personal care industries, powdered cosmetic products, mineral products, food products, spices, carpet deodorizers, baking soda, and the like. For example, in various industries, devices with flow-through compressible gaskets may be employed for applying powdered, gel, creams, or lotion products. In the cosmetics and personal care industries, devices with flow-through compressible gaskets may be used to apply lipstick, lip balm, skin creams, lotions, powdered, loose powder, and other cosmetic products to portions of the face and body.

Illustrative Dispenser With A Flow-Through Compressible Gasket

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an illustrative dispenser 100 with a rotating mechanism. In this implementation, the dispenser 100 may be selectively rotatable in a spiral motion between an open position and a closed position. The open position may be considered an open state to deliver product. The closed position may be considered a closed state for no product delivery. When there is no product delivery, the dispenser may be stored for ease of travel.

FIG. 1 shows the dispenser 100 having a housing 102 with a reservoir. The housing 102 includes a ridge around a neck portion. In some instances, the housing 102 may be made of clear, substantially opaque, or translucent materials. The dispenser 100 has an o-ring seal 104 that is coupled to an inner dial 106. The inner dial 106 may be secured to the housing 102 by, way of example, a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or more engagement features. In the illustrated implementation, the housing 102 includes ribs to couple to the inner dial 106. While in another implementation, the inner dial may be co-molded with the reservoir and the housing 102 as one piece. When constructed as one piece, the inner dial and the reservoir in the housing may be made of different or same materials.

The o-ring seal 104 is illustrated as being generally ring or circular-shape. However, the o-ring seal 104 may be configured in virtually any desired shape, such as oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like. The o-ring seal 104 helps hold the inner dial 106 to the housing 102 to form a seal. The o-ring seal 104 may be made of materials including but not limited to, nitrile rubber, Buna-N, synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicon, and the like.

The inner dial 106 may include one or more apertures to transport product from the reservoir in the housing 102 to an applicator for product delivery. The inner dial 106 also includes one or more raised sections alternating with the one or more apertures in the inner dial. The one or more raised sections include but are not limited to, made of the same material as the inner dial, formed of over molded thermoplastic elastomeric material, made of a plurality of raised bumps, made of a small layer, or made of thermoplastic elastomeric rings surrounding the bumps or the raised sections.

In the illustrated implementation, the dispenser 100 includes a generally disk-shaped flow-through compressible gasket 108. In an implementation, the flow-through compressible gasket may be disposed in a groove in the inner dial 106. The inner dial 106 may be recessed to hold the flow-through compressible gasket 108 in place upon actuation by a user. In some implementations, the inner dial 106 may be constructed as a separate piece from the flow-through compressible gasket 108. While in other implementations, the inner dial may be constructed with the flow-through compressible gasket 108 as one piece. When co-molded together as one piece, the inner dial and the flow-through compressible gasket may be made of different materials.

The dispenser 100 also includes an outer dial 110 that may be made of a thermoplastic polymer, for example, which is non-reactive with the product. In an implementation, the outer dial may include one or more raised sections alternating with one or more apertures in the outer dial. The one or more raised sections include but are not limited to, made of the same material as the outer dial, formed of over-molded thermoplastic elastomeric material, made of a plurality of raised bumps, made of a small layer, or made of thermoplastic elastomeric rings surrounding the bumps or the raised sections.

The outer dial 110 may be secured to the inner dial 106 by, for example, a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or more engagement features. In the illustrated implementation, the outer dial 110 includes ribs to couple to the inner dial 106. The ribs allow the outer dial to rotate to the closed or the opened positions. Also, the outer dial 110 may include a recessed opening and one or more ridges around the external circumference.

The flow-through compressible gasket 108 helps create a seal when actuation occurs in the closed position. In this closed position, the flow-through compressible gasket 108 allows for repeated transport of the filled dispenser 100 without experiencing leaky cosmetic trails from one location to another. While in the closed position, the flow-through compressible gasket 108 prevents movement of the product along the delivery passageway due to the seal. Furthermore, the flow-through compressible gasket 108 allows a controlled rate of product to be dispensed at one time in the open position. In this open position, the controlled rate of product occurs without loose powder being distributed all over the user. A more detailed discussion of the flow-through compressible gasket 108 follows in FIG. 5.

