US20100000568A1

US20100000568A1 - Measured cosmetic powder dispenser

Info

Publication number: US20100000568A1
Application number: US12/217,420
Authority: US
Inventors: Jerome Fraillon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Bare Escentuals Beauty Inc; Bare Escentuals Inc; Shiseido Americas Corp
Priority date: 2008-07-03
Filing date: 2008-07-03
Publication date: 2010-01-07

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of cosmetic powder containers and dispensers and particularly to a cosmetic powder dispenser with measured dispensing mechanism. The present invention is particularly easy to use and cost effective by allowing the consumer to dispense only the desired amount of the cosmetic powder by providing a measured dispensing mechanism, and at the same time allow the consumer to apply the cosmetic powder evenly to the brush head by providing an application surface to manipulate the cosmetic powder evenly onto the brush head.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of cosmetic powder containers and dispensers and particularly to a cosmetic powder dispenser with measured dispensing mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of cosmetic powder containers and dispensers are available on the market. Cosmetic powders are generally applied to the face by way of a variety of different types of brushes. To apply the cosmetic powder to the face, the cosmetic powder must first be applied to the brush and then applied to the face in a desired location and manner. Many of the available cosmetic powder container are simply a container for the cosmetic powder with a lid, which leaves the consumer with the task of figuring out how to apply the desired amount of cosmetic powder to the brush and then to the face. Cosmetics are generally expensive, and much of the powder can be wasted if too large of amount of the powder is applied to the brush. A major difficulty with application of cosmetic powder to the face from a simple container is that a brush is usually dipped into the cosmetic powder and then applied to the face. There is usually little that can be done to even out the cosmetic powder on the brush head. Because dipping the brush head into the powder causes a varying amount of cosmetic powder to be picked up by different regions of the brush head, the application of the cosmetic powder may be uneven, especially if too large of an amount of the cosmetic powder was picked up by the brush head.
Many of the available cosmetic containers and dispensers suffer from the problems discussed above. While there has been a trend to produce more effective and cost saving cosmetic powder containers and dispensers, further improvements in effectiveness and ease of use for of the cosmetic powder container and dispenser is desirable, and the present invention addresses the existing problems and provides related solutions and benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of cosmetic powder containers and dispensers and particularly to a cosmetic powder dispenser with measured dispensing mechanism. The present invention is particularly easy to use and cost effective by allowing the consumer to dispense only the desired amount of the cosmetic powder by providing a measured dispensing mechanism, and at the same time allow the consumer to apply the cosmetic powder evenly to the brush head by providing an application surface to manipulate the cosmetic powder evenly onto the brush head. Furthermore, the measured dispenser of the present invention includes one or more cavities into which a measured amount of the cosmetic powder is collected and dispensed for use and to safeguard the loose powder in the container from spilling out by accident or during use or travel.
The present invention recognizes that cosmetic powder containers and dispensers can be made more user friendly and cost effective by providing a cosmetic powder container with a measured dispensing mechanism to provide the ability to dispense only the desired-amount of the cosmetic powder onto an application surface for manipulating the cosmetic brush evenly onto the brush head.
A first aspect of the present invention includes a measured cosmetic powder dispenser including a powder collector having an open end and an opposing closed end with a peripheral side wall, a powder container capable of containing cosmetic powder, the powder container including a first partially open end and an opposing second partially open end with a peripheral sidewall connecting the first and second partially open ends forming the powder container, the powder container adapted to be releasably attached to the open end of the powder collector; and a dispensing rod positioned inside the powder container, the dispensing rod including a spring loaded push-button end positioned at the first partially open end of the powder container, and an opposing dispensing end positioned at the second partially open end of the powder container, wherein the dispensing end of the dispensing rod includes a first stopper, a second stopper, and one or more cavities positioned between the first and the second stoppers into which cosmetic powder can be collected, such that when the spring loaded push-button end is depressed, the dispensing rod moves through the powder inside the powder container and into the powder collector discharging a measured amount of the cosmetic powder from the one or more cavities of the dispensing rod into the powder collector.
A second aspect of the present invention includes a cosmetic powder dispenser including a powder collector adapted to be releasably attached to a powder container including a vertical mobile dispensing rod, the vertical mobile dispensing rod including a spring loaded push-button end positioned at a first end of the powder container, and an opposing dispensing end positioned at a second end of the powder container, wherein the dispensing end of the dispensing rod has one or more cavities into which cosmetic powder can be collected, such that when the spring loaded push-button end is depressed, the dispensing rod moves through the powder inside the powder container and into the powder collector discharging a measured amount of the cosmetic powder into the powder collector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention with the dispensing rod in a relaxed position.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention with the dispensing rod in a depressed position.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the parts.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention shown with the dispensing rod in a relaxed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Introduction

