Personal care product dispensing system

Abstract

A personal care product dispensing system has a body defining a cavity configured to contain an applicable personal care product. An applicable material is positioned within the cavity. A cover is mounted to the body. The cover defines a first aperture extending from a top surface of the cover to a bottom surface of the cover. A flexible coating pad is mounted to the top surface of the cover with a valve positioned over the first aperture. The flexible coating pad has a plurality of protrusions and a protrusion density of 10 to 40 protrusions per square centimeter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to personal care products and, more particularly, to a dispensing system for spreadable materials. Background Art

[0002] It is generally known that applying a shaving lotion (e.g., shaving oil or shaving cream) before shaving helps to hydrate the hair and lubricate the skin surface, which helps to reduce cracks, cuts and irritation. It is also generally known that applying a shaving lotion (e.g., aftershave or moisturizing cream) helps to moisturize the skin and relieve shaving irritation. Liquid personal care products are available in various packages, including bottles, jars, tubes and cans. Liquid personal care products for application to the skin are usually dispensed from a container onto the user's hands, and then applied to the skin by hand. Examples of such products include lotions, facial cleansers and shaving creams. However, the application method may be messy, and the portion of the product that is not transferred from the user's fingers can be wasted.

[0003] It is well known that personal care products may include mechanical devices that work in conjunction with chemical compositions. Examples may include, but are not limited to, shaving brushes, wet razors, electric razors, and toothbrushes. However, these devices are not optimized for applying shaving aids to the skin. For example, many dispensing systems rely on aerosol technology or metered pump systems, which typically use foaming agents or other pressurized gases, which are not very sustainable. In addition, traditional brush body dispensing devices typically use valves, which may require multiple parts and are expensive and complicated to assemble.

[0004] Few liquid personal care products on the market have applicators or foaming aids. While patents do exist relating to brush attachments for shaving creams in traditional aerosol cans, shaving creams currently purchased by consumers do not have well-known foaming aids. Many aerosol shaving cream containers with shaving brush attachments have been proposed in the patent literature. Despite these and other attempts, there remains a need for a new package for dispensing personal care products that can dispense the appropriate product into and / or onto an applicator surface and is easy to clean. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention is characterized in that a personal care product dispensing system is generally provided, the personal care product dispensing system having a main body defining a cavity, the cavity being configured to accommodate a spreadable personal care composition. A spreadable material is positioned in the cavity. A movable platform is positioned in the main body and supports the spreadable material. An actuator mechanism engages with the movable platform. A cover is mounted to the main body. The cover defines a first hole extending from the top surface of the cover to the bottom surface of the cover. A flexible coating pad is mounted to the top surface of the cover, wherein a valve is positioned above the first hole. The flexible coating pad has a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions comprising a material having a Shore A hardness of 30 to 70, and the protrusions having a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​0.20 mm2 to 0.60 mm2.

[0006] In another aspect, the invention features a personal care product dispensing system having a body defining a cavity configured to contain a spreadable personal care product. A spreadable material is positioned within the cavity. A cover is mounted to the body. The cover defines a first hole extending from a top surface of the cover to a bottom surface of the cover. A flexible applicator pad is mounted to the top surface of the cover, wherein a valve is positioned above the first hole. The flexible applicator pad has a plurality of protrusions and a protrusion density of 10 to 40 protrusions per square centimeter.

[0007] In another aspect, the invention features a method of manufacturing a personal care product dispensing system by providing a body having a movable platform. The movable platform engages an actuator mechanism. A cavity defined by the body is filled with a spreadable personal care product. A cover is injection molded to define a first hole extending from a top surface of the cover to a bottom surface of the cover. A flexible application pad having a plurality of protrusions is injection molded over the first hole and the top surface of the cover. The flexible application pad is cut at the first hole of the cover to form a valve. The cover is mounted to the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, may be more fully understood when the following description of various embodiments is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a personal care product dispensing system according to one possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 It is roughly along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the personal care product dispensing system taken along line 2-2.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a cover and a flexible applicator pad of a personal care product dispensing system.

[0012] Figure 4 It is roughly along Figure 3 A front cross-sectional view of the cover and flexible coating pad taken along line 4-4.

[0013] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of a personal care product dispensing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] refer to Figure 1 , a front perspective view of a personal care product dispensing system 10 is shown. It should be understood that the personal care product dispensing system 10 shown can be used to apply shaving aids or other personal care products to the surface of the skin. The personal care product dispensing system 10 may include a main body 12 having an actuator 14 at a first end 16 of the main body. The main body 12 may be made of a generally rigid material, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel) or a thermoplastic. In certain embodiments, the main body 12 may be injection molded from a thermoplastic having a Shore A hardness of about 50, 60, or 70 to about 90, 110, or 120. For example, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), and combinations thereof may be used. As will be explained in more detail below, the actuator 14 may be rotated relative to the main body 12 to dispense the smearable material contained in the main body 12.

