System for containing and dispensing cosmetic substance

Abstract

This document discloses a system for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances. The system may include: a container having a first end and a second end, and a cavity for receiving the cosmetic substance; a dispensing assembly coupled to the first end of the container; a push assembly at least partially disposed within the container cavity; and a dosage selection assembly movably coupled to the second end of the container and the push assembly. Moving a portion of the dosage selection assembly relative to the container advances the push assembly, which pushes a desired amount of the cosmetic substance from the container cavity into the dispensing assembly. A user can actuate the dispensing assembly to dispense the desired amount of the cosmetic substance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to cosmetic, hair care, body care, and / or skin care products, and more specifically to systems or methods for containing and dispensing such products. Prior Technology

[0002] Beauty, hair care, body care, and / or skin care products are available in many different containers and can be dispensed in many different ways. For example, toners or lotions can be applied by spraying or patting with fingers or a cloth pad. Creams can be dispensed from containers with pumps; stored in trays and dispensed with a spoon or spatula; or stored in tubes and dispensed by a squeeze tube. These conventional methods of storing and dispensing cosmetic and personal care products may expose the products to air, causing oxidation and reducing their shelf life. In addition, conventional methods of storing and dispensing cosmetic and personal care products may lack precise control over the amount of product removed from the container or dispensed, which may also lead to product waste. During transportation, conventional storage and dispensing packaging or containers may rely on threaded closures or locking mechanisms, which may waste product or trap air in the container during the locking process.

[0003] Therefore, an improved storage and dispensing system with enhanced functions is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An example within the scope of this disclosure relates to a system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance. Such a system includes a container having a first end, a second end, and a container cavity adapted to receive a cosmetic substance. The system also includes a dispensing assembly, a push assembly, and a dosage selection assembly. The dispensing assembly is operatively coupled to the first end of the container and has an inlet adapted to receive the cosmetic substance and an outlet adapted to dispense the cosmetic substance. The push assembly is at least partially disposed within the container cavity. The push assembly is also operatively coupled to the dispensing assembly. The dosage selection assembly is movably coupled to the second end of the container and to the push assembly. In this system, moving a portion of the dosage selection assembly relative to the container engages with and advances the push assembly, thereby pushing a desired amount of cosmetic substance from the container cavity into the dispensing assembly. Furthermore, in this system, moving a portion of the dispensing assembly dispenses the desired amount of cosmetic substance from the outlet.

[0005] In one method, the actuation assembly includes a rod having a threaded portion and a dose-selective coupling portion adapted to be operatively coupled to a portion of the dose-selective assembly. The actuation assembly also includes a piston threadedly coupled to the threaded portion of the rod. In this method, moving a portion of the dose-selective assembly causes the rod to rotate, thereby advancing the piston to push the desired amount of cosmetic substance from the container cavity. In this method, the rod includes a channel and at least one opening configured such that moving a portion of the dose-selective assembly causes the piston to push the desired amount of cosmetic substance into the opening and through the channel to the inlet in the dispensing assembly. Alternatively or additionally, in this method, the actuation assembly also includes an upper flange and a lower flange adapted to limit the travel of the piston along the rod.

[0006] In these and other methods, the dispensing assembly includes: an actuator housing having a cavity, wherein the actuator housing is operatively coupled to the first end of the container; and an actuator body at least partially disposed within the cavity of the actuator housing, wherein the actuator body includes the inlet. The actuator body also has a dispensing cavity for receiving the desired amount of cosmetic substance. In this method, the actuator body is movable relative to the housing such that when the dispensing cavity is filled with the desired amount of cosmetic substance, the actuator body moves outward from the first end of the container to an operative position accessible to a user. The dispensing assembly further includes at least one retainer adapted to hold the actuator body in an initial position at or near the first end of the container. In this method, the system includes an elastic element, such as a spring, adapted to generate a pushing force on the actuator body. The dispensing assembly further includes a valve.

[0007] In these and other methods, the dosage selection assembly includes: a push housing having a cavity, wherein the push housing is operatively coupled to the second end of the container; and a guide member at least partially disposed within the cavity of the push housing. The guide member is operatively coupled to the push housing and includes a push assembly coupling portion adapted to be operatively coupled to a portion of the push assembly. In this method, the system also includes a full-dose indicator adapted to generate tactile feedback when the dosage selection assembly is moved to a position corresponding to a maximum dispensable amount of cosmetic substance. In this method, the push assembly coupling portion includes a bonding member.

