Roll-on dispensing device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to roll-on dispensing devices for use in applying viscous fluids to the body and to methods of removing body hair by means of depilatories.

[0002] Chemical depilatories have been known for thousands of years. The use of sulphides was patented in 1885 and the use of thioglycollates in 1938 (Fletcher French Patent 824804). Many patents followed on various formulations.

[0003] It is common practice to remove unwanted body hair by means of depilatories in the form of creams, lotions or sprays. A recent survey showed that the vast majority of people who remove body hair from the armpits use a razor rather than a depilatory. This may be due to difficulty of applying conventional creams or lotions to this part of the body.

[0004] Although it is common to apply deodorants and anti-perspirants to the armpits by means of special applicators such as the so called roll-on applicators, this means of applying depilatories has not been used to the best of our knowledge despite the fact that roll-on applicators have been known for many years e.g. US Patent 1089683 issued in 1914.

[0005] In the course of our researches we have investigated the possibility of applying depilatories to the armpits by means of roll-on applicators. It was found that the standard type of roll-on applicator such as that used for deodorants or anti-perspirants is unsuitable for application of depilatories. We have devised a novel form of applicator which is particularly suitable for the application of depilatory fluids such as creams or lotions to the body and especially the armpits.

[0006] US Patent 4002411 (Harbauer) describes a ball type applicator for deodorants, perfumes or similar cosmetics comprising a container with an externally threaded neck portion, a ball retaining fitment attached to the neck portion, and having on its lower part a plurality of inwardly extending flanges on which the ball seats, the flanges being in the shape of a right triangle with the ball resting on the hypotenuse of the triangle. The upper part of the ball retaining fitment tapers inwardly and its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the ball, which is free to move between the tapered top of the fitment and the flanges. The container is closed by a dome shaped cap, the interior of which has a downwardly depending deformable sealing ring, which makes sealing contact with the rim at the top of the ball-retaining fitment when the cap is screwed on the neck of the container. When the cap is screwed in place its interior also engages the ball to make a second seal.

[0007] US Patent 3752155 (Blinoff) concerns apparatus for heating or cooling the skin surface while simultaneously dispensing a liquid product thereon. In this apparatus a ball type applicator in which the ball acts as a heat exchange element is used. A container for the liquid to be dispensed is provided with a retainer member for the ball at its outlet end. The retainer member has a concave slightly resilient baffle, with a projection at its base and on which the ball rests. The ball is retained in place by a ring which is slightly larger at its lower side than the ball diameter but slightly smaller at its upperside than the ball diameter or provided with a plurality of symmetrically arranged lugs which slidably engage the ball exterior. The concave baffle is adapted to receive and retain liquid from the main container through holes in its sides thereby acting as a reservoir from which the ball dispenses the liquid. The apparatus is provided with heating arrangements for the ball so that warmed fluid can be dispensed. The ball dispenser can be closed by a cap which exerts a downward force on the ball which distorts the baffle and makes seal with the upper part of the concave baffle to seal the container.

[0008] In one aspect the invention provides a roll-on dispensing device for a viscous fluid of the kind comprising a ball rotatably mounted in a housing which provides an inlet and an outlet for fluid dispensed by rotation of the ball, wherein the housing is provided with a plurality of arcuate projections extending from the inlet side to the outlet side of the housing, serving to support the ball and to retain the ball in place, said projections having spaces in between through which fluid can be fed by rotation of the ball and the roll-on device is specially adapted to dispense depilatory fluid.

[0009] Preferably the arcuate projections comprise radially inwardly protruding ribs formed in the housing and extending axially from the inlet side to the outlet side of the housing and the radially inner edges of the ribs jointly define a zone of a sphere. Preferably in this construction the ball is a substantially smooth sphere.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment the device is provided with a cap, the cap having therein a head space above the ball, which permits the ball to be bathed with fluid when the device is shaken. In this construction the housing is preferably provided with a bevelled edge and the cap is provided with an internal rim or ledge which mates with said bevelled edge to provide a liquid tight seal.

[0011] The invention also provides a method of removing body hair which comprises applying to an area of the body a depilatory fluid by means of a roll-on device specially adapted to dispense depilatory fluid, allowing said fluid to react with the hair for a sufficient period of time, removing the loosened hair and rinsing the body area.