The seal may be created in different ways. In an implementation, the outer dial holds the flow-through compressible gasket in place. In this implementation, the inner dial may include one or more raised sections that may align with the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket. Upon actuation of the outer dial, the downward rotation causes the one or more raised sections in the inner dial to compress against the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket. Since the flow-through gasket is compressible, this compression between the one or more raised sections or small bumps or smooth areas in the inner dial and the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket creates the seal and avoids any product leakage. Alternatively, the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket may compress against the one or more raised sections in the inner dial to create the seal. In some instances, there may be pressure exerted with the downward rotation.

In yet another implementation, the inner dial holds the flow-through compressible gasket in place. In this implementation, the outer dial may include one or more raised sections that are visible from the underside view of the outer dial or seen underneath the outer dial. The one or more raised sections or smooth areas or small bumps alternate with the one or more apertures in the outer dial. In this implementation, upon actuation of the outer dial, the one or more raised sections in the outer dial may align and may compress against the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket, creating the seal. Since the flow-through gasket is compressible, this compression between the one or more raised sections in the outer dial and the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket creates the seal and avoids any product leakage. Alternatively, the one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket may align and may compress against the one or more raised sections in the outer dial. In some instances, there may be pressure exerted with the downward rotation. A discussion of the product delivery mechanism follows in FIG. 4.

In the illustrated implementation, the outer dial 110 may also include one or more pipes 112 which may be substantially cylindrical shape pipe(s) to form a product delivery passageway for the product in the housing 102. Cross-sections of the plurality of cylindrical shape pipe(s) 112 may be substantially circular-shape or substantially oval-shape. In an implementation, the one or more pipes 112 may include three substantially cylindrical shaped pipes that are substantially circular-shape. In other implementations, the outer dial 110 may not include any pipes extending through it.

The housing 102, the inner dial 106, and the outer dial 110 may be constructed of materials including, by, for example, glass, metal, wood, plastics, polymers, composites thereof, or the like. In some implementations, the housing 102, the inner dial 106, and the outer dial 110 may be made at least partially of a resin such as, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), pentachlorothioanisole (PCTA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), Polyurethane, combinations thereof, or the like.

While features of various illustrative implementations are described, in other implementations, the housing 102, the o-ring seal 104, the inner dial 106, and the outer dial 110 may be configured in any form suitable for the application of the product contained in the dispenser 100. The housing 102, the o-ring seal 104, the inner dial 106, and the outer dial 110 may each be configured in virtually any desired shape, such as circular-shape, disk-shape, oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like.

Illustrative Applicator and Cap for Dispenser With Flow-Through Compressible Gasket

FIG. 1 shows the dispenser 100 has an applicator 114 along with a removable cap 116 or a cover that is sized and shaped to fit over the top of the applicator 114. In an implementation, the removable cap 116 may snap onto the housing 102. In another implementation, the removable cap 116 may include threads to screw onto the housing 102 to mate with it. In other implementations, the dispenser 100 may include a clear plastic cover, a sliding pull up cover, and the like. In this illustration, the dispenser 100 includes the removable cap 116 that encapsulates the applicator 114 when the dispenser 100 is not in use. In yet another implementation, the dispenser 100 may not include a removable cap or a cover.

The removable cap 116 may include a mirror 118 for convenience of the user to have the mirror 118 readily available when applying the product. The mirror 118 may range in thickness from at least about two mm to at most about eight mm. In various implementations, the mirror 118 may be coupled to the removable cap 116 by adhesive, press fit, snap fit, one or more ribs or barbs, or any other suitable fastening means. The mirror 118 may be located on a top, a side, or underneath the removable cap 116. In another implementation, the dispenser 100 may not include a mirror. In practice, the applicator 114, the removable cap 116, and the mirror 118 may be configured in virtually any desired shape, such as disk-shaped, oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like.

FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of exemplary applicators 200 for the dispenser 100. The applicator 200 includes a base portion 202 that is coupled to the outer dial 110. In various implementations, the applicator 200 may be coupled to the base portion 202 by adhesive, press fit, snap fit, one or more ribs or barbs, or any other suitable fastening means. The top portion of applicator 200 includes but is not limited to, a brush 204, a sponge 206, or a powder puff 208 to apply the product. In some implementations, the applicator 200 may be used to apply products including but not limited to, cosmetic powdered products, medical powdered products, and the like.