[0008] In these and other methods, the system also includes a valve located between the actuation assembly and the dispensing assembly.

[0009] In these and other methods, the system includes a dose-locking mechanism adapted to selectively prevent the propulsion assembly from advancing to push a desired amount of cosmetic substance from the container cavity into the dispensing assembly.

[0010] In a method for a system for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances, the system includes a container, a push assembly, a dose selection assembly, and a dose-locking mechanism. The container has a first end and a second end, and defines a container cavity adapted to receive the cosmetic substance. The push assembly is at least partially disposed within the container cavity to push a desired amount of cosmetic substance from the container. The dose selection assembly is movably coupled to the second end of the container and the push assembly. The dose-locking mechanism is adapted to selectively allow movement of the dose selection assembly relative to the push assembly.

[0011] In this and other methods, the dosage locking mechanism includes: a first magnetic element operatively coupled to a portion of the actuation assembly; and a second magnetic element operatively coupled to a portion of the dosage selection assembly. The dispensing assembly is operatively coupled to the first end of the container, wherein the dispensing assembly includes an outlet adapted to dispense the cosmetic substance from the container. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0012] The aforementioned requirements are at least partially met by one, more than one, or any combination of the methods for a system for containing and dispensing cosmetic products as described below (especially when read in conjunction with the drawings), wherein: [Figure 1] A side view illustrating example systems for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances, based on various examples; [Figure 2] A side view of an example system with an extended applicator assembly according to various examples of Figure 1; [Figure 3] A side view of an example system illustrating the removal of the dose selection assembly from a larger portion of the system, based on various examples of Figures 1 and 2; [Figure 4] A perspective view of an example system illustrating the dose selection assembly for removing a larger portion of the system, based on various examples of Figures 1 and 2; [Figure 5] A front elevation view of the example systems from Figures 1 to 4, based on various examples; [Figure 6] illustrates the elevation section view taken along line AA of the example system in Figure 5 based on various examples; and [Figure 7] shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the assembly, drive assembly, and system housing of Figure 6 according to various examples; [Figure 8] illustrates the applicator assembly and other parts of a system in an extended configuration, based on various examples of the applicator assembly shown in Figure 7; [Figure 9A] and [Figure 9B] illustrate partial exploded views of dispensing assemblies for example systems used to contain and dispense cosmetic substances, based on various examples; [Figure 10A] and [Figure 10B] respectively illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of the propulsion assembly of example systems for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances according to various examples; [Figure 11] A perspective cross-sectional view of a dosage selection assembly that is connected to a portion of a propulsion assembly of an example system for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances, according to various examples; [Figure 12] A partial cross-sectional view of a dosage selection assembly interfacing with a portion of an example system for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances, based on various examples; [Figure 13A] and [Figure 13B] respectively illustrate exploded and perspective exploded views of dosage selection assemblies for example systems used to contain and dispense cosmetic substances according to various examples; [Figure 14A] and [Figure 14B] respectively illustrate the elevation and top views of the dosage selection assembly of example systems for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances according to various examples; [Figure 15A] illustrates a side perspective view of an example system for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances, based on various examples; and [Figure 15B] shows a side perspective view of an example system of the application assembly of Figure 15A in an extended configuration according to various examples.

[0013] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the size and / or relative positioning of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various examples. Furthermore, common but well-known elements that are useful and necessary in commercially available examples are generally not depicted to minimize obstruction of view of such examples. It will also be understood that certain actions and / or steps may be described or depicted in a specific sequence of occurrence; however, those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity regarding sequence is not actually necessary. It will also be understood that, unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as attributed to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art, as set forth above. Implementation

[0014] Generally speaking, these various methods provide systems for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances, allowing users to precisely dispense predetermined amounts of cosmetic, hair care, body care, and / or skin care products, and allowing products to be stored in a manner that prevents exposure to air. In some instances, the system may include removable components, such as a dosage selection assembly, which prevents unintended dispensing of the product. The system's ability to store products with limited exposure to air and prevent unintended dispensing prevents product waste and allows users to maximize their use of and benefit from the product.

