DISPENSING DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention provides A material dispenser comprising: (a) a container body having an open container body top end and a closed container body bottom end, wherein the container body is capable of storing a volume of material; (b) a sifter body having a sifter body top end and a sifter body bottom end, wherein the sifter body top end spans the open container body top end; (c) a dispenser cover having a bottom inner cover side and a top outer cover side, manually removable relative to the open container body top end and capable of closing the open container body top end; and (d) an applicator assembly having an applicator assembly top end and an applicator assembly bottom end and an applicator means, wherein the applicator assembly top end is connected to the bottom inner cover side of the dispenser cover, and wherein the applicator assembly bottom end is connected to an applicator means capable of extending into the container body through the open container body top end when the dispenser cover is positioned over the open container body top end of the container body.

Description

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/863,745 filed on Oct. 31, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The above-identified invention involves the field of a material dispensing devices in general and specifically relates to a cosmetic dispensing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves the field of dispensing devices in general and specifically relates to a method and device for dispensing an approximately measured amount of material. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the device comprises a bristled brush and a conical sifter enclosed within a reservoir container. According to another embodiment of this invention the brush is integrated with a closure element. According to another embodiment of this invention, the reservoir container is translucent. According to another embodiment of this invention, brush is rotatable. According to a preferred embodiment, the invention dispenses power. According to another preferred embodiment, the invention is a cosmetic dispensing device.

The present invention solves the long-standing problem of the need for a dispensing device capable of providing a controlled amount of material onto an applicator device.

Dispensing devices are well known in general and cosmetic dispensing devices are well known in particular. Such devices facilitate the application of a wide variety of materials including liquids, powers and gels. Devices describing integral applicator means are described as are devices having drop-wise means for distribution.

A number of problems arise in the prior art devices, including difficulties in dispensing measured amounts of the material to be applied. This can be important whether the material is a cosmetic powder, a medicinal application or a valuable material, which must be used sparingly and cannot be wasted. Many solutions to such difficulties have been described, which require the user to take action in measuring or controlling the dispensing of the required material and monitoring the amount of material used.

The present invention provides distinct advantages over the prior art and solves numerous problems described and understood in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a material dispenser comprising: (a) a container body having an open container body top end and a closed container body bottom end, wherein the container body is capable of storing a volume of material; (b) a sifter body having a sifter body top end and a sifter body bottom end, wherein the sifter body top end spans the open container body top end; (c) a dispenser cover having a bottom inner cover side and a top outer cover side, manually removable relative to the open container body top end and capable of closing the open container body top end; and (d) an applicator assembly having an applicator assembly top end and an applicator assembly bottom end and an applicator means, wherein the applicator assembly top end is connected to the bottom inner cover side of the dispenser cover, and wherein the applicator assembly bottom end is connected to an applicator means capable of extending into the container body through the open container body top end when the dispenser cover is positioned over the open container body top end of the container body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the container body in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-2B FIG. 2A shows the body collar perspective in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2B shows the body collar side view in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3D FIG. 3A shows the applicator assembly of the device in perspective in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3B shows the applicator assembly side view in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3C shows the dispenser cover in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3D shows the washer of the device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4A-4B. FIG. 4A shows the conical sifter body. FIG. 4B shows a plurality of openings at the sifter body bottom end in a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5A-5C. FIG. 5A shows the snap in fitment top view and in perspective in FIG. 5C. FIG. 5B shows the liner.

FIGS. 6A-6C FIGS. 6A-C show an exemplary method of use of the device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a material dispenser comprising: (a) a container body having an open container body top end and a closed container body bottom end, wherein the container body is capable of storing a volume of material; (b) a sifter body having a sifter body top end and a sifter body bottom end, wherein the sifter body top end spans the open container body top end; (c) a dispenser cover having a bottom inner cover side and a top outer cover side, manually removable relative to the open container body top end and capable of closing the open container body top end; and (d) an applicator assembly having an applicator assembly top end and an applicator assembly bottom end and an applicator means, wherein the applicator assembly top end is connected to the bottom inner cover side of the dispenser cover, and wherein the applicator assembly bottom end is connected to an applicator means capable of extending into the container body through the open container body top end when the dispenser cover is positioned over the open container body top end of the container body.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the provided container body is cylindrical. The present invention also contemplates numerous other shapes and forms for the provided container body, including square, rectangular, ovoid, generally spherical and polygonal.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the container body top end is threaded. Threading of the container body top end may be achieved by numerous means well known in the art. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the outside of the container body top end is threaded. According to an alternative embodiment of this invention, the insider of the container body top end is threaded. Alternative embodiments utilize other attaching means for connecting the container body top end to a dispenser cover such as friction means, snap means and other means well known in the art.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sifter body is conical. The present invention also contemplates numerous other shapes and forms for the provided sifter body, including square, rectangular, ovoid, generally spherical and polygonal. According to a preferred embodiment, the shape and form of the provided sifter body generally matches the shape and form of the provided container body and generally fits therein. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sifter body bottom end comprises a plurality of openings capable of transmitting there through material from the container body to the sifter body. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the diameter of the openings is sufficiently small to restrict the volume of material transmitted.