While features of various illustrative implementations are described, the applicator 200 may be configured in any form suitable for the application of the product contained in the dispenser. For example, the applicator 200 may be constructed in any other suitable shape and size and may have any suitable mass, surface finish, and/or surface treatment desired for a given application. In practice, the applicator 200 may be configured in virtually any desired shape, such as disk-shaped, oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, taken along line A-A and along line C-C of the illustrative dispenser cap for the dispenser of FIG. 1.

Illustrative Mechanisms Using the Flow-Through Compressible Gasket

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative dispenser with the flow-through compressible gasket according to the implementation of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the dispenser 400 has a housing 102, where a product delivery passageway 402 extends from the housing 102 and terminates in an opening on the applicator 114.

The following is a discussion of examples, without limitation, of delivery mechanisms for dispensing the product in the open position and of preventing product leakage in the closed position. The examples may be implemented using a rotation or a reverse rotation operation, whereby the user may operate the dispenser 100 by moving the outer dial 110 relative to the inner dial 106 in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. The rotations may move from left to right and right to left. The opened and closed positions may apply to rotations which include but are not limited to, clockwise and/or counterclockwise directions, left and/or right movements, up and/or down motions, and the like.

The size of the apertures in the inner dial 106, the flow-through gasket 108, and the outer dial 110 is of a sufficient size and of an adequate opening to allow for product delivery without being plugged. For example, the size of the apertures may range from at least about 1 mm to at most about 6 mm. In one implementation, each aperture is at least about 2.5 mm in size.

The configuration of the apertures may range from two or three apertures positioned at 120 degrees apart from each other. In another implementation, the configuration of the apertures may range from four apertures positioned at 90 degrees apart from each other. Yet in another implementation, there may be one aperture located in a center or off-center of the inner dial, the flow-through compressible gasket, or the outer dial. The apertures may be located at angles ranging from about 45 degrees apart to about 180 degrees.

The number of apertures in each element may range from at least one aperture to about four apertures. As mentioned above, the number of raised sections may alternate with the number of apertures in the inner dial or the outer dial.

The shape, size, and number of the apertures in the inner dial 106, the flow-through compressible gasket 108, and the outer dial 110 may be different in relation to each other. For example, there may be one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket and two apertures in each of the inner dial and the outer dial. Furthermore, the shape of the aperture(s) in the flow-through compressible gasket may be circular shape, in the inner dial may be oval shape, and in the outer dial trapezoid shape. Any combination of shapes, size, and number of apertures are possible.

In one example, the outer dial 110 serves as an operating mechanism to allow product delivery in the open position. The rotation of the outer dial to the open position causes the one or more apertures of the flow-through compressible gasket 108 to align with one or more apertures in the inner dial 106 and/or the outer dial 110, such that the product is transported through this product delivery passageway 402. In another implementation, the outer dial with the plurality of pipes serves as an operating mechanism to allow product delivery in the open position. The mechanism is the same as above, whereas the rotation of the outer dial goes to the open position, which causes the plurality of pipes to align with one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket and with one or more apertures in the inner dial. Thus, the product is transported through this product delivery passageway of the apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket and the plurality of pipes.

In yet another example, the outer dial 110 serves as an operating mechanism to prevent product leakage in the closed position. Furthermore, actuation by the user comprises the rotation mechanism that is helical by causing the outer dial 110 to apply a downward pressure against the flow-through compressible gasket 108 in the closed position. In this closed position, the outer dial 110 provides a cam action seal by aligning the at least one aperture of the flow-through compressible gasket 108 to the plurality of raised sections or areas on the inner dial 106 and/or the outer dial 110, as previously mentioned. Thus, the closed position prevents product leakage by sealing the product delivery passageway 402.

In FIG. 4, shown is 404 which includes but is not limited to a filter, a strainer, or a diffuser, and such. The filter, strainer, or diffuser 404 is used in some implementations to help filter, strain, or diffuse the product before travelling up to the gasket. This variation is shown in FIG. 4, not shown in the dispenser in FIG. 1.

In implementations, the rotation mechanism may include a rotation at least about 10 degrees to at most about 359 degrees to the open position. In other implementations, the rotation mechanism may include a rotation at a minimum of at least about 5 degrees to at most about 350 degrees. Another example for delivery mechanism for dispensing the product may be a rotation of at least about 180 degrees, relative to a sufficient number of the at least one aperture and a sufficient size of the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket.