[0015] Referring now to the figures, a system 100 (Figure 6) for containing and dispensing cosmetic substance 105 is provided. System 100 includes a container 101, a dispensing assembly 110, a push assembly 120, and a dosage selection assembly 130. Cosmetic substance 105 can be any type of beauty, hair care, body care, and / or skin care product that can be applied to a user. For example, cosmetic substance 105 can be in the form of a moisturizing cream or serum. Other examples are possible. In some examples where cosmetic substance 105 is a cosmetic formulation, the cosmetic substance may include strong or other aggressive chemicals and / or solvents, such as, for example, volatiles.

[0016] Container 101 has a first end 102, a second end 103, and a cavity 104. The cavity 104 is sized and adjustable to receive cosmetic substance 105. Container 101 can be made of any number of suitable materials that restrict air ingress, such as, for example, glass, glazed ceramics, inactive metals (e.g., stainless steel, anodized aluminum), composite materials, polycarbonate, multilayer polymers, and coated polymers. Other examples are possible. As shown in the figure, container 101 can have a cylindrical shape. Container 101, and consequently system 100, can have any number of suitable shapes, including prismatic shapes, such as rectangular prisms or triangular prisms. Other examples of the shape of system 100 are possible.

[0017] The dispensing assembly 110 is connected to the container 101 at a first end 102, and the dosage selection assembly 130 is connected to the container 101 at a second end 103. A push assembly 120 is connected to both the dispensing assembly 110 and the dosage selection assembly 130. The container 101 surrounds a portion of the push assembly 120. When the dispensing assembly 110 is actuated, cosmetic substance 105 is pushed from the cavity 104 via the outlet 115.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when both the dispensing assembly 110 and the dosage selection assembly 130 are connected to the container 101, the system 100 can have at least two configurations. Figure 1 shows the dispensing assembly 110 in a closed configuration within the system 100. Figure 2 shows the dispensing assembly 110 in an extended configuration within the system 100. An example of the dispensing assembly 110 being in a closed configuration includes after dispensing the cosmetic substance 105. When in the extended configuration, the dispensing assembly 110 is in the actuated position, ready to be actuated to provide the cosmetic substance 105 to the user.

[0019] Figures 3 and 4 show the configuration of system 100 in which the dosage selection assembly 130 is separated from or removed from the second end 103 of container 101. This configuration is suitable for transport because it locks system 100, thereby preventing the dispensing of cosmetic substance 105. For example, when the dosage selection assembly 130 is removed from the system after it has been configured as shown in Figure 1, cosmetic substance 105 cannot be dispensed from system 100 because the dispensing assembly 110 is in a tight configuration. The user can dispense the desired amount or dose of cosmetic substance 105 from system 100 and then remove the dosage selection assembly 130 without dispensing additional cosmetic substance 105. In contrast, in some conventional containers, locking the dispensing or pumping mechanism may result in the dispensing of cosmetic substance 105. In conventional containers, the state of the dispensing or pumping mechanism may be accidentally changed from a locked state to an unlocked state by rotating the mechanism.

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 for containing and dispensing cosmetic substance 105, wherein container 101 is connected to dispensing assembly 110 at its first end 102 and to dosage selection assembly 130 at its second end 103. The exterior of outlet 115 is shown in the figure. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the system of Figure 5 taken along line AA. Figure 6 shows the interior of system 100, and the relative positions of container 101, dispensing assembly 110, actuation assembly 120, and dosage selection assembly 130 are visible.

