SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REFILLING COSMETIC PACKAGING WITH POROUS APPLICATOR
A packaging, including a porous applicator, a porous reservoir in contact with the porous applicator at an interface, and a refill component. The refill component includes an insert configured to surround the porous applicator, a pintle that extends from the interface between the porous applicator and the porous reservoir through the porous applicator and towards an application surface of the porous applicator, and a deformable arm connecting the insert with the pintle, where the deformable arm is configured to deform from a first state to a second state.
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This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In one aspect, disclosed herein is a packaging, including a porous applicator, a porous reservoir in contact with the porous applicator at an interface, and a refill component. The refill component includes an insert configured to surround the porous applicator, a pintle that extends from the interface between the porous applicator and the porous reservoir through the porous applicator and towards an application surface of the porous applicator, and a deformable arm connecting the insert with the pintle, where the deformable arm is configured to deform from a first state to a second state.
In another aspect, a system for refilling a packaging is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system includes the packaging as described herein, a formulation, and a container configured to hold the formulation.
In yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a method of refilling a packaging with the system as described herein. In some embodiments, the method includes applying pressure to the pintle with the container holding the formulation, deforming the deformable arm from a first state to a second state, where deforming the deformable arm from the first state to the second state forms a cavity in the porous reservoir, filling the cavity with the formulation, and removing pressure from the pintle, so that the deformable arm returns to the first state, where when the deformable arm returns to the first state, the formulation flows from the cavity to the porous reservoir.
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Described herein is a packaging, method, and system for refilling a packaging without taking apart or otherwise modifying the packaging. In some embodiments, the packaging includes a refill system. In some embodiments, the refill system includes an insert, a deformable arm, and a pintle. In some embodiments, applying pressure on the pintle deforms the deformable arm to form a cavity that may be filled with formulation. The formulation in the cavity may then fill a porous reservoir of the packaging, thereby refilling the packaging.
In some embodiments, the porous applicator 105 includes an applicator surface AS configured to apply a formulation onto a surface (not pictured in
In some embodiments, the porous reservoir 110 serves to contain the bulk of a formulation, such as liquid, in the package 100. The porous reservoir 110 can be formed of a sintered porous material, a closed cell material (such as a urethane foam/sponge) or a fibrous material (such as a sintered fiber reservoir). In one embodiment, the porous reservoir 110 has a flat surface that contacts a domed or conical surface of the porous applicator 105. In some embodiments, the porous reservoir 110 has an inverse shape that compliments the domed or conical surface of the porous applicator 105. The three-dimensional surface of the porous reservoir 110 may include facets (i.e., a polyhedral dome surface) and may have a smooth, textured, or rough surface depending on the fluid (or formulation) in the porous reservoir 110. In some embodiments, the porous reservoir 110 includes a groove 250. In some embodiments, the groove 250 allows for more formulation to be retained in the porous reservoir 110.
In some embodiments, the porous applicator 105 is fastened or adhered to the porous reservoir 110 at the interface IF. In some embodiments, the porous applicator 105 and the porous reservoir 110 are in contact at the interface IF but are not bonded or adhered together. In some embodiments, the porous applicator 105 and the porous reservoir 110 are shaped to fit together.
In some embodiments, the packaging includes a jar 135. The jar 135 serves to protect and contain the porous reservoir 110, and, in some embodiments, the porous applicator 105. In some embodiments, the jar 135 includes a connection for connecting to a cap (not pictured in
In some embodiments, the packaging 100 further includes a refill system 120. In some embodiments, the refill system 120 includes an insert, a pintle, and a deformable arm as described in detail herein, and as shown in
In operation, the porous reservoir 110 may be wetted with a formulation, such as a liquid formulation. In some embodiments, the porous applicator 105 becomes wetted with the formulation through contact of the porous reservoir 110 and the porous applicator 105 at the interface IF. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional surfaces that make contact between the porous reservoir 110 and the porous applicator 105 improve the transfer from the porous reservoir 110 to the porous applicator 105, and vice versa. For example, contact alone of the porous reservoir 110 and the porous applicator 105 may be sufficient to transfer the liquid formulation from the porous reservoir 110 to the porous applicator 105. In one embodiment, the formulation may be any formulation that can be applied with the porous applicator 105. In some embodiments, the formulation can include, but is not limited to, formulations relating to make-up and formulations that are meant to be applied to the skin and hair. In some embodiments, the formulation is a cream, lotion, gel, salve, dye, or the like.