Actuation may also occur by turning, depressing, sliding, tilting, or otherwise manipulating an outer cover, a knob on an outer cover, and/or by any other suitable dispensing mechanism. In an implementation, a knob on the outer cover allows product delivery in the open position. However, in other implementations, any suitable delivery mechanism may be used.

Illustrative Flow-Through Compressible Gasket

FIGS. 5
a, 5b, and 5c are a bottom view, a top plan view, and a perspective view respectively, of an illustrative flow-through compressible gasket according to one implementation. FIG. 5a illustrates the flow-through compressible gasket 500 having a substantially disk-shaped body 502 with a top raised center section on a top side 504. The top raised center section 504 may be substantially circular-shape, substantially square-shape, or substantially oval-shape. In this illustration, the top raised center section 504 is substantially circular-shape. The top center-raised section 504 may correspond to a depression on the mating side, the depression located on either the inner dial or the outer dial.

FIG. 5
a shows the at least one aperture 506 located on the substantially disk-shaped body 502. The at least one aperture 506 aligns with the at least one aperture of the inner dial 106 and/or outer dial 110 or in some implementations with the plurality of pipes in the outer dial to deliver the powdered product. The apertures 506 in the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may have shapes that includes but are not limited to, substantially circular-shape, substantially square-shape, or substantially oval-shape. Shown are apertures 506 that are substantially circular-shape.

The size of the at least one aperture 506 are of a sufficient size to allow for product delivery without being plugged. The size of the aperture is of an adequate opening to allow the powdered particles to travel through at least one aperture 506. For example, the size of the apertures 506 in the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may range from at least about 1 mm to at most about 6 mm. In one implementation, the aperture 506 is at least about 2 mm diameter in size.

The number of the at least one aperture 506 are of a sufficient number to allow for product delivery in the open position, but is somewhat dependent on the size of the apertures. In an implementation, there may be three apertures as shown. In other implementations, the apertures may include but is not limited to, from at least about one aperture to at most about four apertures.

The arrangement of the apertures 506 may be in a triangular configuration as shown. In another implementation, the arrangement may be in various configurations, including but not limited to a square, a circular or hour-glass configuration.

The substantially disk-shaped body 502 includes a circular ring 508 on each side of the disk-shaped body 502. In one implementation, a first circular ring surrounds the apertures and is to couple to the inner dial 106 on one side and a second circular ring surrounds the apertures and is to couple to the outer dial 110 on the outer side.

The flow-through compressible gasket 500 includes an outer perimeter having a plurality of flat sides 510 and a plurality of semicircular sides 512, alternating, on the substantially disk-shape body. The plurality of semicircular sides 512 holds the flow-through compressible gasket 500 secure against the outer dial 110 or the inner dial 106 upon actuation in the various implementations. The plurality of flat sides 510 may apply to any sides of the substantially disk-shaped body 502. For example, the flat sides 510 may include, but is not limited to three sides arranged in a triangle type formation or configuration. The semicircular side 512 may apply to any sides of the substantially disk-shaped body 502.

The semicircular sides 512 arranged in a triangle type formation or configuration. In an implementation, the substantially disk-shaped body 502 may include alternating flat sides 510 with alternating semicircular sides 512. The number of semicircular sides and flat sides may each range from at least about one to the most about four.

FIG. 5
b shows the other side of the substantially disk-shaped body 502 of the flow-through compressible gasket. The center raised section 514 in the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may be substantially squared-shape. The center-raised section 514 may have shapes that includes but are not limited to, substantially circular-shape, substantially square-shape, or substantially oval-shape. The center-raised section 514 may correspond to a depression on the mating side, the depression located on either the inner dial or the outer dial. shaped.

FIG. 5
c shows a perspective view of the flow-through compressible gasket 500. The flow-through compressible gasket 500 is made of a material capable of having elastomeric properties. The materials include but are not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polymer, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyurethane, polyester copolymer, styrene copolymer, olefin, ethylene acrylic, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, fluorocarbon, rubber, while in other implementations, the elastomeric material may comprise a relatively pliable or gel-like material such as butyl rubber, silicone, butadiene rubber, neoprene, nitrile, fluorosilicone, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), or the like.

