Material applicator

Abstract

A dispenser, such as for lip balm, has a casing, a manually operable dispense mechanism with an actuation dial, lip balm in the casing, and a cap for covering a dispense end. The dispense mechanism included a snap-in actuator that interfaces with cantilevered fingers unitary with the casing. Finger tips interface the actuator at a retention flange for rotatably retaining the actuator within the casing, the finger tips further interface with circumferentially spaced ribs or nubs rearward of the flange for providing a user perceivable tactile clicking and/or a variable rotation resistance upon rotation of the dial. The casing having an enlarged dispense end, a narrowed lower waist region, an exterior surface include an overmolded softened high friction gripping surface on the casing. The exterior surface may include light transmissive portions defining indicia that extend into the casing interior.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to applicators of solid or semi-solid material for the lips, for example lip balm. Such applicators are configured as user operable dispensers where sticks of the material for the lips is dispensed by the user holding a casing with one hand, removing a cap from an upper dispense end of the casing, and selectively rotating a dial on a lower end of the casing to cause the stick of material for the lips to be extended from the upper end a convenient amount for application to the user's lips. After the material is applied, the unused material may be moved to a lower position in the dispenser by rotating the dial in an opposite direction and the cap may be placed back on the dispense end of the casing. The casings are generally cylindrically shaped and formed of an opaque polymer. The amount of material left in the dispenser may be determined by the tedious task of rotating the dial until the stick of material is dispensed the maximum amount. The stick of material will need to be retracted to replace the lid.

Such dispensers with sticks of material to apply to the lips are manufactured and sold in quantities of many millions annually and are readily available in retail stores and online environments. The industry and market place is thus highly competitive. Any visually perceivable features or advantages that a potential customer may see presented at the point of sale would be advantageous to selling such a product. Any improvements in a user's actual use of and experience with a product would drive repeat sales and be well received by the industry. Moreover, any cost savings in manufacturing such dispensers would drive lower price to the consumer and/or better margins to the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers and would be well received by these groups.

SUMMARY

A dispenser of material for the lips comprises a casing, a manually operable dispense mechanism attached to the casing, lip material in the casing and a cap to cover the lip material. The casing having an upper dispense end, a lower end, and defining a casing cavity. The dispense mechanism comprising an actuator having an actuating dial and a spindle extending therefrom. The spindle having a threaded portion that engages the nut portion of an elevator, the elevator slidingly engaged with the casing in the cavity and having a stick of the lip material thereon. The actuating dial retained at the lower end of the casing by way of circularly spaced cantilevered fingers extending from the lower end of the casing inwardly and upwardly to engage a retention flange on the spindle. The spindle further having a plurality of nubs or ribs circumferentially spaced about the spindle below the flange, the nubs or ribs interfacing with the plurality of fingers causing deflection and/or compression and releasing of the cantilevered fingers upon rotation of the dial thereby providing a tactile clicking and/or a variable rotation resistance of the dial.

In embodiments, the dispenser having an ergonomic shape, with an enlarged dispense end, a narrowed lower waist region and the dial diameter exceeding the diameter of the narrowed lower waist region and being less that the diameter of the enlarged dispense end. The casing having an inner wall which may be formed of a light transmissive polymer and an exterior layer of an opaque high friction gripping surface. The casing exterior surface may include the gripping surface and a surface of a radial projection portion from the inner wall such that the light transmissive portion extends from the cavity to the casing exterior surface and is exteriorly exposed.

During assembly, the spindle portion of the actuator be inserted into a downward open end of the casing opposite the dispense end, with a conical surface of the retention flange deflecting radially outward the cantilevered fingers allowing the flange to pass by ends of the fingers, the fingers snapping back into a retaining position below the flange after the flange passes by. The fingers interfacing with circumferentially spaced nubs or ribs on the spindle of the actuator such that rotation of the actuator by way of the dial causes deflection and snapping of the fingers caused by the interfacing of the fingers with the nubs or ribs thereby providing a tactile sensation and/or audibly detectable signal, and/or a variable resistance to rotation.

Such applicators are configured as user operable dispensers where sticks of the material for the lips is dispensed by the user holding a casing with one hand, removing a cap from an upper dispense end of the casing, and selectively rotating a dial on a lower end of the casing to cause the stick of material for the lips to be extended from the upper end a convenient amount for application to the user's lips. After the material is applied, the unused material may be moved to a lower position in the dispenser by rotating the dial in an opposite direction and the cap may be placed back on the dispense end of the casing.

A certain amount of resistance in a mechanism in the applicator used to raise and lower the material may reduce the likelihood that the material moves when it is not being used. A certain amount of resistance in the mechanism used to raise and lower the material may also provide tactile feedback to the user. A feature and advantage is that the tactile feedback, for example a certain number of clicks, can indicate to a user that a stick of material has been dispensed sufficiently out of the casing for easy application to the lips. Certain users may choose a particular product based on the tactile feel provided by the applicator. Accordingly, a material applicator that provides tactile feedback as the base is rotated and reduces the likelihood that unintentional material movement will occur would be welcomed by the industry.