In some embodiments, the packaging 200 includes a refill system 215. In some embodiments, the refill system 215 includes an insert 220 configured to surround the porous applicator 105, a pintle 225 that extends from the interface IF between the porous applicator 105 and the porous reservoir 110 through the porous applicator and towards an application surface AS of the porous applicator 105, and one or more deformable arms 230A, 230B connecting the insert 220 with the pintle 225, where the one or more deformable arms 230A, 230B are configured to deform from a first state (shown in
In some embodiments, the insert 220 is configured to couple to the jar 235. In some embodiments, the insert 220 is configured to surround the porous applicator 205. In some embodiments, the insert 220 secures the applicator 105 into the jar. In some embodiments, the insert 220 includes one or more grooves to further secure the porous applicator 205 in the jar 235.
In some embodiments, the pintle 225 may take any number of forms, such as cylindrical, conical, tapered, ziggurat, or extruded forms, such as illustrated and described in
In some embodiments, the one or more deformable arms 230A, 230B are configured to connect the pintle 225 and the insert 220. In some embodiments, the deformable arms 230A, 230B are configured to deform from a first state (as shown in
In some embodiments, when the deformable arms 230A, 230B are in the first state, the refill system 215 prevents dripping, dribbling, or leaking of the porous reservoir 210 and/or the porous applicator 205. In some embodiments, the refill system 215 is formed from olefins, polypropylene, polyolefin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one or more elastomers, one or more thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), one or more thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), silicone, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the packaging 1000 includes a porous applicator 1005, and a porous reservoir 1010, where the porous applicator 1005 and the porous reservoir 1010 are in contact with each other at an interface IF. In some embodiments, the packaging 1000 includes a refill system, which includes a pintle 1025, two deformable arms 1030A, 1030B, and an insert 1020. In some embodiments, the deformable arms 1030A, 1030B are configured to deform from a first state to a second state when pressure is applied to the pintle 1025. As shown in
In some embodiments, the system 10000 includes a container 7000 configured to hold a formulation F. In some embodiments, the container 7000 includes a portion 7005 configured to contact the pintle 1025, but this may be omitted. In some embodiments, the portion 7005 is a nozzle, such as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the packaging 1000 can be refilled with the formulation F without having to take apart the packaging 1000. In operation, the container 7000, or the portion 7005 of the container 7000, is configured to apply pressure to the pintle 1025. In some embodiments, applying pressure to the pintle 1025 deforms the first deformable arm 1030A and the second deformable arm 1030B from the first state to the second state. In some embodiments, deforming the deformable arms 1030A, 1030B from the first state to the second state forms a cavity 1050 in the porous reservoir 1010. In some embodiments, the container 7000 is configured to allow for formulation F to flow over the pintle 1025 and into the cavity 1050. In some embodiments, the container 7000 allows for the formulation F to flow from the portion 7005, which can contact the pintle 1025 and distribute the formulation F. In some embodiments, the formulation F flows down the pintle 1025 and into the cavity 1050. When the pressure from the nozzle 7005 is removed, the deformable arms 1030A, 1030B return to a first state. In the first state, porous reservoir 1010 returns to the interface IF, and the cavity 1050 recedes. The formulation F may then fill and saturate the porous reservoir 1010. In such a manner, the packaging 1000 may be refilled with the formulation F without taking apart the packaging 1000.
In some embodiments, method 1100 is a method of using the system shown in
In block 1105, pressure is applied to the pintle with the container. In some embodiments, the container is shaped or formed specifically to apply pressure to the pintle. In some embodiments, the container has a portion, such as a nozzle or other extrusion, configured to apply pressure to the pintle. In some embodiments, the pressure is applied with gravity, but in other embodiments, the pressure may be applied manually, such as with a hand of a user, or machinery.
In block 1110, the deformable arm (or in some embodiments, the deformable arms) is deformed from a first state to a second state. In some embodiments, deforming the deformable arm to the second state forms a cavity in the porous reservoir.
In block 1115, the cavity is filled with a formulation. In some embodiments, this allows for more formulation F to seep into or otherwise fill the porous reservoir. In some embodiments, the cavity may be partially filled, or completely filled. In some embodiments, the size of the cavity is dependent on how much formulation is needed to saturate the porous reservoir.
In block 1120, pressure is removed from the pintle. In some embodiments, the container is removed from the pintle, and in other embodiments, pressure is relieved off of the pintle without fully removing the container.
