Shaving lotion dispenser

Abstract

A shaving lotion dispenser includes a container and a brush head connected to the container. The container defines a longitudinal axis and includes an outlet opening. The brush head is connected to the container and includes a plurality of bristles extending away from the container generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The brush head includes an opening for providing communication between an internal compartment of the container and ambient. Distal ends of the bristles define a contact surface for contacting an associated person's skin. The contact surface is bounded by a non-circular periphery. The brush head can be silicone or elastomer.

Description

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/945,210, filed Jun. 20, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Shaving cream brushes are used to apply shaving cream to a person's skin prior to wet shaving. Shaving cream brushes typically include a handle and bristles attached to one end of the handle. Usually the bristles are dipped into a cup containing shaving cream and then the shaving cream that is retained on the bristles is applied to one's skin, e.g. the face for a man and the underarms and legs for a woman.

For most shaving cream brushes, the bristles are boar's hair that are tightly packed into a cylindrical configuration having a smaller circular diameter at a proximal end where the bristles attach to the handle. The bristles flare out to a larger diameter flared end at distal ends of the bristles. The flared end, which is typically circular, is useful to quickly apply shaving cream over large areas. These boar's hair shaving brushes having the large circular configuration at their distal end; however, make it difficult to neatly apply shaving cream in certain areas of the face, for example, between a man's nose and his upper lip as well as the sideburn areas.

In addition to being difficult to neatly fit into certain locations, the tight pack of the bristles makes known shaving brushes difficult to clean. Water cannot easily penetrate between the lower portions of the bristles that are tightly packed together.

Most shaving brushes do not include an integrated shaving cream supply. Those brushes that do include an integrated shaving cream supply typically do not include a mechanism to provide a metered dollop or dose of shaving cream. Moreover, the shaving brushes that do include an integrated shaving cream supply are typically not configured to retain the dollop of cream on the brush as the cream is being applied to one's skin. Cream that falls off of the brush can fall onto the floor or into a sink basin resulting in a mess. This cream is also oftentimes wasted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shaving cream dispenser.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the shaving cream dispenser shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the dispenser showing a lower side of the components of the dispenser.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the dispenser showing an upper side of the components of the dispenser.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a rotating hub and spring found in the dispenser of FIG. 1.

SUMMARY

A shaving lotion dispenser that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings includes a container and a brush head connected to the container. The container defines a longitudinal axis and includes an outlet opening. The brush head, as mentioned above, is connected to the container and includes a plurality of bristles extending away from the container generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The brush head includes an opening for providing communication between an internal compartment of the container and ambient. Distal ends of the bristles define a contact surface for contacting an associated person's skin. The contact surface is bounded by a non-circular periphery.

Another embodiment of a dispenser that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings includes a container and a silicone or elastomer brush head connected to the container. The container defines a longitudinal axis and includes an outlet opening. The brush head includes a base and a plurality of bristles. The bristles are integrally formed with the base. The base is connected to the container and covers the outlet opening of the container. The base includes an opening in communication with the outlet opening of the container. The bristles extend away from the base substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Distal ends of the bristles define a contact surface for contacting an associated person's skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a dispenser 10 that is useful for dispensing shaving cream is disclosed. The dispenser stores a “propellantless” shaving cream or shaving lotion (hereinafter referred to as “product” for the sake of brevity). The dispenser 10 depicted in the figures is designed to be non-refillable and discarded after the product has been dispensed from the dispenser. The product is “propellantless” in that it is not charged with a gas and stored under pressure to propel the product out of the dispenser. Alternatively, the product could be charged with a gas propellant and the dispenser would include a mechanism to open a valve to discharge the product.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the dispenser 10 in the depicted embodiment includes a cap 12, a brush head 14, a bezel 16, a container 18, a plunger 22, an insert 24, a lead screw 26, a spring 28, and a hub 32. A dispenser that falls within the scope of the invention, however, is not required to include all of these components.

