Dual Cosmetic Dispenser

Abstract

A dual cosmetic dispenser has a hollow body with two axially aligned distinct chambers separated by a dividing member. An end cap is provided for sealingly closing opposite open ends of the chambers. Each of the end caps carries an applicator for dispensing the cosmetic substance from the chambers. The user can load the dispenser chamber with any desired cosmetic substance, be it a perfume, mascara, lip gloss, etc. The dispenser body can have a variety of aesthetically pleasing configurations.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a dual dispenser container for liquid products such as cosmetics.

Liquid cosmetic products are packaged in a variety of containers, differing in size, shape and type of dispensing means. For instance, perfumes can be packaged in glass bottles having an open neck or a spray head at the dispensing end. Lipstick and lip balm are often packaged in a tube that has dialup and dial-down capabilities for extending the lipstick from the interior of the container. Eyelash mascara is packaged in a tube containing small amount of liquid mascara, with the applicator suspended in the container.

Many women carry separately packaged cosmetic products in their handbags. However, at a certain point, the number of cosmetic dispensers becomes too substantial. Besides, if a woman uses a small evening purse, clutch or other small fashion accessory, the number of cosmetic containers has to be limited to a minimum. It would be beneficial to provide a container that can dispense more than one cosmetic product.

One of the known dual dispensers is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,600,936 issued to Landow. The '396 patent discloses a product which can be used to contain two different products—specially products of different types, such as lip balm and a sun-blocking liquid—and to dispense the products in a way appropriate to each. The two-product dispenser has substantially a cylindrical pen-like shape, and adapted to dispense alternative products from either end.

Design patent No. D376910 issued to Tuchman for “Combined cosmetic brush and perfume atomizer” shows an ornamental design for a dual purpose cosmetic accessory, which is formed in a cylindrical form with a brush on one end, and an atomizer—at another.

U.S. application of Breidenbach, application No. 2004/0234321 published on Nov. 25, 2004 discloses a cosmetic package that accommodates two cosmetic materials in a single dual ended container. One of the containers has an applicator that is in the form of a rollerball dispenser. The product that can be dispensed at the first end can be liquids, including fragrance, semi liquids, materials of a pasty consistency and very fine powders. A sleeve is provided with a means for connecting a receptacle containing the rollerball applicator to the sleeve such as for example a threaded connection, a snap on fitting or a friction fit. The other receptacle can be a combination container and applicator for an eye shadow, mascara, a nail polish, a powder etc.

While these dispensers may work in certain situations, there exists a need for a simple-to- use dual dispenser that can accommodate two different cosmetic products and that can be re-filled by the user when desired. The present invention contemplates elimination of problems associated with prior art and provision of a dual dispenser for cosmetic products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a dual cosmetic dispenser that can accommodate two different cosmetic products.

It is another object of the invention to provide a dual cosmetic dispenser that can be filled with the desired cosmetic product when required by the user.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved through a provision of A dual cosmetic dispenser has a hollow body with two axially aligned distinct chambers separated by a dividing member. An end cap is provided for sealingly closing opposite open ends of the chambers. Each of the end caps carries an applicator for dispensing the cosmetic substance from the chambers. The user can load the dispenser chamber with any desired cosmetic substance, be it a perfume, mascara, lip gloss, etc. in the quantity desired by the user. The dispenser body can have a variety of aesthetically pleasing configurations. The dispenser body is streamlines to occupy a small space in a user's purse, clutch or other type of handbags.

In one embodiment of the invention, the dividing member is unitary formed with the end caps, while outer ends of the dispenser body are closed. The outer ends can be also made flat to allow vertical positioning of the dispenser body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic dispenser according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic dispenser according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic dispenser according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic dispenser according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of the cosmetic dispenser according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates application of a lip gloss using the applicator of the cosmetic dispenser according to the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10 designates the dual cosmetic dispenser according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The dispenser 10 comprises an elongate substantially cylindrical hollow dispenser body 12 having a first open end 14 and a second open end 16. The open ends 14 and 16 are defined by circumferential edges of the cylindrical body 12.

The dispenser body 12 is hollow and comprises two separate chambers: the first chamber 18 and the second chamber 20. A dividing plate 22 separates the chambers 18 and 20, while preventing fluid transfer between the chambers 18 and 20. In this manner, two distinct liquids, for instance perfume and lip gloss, can be deposited into the separate chambers and retained therein for ready use. The chambers 18 and 20 are axially aligned such that the exterior of the dispenser body 12 presents a uniform narrow appearance.