A feature and benefit of embodiments is an arrangement for material applicators in which the number of components that are assembled is minimized, the assembly is simple, the steps for assembly are minimized, and the assembly is very conducive to robotic assembly.

In embodiments, the material applicators include a plurality of cantilevered arms and a casing that are unitarily formed from a single piece of thermoplastic material.

A feature and benefit of embodiments is an arrangement for material applicators in which the individual components of the material applicators can be assembled to each other using snap-fit and/or screw thread arrangements without the use of fasteners, tools, adhesives, or weld joints.

A feature and benefit of embodiments is a material applicator including a spindle and a casing that are assembled together using a snap-fit arrangement. In embodiments, the casing includes a plurality of cantilevered fingers and the spindle includes a conical ramping portion that deflects the cantilevered arms during assembly.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a flared casing with a flush cap thereon providing an enlarged upper end of the dispenser, and a diametrically smaller actuator dial. Such is visually suggestive to a consumer of a dispenser with a greater lip balm capacity and therefore suggestive of greater value. Moreover, the diametrically enlarged size of the upper end of the casing provides ergonomically friendly grasping of the casing between the user's forefinger and thumb of one hand and delicately manipulating the diametrically reduced size dial with the forefinger and thumb of the user's other hand. The dial being sized closer to the dial size of the conventional cylindrical lip balm dispenser of 0.60 to 0.63 inches in diameter of which consumers are typically accustomed.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is an actuator portion that extends radially beyond a casing so that the actuator portion is easily engaged with the finger tips of a user.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is an arrangement that provides a tactile feeling of continuous resistance rather than discrete clicks. In embodiments, the arrangement provides the tactile feeling of continuous resistance when the spindle is rotated in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In embodiments, the resistance to clockwise rotation is substantially equal to the resistance to counterclockwise rotation.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a textured elastomeric surface for gripping the container.

A material applicator in accordance with an example embodiment comprises a casing having a casing wall with an open upper end and a cylindrically shaped actuating dial portion positioned below the casing. In embodiments, the actuating dial portion has an outer diameter equal to or greater than a diameter of the casing. In embodiments, an elevator is slidingly disposed inside a cavity defined by the casing wall and the material to be dispensed is located in the cavity above the elevator. In embodiments, the material applicator includes an elevator mechanism comprising a threaded drive spindle threadingly engaging a thread engaging portion of the elevator. In embodiments, the threaded drive spindle is fixed to the actuating dial portion whereby rotating the actuating dial portion in a first direction raises the elevator and rotating the actuating dial portion in a second direction lowers the elevator. In embodiments, the material applicator includes a resistance mechanism providing resistance to rotation of the threaded drive spindle. In embodiments, the resistance mechanism comprises a plurality of cantilevered fingers supported by the casing and a plurality of ribs supported by the threaded drive spindle. In embodiments, each rib extends radially outward beyond a outer surface of the threaded drive spindle and each rib extends upward and downward along the outer surface. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger has a distal portion selectively contacting the outer surface and each cantilevered finger is subjected to cantilevered bending so the distal portion of each cantilevered finger is biased toward the outer surface. In embodiments, a cam action of each rib causes additional cantilevered bending in the cantilevered fingers whereby resistance to rotation is produced as the cam action of the ribs causes the cantilevered fingers to flex. In embodiments, the casing has a lower end, an upper end, and a casing wall extending upward from the lower end to the upper end. In embodiments, the casing wall defines a cavity extending along a central axis, the casing wall extending in an arcuate path around the central axis and the cavity. In embodiments, the casing wall supports a plurality of cantilevered fingers proximate the lower end, each cantilevered finger extending away from the casing wall toward the central axis and each cantilevered finger extending upward away from the lower end of the casing wall.

A material applicator in accordance with an example embodiment comprises a casing having a lower end, an upper end, and a casing wall extending upward from the lower end to the upper end. In embodiments, the casing wall defines a cavity extending along a central axis and the casing wall extends in an arcuate path around the central axis and the cavity. In embodiments, the lower end of the casing wall supports a plurality of cantilevered fingers. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger extends away from the casing wall toward the central axis. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger extends upward away from the lower end of the casing wall. The material applicator may also include an elevator that is slidingly disposed inside the cavity defined by the casing wall. The material may be located in the cavity above the elevator. The material applicator may include an dispense mechanism that selectively moves the elevator upward and downward along the central axis. In embodiments, the dispense mechanism comprises the elevator and a spindle having a thread. In embodiments, the thread engages the elevator. The spindle extends upward into the cavity from a base portion in embodiments. Rotation of the base portion may cause the elevator to move upward or downward along the thread of the spindle within the cavity causing the material to move upward or downward relative to the casing. In embodiments, the material applicator includes a resistance mechanism providing resistance to rotation of the spindle. In embodiments, the resistance mechanism comprises the cantilevered fingers supported by the casing and a plurality of ribs supported by the spindle. In embodiments, each rib extends radially outward beyond a outer surface of the spindle. In embodiments, each rib extends upward and downward along the outer surface. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger has a distal portion selectively contacting the outer surface of the spindle. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger is subjected to cantilevered bending so the distal portion of each cantilevered finger is biased toward the outer surface. During rotation of the base portion, a cam action of each rib may cause additional cantilevered bending in the cantilevered fingers whereby resistance to rotation is produced as the cam action of the ribs causes the cantilevered fingers to flex.