The cap 12 fits onto the container 18 to protect the brush head 14. In the depicted embodiment, the cap is a cup-shaped piece of plastic. The cap 12 has a generally triangular configuration normal to a longitudinal axis 34 (FIG. 2) of the dispenser 10. The cap 12 includes a flared lower end 36 that flares outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis 34 to contact the bezel 16 to limit the downward movement of the cap 12 when the cap is placed over the brush head 14.

The brush head 14 connects to the container 18. The brush head 14 includes a plurality of bristles 40 extending away from the container 18 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 34. The bristles 40 have a slight taper so that a lower (proximal) end of each bristle has a slightly larger diameter than the distal (upper) end. Distal ends 42 of the bristles 40 define a contact surface for contacting a person's skin. The contact surface slopes downwardly away from the longitudinal axis 34. The distal ends 42 of the bristles 40 are positioned vertically below the lower surface of the uppermost portion of the cap 12 so as not to be deformed when the cap is placed over the brush head 14. Additionally, since the bristles 40 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis, e.g. the distal ends do not flare out, the sides of the cap do not contact the bristles. The central axes of the bristles are generally parallel to each other, i.e., the distal ends of the bristles do not flare outwardly. Unlike known boar's head brushes, where the bristles are tightly packed together, the lower end of each bristle 40 is spaced from the lower end of adjacent bristles. In other words, a space is provided between a lower side surface of each bristle and a respective lower side surfaces of adjacent bristles. This facilitates cleaning of the brush head 14 because water can easily flow between the individual bristles cleaning out any unused product or other debris that may collect making for a very sanitary shaving brush and shaving product dispenser. In the depicted embodiment, the distal end 44 of each bristle 40 is approximately 1½ inches from the base 50. The bristles 40 can be shorter as compared to known shaving brushes while still providing an airy lather without the need for propellant because the bristles 40, as well as the entire brush head 14, is made from a very flexible material and the flexibility of the bristles assist in lathering. The softness of the bristles also provides a desirable feel on the skin of the individual using the dispenser.

With reference to FIG. 4, the contact surface is bounded by a non-circular periphery 44. In the depicted embodiment, the non-circular periphery 44 is generally triangular in shape normal to the longitudinal axis 34 (FIG. 2). The contact surface can take other alternative configurations; however, tighter radii sections 46 at the corners of the contact surface facilitate the application of shaving cream in narrow areas, for example, the sideburn area of a man's face. Larger radius sections 48 that extend between the tighter radii 46 provide a similar advantage as the large flared end of known shaving brushes, e.g., easy application of the shaving cream to areas of the skin that are not near areas where it is undesirable to apply shaving cream, such as on the nose or upper lip of a man.

The brush head includes a base 50 that generally defines an opening 52 (FIG. 2) in communication with an internal compartment 54 of the container 18 and ambient. In the depicted embodiment, the base 50 and the bristles 40 are an integrally formed piece (a one-piece member) made from silicone or an elastomer. The brush head 14 also includes an integrally formed apron 56 that contacts the container 18 to operate as a gasket to contain the product within the container 18. The base 50 is generally triangular in configuration normal to the longitudinal axis 34. The apron 56 is generally cylindrical in configuration, i.e., circular in a cross section taken normal to the longitudinal axis 34.

The brush head 14 also includes an integrally formed tube 58 that extends upwardly from the base 50 generally surrounding the opening 42 (FIG. 2). The tube is generally cylindrical in configuration and defines a passage 62 that is in communication with the opening 42, and thus the internal compartment 44 of the container 18, as well as ambient. The tube 58 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 34. The tube includes slits 64 that operate as a valve, which will be described in more detail below, that when opened provides communication to ambient. The slits 64 can be replaced by a duckbill valve.