The present invention recognizes that cosmetic powder containers and dispensers can be made more user friendly and cost effective by providing a cosmetic powder container with a measured dispensing mechanism to provide for the ability to dispense only the desired amount of the cosmetic powder onto an application surface for manipulating the cosmetic brush evenly onto the brush head.
Further objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds and when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To gain a full appreciation of the scope of the present invention, it will be further recognized that various aspects of the present invention can be changed or be combined to make desirable embodiments of the invention.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventor also contemplates the plural of that term. The nomenclature used herein and the procedures described below are those well known and commonly employed in the art.

I. A Measured Cosmetic Powder Dispenser

One embodiment of the present invention includes a cosmetic powder container with measured dispenser mechanism. The container and various parts of the present invention can be made from any suitable material, preferably rigid plastics, ceramics, glass, rubber, metals, or a combination thereof. The shape and size of the powder container and dispenser may be as desired for a particular product. The present invention includes a measured cosmetic powder dispenser including a powder collector having an open end and an opposing closed end with a peripheral side wall of a desire length such that the powder collector is able to hold and contain the desired amount of the dispensed cosmetic powder. The peripheral side wall of the powder collector preferably includes a releasable attaching means for attaching to a powder container described below. The releasable attaching means may be any suitable attaching means for attaching an open-top container with the powder container, for example threaded screw means, quick-release means, or snap-lock means.
The powder container of the present invention is container that is capable of containing cosmetic powder. The powder container of the present invention includes a first partially open end and an opposing second partially open end with a peripheral sidewall connecting the first and second partially open ends forming the powder container. The peripheral side wall of the powder container may be of any desire length such that the container is able to contain and house the volume of the desired amount of the cosmetic powder. The powder container of the present invention is adapted to be releasably attached to the open end of the powder collector, for example by way of screw means, quick-release means, or snap-lock means.
The present invention also includes a dispensing rod positioned inside the powder container. Preferably, the dispensing rod includes a spring loaded push-button end positioned at the first partially open end of the powder container, and an opposing dispensing end positioned at the second partially open end of the powder container. The spring loaded push-button end may be provided by any suitable means that provides tensions, such that the push-button end can be pressed down and return back to the initial position after being releases. The means that provide the tension may be any elastic-type means where an elastic material is stretched upon pressing the button, and released upon releasing the button. Such means for providing tension may be in the form of one or more springs, for example metal, plastic, or a rubber spring, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the powder container can include one or more sealing means between the push-button end of the dispensing rod and the first partially open end of the powder container sealing the cosmetic powder inside the powder container. Providing such sealing means ensures that the cosmetic powder does not inadvertently fall our of the powder container when the bush-button end of the dispensing rod is depressed during use. Such sealing means may be any suitable sealing means for its purpose, such as O-rings made of rubber, plastics or similar material, or other material of any shape that can seal an opening while allowing the movement of the dispensing rod.
The dispensing end of the dispensing rod may include a first stopper, a second stopper, and one or more cavities positioned between the first and the second stoppers into which cosmetic powder can be collected. It is an important aspect of this embodiment of the present invention for the first and second stoppers of the dispensing rod to have the same shape as the opening located on the second partially open end of the powder container. Preferably, the second opening of the powder container may in the shape of a circle and the shapes of the first and second stoppers of the dispensing rod may by cylindrical having substantially the same diameter as the opening of the second open end of the powder container. This way, when the push-button is not depressed and is in a relaxed position, the first stopper plugs the opening securing the powder inside the powder container, and when the push-button is depressed, the dispensing rod first moves through the powder and into the powder collector taking with it the powder that has collected in the one or more cavities of the dispensing rod which is discharged in the powder collector and as the dispensing rod travels further into the powder the second stopper plugs the opening and again securing the powder inside the powder container. When the push-button is released, the dispensing rod moves back into the powder container with empty cavities to be refilled and the first stopper again plugs the opening securing the powder inside the powder container.
In a preferred embodiment of the cosmetic powder dispenser of the present invention has a cylindrical configuration, and also the dispensing rod has a cylindrical configuration, wherein the diameter at the dispensing end is larger than the diameter at the push-button end, and the dispensing end of the dispensing rod comprises one circular cavity running along the entire periphery of the dispensing rod. The powder can be collected in the circular cavity of the dispensing rod and when the push-button of the dispensing rod is depressed, the powder is discharged in the powder collector. In the preferred embodiment it is preferable for the circular cavity of the dispensing end of the dispensing rod to be able to contain between about 0.05 grams to about 1 grams of cosmetic powder, and more preferably between about 0.1 grams to 0.5 grams of cosmetic powder. In the preferred embodiment, it is preferable for the powder container to be able to contain between about 5 grams to about 50 grams of the cosmetic powder, and more preferably between about 0.5 grams to 30 grams of the cosmetic powder.
The powder container of the present invention can include one or more internal structures for directing the cosmetic powder toward the one or more cavities of the dispensing rod. In one preferred embodiment, the second partially open end of the powder container includes a floor that is angled upward in an inclined configuration such that the cosmetic powder inside the powder container is directed toward the one or more cavities of the dispensing end of the dispending rod. Examples of inclined floors may include a cone shape configuration or a parabolic shape configuration.
In a preferred embodiment, the powder collector of the present invention is of a proper size to provide a flat surface on the inside bottom where the cosmetic powder is captured from the powder container and can be easily manipulated by a brush head to apply a desired amount of the cosmetic powder evenly onto the brush head.
It is preferred that the powder container be able to releasably attached to the open end of the powder collector. In such configuration, the powder collector may act as a type of a lid for the powder container, where is it used to collect the dispensed powder when turn upside down wherein the powder collector is position at the bottom and under the powder container. The mans for releasably attaching the powder container to the powder collector may be by any suitable releasable attaching means, for example by way of screw means such as threaded ends of the powder container and the powder collector, or snap-lock means such as where there are grooves and protrusions that tightly fit into each other, or by way of a quick release and locking mechanism.
The powder container of the present invention may also be configured to be refillable. For example a refilling lid or covered aperture may be provided by which new powder is used to fill up an emptied powder container.