While features of various illustrative implementations are described, in other implementations, the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may be configured in any form suitable for the application of the product contained in the dispenser. For example, the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may be constructed in any other suitable shape and size and may have any suitable number of apertures, size of apertures, shape of apertures desired for a given application. The size, number, and shape of the apertures on the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may vary between implementations. Fabrication of the dispenser and the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may be accomplished through a separate manufacturing process, a co-molding process, or any other suitable production process.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are exterior views of the illustrative dispenser of FIG. 1.

An Illustrative Dispenser With Flow-Through Compressible Gasket Having An Hour-Glass Shape

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another implementation of a dispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket. FIG. 8 illustrates the dispenser having a flow-through compressible gasket with an hour-glass shape 800 according to one implementation. In this implementation, the dispenser 800 may rotate to an open position when an actuator causes at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape to be alignable with at least one aperture in an outer dial and/or an inner dial to define a product passageway. Furthermore, the dispenser 800 may rotate to a closed position when the actuator causes the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape to be alignable with a smooth area of the inner dial and/or the outer dial to not define a product passageway. For ease of convenience, the term “flow-through compressible gasket with an hour-glass shape” may be used interchangeably with a shortened version of “flow-through compressible gasket H”.

FIG. 8 represents the illustrative dispenser 800 having an end cap 802 coupled to a housing 804 with a reservoir to contain the product. The housing 804 has a ridge at the bottom, the reservoir may be refillable with product by removing the end cap 802 to refill product. In some instances, the housing 804 may be made of clear, substantially opaque, or translucent materials. In an implementation, the housing and the end cap may be molded together. When the housing and the end cap are molded together, the reservoir is filled at the top of the housing.

The dispenser 800 includes a slide 806 that covers the various components of the dispenser. In another implementation, the slide 806 selectively moves with a sliding motion to an upward position and to a downward position to retract an applicator brush. A user selectively moves the slide 806 with the sliding motion to the upward position, which slides up and protects the shape of the applicator brush when not in use. Furthermore, the user selectively moves the slide 806 with the sliding motion to the downward position to expose and to provide access to the applicator brush. Thus, the slide 806 retracts the applicator brush.

The dispenser includes an inner dial or an inner valve 808, a flow-through compressible gasket with an hour-glass shape 810, and an outer dial or an outer valve 812. The inner dial 808 may be secured to the housing 804 and the slide 806, by, for example, a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or more engagement features. In the illustrated implementation, the inner dial 808 may include side engagement features to couple to the slide 806 and to the housing 804 to provide a secure fit. The inner dial 808 includes a center-raised section that has a plurality of smooth areas alternating with at least one aperture.

The following is a discussion of examples, without limitation, of delivery mechanisms for dispensing the product in the open position and of preventing product leakage in the closed position. The examples may be implemented using a rotation or a reverse rotation operation, whereby the user may operate the dispenser 800 by moving the outer dial 812 relative to the inner dial 808 in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. The rotations may move from left to right and/or right to left. The opened and closed positions may apply to rotations which include but are not limited to, clockwise and/or counterclockwise directions, left and/or right movements, up and/or down motions, and the like.

The apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket H 810 aligns with at least one aperture in the inner dial 808 and/or the upper dial 812 to cause the dispenser 800 to be in an open position. This open position allows for product delivery.

At least one aperture in the inner dial 808, the flow-through compressible gasket H 810, and the outer dial 812 may have shapes that include but are not limited to, substantially hour-glass shaped, substantially disk-shape, substantially circular-shape, substantially square-shape, substantially oval-shape, or substantially trapezoid shape.

The size of the apertures in the inner dial 808, the flow-through compressible gasket H 810, and the outer dial 812 is of a sufficient size and of an adequate opening to allow for product delivery without being plugged. For example, the size of the apertures may range from at least about 1 mm to at most about 5 mm. In one implementation, each aperture is at least about 2 mm in size.

The number of apertures in the inner dial 808, the flow-through compressible gasket H 810, and the outer dial 812 may range from at least one aperture to about four apertures.

The shape, size, and number of the apertures in the inner dial 808, the flow-through compressible gasket H 810, and the outer dial 812 may be different in relation to each other. For example, there may be one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket and two apertures in each of the inner dial and the outer dial. Furthermore, the shape of the aperture(s) in the flow-through compressible gasket may be substantially hour-glass shape, in the inner dial may be disk-shape, and in the outer dial trapezoid shape. Any combination of shapes, size, and number of apertures are possible.