[0021] Figure 6 shows the dispensing assembly 110 in a closed configuration. The dispensing assembly 110 is connected to the container 101 at a first end 102. The dispensing assembly 110 includes an inlet 111 and an outlet 115. Figure 7 shows a more detailed view of the dispensing assembly 110 in the closed configuration. Referring to Figure 7, the dispensing assembly 110 includes an actuator housing 112 that surrounds a cavity 113. The actuator housing 112 is connected to the first end 102 of the container 101. The dispensing assembly 110 includes an actuator body 114 that is at least partially disposed within the cavity 113 of the actuator housing 112. The inlet 111 and outlet 115 of the dispensing assembly 110 are located within the actuator body 114. A passage in the actuator body 114 fluidly connects the inlet 111 and the outlet 115. Inlet 111 is adapted to receive cosmetic material and allow it to flow through a channel, while outlet 115 is adapted to dispense cosmetic material that has passed through dispensing assembly 110. Actuator body 114 includes dispensing cavity 116 with inlet 111 at one end, and is configured to move relative to actuator housing 112 when dispensing cavity 116 is filled or emptied (e.g., when dispensing product). Actuator body 114 moves outward from a first end 102 of container 101 to an actuated position accessible to a user when system 100 is in use. Magnet 118 is attached to actuator body 114 and connected to metal ring 119, which is fixed and rests against a portion of the first end 102 of container 101. Magnet 118 and metal ring 119 are used to ensure that system 100 remains in a tight configuration, with actuator body 114 located in cavity 113 and surrounded by housing 112. Since magnet 118 and metal ring 119 keep the system in a tight configuration, the combination of magnet 118 and metal ring 119 can be considered a holding mechanism that holds actuator body 114 at or near the first end 102 of the container. This position at or near the first end 102 of the container can be considered the initial position or tight configuration, and the position where the actuator body is in a user-accessible location can be considered the second position. Magnet 118 and metal ring 119 also provide moderate resistance when the dispensing cavity 116 is filled with the product dosage. The method of filling the dispensing cavity 116 will be described in more detail below.

[0022] The dispensing assembly 110 also includes an actuator plug 117, a housing plug 109, and a resilient element or spring 140 connected to the actuator body 114. The actuator plug 117, together with the housing plug 109, surrounds the spring 140. The housing plug 109 is fixed and attached to the container 101 above the cavity 104 at a first end 102 of the container. When the actuator plug 117 is connected to the actuator body 114, the actuator plug 117 moves with the actuator body during the dispensing of the product. The spring 140 can be used to provide resistance to the user during dispensing of the product, thereby dispensing the product gradually or slowly. Additionally, the resilient element or spring 140 can be adjusted to generate a pushing force on the actuator body 114.

[0023] Referring back to Figure 6, the push assembly 120 is shown connected to the dispensing assembly 110 and the dose selection assembly 130. The push assembly 120 and the dose selection assembly 130 are movably coupled. The push assembly 120 includes a rod 121, a threaded portion 122, a dose selection assembly coupling portion 123, a piston 125, a channel 126, an opening 127, an upper flange 128, and a lower flange 129. The upper flange 128 and the lower flange 129 are fixedly positioned along the rod 121 of the push assembly 120. The threaded portion 122 of the push assembly 120 is located between the upper flange 128 and the lower flange 129. The piston 125 has an internal opening that interacts with the threads of the threaded portion 122, so that rotation of the rod 121 causes the piston 125 to move along the threaded portion. The threaded portion 122 is located in the cavity 104 of the container 101. The upper flange 128 is located near the first end 102 of the container, while the lower flange 129 is located near the second end 103. Both the upper flange 128 and the lower flange 129 are located in the cavity 104 of the container 101.

[0024] The dose selection assembly coupling portion 123 is connected to the lower flange 129 and is surrounded by the dose selection assembly 130 when the system 100 is fully assembled, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6.

[0025] A dose selection assembly coupling portion 123 is located at one end of the actuation assembly 120. The other end of the actuation assembly 120 is connected to a portion 124 of the rod 121, which is at least partially located within the dispensing cavity 116 in the actuator body 114. This portion 124 of the rod is unthreaded and relatively smooth to facilitate relative movement of the actuator body 114 along the rod 121. The extent to which the unthreaded or smooth portion 124 is surrounded by the actuator body 114 depends on the product dose and the system configuration (e.g., tight or extended). A spring 140 also surrounds a portion of the unthreaded portion 124 of the rod. Regardless of the state of the system 100, whether the system is in an extended or tight state, the spring 140 surrounds the unthreaded portion 124 of the rod. The end 124a of the unthreaded portion 124 is located at one end of the dispensing cavity 116, while the inlet 111 is located at the other end of the cavity 116. The distance between the inlet 111 and the end 124a of the unthreaded portion 124 varies depending on the extent to which the cosmetic substance 105 fills the application cavity 116.