[0012] The method is especially useful for removal of hair from the armpits. The depilatory fluid is usually allowed to react with the hair for up to 10 minutes, e.g. 1-10 minutes or up to 5 minutes may be sufficient.

[0013] The method may be carried out by a ball rotatably mounted in a cavity in a housing which provides an inlet and an outlet for fluid dispensed by rotation of the ball, wherein either the ball or the housing is provided with radial protrusions the radial extremities of which define a spherical surface and the other of the ball and the housing has a spherically curved surface for rolling engagement with the extremities of the protrusions, the protrusions operating as radial spacers forming spaces through which fluid can be fed by rotation of the ball.

[0014] In this device the ball may be formed with a multiplicity of radially outwardly projecting protrusions, the radially outer extremities of which define a sphere and engage the surface of said cavity, which is smoothly spherically curved.

[0015] Preferably the roll-on device is of the type described herein.

[0016] In the above embodiments the housing may be formed integrally with the neck of the container for the depilatory, or it may be a separate unit which is located at the neck of the container or it may even form the neck of the container.

[0017] If a separate unit, the housing may have internal screw threads or other means for attachment to the body of the container, such as a groove for mating with a corresponding rib on the body of the container. Preferably the housing for the ball is made of a relatively resilient plastics material such as polyethylene and is designed so that the ball can be pushed into place by slight deformation of the walls of the housing which then spring back into shape thereby gripping the ball.

[0018] Following is a description by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings of devices in accordance with the invention.

[0019] In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dispensing device;

Figure 2 is an inverted plan view of the housing for the ball;

Figure 2a shows a projection in cross section;

Figure 2b is a plan view of the housing;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view showing the neck of the device with the cap in place;

Figure 4 illustrates, in perspective view, a housing similar to that used in the embodiment of Figures 1-3;

Figure 5 is an axial section of Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a modified ball used in another embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings the device comprises a container body 1, which may be made of moulded polyvinyl chloride, a housing 2, a ball 3, and a cap 4. The container body 1 has screw threads 5 for attachment of cap 4 by corresponding screw threads 6. The container body 1 has a circumferential rib 7 for attachment of housing 2 by a co-operating circumferential groove 8. The housing 2 is made of polyethylene and is pressed over rib 7 to provide a snap fit thereby producing the neck of the container. As seen in Figure 2, the housing 2 has a series of equispaced projections 9 of arcuate shape (Fig. 2a). When in position the ball 3 sits on the base of arcuate projections 9 and is held in position by the arcuate shape of the projections 9. The housing 2 has a bevelled edge 10 at the top which mates with a corresponding rim 13 on cap 4.

[0021] The housing 2 is fitted on to body 1 by snap fit of groove 8 over circumferential rib 7. The ball 3 has a diameter slightly greater than the circle provided by the tops of projections 9 (Fig. 2b) and is pushed into the housing through the tops of the resiliently deformable projections 9, until it rests snugly in the housing held by the arcuate projections 9. The ball can rotate freely on the seat provided by the bases 9a of these projections yet is held firmly by them in view of the curve of the upper parts 9b of the projections. As shown in Figure 3 the cap 4 is screwed on to container body 1, enveloping the neck produced by housing 2. The bevelled edge 10 and rim or ledge 13 provide a liquid tight seal. The cap has another internal ledge 16, which abuts the ledge 15 of band 17 of the housing. As seen in Figure 3 there is a head space 18 in the cap above the ball 3. The body 1 may carry labelling on the flat portion 14 of its side or sides.

[0022] In use the container body 1 may be filled with a thixotropic depilatory lotion formulation such as one described in Harry's Cosmeticology, published by Leonard Hill Books, 6th Edition 1976.

[0023] In use the cap is removed and the device is used to apply depilatory to the armpits or other body area. Before removal of the cap it is usually desirable to shake the container to ensure sufficient depilatory is covering the upper surface of the ball. This assists initial application of the depilatory. The headspace 18 is sufficient to enable depilatory lotion to bathe upper surface of ball 3 when the device is shaken with the cap on.

[0024] A device of the type described was tested against a standard pack of the roll-on deodorant type and a depilatory spray.

[0025] Empty roll-on deodorant packs of a standard type currently marketed in United Kingdom, such as that illustrated in UK Patent No. 740220 were filled with a depilatory lotion formulation instead of the deodorant formulation. It was found that this type of pack failed to deliver sufficient quantity of the depilatory to effect underarm depilation.