A material applicator in accordance with an example embodiment comprises a actuator having a base portion, a threaded shaft portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the base portion and the shaft portion. In embodiments, the base portion has a disk or cylindrical base shape with a base diameter and a base height, the base diameter being greater than the base height. In embodiments, the shaft portion defines an inner shaft portion cylinder and an outer shaft portion cylinder and the shaft portion includes a male thread following a helical path between the inner shaft portion cylinder and the outer shaft portion cylinder. In embodiments, the shaft portion has a shaft portion height and a shaft portion outer diameter, the shaft portion height being greater than the shaft portion outer diameter. In embodiments, the intermediate portion has a lower portion, an upper portion and a camming portion disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion. In embodiments, the lower portion has four flanges, the four flanges being arranged so that the lower portion has a cross shape when viewed as a cross-section with the cross-sectional plane being orthogonal to the central axis. In embodiments, the upper portion defines a cone. In embodiments, the camming portion defines an inner cam cylinder and an outer cam cylinder. In embodiments, the camming portion includes a plurality of ribs, each rib being located between the inner cam cylinder and the outer cam cylinder and each rib having a longest dimension extending upward and downward. The material applicator may also include a casing having a lower end, an upper end, and a casing wall extending upward from the lower end to the upper end. In embodiments, the casing wall defines a cavity extending along a central axis and the casing wall extends in an arcuate path around the central axis and the cavity. In embodiments, the lower end of the casing wall supports a plurality of cantilevered fingers. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger extends away from the casing wall toward the central axis. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger extends upward away from the lower end of the casing wall. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger has a distal portion selectively contacting a outer surface of the camming portion of the spindle of the actuator. In embodiments, the outer surface of the camming portion defines the inner cam cylinder. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger is subjected to cantilevered bending so the distal portion of each cantilevered finger is biased toward the outer surface. During rotation of the actuator, a cam action of each rib may cause additional cantilevered bending in the cantilevered fingers, whereby resistance to rotation is produced as the cam action of the ribs causes the cantilevered fingers to flex.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a lip balm dispenser with a volumetric balm capacity of about 0.250 cubic inches to about 0.40 cubic inches. In embodiments, the total volumetric capacity of lip balm is about 0.28 to 0.32 cubic inches. In embodiments the total dispenser height is about 1.50 inches to 1.90 inches and has a maximum casing diameter of about 0.80 to 1.00 inches with a minimum casing diameter below the maximum casing diameter of 80 to 90% of the maximum diameter of the casing. The ring has an outside dial diameter of 1 to 5% less than the minimum casing diameter. The casing below the minimum casing diameter having a casing diameter 1 to 5% greater than the minimum casing diameter. In embodiments the total dispenser height with the lid is about 1.65 to 1.85 inches. In embodiments the total dispenser height with lid is 1.75 inches to 1.80 inches.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a stick dispenser with a casing having an exterior surface that comprises a textured opaque elastomeric material and also has at the casing exterior surface indicia formed of a light transmissive portion.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a stick dispenser with a casing having an exterior surface that comprises a textured opaque elastomeric material and also has at the casing exterior surface a light transmissive region. In embodiments the light transmissive region having a border that is entirely within and surrounded by the opaque elastomeric material.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a stick dispenser with a casing having an exterior layer that comprises opaque polymeric material and also has at the casing exterior surface a portion of an inner casing wall that projects radially outward through openings in the opaque polymeric material and is exposed at the casing exterior surface. The inner casing wall of a polymeric material different than the polymeric material of the exterior layer. In embodiments, the inner layer formed of a light transmissive material. In embodiments the inner layer is formed of polypropylene. In embodiments the inner layer is formed of polycarbonate. In embodiments the portion of the inner casing wall that projects radially outward is configured as indicia. In embodiments the indicia comprises alphabet letters. In embodiments the portion of the inner casing wall that projects radially outward is configured as a window for providing information on the amount of material available to be dispensed in the dispenser. In embodiments the portion of the inner casing wall that projects radially outward is configured as a window for providing information on the position of the elevator in the dispenser.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a dispenser with a casing having an exterior surface that comprises a textured elastomeric material and a light transmissive portion that provides an amount of balm in the dispenser indication.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view showing a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing a material applicator with a removed cap according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view further illustrating the material applicator shown in FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is an additional perspective view further illustrating material applicator shown in FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2C is a cross-section view showing a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a cross-section view showing a casing of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a top perspective view showing a casing of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3C is a bottom perspective view showing a casing of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3D is a top plan view showing a casing of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3E is a bottom perspective view showing a portion of a casing of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view showing a component of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view showing a component of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view showing an elevator of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a top perspective view showing an elevator of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5C is a side view showing an elevator of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5D is a top plan view showing an elevator of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5E is a bottom plan view showing an elevator of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a side view showing a component of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing a component of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6C is a side view showing a component of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional top plan view of a component of a material applicator along line B-B of FIG. 6B according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional top plan view of a component of a material applicator along line C-CB of FIG. 6B according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6F-6G are cross-sectional perspective views of a component of a material applicator along line B-B of FIG. 6B according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A is a top perspective view showing a component of a material applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional top perspective view of a component of a material applicator along line D-D of FIG. 2C according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is an exploded cross sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 8C.