The plurality of smooth areas in the inner dial 808 and/or outer dial 812 are alignable with the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket H 810 to cause the dispenser to be in a closed position. This closed position prevents movement of the product along a delivery passageway. Furthermore, the flow-through compressible gasket H 810 allows a controlled rate of product to be dispensed at one time without loose powder being distributed all over the user.

The dispenser 800 also includes an actuator 814, which may include an aperture and at least one or more ridges around the external circumference of the actuator. The actuator 814 may also be the outer dial. The actuator 814 may include at least one post to help define the product delivery passageway.

The actuator 814 may be secured to the outer dial 812 including but not limited to, a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or more engagement features. Also, the actuator 814 may include at least one or more ridges around the external circumference for ease of convenience for the user to rotate the actuator.

The end cap 802,the housing 804, the slide 806, the inner dial 808, the outer dial 812, and the actuator 814 may be constructed of materials including, but not limited to, wood, plastics, polymers, thermoplastics, composites thereof, or the like. In some implementations, the described components may be made at least partially of a resin such as, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), pentachlorothioanisole (PCTA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane, combinations thereof, or the like.

FIG. 8 shows the dispenser 800 has an applicator. The applicator includes a applicator holder 816 coupled to the applicator 818. The applicator holder 816 serves as a base to hold a brush applicator 818 or as a base for a sponge or powder puff applicator.

In some implementations, the applicator may include a sponge which may include at least one aperture. The apertures may range in number from at least about one to at most about six apertures. The apertures in the sponge applicator (not shown) may range in size from at least about 1 mm to at most about 4 mm in diameter.

The dispenser 800 includes a removable cap 820 or a cover that is sized and shaped to fit over the top of the applicator 818. In an implementation, the removable cap 820 may snap onto the housing 804. In yet another implementation, the removable cap 820 may include threads to screw onto the housing 804 that mates with it. In some instances, the removable cap 820 may be made of clear, substantially opaque, or translucent materials. In other implementations, the dispenser 800 may include a clear plastic cover, a sliding pull up cover, and the like. In this illustration, the dispenser 800 includes the removable cap 820 that encapsulates the applicator 818 when the dispenser 800 is not in use. In another implementation, the dispenser may not include a removable cap or cover.

The removable cap 820 may include a mirror (not shown) for convenience of the user to have the mirror readily available when applying the product. The mirror may range in thickness from at least about two mm to at most about eight mm. In various implementations, the mirror may be coupled to the removable cap by adhesive, press fit, snap fit, one or more ribs or barbs, or any other suitable fastening means. The mirror may be located on the top, the side, or inside the removable cap. In another implementation, the dispenser 800 may not include a mirror.

While features of various illustrative implementations are described, in other implementations, the end cap 802, the housing 804, the slide 806, the inner dial 808, the outer dial 812, the actuator 814, the applicator holder 816, the applicator 818, and the cap 820 may be configured in any form suitable for the application of the product contained in the dispenser 800. For example, the above items listed may be constructed in any other suitable shape and size and may have any suitable mass, surface finish, and/or surface treatment desired for a given application. In practice, the above items listed may be configured in virtually any desired shape, such as disk-shaped, oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner dial 808 for the dispenser of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the outer dial 812 for the dispenser of FIG. 8.

Flow-Through Compressible Gasket H

FIGS. 11
a, 11b, and 11c are a front perspective view, a top plan view, and a side elevation view, respectively, of the flow-through compressible gasket H 810. In these figures, the flow-through compressible gasket H includes apertures having a substantially hour-glass shape surrounded by circular rings on the top and the bottom sides of the gasket.

The flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 is made of a material capable of having both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties, including but not limited to a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic rubber, a thermoplastic polymer, an elastomer, and the like. In some implementations, the elastomeric material may comprise polyurethane, polyester copolymer, styrene copolymer, olefin, ethylene acrylic, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, fluorocarbon, while in other implementations, the elastomeric material may comprise a relatively pliable or gel-like material such as butyl rubber, silicone, butadiene rubber, neoprene, nitrile, fluorosilicone, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), or the like.