In the depicted embodiment, the brush head 14, which includes the apron 56, the base 50, the tube 58, and the bristles 40 is an integrally formed, i.e., one-piece, member made from a flexible e.g., rubber-like material such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The material from which the brush head 14 is made has a low durometer which allows the bristles 40 to be very flexible and also allows the slits 64 in the tube 58 to operate as a valve that is integrated into the brush head 14. This aids in manufacturing by reducing the number of components of the dispenser.

With reference back to FIG. 2, the bezel 16 connects to an upper substantially triangular (normal to the longitudinal axis) edge of the container 18. The bezel 16 in the depicted embodiment is made of plastic and closes a portion of the container 18 and acts to retain the brush head 14 to the container. As is more clearly seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the periphery of the bezel 16 is generally triangular normal to the longitudinal axis 34. With reference to FIG. 4, the bezel 16 includes a generally triangular recess 70 that is shaped to receive the base 50 of the brush head 14. The bezel 16 includes a central generally circular opening 72 that is concentric with the longitudinal axis 34. As is more clearly seen in FIG. 3, a downwardly depending cylindrical boss 74 surrounds the opening 72. Radial tabs 76 extend inwardly from an upper circular edge of the downwardly depending cylindrical boss 74 towards the center of the central opening 72. The radial tabs 76 engage the brush head 14 between the base 50 and the apron 56 to retain the brush head and fix it with respect to the bezel 16. With reference back to FIG. 4, curved slots 78 are formed in each radial tab 76 and are spaced radially inwardly from the cylindrical boss 74. With reference to FIG. 3, a generally triangular apron 82 depends downwardly in the same direction as the cylindrical boss 74 and is radially spaced outward from the cylindrical boss 74. As discussed above, the bezel 16 fits onto the container 18.

The container 18 stores the product and includes the internal compartment 54 that was described above. The container 18 includes a side wall 90 that is generally triangular in cross-section normal to the longitudinal axis 34 (FIG. 2) having flattened corner areas 92. Accordingly, in the depicted embodiment the container is generally six sided. Longitudinal grooves 94 are formed along sidewall in the flattened corner areas 92. With reference to FIG. 4, the container 18 includes a top wall 96. A flared upper section 98, which is generally triangular normal to the longitudinal axis 34, extends upwardly from the top wall 96 to engage the bezel 16. Outer struts 102, which are angularly spaced 120 degrees from one another with respect to the longitudinal axis 34, extend inwardly from the flared upper section 98 and upwardly from the top wall 96. The outer struts 102 terminate radially at an outer cylindrical boss 104 that is normal to the top wall 96. The outer cylindrical boss 104 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 34 (FIG. 2). The cylindrical apron 56 of the brush head 14 contacts an inner surface of the outer cylindrical boss 104 to operate as a gasket to maintain the product within the internal compartment 44 of the container 18. Flexible tabs 106 are formed with the outer cylindrical boss 104 and are shaped to be received inside the curved slots 76 formed in the bezel 16 to connect the bezel to the container. The downwardly depending cylindrical boss 74 of the bezel 16 surrounds the outer cylindrical boss 104 of the container 18 (see FIG. 2).

Inner radial struts 110 extend inwardly from the outer cylindrical boss 104 to connect with an inner cylindrical boss 112. The inner radial struts 110 are spaced below an upper edge of the outer cylindrical boss 104. The inner radial struts 110 are angularly spaced 120 degrees from one another with respect to the longitudinal axis 34 (FIG. 2). The inner cylindrical boss 112 is stepped and coaxial with the longitudinal axis 34 (see FIG. 2). The outer circular boss 104 generally defines the outlet opening 114 of the container 18. Accordingly, product exits the container 18 via the outlet opening 114, either around the struts 110 in the space between the outer boss 104 and the inner boss 112 or through the inner cylindrical boss 112.

With reference to FIG. 3, the container 18 also includes a lower opening 116. Inwardly protruding lower tabs 118 extend inwardly into the internal compartment 54 from the sidewall 90. These tabs 118 engage the insert 24 to connect the container 18 to the insert 24 in a manner that will be described in more detail below.