FIG. 9A is an exploded view of the material applicator of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9B is an exploded view, opposite from that of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the elevator and actuator of the material applicator of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the elevator and actuator of FIG. 10A assembled.

FIG. 11A is an elevational view of an embodiment.

FIG. 11B is an elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 11A with the cap removed.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 12A with the cap removed.

FIG. 13A is another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 13A with the cap removed.

FIG. 14A is an elevational view of an embodiment.

FIG. 14B is an elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 14A with the cap removed.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15B is the embodiment of FIG. 15A with the cap removed.

FIG. 16A is another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14A with the cap removed.

FIG. 17A is an elevational view of an embodiment.

FIG. 17B is the embodiment of FIG. 17A with the cap removed.

FIG. 18A is an elevational view of another embodiment.

FIG. 18B is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 18A empty.

FIG. 18C is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 18A showing the material level through the window.

While embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A-2C, a material applicator 100 may be provided for holding and dispensing or applying a material 102 to a target location. In embodiments, the material 102 may comprise a lip balm that is applied to the lips of a user. In embodiments, the material applicator 100 comprises a casing 104, a lid, cap or cover 112 and a dispense mechanism 106. When the material applicator 100 is filled with the material 102, the dispense mechanism 106 may selectively move the material 102 upward and downward along a central axis 110 by rotating an actuating dial portion 128 of the dispense mechanism 106. FIG. 1C shows an embodiment of the material applicator 100 with the lid 112 removed and the material 102 exposed. In embodiments, the lid 112 may be secured to the casing 104 via mating threading 113 of the lid 112 and the casing.

FIGS. 2A-2B show exploded views of a material applicator 100. In embodiments, the casing 104 may comprise a base portion 121 at a lower end 120, a neck portion 123 and an opening or mouth 125 at an upper end 122 and a casing wall 124 therebetween. The neck portion 123 may comprise mating threading to engage the mating threading 113 of the cap 113. In embodiments, the dispense mechanism 106 may comprise an elevator 108 and a actuator 136, which may comprise a spindle 114 having a thread 116 and an actuating dial portion or rotary wheel 128. In embodiments, the thread 116 of the spindle 114 engages a thread engaging portion 115 of the elevator 108 so that the elevator 108 moves upward or downward along the thread 116 of the spindle 114, causing the material 102 to move upward or downward relative to the casing 104.

Referring to FIG. 2C, a cross-section view of a material applicator 100 in accordance with an example embodiment is shown. The material applicator 100 may have a cap 112 engaged with a neck portion 123 of casing 104 via mating threading 113. The casing 104 may comprise a base portion 121 at a lower end 120, the neck portion 123 and an opening or mouth 125 at an upper end 122 and a casing wall 124 there between. The case wall 124 may comprise an inner surface 224 and an outer surface 324 and define a cavity 111. A dispense or elevating mechanism 106 may be inserted through the base portion 121 and into the cavity 11. The dispense mechanism 106 may comprise a thread engaging portion 115 of an elevator 108 engaged with thread 116 of a spindle 114 of an actuator 136. In embodiments, the elevator 108 may be slidingly disposed inside the cavity 111 and the material 102 may be dispensed and held in an interface portion 119 of the elevator 108 and the cavity 111 above the elevator 108. The elevator 108 of the dispense mechanism 106 is shown in a lowered position.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate embodiments of the casing 104. In embodiments, the casing wall 124 may extend in an arcuate path around the central axis 110 and the cavity 111. In embodiments, the casing wall 124 may include inner wall ribs 109 and base ribs 118, both extending inwardly from the inner surface 224 of the casing wall 124. In embodiments, the inner wall ribs 109 may be elongated, extending axially on the inner surface 224 of the case wall 124. The inner wall ribs 109 may be symmetrically disposed around the axis 110. In embodiments, the base ribs 109 may extend axially from the base portion 121 of the casing 104 and radially inward from the inner surface 224 of the case wall 124. The inner wall ribs 109 may be symmetrically disposed around the axis 110. In embodiments, the casing 104 may comprise four base ribs 118.