FIG. 11
a illustrates a front perspective view of the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810. FIG. 11a illustrates how the flow-through compressible gasket H includes a substantially circular-shaped body with a raised center section. The body and the raised center section may be in other configurations and shapes, including but not limited to substantially circular-shaped, substantially square-shaped or substantially oval-shaped.

The flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 includes a at least one aperture located on the substantially circular-shaped body. The at least one aperture aligns with the at least one aperture of the inner dial and the at least one aperture of the outer dial to deliver the product. The at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 may have shapes that includes but are not limited to, substantially circular, substantially square-shaped, or substantially oval-shaped. In this illustration, the at least one aperture is substantially hour-glass shape.

The number of the at least one aperture is of a sufficient number to allow for product delivery, but is dependent on the size of the aperture. In an implementation, the at least one aperture may include two apertures. In other implementations, the at least one aperture may include but is not limited to, from at least one aperture to at most four apertures. The arrangement of the at least one aperture may be of a hour-glass shape formation with two apertures as shown in FIG. 11a or a circular shaped with three apertures at least 2 mm diameter.

FIG. 11
c illustrates a side view of the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810. The flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 includes a first circular ring connecting to the substantially circular-shaped body on one side and a second circular ring connecting to the substantially circular-shaped body on the other side.

While features of various illustrative implementations are described, in other implementations, the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 may be configured in any form suitable for the application of the product contained in the dispenser 800. For example, the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 may be constructed in any other suitable shape and size and may have any suitable number of apertures, size of apertures, shape of apertures desired for a given application. Fabrication of the dispenser and the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 may be accomplished through a separate manufacturing process, a co-molding process, or any other suitable production process. Fabrication of dispenser and flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 may be accomplished through a separate manufacturing process, a co-molding process, or any other suitable production process.

Illustrative Delivery Mechanism for Flow-Through Compressible Gasket With Hour-Glass Shape

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view, taken along line A-A of the illustrative dispenser of FIG. 8. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser according to the dispenser of FIG. 8.

The following is a discussion of examples, without limitation, of delivery mechanisms for dispensing a product in the open position and of preventing product leakage in the closed position. The examples may be implemented using a rotation or reverse rotation operation, whereby a user may operate the dispenser 800 by moving the actuator relative to the sifter in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. However, in other implementations, any suitable delivery mechanism may be used.

Shown in FIG. 14 is how a product delivery passageway extends from the housing and terminates in the applicator. In one example, the actuator serves as an operating mechanism to allow product delivery in the open position. The rotation of the actuator to the open position causes at least one aperture of the flow-through compressible gasket H with the hour-glass shape to align with the at least one aperture in the inner dial or the outer dial, such that the product is transported through this product delivery passageway. The product is dispensed from the reservoir in the housing through to the applicator.

In one example, the actuator serves as an operating mechanism to prevent product leakage by applying a downward pressure against the flow-through compressible gasket with hour-glass shape to create a seal. Furthermore, actuation by the user comprises a rotation mechanism that is helical by causing the actuator to apply a downward pressure against the flow-through compressible gasket with hour-glass shape for the closed position. In this closed position, the actuator provides a cam action seal by aligning smooth areas on the outer dial and/or the inner dial to the at least one aperture of the flow-through compressible gasket H. Thus, the closed position prevents product leakage by sealing the product delivery passageway.

In some implementations, the rotation mechanism may include a rotation at least about 10 degrees to at most about 359 degrees to the open position. In other implementations, the rotation mechanism may include a rotation at a minimum of at least about 5 degrees to at most about 350 degrees. Another example for delivery mechanism for dispensing the product may be a rotation of at least about 180 degrees, relative to a sufficient number of the at least one aperture and a sufficient size of the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket H. The delivery mechanism include but is not limited to, clockwise or counter clockwise rotations, left or right movements, opened or closed positions, and the like.

Actuation may also occur by turning, depressing, sliding, tilting, or otherwise manipulating an outer cover, a knob on an outer cover, and/or by any other suitable dispensing mechanism. In an implementation, a knob on the outer cover allows product delivery. This may occur by sliding the knob to align the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket with a at least one aperture in the outer cover. However, in other implementations, any suitable delivery mechanism may be used.

Conclusion

Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the invention.

DISPENSER WITH A FLOW-THROUGH COMPRESSIBLE GASKET

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