A first applicator 30 is suspended within the first chamber 18 from a first end cap 32. The first applicator 30 extends axially within the first chamber 18. The first end cap 32 comprises a substantially cylindrical outer portion 34 and a substantially cylindrical inner portion 36. The inner portion 36 has an outer circumference at least slightly smaller than the diameter of the first open end 14. When positioned in the chamber 18, the inner portion 36 of the first end cap 32 frictionally engages an inner wall 24 of the first chamber 18.

An outwardly extending shoulder 38 is formed between the outer portion 34 and the inner portion 36 of the cap 32. When the cap 32 is fitted in the first end 14 the shoulder 38 contacts the edge of the first end 14 and seals the chamber 18. The snap-on first end cap 32 can be substituted by a threadably engaging cap, if desired.

The first applicator 30 comprises an elongated stem 40, one end of which is fixedly attached to the first end cap 32. A second end of the applicator 40 carries a sponge 42, which can be formed from a variety of materials, for instance open-cell foam. The shape of the sponge 42 can differ; for instance it can be oval, spherical, wed-shaped, and the like.

The second chamber 20 can be filled with a different substance, for instance perfume, mascara, etc. A second applicator 46 is axially suspended in the second chamber 20 from a second end cap 48. The second applicator 46 can be a perfume wand, a mascara applicator, etc.

The second end cap 48 is a minor image of the first end cap 32 and comprises an outer portion 50 and an inner portion 52 having a smaller diameter than the outer portion 50. A circumferential shoulder 54 is formed between the outer portion 50 and the inner portion 52 of the second end cap 48. An exterior diameter of the outer portions of the first end cap and the second end cap is substantially equal to an exterior diameter of the dispenser body 12.

The inner portion 52 of the second end cap 48 has an outer circumference at least slightly smaller than the diameter of the second open end 16. When positioned in the chamber 20, the inner portion 52 of the second end cap 48 frictionally engages an inner wall 56 of the second chamber 20. When frictionally engaged with the second end 16, the second end cap 48 seals the second end 16 and the second chamber 20, preventing escape of liquid from the second chamber 20. If desired, the second end cap may be substituted with a threadably engaging cap, which will threadably engage threaded outer wall of the second end 16.

The applicator 46 is formed as an elongated stem, which can be formed from plastic or any other suitable material. The applicator 46 can be used for applying a small dab of perfume or other liquid scent. Of course, if the applicator 46 is formed as a mascara brush it will have suitable bristles, and the chamber 20 will be filled with liquid mascara.

In operation, the user fills the chambers 18 and 20 with the desired liquid cosmetic material and closes the open ends 14 and 16 using the caps 32 and 48. When required, the user removes either the cap 32 from the dispenser body 12 and applies the cosmetic material stored in the first chamber 18, or, while keeping the first end 14 closed removes the second end cap 48 and applies the cosmetic material stored in the second chamber 20.

Such steps are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows the first cap 32 removed from the dispenser body 12. FIG. 6 illustrates a user 200 holds the first applicator 30 and applies lip gloss while holding the first cap 32 in her hand. After use, the end caps 32 and 48 are returned to the normal position sealingly engaging the ends 14 and 16, respectively. FIG. 5 also illustrates an optional O-ring 58 that can be provided on the inner wall 24 (or 56) to facilitate sealing of the area between the cap and the dispenser wall.

Turning now to the second embodiment of FIG. 2, the dual dispenser is designated by numeral 60. Similarly to the first embodiment, the dispenser 60 comprises a hollow dispenser body 61 having two axially aligned portions 62 and 64 secured end-to-end by a connecting member 65. The exterior of the dispenser body 61 has an arcuate aspect, as can be seen in FIG. 2. A continuous wall defining exterior of the dispenser body 61 presents a smooth appearance of a single unit.

The first portion 62 has an outwardly flaring closed distant end 68 and an open proximate end 70. An outer surface of the first portion 68 is formed by a planar plate 69, allowing the dispenser body 61 to remain upright when positioned to rest on the planar plate 69.

The first portion 62 defines a first chamber 72 suitable for retaining a small quantity of a first cosmetic substance, for instance liquid perfume. Of course, other liquid substances can be deposited into the first chamber 72, when desired.

The second portion 64 of the dispenser body 61 is a minor image of the first portion 62; it has an outwardly closed distant end 74 and an open proximate end 76. The outside surface 75 of the closed end 74 is formed by a planar plate allowing the dispenser body 61 to remain upright is resting on the plate 75. The second portion 64 defines a second chamber 78, which is designed to retain a small quantity of a second cosmetic substance, for instance lip gloss, therein.

A first applicator 80, such as for instance a perfume wand is positioned in the first chamber 72; a second applicator, for instance a lip gloss wand 82, is positioned in the second chamber 78. The first applicator 80 and the second applicator 82 each has its proximate end secured to the connecting member 65.