In block 1125, the deformable arm (or deformable arms) returns to the first state. In some embodiments, formulation flows from the cavity into the porous reservoir. In some embodiments, as the porous reservoir returns to an interface between the porous applicator and the porous reservoir, the formulation saturates, fills, or flows to the porous reservoir.
Optionally, in block 1130, the formulation is transferred from the porous reservoir to the porous application. In some embodiments, the porous reservoir may be wetted with a liquid formulation, and the porous applicator becomes wetted with the liquid formulation through contact of the porous reservoir at the interface IF. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional surfaces that make contact between the porous reservoir and the porous applicator improve the transfer from one medium to the other. For example, contact alone of the porous reservoir and the porous applicator is sufficient to transfer the liquid formulation from the porous reservoir to the porous applicator.
The present application may reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but representative of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also, in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when greater than three elements are listed.
The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result. Generally, the embodiments disclosed herein are non-limiting, and the inventors contemplate that other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include structures and functionalities from more than one specific embodiment shown in the figures and described in the specification.
In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.
The present application may include references to directions, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “top,” and “bottom,” etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are intended to assist in helping describe and understand the particular embodiment (such as when the embodiment is positioned for use) and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.
The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also, in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The term “about,” “approximately,” etc., means plus or minus 5% of the stated value. The term “based upon” means “based at least partially upon.”
The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.
Claims
1. A packaging comprising:
- a porous applicator;
- a porous reservoir in contact with the porous applicator at an interface; and
- a refill component, including: an insert configured to surround the porous applicator a pintle that extends from the interface between the porous applicator and the porous reservoir through the porous applicator and towards an application surface of the porous applicator; and a deformable arm connecting the insert with the pintle, wherein the deformable arm is configured to deform from a first state to a second state.
2. The packaging of claim 1, further comprising a jar configured to hold the porous reservoir, wherein the insert is configured to secure the porous applicator into the jar.
3. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the deformable arm is a first deformable arm, and the refill system further comprises a second deformable arm.
4. The packaging of claim 3, wherein the first deformable arm is disposed 180 degrees from the second deformable arm.
5. The packaging of claim 3, wherein the first deformable arm and the second deformable arm are angled to form a bi-arm spring.
6. The packaging of claim 3, wherein the refill system further comprises a third deformable arm.
7. The packaging of claim 6, wherein the first deformable arm, the second deformable arm, and the third deformable arm are disposed equidistant from one another.
8. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the porous applicator comprises a recess configured to hold the deformable arm, so that when deformable arm is in the first state, the deformable arm is flush with the porous applicator.
9. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the packaging further comprises a gap between the application surface of the porous applicator and an end of the pintle.
10. The packaging of claim 1, wherein an end of the pintle is flush with the application surface of the porous applicator.
11. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the porous applicator and the porous reservoir are configured to transfer a formulation between the porous applicator and the porous reservoir through capillary action.
12. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the porous reservoir forms a pocket when the porous reservoir is inside the jar.
13. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the pintle tapers in the direction of the application surface of the porous applicator.
14. A system for refilling a packaging, the system comprising:
- the packaging of claim 1;
- a formulation; and
- a container configured to hold the formulation.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the container is configured to apply pressure to the pintle, and wherein applying pressure to the pintle deforms the deformable arm from the first state to the second state.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein deforming the deformable arm from the first state to the second state forms a cavity in the porous reservoir, and wherein the container is further configured to allow for formulation to flow over the pintle and into the cavity.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein when the deformable arm returns to the first state, the porous reservoir is filled with the formulation.
18. A method of refilling a packaging with the system of claim 13, wherein the method comprises:
- applying pressure to the pintle with the container holding the formulation;
- deforming the deformable arm from a first state to a second state, wherein deforming the deformable arm from the first state to the second state forms a cavity in the porous reservoir,
- filling the cavity with the formulation; and
- removing pressure from the pintle, so that the deformable arm returns to the first state, wherein when the deformable arm returns to the first state, the formulation flows from the cavity to the porous reservoir.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the porous reservoir is located inside a jar, and the porous reservoir comprises a groove configured to accommodate the formulation.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises transferring the formulation from the porous reservoir to the porous applicator with capillary action.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 28, 2023
Publication Date: Oct 31, 2024
Applicant: L'Oreal (Paris)
Inventors: William BICKFORD (Scotch Plains, NJ), Wenzhen CHENG (Annadale, NJ), Jason FYFE (Holmdel, NJ)
Application Number: 18/309,020