[0026] The rod 121 has a channel 126 extending from the end 124a of the unthreaded portion 124 to an opening 127 located near the lower flange 129. The opening 127 is located at the portion of the unthreaded portion 122 of the rod 121 that meets the lower flange, and the opening 127 extends through the wall of the rod 121. The opening 127 connects the cavity 104 to the channel 126, so that cosmetic substance 105 flows from the cavity 104 to the channel 126 and into the application cavity 116.

[0027] When container 101 is filled with cosmetic substance 105, piston 125 is adjacent to and in contact with upper flange 128. The system 100 moves piston 125 toward lower flange 129. The system includes a rotary dosage selection assembly 130. Rotation of the dosage selection assembly 130 causes coupling portion 123 to rotate, which in turn rotates the threaded portion 122 of the rod. Due to the threads on the exterior of the threaded portion 122 and the threads on the interior portion or opening of piston 125, piston 125 moves with the rotation of the threaded portion 122. As piston 125 rotates and moves toward lower flange 129, product is pushed toward lower flange 129 and opening 127 located near lower flange 129. In other words, moving a portion of dosage selection assembly 130 relative to container 101 engages with push assembly 120, causing piston 125, threaded to the threaded portion 122 of the rod, to advance toward lower flange 129 and dispensing the desired amount of cosmetic substance from outlet 115. Figure 7 shows the relative movements of the components: rotation 151 of the threaded portion 122, downward movement 152 of the piston 125, and extension 153 of the actuator body 114. As shown in Figure 8, the extension 153 of the actuator body 114 is partially caused by the filling of the application cavity 116 with a dose 155 of cosmetic substance 105, which flows from cavity 104 into cavity 116 via channel 126. Figure 8 shows a portion of the flow path of product 154. The extension 153 of the actuator body can also be facilitated by the push of spring 140 when the force between magnet 118 and metal ring 119 is overcome.

[0028] Figures 9A and 9B are partially exploded views of the components of the fitting assembly 110. These figures show alternative views of the relative positioning of the components including the actuator body 114, magnet 118, metal ring 119, actuator housing 112, spring 140, actuator plug 117, and housing plug 109.

[0029] Figures 10A and 10B show perspective views of the push assembly 120 and cross-sectional views taken along line BB. In these figures, the display rod 121 has a threaded portion 122 and an unthreaded portion 124, as well as a dose selection assembly coupling portion 123. An upper flange 128 and a lower flange 129 are located on the side of the threaded portion 122. An opening 127 is adjacent to the lower flange 129; the opening 127 visible in Figure 10A differs from the opening seen in Figure 10B. In Figures 10A and 10B, the display piston 125 is located near the upper flange 128. This position of the piston 125 represents its upper limit of travel, such as when the product has fully filled the cavity 104. At the end 124a of the unthreaded portion 124, a valve 180 is visible. This valve 180 is a one-way valve that allows product to flow only from the passage 126 to the dispensing cavity 116. Valve 180 can be any suitable valve that restricts flow in one direction, such as a check valve, duckbill valve, flexible polymer valve, silicone valve, liquid silicone valve, rubber check valve, rubber one-way valve, rubber non-return valve, and the like. In some instances, other types of valves may be used.

[0030] Figures 11 and 12 provide a closer view of the dose selection assembly 130 and how it connects to the drive assembly 120. Figures 13A and 13B provide an exploded view of the dose selection assembly 130, with Figure 13B being a top perspective view. Figures 14A and 14B show a side view and a top view of the assembled dose selection assembly 130.

[0031] The dose selection assembly 130 is movably coupled to the second end 103 of the container 101 and to the push assembly 120 via the dose selection assembly coupling portion 123. The dose selection assembly 130 includes a push housing 131 (shown in Figures 13A and 13B) having a cavity 132, a guide 133 (e.g., a guide member) operatively connected to the push housing 131, a push assembly coupling portion 134, a base magnet 135, a body magnet 136, a base insert 137 having an insertion cavity 138, and a container plug 139.