[0026] In a further trial 50 women were asked to carry out underarm depilation with A) an aerosol spray depilatory pack having a special angled nozzle and B) a roll-on applicator of the type described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

[0027] 49 of the 50 preferred the roll-on to the spray and of those women currently using either a razor or an electric razor for underarm hair removal 50% rated the roll-on better or much better than their current method.

[0028] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, there is shown a roll-on dispensing device comprising a ball 20 held captive, but rotatably mounted, in a housing 21 providing a snap-on fitment 22 by which the housing can be secured to the mouth of a container for a viscous fluid. When the container is tipped up to bring the fluid into contact with the ball, rotation of the ball in contact with a fixed surface causes fluid to be deposited on the surface.

[0029] The ball is a smooth sphere, but the cavity 23 in which the ball is held captive has a plurality of radially-inwardly extending ribs 24 whose radially inner edges together define a spherical surface supporting the ball for rotation and holding it captive. Five ribs 24 are provided in the illustrated construction. The ribs 24 space the ball 20 from the cavity wall and enable a thick film of fluid to be carried by the ball in the areas between the ribs 24. This construction has been found to be particularly useful in dispensing thixotropic substances.

[0030] Referring now to Figure 6, a ball 30 for a roll-on dispenser is shown which has a multiplicity of radial protrusions 31. These protrusions have flat tops which together define a sphere. Such a ball is rotatably mounted in and held captive in a cavity in a housing of the known kind. The protrusions 31 act as spacers to accommodate between the spherical surface of the ball and the smooth spherically-curved wall of the cavity a relatively thick film of the fluid to be dispensed. This construction has been found particularly useful in dealing with fluids which tend to lubricate the ball to such an extent that a smooth ball glides over the surface without rotating. The protrusions on the ball 30 produce a frictional driving effect on the ball when it is moved across the surface.

[0031] When the device is not in use, a sealing cover is placed over the ball and housing.

[0032] Thus liquid substances which could previously not be applied by the roll-on method can now be applied by devices as described and illustrated.

[0033] In the embodiments shown the ball preferably has a diameter of at least 25 mm.

[0034] The devices of the invention may also be used to apply viscous liquids, especially thixotropic liquids, cream or powder formulations, including topical pharmaceutical formulations, to other parts of the body besides the armpits.

Claims

1. A roll-on dispensing device for a viscous fluid of the kind comprising a ball (3, 20) rotatably mounted in a housing (2, 21) which provides an inlet and an outlet for fluid dispensed by rotation of the ball, characterised in that the housing (2, 21) is provided with a plurality of arcuate projections (9, 24) extending from the inlet side to the outlet side of the housing (2, 21), serving to support the ball and to retain the ball in place, said projections having spaces in between through which fluid can be fed by rotation of the ball and that the roll-on device is specially adapted to dispense depilatory fluid.

2. A roll-on dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the arcuate projections (9,24) comprise radially inwardly protruding ribs (9, 24) formed in the housing (2, 21) and extending axially from the inlet side to the outlet side of the housing (2, 21) and the radially inner edges (9a, 9b) of the ribs (9) jointly define a zone of a sphere.

3. A roll-on dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that the device is provided with a cap (4), the cap (4) having therein a head space (18) above the ball (3), which permits the ball (3) to be bathed with fluid when the device is shaken.

4. A roll-on dispensing device as claimed in Claim 3, characterised in that the housing is provided with a bevelled edge (10) and the cap is provided with an internal rim or ledge (13) which mates with said bevelled edge (10) to provide a liquid tight seal.

5. A roll-on dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims when containing a depilatory fluid.

6. A method of removing body hair which comprises applying to an area of the body a depilatory fluid, allowing said fluid to react with the hair for a sufficient period of time, removing the loosened hair and rinsing the body area characterised in that the depilatory fluid is applied by means of a roll-on device specially adapted to dispense depilatory fluid.

7. A method of removing body hair from the armpits which comprises applying to the armpits a depilatory fluid, allowing said fluid to react with underarm hair for a sufficient period of time, removing the loosened hair and rinsing the armpits, characterised in that the depilatory fluid is applied by means of a roll-on device specially adapted to dispense depilatory fluid.