In embodiments, the casing 104 may comprise a plurality of cantilevered fingers 126 extending from and supported by the base portion 121 of the casing 104. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger 126 has a distal portion 127 and a base portion 131 fixed to or unitary with the base portion 121 of the casing 104. Each cantilevered finger 126 may extend inwardly and upwardly away from the base portion 121 and lower end 120 of the casing wall 124 toward the central axis 110.

Each distal portions 127 may include a seating portion 129. In embodiments, the seating portion 129 may comprise a concave portion or channel on an inner side of the distal portion 127 of a cantilevered finger 126.

In embodiments, each cantilevered finger 126 may be narrowing in width, as circumferentially measured around the axis 110, from its base portion 131 to its distal portion 127. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger 126 may have an upward bend portion 226. In embodiments, the upward bend portion 226 may be circumferentially formed in the cantilevered finger 126. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger 126 may have two or two or more bend portions 226.

In embodiments, the cantilevered fingers 126 may be spaced from one another and/or may be symmetrically disposed around the axis 110. Each cantilevered finger 126 may be radially aligned with a base rib 118. In embodiments, the casing 104 may comprises four cantilevered fingers 126.

In embodiments, the casing 104, including features addressed above and as shown in the figures, may be one unitary piece. For example, the casing 104 may be a molded unitary piece of polymeric material.

In embodiments, a material applicator may further include an overmold portion or layer 107 on the outer surface 324 of the case wall 124. For example, the overmold layer 107 may be a coating or layer of material, such as a polymeric, thermoplastic material, using conventional overlaying or overmolding techniques, or a layer formed by conventional extrusion coating. In embodiments, the overmold layer 107 may provide a soft, resilient feel to the user. In embodiments, the overmold layer 107 may be positioned in a circumferential channel 207 formed by the outer surface 324 of the casing 104.

FIGS. 3B-3D show perspective views of a casing 104 in accordance with embodiments. FIG. 3E shows a blow up bottom perspective view of a portion of a base portion 121 of a casing 104, showing two cantilevered fingers 126.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, an dispense mechanism 106 of a material applicator 100 may, in some embodiments, comprise an elevator 108 rotatably engaged with a actuator 136. The actuator 136 may comprise a spindle portion 114 fixed to an actuating dial portion 128. The spindle portion 114 may include a thread 116 that may threadingly engage a thread engaging portion 115 of the elevator 108. In embodiments, the threaded spindle 114 is fixed to the actuating dial portion 128, whereby rotating the actuating dial portion 128 in a first direction raises or drives the elevator 108 upward away from the actuating dial portion 128 and rotating the actuating dial portion 128 in a second direction lowers or drives the elevator 108 downward toward the actuating dial portion 128. In embodiments, the spindle portion 114 may be unitary with the actuating dial portion 128 and may be molded from a thermoplastic material.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-4E, an elevator 108 of a material applicator 100 may, in some embodiments, comprise an upper end 208, a lower end 308, an interface portion 119 and an axially aligned central opening 143 and thread engaging portion 115 for receiving a spindle 114 of a actuator 136. In embodiments, the interface portion 119 may comprise an inner wall surface 219 and an outer wall surface 319. The inner wall surface 219 may comprise a thread 141 for engaging filled material 102 and the outer wall surface 319 may include axially oriented ribs 135. In embodiments, a lower portion 419 of the outer wall surface 319 may be downwardly oriented and angled upward toward the central axis 110. In embodiments, the elevator 108 may include a flared rim 133 at the upper end 208 and a base portion 137 at the lower end 308. The base portion 137 may comprise a circumferential ring extending downward from the interface portion 119.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6F, a actuator 136 of a material applicator 100 may, in some embodiments, have a base portion or actuating dial portion 128 fixed to a spindle or spindle portion 114. The spindle 114 may comprise a shaft portion 138 and an intermediate portion 140 disposed between the base portion 128 and the shaft portion 138. In embodiments, the base portion 128 may have a cylindrical base shape with a base diameter 142 and a base height 144, the base diameter 142 being greater than the base height 144. In embodiments, the shaft portion 138 defines an inner shaft portion cylinder 146 and includes a male thread 116 following a helical path along an axis 110.

In embodiments, the intermediate portion 140 may include a lower support portion 154, an upper conical or tapered portion 156 and a camming portion 158 disposed between the lower support portion 154 and the upper tapered portion 156. In embodiments, the lower support portion 154 may include a plurality of support gussets or legs 160 extending downward to a top portion of the base portion 128. In some embodiments, the lower support portion 154 includes four gussets 160. The gussets 160 may be flared or angled outwardly from a common central position and may be arranged so that the lower support portion 154 has a cross shape when viewed as a cross-section with the cross-sectional plane being orthogonal to the central axis 110.

In embodiments, the upper tapered portion 156 may have a truncated conical shape with an conical outer surface 157 and a flange portion 256 with a rearward or downwardly facing surface 258 that may be perpendicular to the axis diameter at its lower base. In some embodiments, the angled circumferential outer surface 157 may receive and mate with a lower portion 419 of the outer wall surface 319 of an elevator 108.