[0032] As shown in Figures 11 to 14B, the base insert 137 has a circular base and walls extending from its base to form an insertion cavity 138. The base insert 137 is located near the push shell 131 and is shaped to receive the guide 133 within the insertion cavity 138. The fit between the push shell 131 and the base insert 137 can be a press-fit, a friction fit, or an interference fit, which can be achieved by the relative sizes of the push shell 131 and the base insert 137 and enhanced by surface properties or features on any or both of these components. The texture of the interior portion of the wall of the base insert 137 can complement the texture on the guide 133 to provide sufficient interference or friction between the base insert 137 and the guide 133, so that rotation of the base insert 137 about its axis causes rotation of the guide 133.

[0033] During use, rotation of the base insert 137 may be caused by rotation of the push housing 131. Rotation of these components, including the push housing 131, base insert 137, and guide 133, is equivalent to rotation of the dose selection assembly 130. The axis of rotation of the dose selection assembly 130 about which it rotates passes through the center of the rod 121 of the push assembly 120. Alternatively, the channel 126 of the push assembly 120 can be considered as the axis of rotation of the dose selection assembly 130 about which it rotates when the system is used to dispense the cosmetic substance 105.

[0034] Guide 133 has an upper portion and a push assembly coupling portion 134, which is coupled to the push assembly 120 via a dose selection assembly coupling portion 123. A base magnet 135 and a body magnet 136 help maintain the connection between the second end 103 of the container and the dose selection assembly 130. The body magnet 136 is held in place by a container plug 139. Although the container plug 139 is part of the dose selection assembly 130, it does not rotate and contacts the interior portion of the second end 103 of the container 101. When the system 100 is fully assembled, the container plug 139 is partially held within the container 101 at the second end 103 and is also partially enclosed within the push housing 131. In addition to being shaped to accommodate the body magnet 136, the container plug 139 also has a central opening shaped to receive one end of the dose selection assembly coupling portion 123 of the push assembly 120. The container plug 139 has a cavity sized to accommodate the body magnet 136 and the upper portion 134 of the guide 133, i.e., the actuation assembly coupling portion 134. The example system illustrated in the figures shows the container plug 139 surrounding the body magnet 136, which in turn surrounds the area where the dose selection assembly coupling portion 123 is connected to the actuation assembly coupling portion 134.

[0035] In use, to dispense a dose of cosmetic substance 105 from system 100, the user rotates the dose selection assembly 130 in a first direction 160. In some systems, the dose selection assembly 130 can only be rotated in one direction; the assembly cannot be rotated in more than one direction. In such systems, at least one physical feature 137A may be present on the lower flange 129, corresponding to one or more features 137B on the container plug 139, to prevent the dose selection assembly 130 from rotating in more than one direction. These features 137A, 137B may also provide feedback to the user regarding the degree of rotation of the dose selection assembly 130. For example, when system 100 has only one set of features 137A, 137B, a complete 360° rotation may produce an audible clicking sound and may provide the user with a sensation as the user rotates the assembly 130. In a system 100 in which more than one set of features 137A, 137B are evenly spaced around the lower flange 129 and around the container plug 139, the system 100 can produce a click or tactile sensation with each minute rotation. Each click or tactile sensation signals to the user that a product dosage has been pushed from the container cavity 104 to the dispensing cavity 116. The set of features 137A, 137B can be considered as a full-dose indicator that produces tactile feedback when the dosage selection assembly 130 is moved to a position corresponding to the maximum dispensable amount of cosmetic substance. With each click or tactile sensation or shortly thereafter, the lever 121 of the actuating assembly 120 rotates in direction 161, which corresponds to the rotation of the dosage selection assembly 130 in a first direction 160, thereby causing the piston 125 to move toward the lower flange in direction 162. When the piston moves toward the lower flange in direction 162, the actuator body 114 of the applicator assembly 110 will move away from the first end 102 of the container 101 until the system 100 is in the extended configuration.