The connecting member 65 comprises a solid body having a cylindrical center band 84 and a pair of reduced diameter inner portions 85, 86, which define first and second caps and are configured to frictionally fit into respective open ends 70 and 76 of the first portion 62 and the second portion 64, respectively. In this embodiment, the sealing caps are unitary formed with the connecting member and are fitted in the narrowest part of the dispenser body 61.

A shoulder 87 is formed between the band 84 and the first inner part 85; the shoulder 87 rests on the circumferential edge of the first open end 70. A minor image second shoulder 88 is formed between the band 84 and the second inner part 86. The second shoulder 88 rests on the circumferential edge of the second inner part 86. When the inner parts 85 and 86 are engaged with their respective open ends 70 and 76 the dispenser chambers 72 and 78 are sealed.

In operation, the user separates the portions 62 and 64 by pulling apart the first portion 62 or the second portion 64, while retaining the connecting member 65 on one of the open ends, be it the first end 70 or the second end 76. For the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the user wishes to first fill the first chamber 72.

The user then deposits a first cosmetic substance into the first portion chamber 72 and re-engages the connecting member 65 with the first open end 70. The user then pulls the second portion 64 from the connecting member 65 and deposits a different cosmetic substance into the second chamber 78. The user then reconnects the connecting member 65 with the second open end 76.

During use, the user can easily place the dispenser 60 on any horizontal surface and pull away any of the portions. The applicator, whether the perfume wand 80 or the lip gloss wand 82, being secured with the connecting member 65 will be withdrawn from the chamber with a small amount of the cosmetic substance that the user will be able to apply. By re-inserting the applicator and re-engaging the connecting member, the user will be able to seal the first or the second chamber and then repeat the steps, if desired, for removing a small quantity of cosmetic substance from the second chamber.

The third embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the hollow dispenser 90 has an oval-shaped body 91 with two distinct chambers 92 and 94 separated by a divider plate 95. A first portion 96 of the dispenser body 91 has a wider proximate part 96 and a narrower distant open end 97. A second portion 98 has a wider proximate part 99 and a narrower distant open end 100.

A first cap 102 is detachably engaged with the open end 97, while a second cap 104 is detachably engaged with the second open end 100. Each of the caps 102 and 104 has an outwardly flaring exterior terminating in a planar plate 103, 105, respectively, suitable for supporting the dispenser body 91 on a horizontal surface, if desired.

Each of the caps 102, 104 has an inner part, which frictionally engages within a respective open end 97, 99 and snaps into a sealing position within the opening at the end 97, 99, respectively. The cap 102 is shown carrying a lip gloss wand 106 with a lip gloss applicator 108. The cap 104 carries a perfume wand 110, although it will be understood that other types of applicators can be secured to the caps 102, 104 if desired. The operation of the third embodiment of this invention is similar to the operation and use of the first embodiment discussed above with reference to FIG. 1.

Turning now to the embodiment of FIG. 4, it is seen similar in many aspects to the embodiment of FIG. 1, also having a substantially cylindrical exterior and having two separate chambers axially aligned end-to-end. For ease of explanation, the same position numerals are used in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, however, a pocket clip 112 is secured to an exterior of the cap 32 allowing the user to suspend the dispenser body from a pocket, inside a purse, etc. Of course, the pocket clip 112 can be secured on the cap 48, if desired.

The dual cosmetic dispenser of the present invention can be manufactured from a variety of materials capable of retaining the cosmetic substances. The exterior of the dispenser bodies can be decorated with any desired motif, color or texture. The dispenser can be used for carrying complementary products, such as eye shadow and mascara, or unrelated products, such as perfume and lip gloss. When the cosmetic substance in any of the chambers is exhausted, the user can easily replenish the cosmetic substance of her choice and continue using the dispenser in multiple applications.

Many changes and modifications can be made in the design of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. I, therefore, pray that my rights to the present invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dual dispenser for dispensing two different cosmetic substances, the dispenser comprising:

a hollow body divided into two separate axially aligned chambers by a dividing member, said body having a first open end, a second open end, and a narrowest part formed between the first open end and the second open end, each of said chambers receiving a user-refillable pre-determined quantity of a selected cosmetic substance and for retaining the cosmetic substance;

a first cap detachably sealingly engaging the first open end, said first cap carrying a first applicator member for applying a first cosmetic substance; and

a second cap detachably sealingly engaging the second open end, said second cap carrying a second applicator member for applying a second cosmetic substance, the first cap and the second cap being unitary formed with the dividing member and are fitted in the narrowest part of the body.