In embodiments, the camming portion 158 defines an inner cam cylinder 162 having an outer outer surface 134. In embodiments, the camming portion 158 includes a plurality of ribs 132, each rib 132 running axially on and extending radially from the outer outer surface 134. In embodiments, the ribs 132 of the camming portion 158 may be elongated, having a greater axial length than its circumferential width on the outer surface 134. In embodiments, the inner cam cylinder may be cylindrical with the ribs 132 are circumferentially spaced by outer outer surface 134 portions.

In some embodiments, the actuator 136 may be a unitary piece and may be a molded polymeric unitary piece.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, in assembly of a material applicator 100 according to embodiments, a actuator 136 of a material applicator 100 may be inserted into a casing 104 at its base portion 121 through an opening between distal portions 127 of cantilevered fingers 126 of the casing 104, into the cavity 111 of the casing 104. The base portion or actuating dial portion 128 of the actuator 136 is pushed against the base portion 121 of the casing 104. In embodiments, the base portion 128 of the actuator 136 may have the same approximate diameter as the base portion 121 of the casing 104.

FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional top perspective view cut along line D-D in FIG. 2C showing a actuator 136 inserted into a casing 104. In embodiments, the distal portions 127 of the cantilevered fingers 126 of the casing 104 are urged against the camming portion 158 of the actuator 136 and the ribs 132 of the camming portion 158 may be seated in the seating portions 129 of the distal portions 127 of the cantilevered fingers 126. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger 126 is subjected to cantilevered bending so the distal portion of each cantilevered finger 126 is biased toward the outer surface 162. During rotation of the actuator 136, a cam action of each camming portion rib 132 may cause additional cantilevered bending in the cantilevered fingers 126, whereby a continued resistance to rotation is produced as the cam action of the ribs 132 causes the cantilevered fingers 126 to flex.

In embodiments, the material applicator 100 includes a resistance mechanism 130 providing resistance to rotation of the threaded drive spindle 114. In embodiments, the resistance mechanism 130 comprises a plurality of cantilevered fingers 126 supported by the casing 104 and a plurality of ribs 132 supported by the threaded drive spindle 114. In embodiments, each rib 132 extends radially outward beyond a outer surface 134 of the threaded drive spindle 114 and each rib extends upward and downward along the outer surface 134. In embodiments, each cantilevered finger 126 has a distal portion 127 selectively contacting the outer surface 134 and each cantilevered finger 126 is subjected to cantilevered bending so the distal portion of each cantilevered finger 126 is biased toward the outer surface 134. In embodiments, a cam action of each rib 132 causes additional cantilevered bending in the cantilevered fingers 126, whereby resistance to rotation is produced as the cam action of the ribs 132 causes the cantilevered fingers 126 to flex. In embodiments, during rotation of the spindle 114, the ribs 132 slip in and out of seating portions 129 in the distal portions 127 of the cantilevered fingers 126, providing a stepped, tactile feedback to the user.

After the actuator 136 is inserted and seated, an elevator 108 may be lowered onto the spindle 114 to a lower position within the cavity 111 of the casing 104. The cavity may be filled with material 102 and the cap 112 may be secured to the upper end 122 of the casing 104.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-10B, a material applicator 100′ may be provided for holding and dispensing or applying a material 102′ to a target location. In embodiments, the material 102′ may comprise a lip balm that is applied to the lips of a user. In embodiments, the material applicator 100′ comprises a casing 104′, a lid, cap or cover 112′ and a dispense mechanism 106′. When the material applicator 100′ is filled with the material 102′, the dispense mechanism 106′ may selectively move the material 102′ upward and downward along a central axis 110′ by rotating an actuating dial portion 128′ of the dispense mechanism 106′. FIG. 11B shows an embodiment of the material applicator 100′ with the lid 112′ removed and the material 102′ exposed. In embodiments, the lid 112′ may be secured to the casing 104′ via mating threading 113′ of the lid 112′ and the casing. The inner casing wall 124′ may be molded with projecting portions 180′ configured as indicia. The indicia projecting a distance equal to the thickness of a gripping layer 182′ to be overmolded thereon resulting in the radial outer surfaces 184′ being flush with the outer surface 186′ of the gripping layer. The polymer of the inner casing wall may be light transmissive, that is, for example, transparent, or translucent. Polymers such as polypropylene and polycarbonate, amongst others, provide such a characteristic. This allows light to be transmitted from the casing to the exterior providing an aesthetically desirable appearance. Light can enter the inner casing wall through the lower end of the dispenser.

FIGS. 9A-9B show exploded views of the material applicator 100′. In embodiments, the casing 104′ may comprise a base portion 121′ at a lower end 120′, a neck portion 123′ and an opening or mouth 125′ at an upper end 122′ and a casing wall 124′ therebetween. The neck portion 123′ may comprise mating threading to engage the mating threading 113′ of the cap 113′. In embodiments, the dispense mechanism 106′ may comprise an elevator 108′ and a actuator 136′, which may comprise a spindle 114′ having a thread 116′ and an actuating dial portion or rotary wheel 128′. In embodiments, the thread 116′ of the spindle 114′ engages a thread engaging portion 115′ of the elevator 108′ so that the elevator 108′ moves upward or downward along the thread 116′ of the spindle 114′, causing the material 102′ to move upward or downward relative to the casing 104′.