8. A method as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, characterised in that the dispensing device comprises a ball (3, 20, 30) rotatably mounted in a cavity in a housing (2, 21 ) which provides an inlet and an outlet for fluid dispensed by rotation of the ball, wherein either the ball (30) or the housing (2, 21) is provided with radial protrusions (31, 9, 24) the radial extremities of which define a spherical surface and the other of the ball (3, 20) and the housing has a spherically curved surface for rolling engagement with the extremities of the protrusions, the protrusions operating as radial spacers forming spaces through which fluid can be fed by rotation of the ball.

9. A method as claimed in Claim 8, characterised in that the ball (30) is formed with a multiplicity of radially outwardly projecting protrusions (31), the radially outer extremities of which define a sphere and engage the surface of said cavity, which is smoothly spherically curved.

10. A method as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, characterised in that the dispensing device is a device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5.

Ansprüche

1. Roll-on-Abgabevorrichtung für eine viskose Flüssigkeit, von der Art mit einer Kugel (3, 20), die drehbar in einem Gehäuse (2, 21) angebracht ist, das einen Einlaß und einen Auslaß für durch Drehen der Kugel abzugebende Flüssigkeit vorsieht, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse (2, 21) mit einer Mehrzahl von bogenförmigen Vorsprüngen (9, 24) versehen ist, die sich von der Einlaßseite des Gehäuses (2, 21) zur Auslaßseite erstrecken, als Lager für die Kugel und dazu dienen, die Kugel am Platz zu halten, wobei die Vorsprünge mit Zwischenräumen vorgesehen sind, durch die Flüssigkeit durch Drehen der Kugel geleitet werden kann, und daß die Roll-on-Vorrichtung im besonderen zur Abgabe von Enthaarungsflüssigkeit eingerichtet ist.

2. Roll-on-Abgabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die bogenförmigen Vorsprünge (9, 24) radial einwärts vorstehende Rippen (9, 24) umfassen, die im Gehäuse (2, 21) geformt sind und sich axial von der Einlaßseite zur Auslaßseite des Gehäuses (2, 21) erstrecken, und die radial inneren Kanten (9a, 9b) der Rippen (9) gemeinsam eine Kugelzone definieren.

3. Roll-on-Abgabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Vorrichtung mit einer Kappe (4) versehen ist, wobei die Kappe (4) einen oberen Raum (18) im Inneren oberhalb der Kugel (3) hat, der erlaubt, daß die Kugel (3) mit Flüssigkeit benetzt wird, wenn die Vorrichtung geschüttelt wird.

4. Roll-on-Abgabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse mit einem abgeschrägten Rand (10) versehen ist und die Kappe mit einer innenliegenden Kante oder Leiste (13) versehen ist, die zum abgeschrägten Rand (10) paßt, um einen flüssigkeitsdichten Verschluß vorzusehen.

5. Roll-on-Abgabevorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, enthaltend eine Enthaarungsflüssigkeit.

6. Verfahren zum Entfernen von Körperhaar, wobei auf einen Bereich des Körpers eine Enthaarungsflüssigkeit aufgebracht wird, die man mit dem Haar eine ausreichend lange Zeitdauer reagieren läßt, das gelockerte Haar entfernt und der Körperbereich gespült wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Enthaarungsflüssigkeit mit Hilfe einer Roll-on-Vorrichtung aufgebracht wird, die . speziell zur Abgabe von Enthaarungsflüssigkeit eingerichtet ist.

7. Verfahren zum Entfernen von Körperhaar von den Achselhöhlen, wobei in den Achselhöhlen eine Enthaarungsflüssigkeit aufgebracht wird, die man eine ausreichend lange Zeitdauer mit Unterarmhaar reagieren läßt, das gelockerte Haar entfernt wird und die Achselhöhlen gespült werden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Enthaarungsflüssigkeit mit Hilfe einer Roll-on-Vorrichtung aufgebracht wird, die speziell zur Abgabe von Enthaarungsflüssigkeit eingerichtet ist.