[0036] The body magnet 136 and the base magnet 135 can work together to selectively allow movement of the dose selection assembly 130 relative to the actuation assembly 120. The base magnet 135 is operatively connected to the actuation assembly 120 because rotation of the guide 133 in which the base magnet 135 is housed also rotates the dose selection assembly coupling portion 123, thereby rotating the actuation assembly 120. The body magnet 136 is surrounded by a container plug 139, which is part of the dose selection assembly 130, thus the body magnet 136 is operatively connected to a portion of the dose selection assembly 130. Movement of the base magnet 135 relative to the body magnet 136 and, correspondingly, movement of the dose selection assembly 130 relative to the actuation assembly 120 can be selectively suppressed or allowed by variations in the characteristics of either magnet (such as shape, strength, or positioning (e.g., its magnetic poles being offset from the axis of rotation)). Such characteristic changes of either magnet 135 or 136 can be indexed to the plurality of features 137A on the lower flange 129 and / or the corresponding feature 137B on the container plug 139, thereby changing the permissible relative movement of the actuation assembly 120 and the dose selection assembly 130 with each dose.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, system 100 can be divided into a dose selection assembly 130 and an assembly including container 101 and dispensing assembly 110. The actuation assembly coupling portion 134 of dose selection assembly 130 may include recesses, cavities, or other types of features 165 that engage with dose selection assembly coupling portion 123 of actuation assembly 120, thereby providing a single way to engage the dose selection assembly with the rest of the system (i.e., the assembly including container 101 and dispensing assembly 110). This feature 165 can be considered a bonding feature because it prevents system 100 from being used in the intended manner or normally without dose selection assembly 130.

[0038] Systems for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances may include examples such as those shown in Figures 1 through 14B. Figures 15A and 15B show alternative configurations for system 200 for containing and dispensing cosmetic substances. The alternative system 200 shown in Figures 15A and 15B includes a cap 270 and a push-shell 231. The cap 270 is mounted on the dispensing assembly 210 and the container 201. The push-shell 231 is the outermost component in the dosage selection assembly. The dispensing assembly 210, the container 201, and the dosage selection assembly are similar in component type and function to those of system 100 shown in Figures 1 through 14B. The main difference between system 200 shown in Figures 15A and 15B and the previous system 100 is that the size of the push-shell 231 allows its outer diameter to be larger than that of the container 201, and feature 271 of the push-shell 231 can interfere or frictionally engage to receive a portion of the cap 270, thereby minimizing product leakage during transport.

[0039] Alternatively, the push housing 231 may be a separate component from the container 201, so that the cover 270 completely encloses the container 201 and the dispensing assembly 210, and the dispensing assembly is then in a tight configuration. In this alternative configuration, the push housing 231 may include a bonding assembly on the surface connected to the container 201, so that when the push housing 231 is rotated, the product moves from the cavity in the container 201 to the dispensing assembly 210.

[0040] Specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing description. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this teaching. Additionally, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but rather as potentially composable if such combinations are permitted in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0041] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more apparent shall not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary features or elements of any or all of the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the accompanying claims, including any amendments made during the adjournment of this application and all equivalents of the claims granted thereto.

[0042] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms (such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like) may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises / comprising,” “has / having,” “includes / including,” “containing,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a procedure, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, comprises, or contains a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such procedure, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element preceded by "comprises …a", "has …a", "includes …a", or "contains …a" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a procedure, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, comprises, or contains that element. Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, the term "a / an" is defined as one or more. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about", or any other version thereof are defined as close to what is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as differing by less than 10%, in another less than 5%, in yet another less than 1%, and in yet another less than 0.5%. As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as a connection, but not necessarily a direct connection, and not necessarily a mechanical connection. A device or structure that is "configured" in some way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0043] An abstract of this disclosure is provided to allow readers to quickly understand the nature of this technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted on the premise that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the foregoing embodiments, it can be seen that various features are combined in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure. The method of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to make the claimed embodiments require more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention may exist in fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the embodiments, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

[0044] Unless explicitly stated in conventional means-plus-function terms (such as "means for" or "step for") in the claims of (multiple) patent applications), the final patent application claims in this patent application are not intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC § 112(f).