Referring to FIGS. 8C and 8D, a cross-section view of a material applicator 100′ in accordance with an example embodiment is shown. The material applicator 100′ may have a cap 112 engaged with a neck portion 123′ of casing 104′ via mating threading 113′. The casing 104′ may comprise a base portion 121′ at a lower end 120′, the neck portion 123′ and an opening or mouth 125′ at an upper end 122′ and a casing wall 124′ there between. The case wall 124′ may comprise an inner surface 224′ and an outer surface 324′ and define a cavity 111′. A dispense or elevating mechanism 106′ may be inserted through the base portion 121′ and into the cavity 11′. The dispense mechanism 106′ may comprise a thread engaging portion 115′ of an elevator 108′ engaged with thread 116′ of a spindle 114′ of an actuator 136′. In embodiments, the elevator 108′ may be slidingly disposed inside the cavity 111′ and the material 102′ may be dispensed and held in an interface portion 119′ of the elevator 108′ and the cavity 111′ above the elevator 108′.

FIGS. 11A-16B illustrate various designs of dispensers 200 with the caps 202 on and off and with indicia 210 exposed through outer gripping surfaces 212.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate dispensers 220 with a cylindrical casings 222 in accord with embodiments and indicia 224 formed by projecting portions from an inner casing wall, not shown in these views.

Referring FIGS. 17A-18C, a dispenser 230 has a cylindrical casing 232 with an inner casing wall 236 defining a cavity 237, an exterior layer 238, such as a gripping layer of thermoplastic elastomer overmolded on the inner casing wall, an actuator 244 with a dial 246 and a spindle 248 having a retention flange 250. Fingers 256 extend from the lower margin 258 of the inner casing wall 236 to capture the actuator 244 by engaging the lower side 260 and lower surface 262 of the retention flange 250. Projections 266 of the inner casing wall extend through the exterior layer providing windows 268 on the exterior surface 270 when the polymer of the inner casing wall is light transmissive. Such windows allow the user to view the material to be dispensed in the cavity such as illustrated in FIG. 18A, a clear indication of the amount of material in the cavity may be displayed, that is the material 271 is visible. In other embodiments, the elevator or markings on the elevator may be viewed to provide the user with information regarding the quantity of material in the respective dispenser.

Referring to the figures, an upward direction Z and a downward or lower direction −Z are illustrated using arrows labeled “Z” and “−Z,” respectively. A forward direction Y and a rearward direction −Y are illustrated using arrows labeled “Y” and “−Y,” respectively. A starboard direction X and a port direction −X are illustrated using arrows labeled “X” and “−X,” respectively. The directions illustrated using these arrows are applicable to the apparatus shown and discussed throughout this application. The upward direction is generally the dispense end and opposite the downward direction. Various direction-indicating terms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that many direction indicating terms are related to the instant orientation of the object being described. It will also be appreciated that the objects described herein may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, direction-indicating terms such as “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “forwardly,” “backwardly,” should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims.

The term “portion” when used herein can mean all or part of a component, or an assembly. It may mean less than all of a unitary component, or all of a unitary component, or all of a component of an assembly of a plurality of components.

The following United States patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,795,205, 9,795,205, 9,585,460, 9,554,636, 9,554,636, 9,433,275, 9,433,275, 9,346,597, 9,339,097, 9,339,097, 9,327,891, 9,265,327, 9,265,327, 9,027,786, 8,899,860, 8,899,860, 8,708,146, 8,511,922, 8,407,879, 7,726,480, 7,621,405, 7,354,215, 7,354,215, 6,838,032, 6,736,267, 6,723,269, 6,688,793, 6,598,767, 6,598,767, 6,572,300, 6,572,300, 6,450,716, 6,419,412, 6,419,412, 6,398,439, 6,364,115, 6,305,385, 6,299,369, 6,299,369, 6,269,982, 6,050,415, 5,899,333, 4,958,731 and 4,784,268; and U.S. Pat. Publication Nos. US20180086542, US20180086542, US20180086541, US20180086541, US20180207413, US20160174686 and US20160174685. The above references to U.S. patents in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. Components illustrated in such patents may be utilized with embodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, for example, in MPEP section 2163.07(B).

The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the references incorporated by reference, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes.

Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above described aspects embodiments of the invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A dispenser of material for application to lips, the dispenser comprising: a casing having a lower end and an upper end, the casing having a casing wall defining a cavity with an axis;an elevator slidingly engaged with the casing wall in the cavity, a stick of material for application to lips being disposed on the elevator and in the cavity;an actuator rotatably secured to the casing, the actuator having a dial positioned at the lower end of the casing and a spindle extending upwardly in the casing from the dial, the spindle having a lower portion attached to the dial, an intermediate portion including a retention flange, and a distal portion, the distal portion having a screw thread and being engaged with the elevator, whereby rotation of the dial moves the elevator axially;a resistance mechanism providing resistance to rotation of the spindle, the resistance mechanism comprising a plurality of cantilevered fingers extending from the lower end of the casing and a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs on an intermediate portion of the spindle, each cantilevered finger having a distal portion interfacing with the intermediate portion of the actuator below the flange whereby when the actuator is rotated there is intermittent engagement of the distal portions of each cantilevered finger with each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs providing tactile feedback.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cantilevered fingers are engaging a lower side of the retention flange thereby capturing the actuator within the casing.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a cap and wherein the upper end of the casing has a neck for receiving a cap, the neck recessed radially inward, whereby when the cap is on the neck, the casing has an exteriorly exposed gripping surface below the cap.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the casing at the exteriorly exposed gripping surface has a maximum outer diameter portion adjacent the cap, and tapers to a minimal outer diameter proximate the dial.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the casing wall is an inner casing wall and a layer of a thermoplastic elastomer wraps around the inner wall providing a gripping surface, and wherein the inner casing wall has a radial projecting portion that extends through the layer of thermoplastic elastomer and outwardly exposed on the casing.

6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the inner casing wall is formed of a light transmissive polymer and the radial projecting portion is unitary with the inner casing wall and is formed of the same material.

7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the radial projection portion provides a viewing window into the casing allowing a user to see an amount of lip balm remaining in the dispenser.

8. A dispenser of material for application to lips, the dispenser comprising: a casing having a lower end and an upper end, the casing having a casing wall defining an a cavity with an axis;an elevator slidingly engaged with the casing wall in the cavity, a stick of material for application to lips being disposed on the elevator and in the cavity;an actuator rotatably secured to the casing, the actuator having a screw portion threadably engaged with the elevator and a dial positioned at the lower end of the casing, whereby rotation of the dial moves the elevator axially;wherein the casing wall is an inner casing wall and an outer overmolded wall portion extends therearound, the inner casing wall comprising a first thermoplastic material of a light transmissive polymer and the outer overmolded portion comprising a second thermoplastic material different from the first thermoplastic material, the inner wall including an indicia portion projecting radially outward through the outer overmolded wall portion whereby indicia is outwardly exposed on the casing.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the inner casing wall is formed of a light transmissive polymer and the radial projection portion is unitary with the inner casing wall and is formed of the light transmissive polymer.

10. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the casing at the exteriorly exposed gripping surface has a maximum outer diameter portion adjacent the cap, and tapers to a minimal outer diameter proximate the dial.

11. A dispenser of material for application to lips, the dispenser comprising: a casing having a lower end and an upper end, the casing having an inner casing wall defining a cavity with an axis;a stick of material for application to lips being disposed in the cavity;an actuator rotatably secured to the casing, the actuator having a screw portion extending upwardly into the casing cavity and into the stick of material and a dial positioned at the lower end of the casing;wherein the casing has an outer overmolded wall portion extends therearound, the inner casing wall comprising a first thermoplastic material and the outer overmolded portion comprising a second thermoplastic material different from the first thermoplastic material, the inner wall including a portion projecting radially outward through the outer overmolded wall portion whereby the portion is outwardly exposed on the casing.

12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the inner casing wall is formed of a light transmissive polymer.

13. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein a plurality of fingers extend inwardly and upwardly from a lower margin of the inner casing wall, the fingers unitary with the inner casing wall, the plurality of fingers engaging a rearward side of a retention flange on the actuator.

14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the actuator has a plurality of axially extending ribs positioned around the actuator below the retention flange, whereby when the actuator is rotated, the plurality of fingers engage and disengage the plurality of ribs providing tactile feedback.

15. The dispenser of claim 12, further comprising: an actuator rotatably secured to the casing, the actuator having a spindle with a threaded portion extending upwardly into the casing cavity and a dial connecting to a lower end of the spindle and positioned at the lower end of the casing;a plurality of cantilevered fingers extending axially upward and radially inward from the lower end of the casing and engaging a plurality of ribs or nubs on the spindle below a flange on the spindle for retaining the actuator within the casing and for providing tactile feedback when the actuator is rotated.

16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of the fingers extend upwardly at an angle from an axis of the casing of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, the angle facing downwardly.

17. The material applicator of claim 15, wherein the first thermoplastic material being more rigid than the second thermoplastic material.

18. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the casing has an outer overmolded wall portion extending around the inner casing wall, the inner casing wall comprising a first thermoplastic material and the outer overmolded portion comprising a second thermoplastic material different from the first thermoplastic material, the inner wall including a portion projecting radially outward through the outer overmolded wall portion whereby the portion is outwardly exposed on the casing.

19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein the inner casing wall is formed of a light transmissive polymer and the radial projection portion is unitary with the inner casing wall and is formed of the same material.

20. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein the viewing window allows a user to see the amount of dispensing material remaining in the dispenser.