According to a most preferred embodiment, the sifter body top end spans the open container body top end. According to another preferred embodiment of this invention the sifter body bottom end is narrower than the sifter body top end, thereby compressing and focusing the distal tip of the applicator means at the sifter body bottom end. In this way the distal tip of the applicator means can accumulate a measured amount of material transmitted to the sifter body bottom end through the plurality of openings at the sifter body bottom end. The measured amount of material is related to the available area and volume at the sifter body bottom end.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the inner cover side of the dispenser cover is threaded. Threading of the dispenser cover may be achieved by numerous means well known in the art. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the inner cover side of the dispenser cover is threaded. According to an alternative embodiment of this invention, the outer cover side of the dispenser cover is threaded. Alternative embodiments utilize other attaching means for connecting the container body top end to the dispenser cover such as friction means, snap means and other means well known in the art.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the applicator means is a brush. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the applicator means is a rod. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the applicator means is a dropper.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the applicator means is capable of rotation in a plane perpendicular to the axis between the applicator assembly top end and the applicator assembly bottom end. There are numerous means described in the art, which may be used to achieve the rotational property described by the present invention such as rotational bearings, ball bearings, reduced friction material, hydrodynamic material, groove differential design, lubrication and the like. According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator means rotates independently of the dispenser cover.

According to still yet another embodiment, the sifter body is removable. Further, according to another embodiment, the applicator is removable. Even further, according to another embodiment, outer cover side further comprises a handle. Even further still, according to another embodiment, the container body is comprised of transparent material. According to this preferred embodiment, the user can visualize the amount of material present in the container body. According to another embodiment, however, the container body is comprised of translucent material. Such an embodiment may be preferred in the case where the material present in the container body is light sensitive and the translucent material comprising the container body reduces the transmission of light through the container body to amounts non-destructive to the material. According to still another embodiment of this invention, the container body is comprised of opaque material. Such an embodiment may be preferred wherein the material present in the container body must be protected entirely from light. According to another embodiment, the container body may be made of material such as plastic, glass, fiberglass, composite, metal and ceramic. According to a certain embodiment the container body may be formed of such matter as to restrict release of gas, liquid, solid, powder material into the environment. According to another such embodiment, the matter shall restrict release of light, heat and radioactive energy into the environment.

According to still yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the material dispenser is further comprising a body collar, positioned between the sifter body and the container body top end. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the body collar confirms the position of the sifter body within the container body. According to an embodiment of this invention, the body collar comprises a top body collar end and a bottom body collar end. According to still another embodiment, the top body collar end is threaded. Threading of the top body collar may be achieved by numerous means well known in the art. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the outside of the container top body collar is threaded. According to an alternative embodiment of this invention, the inside of the top body collar is threaded. Alternative embodiments utilize other attaching means for connecting the top body collar to a dispenser cover such as friction means, snap means and other means well known in the art.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the material dispenser further comprises a washer positioned on the dispenser cover bottom inner cover side. The present invention also contemplates integration of a interior liner positioned within the container, capable of facilitating flow of container material. According to an alternative embodiment of this invention, the liner is translucent. According to another alternative embodiment of this invention, the liner is opaque and protects the material from lights. According to still another alternative embodiment, the liner is heat resistant, and protects the material from temperature changes.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the container further comprises a snap in fitment capable of locking the dispenser cover assembly in place.