The plunger 22 pushes product out of the internal compartment 54 of the container 18 towards the brush head 14. The plunger 22 has a complementary shape to the inside of the container 18 so that a peripheral edge of the plunger 22 contacts an inner surface of the container 18 to press the product out of the internal compartment 54 through the outlet opening 114 of the container. In the depicted embodiment, the plunger 22 is generally triangular normal to the longitudinal axis 34 (FIG. 2) having the same six-sided configuration as the sidewall 90 of the container 18. The plunger 22 includes an upper edge 122 that contacts an internal surface of the sidewall 90 of the container 18. An additional lower peripheral contact edge 124 also contacts the internal surface of the container 90. The plunger also includes a centrally located boss 126 having a threaded opening 128. The lead screw 26 threads into the threaded opening 128 and cooperates with the plunger 22 in a manner that will be described in more detail below.

The insert 24 is received in the rotating hub 32 and the container 18. The insert 24 includes a generally triangular upper section 132 and a generally cylindrical lower section 134. More particularly, the upper section 132 of the insert 124 is the same generally six-sided configuration as the plunger 22 and the sidewall 90 of the container 18. Tabs 136 extend outwardly away from a peripheral edge surface of the upper section 132 and engage the tabs 118 (FIG. 3) located at a lower end on an internal surface of the container 18 to fix the container 18 to the insert 24.

The insert 24 also includes flexible tabs 138 that extend downwardly from the triangular section 132 and terminate near a lower edge of the lower circular cylindrical lower section 134 of the insert 24. The flexible tabs 138 engage the rotating hub 32 in a manner that will be described in more detail below. The insert 24 also includes a central opening 142 that receives the lead screw 26. The central opening 142 is unthreaded and larger than the portion of lead screw received in the central opening so that the lead screw freely rotates within the central opening 142. The central opening 142 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 34 (FIG. 2).

With reference to FIG. 3, a pawl 144 extends downwardly from a lower base surface of the insert 24 and is offset inwardly from the periphery of the cylindrical lower section 134 of the retainer 24. The pawl 144 cooperates with the lead screw 26 in a manner that will be described in more detail below. Posts 146, which are angularly displaced from the pawl 144 with respect to the longitudinal axis 34 also depend downwardly from a lower base surface and are offset inwardly from the periphery of the cylindrical lower section 134 of the insert 24. The posts 146 cooperate with the spring 28 in a manner that will be described in more detail below.

The lead screw 26 includes a threaded rod 150 that extends upwardly from and is connected to a ratchet wheel base 152. The threaded rod 150 is cylindrical in configuration and coaxial with the longitudinal axis 34 (FIG. 2). The threaded rod 150 is inserted into the central opening 142 of the insert 24 and is threaded into the threaded opening 128 in the plunger 22. The threaded rod 150 extends into the inner boss 112 at the top of the container 18. Rotation of the ratchet wheel 152 results in rotation of the threaded rod 150. Rotation of the threaded rod 150 results in the plunger 22 moving linearly upwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis 34 (FIG. 2) because of the engagement between the plunger 22 and the container 18. The ratchet wheel base 152 is trapped between the insert 24 and the rotating hub 32.

The spring 28 is disposed below the ratchet wheel base 152 of the lead screw 26 and attaches to the rotating hub 32. The spring 28 is an integrally formed piece, which can be made from plastic or metal, that includes a generally annular outer section 160 having a radial extension 162 that extends radially outwardly from the annular section 160. The radial extension 162 is trapped between the posts 146 (FIG. 3) of the insert 24, the reason for which will be described in more detail below. The spring 28 also includes a coiled member 164 that is integrally formed with the annular outer member 160. The coiled member 164 defines a central keyed opening 166.