2. (canceled)

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said first open end and said second open end is defined by an inner part of the body.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, each of the first cap and the second cap comprises an exterior part and a reduced diameter interior part, and wherein the interior part is sized and shaped to frictionally fit into a respective open end and sealingly close a respective chamber.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein a shoulder is formed between the exterior part and the interior part on each of the first cap and the second cap, and wherein the shoulder of the first cap rests on the outer edge of the body defined by the first open end and the shoulder of the second cap rests on the outer edge of the body defined by the second open end.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, said dividing member having an exterior diameter substantially equal to an exterior diameter of the narrowest part of the body.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first applicator member and the second applicator member is fixedly secured to a respective inner part of the first cap and the second cap.

8. (canceled)

9. The apparatus of claim 1, the body having a first outwardly flaring portion and a mirror-image second outwardly flaring portion, and wherein the first outwardly flaring portion has a first closed end opposite the first open end and the second outwardly flaring portion has a second closed end opposite the second open end.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, said first closed end and said second closed end each comprising a planar plate having a substantially flat exterior, said planar plate closing a respective chamber.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. The apparatus of claim 1, said first applicator is a perfume wand.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, said second applicator is a lip gloss wand.

16. A method-of dispensing alternative cosmetic substances from a single container, comprising the steps:

providing a hollow body divided into two separate axially aligned chambers by a dividing member, said body having a first open end, a second open end, and a narrowest part formed between the first open end and the second open end;

providing a first cap carrying a first applicator member for applying a first cosmetic substance;

providing a second cap carrying a second applicator member for applying a second cosmetic substance, the first cap and the second cap being unitary formed with the dividing member and are fitted in the narrowest part of the body;

depositing a user-selected pre-determined quantity of a first cosmetic substance into a first of the two chambers;

positioning the first cap in a sealing engagement with the first open end, while allowing the first applicator to extend inside the first chamber;

depositing a pre-determined quantity of a second cosmetic substance into a second of the two chambers;

positioning the second cap in a sealing engagement with the second open end, while allowing the second applicator to extend inside the second chamber;

removing the first cap from the body, withdrawing the first applicator and applying a desired quantity of the first cosmetic substance; and

replacing the first cap into a sealing engagement with the first open end.

17. The method of claim 16, selectively removing the second cap from the second open end, withdrawing the second applicator and applying a desired quantity of the second cosmetic substance and then replacing the second cap-into a sealing engagement with the second open end.

18. The method of claim 16, comprising a step of replenishing the pre-determined quantity of the first cosmetic substance or the second cosmetic substance when required.

19. (canceled)

20. The method of claim 16, wherein each of said first open end and said second open end is defined by an inner part of the body.

21. The method of claim 20, each of the first cap and the second cap comprises an exterior part and a reduced diameter interior part, and wherein the interior part is sized and shaped to frictionally fit into a respective open end and sealingly close a respective chamber.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein a shoulder is formed between the exterior part and the interior part on each of the first cap and the second cap, and wherein the shoulder of the first cap rests on the outer edge of the body defined by the first open end and the shoulder of the second cap rests on the outer edge of the body defined by the second open end.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first applicator member and the second applicator member is fixedly secured to a respective inner part of the first cap and the second cap.

24. The method of claim 22, the exterior part of each of the first cap and the second cap has an exterior diameter substantially equal to an exterior diameter of the narrowest part of the body.

25. The method of claim 16, the body having a first outwardly flaring portion and a mirror-image second outwardly flaring portion, and wherein the first outwardly flaring portion has a first closed end opposite the first open end and the second outwardly flaring portion has a second closed end opposite the second open end.

26. The method of claim 25, said first closed end and said second closed end each comprising a planar plate having a substantially flat exterior, said planar plate closing a respective chamber.

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. The method of claim 16, said first applicator is a perfume wand.

31. The method of claim 16, said second applicator is a lip gloss wand.

32. A dual dispenser for dispensing two different cosmetic substances, the dispenser comprising:

a hollow body divided into two separate axially aligned mirror-image portions by a dividing member, said body having a first open end and a second open end, each of said chambers receiving a user-refillable pre-determined quantity of a selected cosmetic substance and for retaining the cosmetic substance, each of the portions having an outwardly flaring configuration connected at their respective narrowest parts by the dividing member;

a first cap unitary formed with the dividing member, the first cap detachably sealingly engaging the first open end, said first cap carrying a first applicator member for applying a first cosmetic substance;

a second cap unitary formed with the dividing member opposite the first cap, the second cap detachably sealingly engaging the second open end, said second cap carrying a second applicator member for applying a second cosmetic substance.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein each of the portions has a closed end formed by a planar plate closing a widest part of a respective portion.

34. The apparatus of claim 32, said dividing member having an exterior diameter substantially equal to an exterior diameter of the narrowest part of the body.

35. The apparatus of claim 32, said first cap and said second cap engaging the body in a thread-free frictional engagement.