EXAMPLES

Example I

Measured Cosmetic Powder Dispenser

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, one embodiment of the aspect of the present invention includes a measured cosmetic powder dispenser 100 including a powder collector 101 having an open end and an opposing closed end 102 with a peripheral side wall 103, a powder container 104 capable of containing cosmetic powder 105, the powder container 105 including a first partially open end 106 and an opposing second partially open end 107 with a peripheral sidewall 108 connecting the first 106 and second 107 partially open ends forming the powder container 104, the powder container 104 adapted to be releasably attached 109 the open end of the powder collector 101; and a dispensing rod 201 positioned inside the powder container 104, the dispensing rod 201 including a spring loaded push-button end 202 positioned at the first partially open end 106 of the powder container 104, and an opposing dispensing end 203 positioned at the second partially open end 107 of the powder container 104, wherein the dispensing end 203 of the dispensing rod 201 includes a first stopper 204, a second stopper 205, and one or more cavities 206 positioned between the first 204 and the second 205 stoppers into which cosmetic powder 105 can be collected, such that when the spring loaded push-button end 202 is depressed, the dispensing rod 201 moves through the powder 105 inside the powder container 104 and into the powder collector 101 discharging a measured amount 207 of the cosmetic powder 105 from the one or more cavities 206 of the dispensing rod 201 into the powder collector101.
The powder collector 101 of the present invention provides a flat surface 301 on the inside bottom where the measured amount 207 of the cosmetic powder is captured from the powder container 104 and can be easily manipulated by a brush head to apply a desired amount of the cosmetic powder evenly onto the brush head.
The second partially open end 107 of the powder container includes a floor 302 that is angled upward in an inclined configuration such that the cosmetic powder 105 inside the powder container 104 is directed toward the one or more cavities 206 of the dispensing end 203 of the dispending rod 201.
The spring loaded push-button end 202 of the dispensing rod 201 may include a metal, plastic, or a rubber spring 303, or a combination thereof. The powder container 104 may be releasably attached 109 to the open end of the powder collector 101 by way of threaded means 109, snap-lock means 304, or quick release and locking mechanism 304.
The powder container 104 may also include one or more sealing means 305 between the push-button end 202 of the dispensing rod 201 and the first partially open end 106 of the powder container sealing the cosmetic powder 105 inside the powder container 104.
All headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading, unless so specified. Various changes and departures may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited to that specifically described in the specification or as illustrated in the drawings, but only as set forth in the claims. Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions, and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A measured cosmetic powder dispenser comprising:

a powder collector comprising an open end and an opposing closed end comprising a peripheral side wall;

a powder container capable of containing cosmetic powder, the powder container comprising a first partially open end and an opposing second partially open end comprising a peripheral sidewall connecting the first and second partially open ends forming the powder container, the powder container adapted to be releasably attached to the open end of the powder collector; and

a dispensing rod positioned inside the powder container, the dispensing rod comprising a spring loaded push-button end positioned at the first partially open end of the powder container, and an opposing dispensing end positioned at the second partially open end of the powder container, wherein the dispensing end of the dispensing rod comprises a first stopper, a second stopper, and one or more cavities positioned between the first and the second stoppers into which cosmetic powder can be collected, such that when the spring loaded push-button end is depressed, the dispensing rod moves through the powder inside the powder container and into the powder collector discharging a measured amount of the cosmetic powder from the one or more cavities of the dispensing rod into the powder collector.

2. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispensing rod comprises a cylindrical configuration, wherein the diameter at the dispensing end is larger than the diameter at the push-button end, and the dispensing end of the dispensing rod comprises one circular cavity running along the entire periphery of the dispensing rod.

3. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 1, comprising a cylindrical configuration.

4. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 2, wherein the circular cavity of the dispensing end of the dispensing rod is able to contain 0.1 grams to 0.5 grams of cosmetic powder, and the powder container is able to contain 0.5 grams to 30 grams of cosmetic powder.

5. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 1, wherein the closed end of the powder collector comprises a flat surface for manipulation of the cosmetic powder by a brush.

6. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second partially open end of the powder container comprises an inclined floor such that the cosmetic powder inside the powder container is directed toward the one or more cavities of the dispensing end of the dispending rod.

7. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 1, wherein the spring loaded push-button comprises a metal, plastic, or a rubber spring, or a combination thereof.

8. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 1, wherein the spring loaded push-button comprises elastic means.

9. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 1, wherein the powder container is releasably attached to the open end of the powder collector by way of threaded means or snap-lock means.

10. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 1, wherein the powder container is releasably attached to the open end of the powder collector by way of quick release and locking mechanism.

11. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 1, wherein the powder container is capable of being refilled.

12. The measured cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 1, wherein the powder container further comprises one or more sealing means between the push-button end of the dispensing rod and the first partially open end of the powder container sealing the cosmetic powder inside the powder container.

13. A cosmetic powder dispenser comprising:

a powder collector adapted to be releasably attached to a powder container comprising a vertical mobile dispensing rod, the vertical mobile dispensing rod comprising a spring loaded push-button end positioned at a first end of the powder container, and an opposing dispensing end positioned at a second end of the powder container, wherein the dispensing end of the dispensing rod comprises one or more cavities into which cosmetic powder can be collected, such that when the spring loaded push-button end is depressed, the dispensing rod moves through the powder inside the powder container and into the powder collector discharging a measured amount of the cosmetic powder into the powder collector.

14. The cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 13, wherein the dispensing end of the dispensing rod comprises a first stopper, a second stopper, and one or more cavities positioned between the first and the second stoppers into which cosmetic powder can be collected, such that when the spring loaded push-button end is depressed, the dispensing rod moves through the powder inside the powder container and into the powder collector discharging a measured amount of the cosmetic powder from the one or more cavities of the vertical dispensing rod into the powder collector.

15. The cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 13, wherein the dispensing rod comprises a cylindrical configuration, wherein the diameter at the dispensing end is larger than the diameter at the push-button end, and the dispensing end of the dispensing rod comprises one circular cavity running along the entire periphery of the dispensing rod.

16. The cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 13, wherein the powder container comprises a floor comprising an opening for the dispensing rod, the floor being inclined upward such that the cosmetic powder inside the powder container is directed toward the one or more cavities of the dispensing end of the dispending rod.

17. The cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 13, wherein the powder collector comprises a flat surface for manipulation of the cosmetic powder by a brush.

18. The cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 13, wherein the spring loaded push-button comprises elastic means.

19. The cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 13, wherein the powder container is releasably attached the open end of the powder collector by way of screw means or snap means.

20. The cosmetic powder dispenser of claim 13, wherein the one or more cavities of the dispensing end is able to contain 0.1 grams to 0.5 grams of cosmetic powder, and the powder container is able to contain 0.5 grams to 30 grams of cosmetic powder.