The hub 32 has a generally triangular outer periphery normal to the longitudinal axis 34 to generally follow the configuration of the lower edge of the container 18. The hub 32 includes a cylindrical recess 170 that is complementary in shape to the cylindrical lower section 134 of the insert 24 to receive the lower section. Concentric within the recess 170, a keyed extension 172 extends upwardly coaxial with the longitudinal axis 34 to be received inside the keyed opening 166 in the spring 28. Since the radial extension 162 is trapped between the posts 146 (FIG. 3) of the insert 24, rotation of the hub 132 results in the coiled portion 164 of the spring 28 to constrict about the longitudinal axis 34 to provide a resistance against rotation of the hub 32.

As seen in FIG. 4, the hub 32 includes slots 174 that are radially offset from the cylindrical recess 170 formed in the hub 32 which receive the flexible tabs 138 that depend downwardly from the insert 24 to connect the insert to the hub 32. Rotation of the insert 24 along with the hub 32 is precluded due to the configuration of the generally triangular upper section 132 of the insert 24 engaging the sidewall 90 of the container 18, which is non-circular in a cross section taken normal to the longitudinal axis 34. A pawl 176 is also formed in the recess 170 of the hub 32 and cooperates with the ratchet wheel 152. With reference to FIG. 5, an inwardly protrubing catch 178 extends from a peripheral edge of the recess 170 to cooperate with the spring in a manner to be described in more detail below. The hub also includes grooves 180 that align with the grooves 94 formed in the container 18 to provide a visual indication of dosing.

To dispense product, an operator rotates the hub 32 in a clockwise direction (per the orientation of FIG. 4). The pawl 176 engages the ratchet wheel 152 which results in the threaded rod 150 rotating. Rotation of the threaded rod results in the plunger 22 translating upwardly on the threaded rod 150 forcing product through the outlet opening 114 of the container and into the passage 62 formed in the brush head 14. The pressure 62 upstream from the slits 64 results in the slits opening to allow product to be dispensed from the tube 58 and to be maintained in a well 182 defined on its sides by the adjacent bristles 40 and at its lower end by the upper edge of the tube 58.

As the hub 32 is rotated the spring 28 resists further rotational movement in the clockwise direction as the coiled member 164 constricts around the keyed extension 172 and the longitudinal axis 34. The constriction of the coiled member occurs because the spring 28 rotates with the hub 32 due to the keyed connection between the two, but the radial extension 162 prevents rotation because the radial extension is trapped between the posts 146 extending downwardly from retainer 24, which does not rotate. As the pawl 176 pushes the ratchet wheel 152 the pawl 144 (FIG. 3) rides along the ratchet wheel base 152 of the lead screw 26 to provide an audible indication of dosing in that the pawl 144 clicks as it rides along the ratchet wheel. The vibration of the click can also be felt by the user to provide another sensory indication of dosing. The hub also includes grooves 180 that align with the grooves 94 formed in the container 18 to provide a visual indication of dosing.

The catch 178 can eventually contact the rear edge of the pawl 144 to limit further rotation of the hub 32. The hub 32 can then be rotated counterclockwise. The pawl 144 on the insert 24 inhibits the ratchet wheel 152 from rotating counterclockwise and the pawl 176 on the hub 32 rides over the ratchet wheel base 152 so that the grooves 180 on the hub 32 can align with the grooves 94 on the container 18. The distance of translational movement of the plunger 22 in the container 18 that results from rotation of the hub 32 from its original position (see FIG. 1 where grooves 180 and grooves 94 align) to where the catch 178 (FIG. 5) contacts the pawl 144 is designed to deliver an appropriate volume, i.e. dollop, for shaving.