Turning now to the figures. FIG. 1 shows a shows a side view of the container body 100 in accordance with the present invention, the container body 100 comprising an open top end 101 and a closed bottom end 102 and a continuous sidewall 103, thereby rendering the container body 100 capable of storing a volume of material. The container body 100 therefore has an inner area, which is defined by the container body inner bottom side and the container body, inner sidewalls. The container body top end comprises a container body neck 115. The neck 115 may be threaded on the inner side or the outer side. Moreover, the neck 115 forms a container body collar attachment shelf 116, which can accommodate a correspondingly fashioned container body collar 200, positioned between a sifter body 400 and the container body top end. The container body collar is positioned on the container body collar attachment shelf 116 and is open in concert with the open container body top end. The container body collar may be threaded on the inside or on the outside in order to accommodate a correspondingly threaded dispenser cover 300. FIG. 6 shows the body collar positioned within the dispenser cover. The dispenser cover 320 is comprised of a bottom inner cover side 310 and a top outer cover side 311, the dispenser cover being manually removable relative to the open container body top end and capable of closing the open container body top end. The dispenser cover itself is an assembly 300 in the example presented in FIG. 6, comprising a cap portion 320, a Washer portion 330 and an Applicator Assembly 301 as shown in FIG. 5B. The applicator comprises an applicator assembly top end 302 and an applicator assembly bottom end 303 and an applicator means 310, wherein the applicator assembly top end is connected to the bottom inner cover side of the dispenser cover, and wherein the applicator assembly bottom end is connected to an applicator means capable of extending into the container body through the open container body top end when the dispenser cover is positioned over the open container body top end of the container body.

The container body open top end 101 has a smaller diameter than the closed bottom end 102 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The open top end 101 has a larger diameter than the closed bottom end 102 according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. According to still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the open top end 101 has the same diameter than the closed bottom end 102. According to still another embodiment, the open top end 101 is threaded. It is specifically contemplated that the container body may be comprised of a wide variety of geometric shapes. It is further specifically contemplated that the container body may be comprised of a wide variety of materials including but not limited to plastic, acrylic, glass, metal, ceramic, and fiberglass. FIG. 2A shows the body collar 200 in accordance with the present invention. The collar body 200 comprises a top portion 201 and a lower portion 202. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top portion 201 has a smaller diameter than the lower portion 202. According to another embodiment, the top portion 201 has a greater diameter than the lower portion 202. According to still another embodiment, the top portion 201 has the same diameter than the lower portion 202. The lower portion of the collar body 200 is deposited onto the open top end 101 of the container body in such a manner as to form a seal between the container body and the collar body. According to one embodiment of the present invention the bottom portion of the collar body 202 is threaded so as to screw onto the open top end of the container body 101. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sealing means is deposited between the container body and the collar body, thereby facilitating the seal between the container body and the collar body. The sealing means may take the form of an O-ring washer and may be comprised of a wide variety of materials well known in the art, including but not limited to rubber, plastic, Teflon, metal, ceramic or synthetic material.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 show the dispenser cover assembly 300 in accordance with the present invention. The dispenser cover assembly 300 is comprised of an outer shell 320, the outer shell 320 being comprised of a closed top side 321 and an open bottom side 322, the open bottom side 322 further comprising an inner perimeter and outer perimeter. The dispenser cover defines an inner space and an outer space. The dispenser cover assembly 300 is shown in FIG. 6. According to a preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 3D, a sealing washer 330 is deposited within the inner space of the dispenser cover assembly 300, thereby facilitating the seal between the dispenser cover and the collar body, when the dispenser cover is closed onto the collar body 200. The sealing means may take the form of an O-ring washer and may be comprised of a wide variety of materials well known in the art, including but not limited to rubber, plastic, Teflon, metal, ceramic or synthetic material. According to one embodiment of the invention, the open bottom side of the dispenser cover shell 320 is threaded around the inner perimeter. FIGS. 3A and 3B show the applicator assembly 301. The applicator assembly comprises an applicator assembly top end 302 and an applicator assembly bottom end 303 or applicator means end 303. According to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the applicator means is a brush 310 attached to the applicator means end 303. The applicator assembly top end 302 is attached to the bottom inner cover side of the dispenser cover 320. According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the applicator means end 303 rotates circumferentially relative to the dispenser cover 320. According to a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a snap in fitment 500 snaps into the dispenser cover 320 in order to hold the assembly in place in the dispenser cover 320. According to another preferred embodiment, a liner washer 501 is positioned around the applicator means end 303.

FIG. 3D shows the washer 330 of the device in top view. The washer is preferably a Delrin® Washer or other plastic washer or synthetic washer having similar characteristics of metals such as brass, aluminum, zinc, and stainless steel, which provides characteristic stiffness, dimensional stability, impact resistance, and structural strength. The washer 330 has an opening 331 capable of interfacing with the applicator washer knob 370 on the applicator assembly top end washer knob. The applicator washer knob is a cylindrical vertical extension from the applicator assembly top end, capable of passing through the washer opening 331. The washer is positioned on the dispenser cover bottom inner cover side.