[0045] 100: System 101: Container 102: First end 103: Second end 104: cavity 105: Cosmetic Substances 109: Outer shell plug 110: Assembly assembly 111: Entrance 112: Actuator housing 113: cavity 114: Actuator body 115: Export 116: Application cavity 117: Actuator plug 118: Magnet 119: Metal Ring 120: Powertrain 121: Rod 122: Threaded section 123: Dosage selection assembly coupling section 124: Part 124a: End 125: Piston 126: Channel 127: Opening 128: Upper flange 129: Lower flange 130: Dosage Selection Assembly 131: Propulsion Shell 132: cavity 133: Guidance 134: Drive assembly coupling part 135: Base magnet 136: Volume magnet 137: Base Plug-in 137A: Entity Features 137B: Features [] 138: Insertion cavity 139: Container plug 140: Actuator plug 151:End 152: Downward movement 153: Extension 154: Products 155: Dosage 160, 161, 162: Direction 165: Features 180: Valve 200: System 201: Container 210: Application Assembly 231: Propulsion Shell 270: Lid A: Line BB: Line

Claims

1. A system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance, the system comprising: a container having a first end and a second end, and defining a container cavity adapted to receive the cosmetic substance; a dispensing assembly operatively coupled to the first end of the container, the dispensing assembly including an inlet adapted to receive the cosmetic substance and an outlet adapted to dispense the cosmetic substance; a push assembly at least partially disposed within the container cavity and operatively coupled to the dispensing assembly; and a dose selection assembly movably coupled to and separable from the second end of the container and the push assembly; wherein moving a portion of the dose selection assembly relative to the container engages with and advances the push assembly to push a desired amount of cosmetic substance from the container cavity to the dispensing assembly, and moving a portion of the dispensing assembly to dispense the desired amount of cosmetic substance from the outlet.

2. The system as described in claim 1, wherein the drive assembly includes: A rod having a threaded portion and a dose-selective coupling portion adapted to be operatively coupled to a portion of a dose-selective assembly; and a piston threadedly coupled to the threaded portion of the rod; wherein moving a portion of the dose-selective assembly causes the rod to rotate, thereby advancing the piston to push the desired amount of cosmetic substance from the container cavity.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the lever includes a channel and at least one opening, wherein moving a portion of the dosage selection assembly causes the piston to push the desired amount of cosmetic substance into the at least one opening and through the channel to the inlet in the dispensing assembly.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the actuation assembly further includes an upper flange and a lower flange adapted to limit the travel of the piston along the rod.

5. The system as described in Request 1, wherein the application assembly includes: An actuator housing having a cavity, the actuator housing being operatively coupled to the first end of the container; and an actuator body at least partially disposed within the cavity of the actuator housing, the actuator body including the inlet and further having a dispensing cavity for receiving the desired amount of cosmetic substance.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the actuator body is movable relative to the actuator housing such that when the dispensing cavity is filled with the desired amount of cosmetic substance, the actuator body moves outward from the first end of the container to a movable position accessible to a user.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the dispensing assembly further includes at least one retainer adapted to hold the actuator body in an initial position at or near the first end of the container.

8. The system of claim 5 further includes an elastic element that is adapted to generate a driving force on the actuator body.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the dispensing assembly further includes a valve located at or near the inlet.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the dose selection assembly includes: A push shell having a cavity, the push shell being operatively coupled to the second end of the container; and a guide member at least partially disposed within the cavity of the push shell and operatively coupled to the push shell, the guide member including a push assembly coupling portion adapted to be operatively coupled to a portion of the push assembly.

11. The system of claim 10 further includes a full dose indicator adapted to generate tactile feedback when the dose selection assembly is moved to a position corresponding to a maximum dispenseable amount of cosmetic substance.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the drive assembly coupling portion includes a key.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a valve located between the actuation assembly and the dispensing assembly.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a dose-locking mechanism adapted to selectively prevent the propulsion assembly from advancing to push a desired amount of cosmetic substance from the container cavity into the dispensing assembly.

15. A system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance, the system comprising: a container having a first end and a second end, and defining a container cavity adapted to receive the cosmetic substance; a push assembly at least partially disposed within the container cavity to push a desired amount of the cosmetic substance from the container; a dose selection assembly movably coupled to and separable from the second end of the container and the push assembly; and a dose locking mechanism adapted to selectively allow movement of the dose selection assembly relative to the push assembly.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the dose-locking mechanism comprises: a first magnetic element operatively coupled to a portion of the actuation assembly; and a second magnetic element operatively coupled to a portion of the dose-selection assembly.

17. The system of claim 15, further comprising a dispensing assembly operatively coupled to the first end of the container, the dispensing assembly including an outlet adapted to dispense the cosmetic substance from the container.

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