A dispensing mechanism, which employs a plunger, for dispensing metered dollops of shaving cream from the internal chamber 54 of the container 18 has been particularly described. The product can also be dispensed in other known manners, for example, using other known actuators or by simply squeezing sides of the container 18, if the container were made from a flexible material that would allow the sides to be squeezed. Another example of a dispensing mechanism includes placing the product into a flexible container (similar to a plastic bag) and inserting the “bag” of product into a more rigid container. A second flexible container, which will be referred to as a bladder, can fill with air or another gas and also be disposed inside the more rigid container. As the bladder expands, via air (typically from ambient) being introduced in the bladder, the bladder presses against the flexible container filled with product expelling the product from the flexible container and the rigid container. The product can then be delivered to a brush similar to the brush head depicted in the described embodiment.

A shaving cream dispenser has been described with reference to a particular embodiment and alternatives thereof. Modifications and alterations will occur to those upon reading and understanding the detailed description. The invention is not limited to only the embodiment described above. Instead, the invention is broadly defined by the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A shaving lotion dispenser comprising:

a container defining a longitudinal axis and including an outlet opening; and

a brush head connected to the container and including plurality of bristles extending away from the container generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the brush head including an opening for providing communication between an internal compartment of the container and ambient, distal ends of the bristles defining a contact surface for contacting an associated person's skin, the contact surface being bounded by a non-circular periphery.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the brush head includes a base that includes the opening and the bristles extend away from the base, wherein the base and the bristles are an integrally formed piece made from silicone or an elastomer.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the brush head includes an integrally formed apron that contacts the container to operate as a gasket to contain liquid or gel within the container.

4. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the brush head includes an integrally formed tube extending upwardly from the base and surrounding the opening.

5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the tube is coaxial with the longitudinal axis.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container has generally the same shape as the non-circular periphery of the contact surface in a cross section taken normal to the longitudinal axis.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a lower end of each bristle is spaced from a lower end of adjacent bristles.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a plunger disposed in the container and a rotating hub operatively connected to the plunger to drive the plunger along the longitudinal axis, the hub including at least one component configured to provide an audible sensory indication that a dose has been dispensed from the dispenser.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, further comprising a threaded rod extending upwardly from a ratchet wheel base, the plunger threadingly receives the threaded rod and the ratchet wheel base cooperates with the hub to inhibit rotation of the ratchet wheel base in one rotational direction.

10. A dispenser comprising:

a container defining a longitudinal axis and including an outlet opening; and

a silicone or elastomer brush head connected to the container and including a base and a plurality of bristles, the bristles being integrally formed with the base, the base being connected to the container and covering the outlet opening of the container, the base including an opening in communication with the outlet opening of the container, the plurality of bristles extending away from the base substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, distal ends of the bristles defining a contact surface for contacting an associated person's skin.

11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the contact surface is bounded by a non-circular periphery.

12. The dispenser of claim 10, further comprising propellantless shaving cream in the container.

13. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the contact surface slopes downwardly away from the longitudinal axis.

14. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the brush head includes an integrally formed apron depending downwardly from the base into the container that contacts a wall of the container surrounding the outlet opening.

15. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the wherein the brush head includes an integrally formed tube extending upwardly from the base and surrounding the opening in the base.

16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein a distal end of the tube is disposed below the distal ends of the bristles.

17. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein a space is provided between a lower side surface of each bristle and respective lower side surfaces of adjacent bristles.

18. A shaving lotion dispenser comprising:

a container defining a longitudinal axis and including an outlet opening;

a silicone or elastomer brush head connected to the container and including a base and a plurality of bristles extending away from the base generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the bristles being integrally formed with the base, the brush head including an opening for providing communication between an internal compartment of the container and ambient, distal ends of the bristles defining a contact surface for contacting an associated person's skin, the contact surface being bounded by a non-circular periphery;

a plunger disposed in the container; and

a hub operatively connected to the plunger wherein rotation of the hub in a first rotational direction results in translational movement of the plunger within the container.

19. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein the hub is biased in a rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

20. The dispenser of claim 20, wherein the hub is precluded from rotating 360 degrees.