FIG. 4A shows the sifter body 400. The sifter body 400 further comprises a sifter body open top end 401 and a sifter body bottom end 402, which terminates in a sifter 410. According to a preferred embodiment, the sifter body is conical in shape. The sifter body 400 defines a sifter body interior and a sifter body exterior, the sifter body exterior being the same space as the inside of the container body 100. FIG. 4B shows the sifter 410 having a plurality of openings 411 at the sifter body bottom end in a preferred embodiment. The plurality of openings regulates the amount of material capable of entering interior of the sifter body 400. The sifter body 400 is positioned within the container body 100, with the open sifter body top end 401 positioned within the collar body 200 and the sifter body bottom end 402 suspended within the interior space of the container body 100. Material to be dispensed is stored within the interior space of the container body on the exterior side of the sifter body 400 so that the material enters the interior of the sifter body 400 through the plurality of openings 411 in the sifter 410. According to a preferred embodiment, the sifter body top end 401 is threaded so as to screw on to matching threads on the collar body 200.

According to one embodiment, a container body attachment band facilitates the placement of the sifter body within the container body. Material to be dispensed is contained within the container body as a reservoir, but is largely outside the sifter body. The container body attachment band effectively seals the container body “reservoir” within the container body, but outside the sifter body. Accordingly, material may pass into the sifter body only through the plurality of sifter body openings. The diameter of the sifter body openings as well as the number and placement of sifter body openings is varied to control the flow of material.

FIG. 6 shows the device in use. FIG. 6A shows the dispensing means in the form of a brush inserted into the sifter body. The conical sifter body compresses the brush fibers as the brush slides to the bottom. FIG. 6b shows that as the brush screws down into the sifter body container body, the brush shaft circumferentially rotates thereby protecting brush fibers from twisting as the brush pushes down into the sifter body 400. FIG. 6C shows that once seated, compressed brush accepts power product with a metered dosage, delivering a measured amount of material onto the brush, the amount controlled by the small diameter of the base of the cone. FIG. 6D shows that the powered product material of the example is gravity fed only to the extreme tip of the brush. This enables highly controllable and metered application of power to the ultimate application such as the face of a user in a cosmetic application. The combination of the spinning brush spindle and cone keeps the brush straight and in proper condition for the correct dosage of material product during the wage lifespan of the dispenser. The container is refillable.

This invention may be embodied in other forms or carried out in other ways without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present disclosure is therefore to be considered as in all respects illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended Claims, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A material dispenser comprising

a. A container body having an open container body top end and a closed container body bottom end, wherein the container body is capable of storing a volume of material;

b. A sifter body having a sifter body top end and a sifter body bottom end, wherein the sifter body top end spans the open container body top end;

c. A dispenser cover having a bottom inner cover side and a top outer cover side, manually removable relative to the open container body top end and capable of closing the open container body top end; and

d. An applicator assembly having an applicator assembly top end and an applicator assembly bottom end and an applicator means, wherein the applicator assembly top end is connected to the bottom inner cover side of the dispenser cover, and wherein the applicator assembly bottom end is connected to an applicator means capable of extending into the container body through the open container body top end when the dispenser cover is positioned over the open container body top end of the container body.

2. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the container body is cylindrical.

3. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the container body top end is threaded.

4. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sifter body is conical.

5. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the inner cover side of the dispenser cover is threaded.

6. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is a brush.

7. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is capable of rotation in a plane perpendicular to the axis between the applicator top end and the applicator bottom end.

8. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sifter body is removable.

9. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is removable.

10. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sifter body bottom end further comprises a plurality of perforated openings.

11. The material dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the material dispenser is capable of transmitting a measured amount of material from the container body to the applicator through the plurality of perforated openings of the sifter body bottom end.

12. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the to outer cover side further comprises a handle.

13. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the container body is comprised of transparent material.

14. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the container body is comprised of translucent material.

15. The material dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the container body is comprised of opaque material.

16. The material dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a body collar, positioned between the sifter body and the container body top end.

17. The material dispenser according to claim 16, wherein the body collar confirms the position of the sifter body within the container body.

18. The material dispenser according to claim 16, wherein the body collar comprises a top body collar end and a bottom body collar end.

19. The material dispenser according to claim 16, wherein the top body collar end is threaded.

20. The material dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a washer positioned on the dispenser cover bottom inner cover side.