8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Abgabevorrichtung eine Kugel (3, 20, 30) aufweist, die drehbar in einem Hohlraum in einem Gehäuse (2, 21) angeordnet ist, das einen Einlaß und einen Auslaß für durch Drehen der Kugel abgegebene Flüssigkeit vorsieht, wobei entweder die Kugel (30) oder das Gehäuse (2, 21) mit radialen Vorsprüngen (31, 9, 24) versehen ist, deren radiale Enden eine spärische Fläche definieren, und der andere Teil, Gehäuse oder Kugel (3, 20), eine sphärisch gekrümmte Fläche für einen Rolleingriff mit den Enden der Vorsprünge hat, welche als radiale Distanzelemente wirken, die Zwischenräume bilden, durch die Flüssigkeit durch Drehen der Kugel geleitet werden kann.

9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kugel (30) mit einer Mehrzahl von radialen auswärts vorstehenden Vorsprüngen (31) ausgebildet ist, deren radial äußere Enden eine Kugelfläche definieren und an der Fläche des Hohlraums anliegen, die glatt sphärisch gekrümmt ist.

10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Abgabevorrichtung eine Vorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5 ist.

Revendications

1. Dispositif distributeur à bille pour un liquide visqueux du type comprenant une bille (3, 20) montée à rotation dans un logement (2, 21) qui présente une entrée et une sortie pour un liquide distribué par la rotation de la bille, caractérisé en ce que le logement (2, 21) est muni de plusieurs saillies arquées (9, 24) s'étendant depuis le côté d'entrée jusqu'au côté de sortie du logement (2, 21) et servant à supporter la bille et maintenir la bille en place, ces saillies ménageant des espaces intermédiaires par lesquels le liquide peut être distribué par la rotation de la bille et que le dispositif à bille est spécialement conçu pour distribuer un liquide dépilatoire.

2. Dispositif distributeur à bille suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les saillies arquées (9, 24) comprennent des nervures (9, 24) en saillie radialement vers l'intérieur constituées dans le logement (2, 21) et s'étendant axialement à partir du côté d'entrée jusqu'au côté de sortie du logement (2, 21) et les bords radialement intérieurs (9a, 9b) des nervures (9) définissent conjointement une zone d'une sphère.

3. Dispositif distributeur à bille suivant la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif est muni d'un capuchon (4), le capuchon (4) comportant au-dessus de la bille (3) un espace libre (18) qui permet à la bille (3) d'être baignée par le liquide lorsque le dispositif est secoué.

4. Dispositif distributeur à bille suivant la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que le logement est muni d'un bord en biseau (10) et le capuchon est muni d'un rebord ou bourrelet intérieur (13) qui s'adapte sur le bord en biseau (10) pour établir un joint étanche au liquide.

5. Dispositif distributeur à bille suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, lorsqu'il contient un liquide dépilatoire.

6. Procédé pour éliminer les poils, suivant lequel on applique sur une partie du corps un liquide dépilatoire, on laisse ce liquide réagir avec les poils pendant une durée suffisante, on élimine les poils détachés et on rince la partie du corps, caractérisé en ce que le liquide dépilatoire est appliqué au moyen d'un dispositif à bille spécialement conçu pour distribuer un liquide dépilatoire.

7. Procédé pour éliminer les poils des aisselles, suivant lequel on applique aux aisselles un liquide dépilatoire, on laisse le liquide réagir avec les poils aux aisselles pendant une durée suffisante, on élimine les poils détachés et on rince les aisselles, caractérisé en ce que le liquide dépilatoire est appliqué au moyen d'un dispositif à bille spécialement conçu pour distribuer un liquide dépilatoire.

8. Procédé suivant la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif distributeur comprend une bille (3, 20, 30) montée à rotation dans une cavité dans un logement (2, 21) qui présente une entrée et une sortie pour le liquide distribué par la rotation de la bille, dont soit la bille (30), soit le logement (2, 21) est muni de saillies radiales (31, 9, 24) dont les extrémités radiales définissent une surface sphérique et l'autre d'entre la bille (3, 20) et le logement présente une surface à courbure sphérique pour attaquer par roulement les extrémités des saillies, les saillies agissant comme organes d'espacement ménageant des espaces par lesquels le liquide peut être débité par la rotation de la bille.

9. Procédé suivant la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que la bille (30) comporte de multiples saillies (31) en relief radialement vers l'extérieur et dont les extrémités radialement extérieures définissent une sphère et attaquent la surface de la cavité, laquelle est à courbure sphérique lisse.

10. Procédé suivant la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif distributeur est un dispositif tel que défini dans l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5.

Drawing