[0015] The cover 18 can be mounted to the second end 20 of the body 12 opposite the first end 16. In certain embodiments, the cover 18 can be made of the same material as the body 12. The cover 18 can be fixed to the body 12 by snap fit, press fit, welding (ultrasonic welding, spin welding), adhesive, mechanical fasteners or other well-known assembly techniques. The flexible coating pad 22 can be mounted to the top surface 24 of the cover 18. In certain embodiments, the flexible coating pad 22 can be co-injected or insert-injected into the cover 18. The flexible coating pad 22 may include a material softer than the material of the cover 18 (i.e., a lower Shore A durometer hardness). For example, the flexible coating pad 22 may have a Shore A hardness of about 20, 30, or 40 to about 50, 60, or 70. The flexible coating pad 22 may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or rubber; examples may include, but are not limited to, silicone, natural rubber, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) TPE, styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) TPE (e.g., Kraton), polyester TPE (e.g., Hytrel), polyamide TPE (Pebax), polyurethane TPE, polyolefin-based TPE, and blends of any of these TPEs (e.g., polyester / SEBS blends). In certain embodiments, the flexible coating pad 22 may include Kraiburg HTC 1028 / 96, HTC 8802 / 37, HTC 8802 / 34, or HTC 8802 / 11 (KRAIBURG TPE GmbH & Co. KG, Waldkraiburg, Germany). The softer material of the flexible applicator pad 22 may enhance skin stretch during shaving and provide a more pleasant tactile feel against the user's skin.

[0016] TPE materials may be preferably used for the flexible coating pad 22. For example, for the purpose of recyclability, TPE may be superior to silicone. The coating pad 22 may include one or more thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) selected from the group of the following items: styrene block copolymers (TPS), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPO), thermoplastic elastomer vulcanizates (TPV), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPA), non-classified thermoplastic elastomers (TPZ) and combinations thereof. In order to help the recyclability of the container, the coating pad 22 may include at least one material of a non-crosslinked material and a melt-processable material, or the flexible coating pad 22 may be made entirely of one or more non-crosslinked melt-processable materials. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the crosslinked elastomeric material will pass through the recycling process and appear as spots in the final recycled material, which may make the recycled material unacceptable in many uses.

[0017] Separately, the flexible applicator pad 22 may be made of a material having a density that allows it to float and separate from the material of the body 12 that constitutes the dispensing system 10. For example, if the body 12 of the dispensing system is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which has a higher density than water and therefore will sink during a floating separation recovery process, the density of the flexible applicator pad 22 may be less than 1.0 g / ml. Similarly, if the body 12 is made of polyethylene or polypropylene (PE or PP), which has a density less than water, the flexible applicator pad 22 may have a density greater than 1.0 g / ml.

[0018] The density of the material that makes up the flexible applicator pad 22 can be adjusted by using additives. For example, the density of the applicator pad 22 can be reduced by foaming the material to add air. The density of the applicator pad 22 can be increased by adding relatively dense particles (such as TiO2) or other solids.

[0019] Individually, the flexible applicator pad 22 may comprise less than 1% or less than 5% or even less than 1% of the total empty weight of the personal care product dispensing system 10 (excluding any personal care composition applied to the skin) because many current recycling processes sort the materials to be recycled based on their major components and require that these major components comprise greater than 90% or 95% or even 99% of the materials to be recycled.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the material of the flexible coating pad 22 may also include a material containing built-in active ingredients that make the flexible coating pad 22 resistant to microbial growth, such as bacteria, mold, and mildew. The most common additives used to make antimicrobial plastics include various isothiazolinone treatments, zinc pyrithione, thiabendazole, and silver antimicrobial products.

[0021] The flexible applicator pad 22 may have a plurality of spaced apart protrusions 26 extending substantially perpendicular to and from the top surface 28 of the flexible applicator pad 22. The flexible applicator pad 22 and the spaced apart protrusions 26 may be an integral part formed of the same material. As will be described in more detail below, the spacing and size of the protrusions 26 may help to easily apply the spreadable material (e.g., shaving aid) to the skin surface and improve the cleaning and rinsing of the applicator pad 22 after use. The flexible applicator pad 22 may include a valve 30 to help prevent water from entering the body 12 and / or prevent accidental distribution of the spreadable material during rinsing. In certain embodiments, the valve 30 may include a slit 25 located in the flexible applicator pad 22. The slit 25 may be straight, curved, or angled. The slit 25 may also include a plurality of slits to form an "X" shape, a "V" shape, or a "Y" shape. Other valves, such as duckbill valves, may also be used. Although only a single valve 30 is shown, multiple valves 30 may be used depending on the properties of the spreadable material and the amount that needs to be dispensed. The valve 30 may be located toward the center of the flexible applicator pad 22, but other locations are possible, especially if multiple valves are used.

[0022] refer to Figure 2 , showing the general direction of the personal care product dispensing system 10 Figure 1 The body 12 of the personal care product dispensing system 10 may define a cavity 32 configured to contain a spreadable personal care composition 34, such as a shaving aid that may be applied to the skin prior to shaving (i.e., for providing lubrication during shaving and / or moisturizing). The spreadable personal care composition 34 may include a gel, oil, paste, wax, and / or a viscous liquid.

[0023] The spreadable personal care composition 34 may be supported by a movable platform 36. An actuator mechanism 38, such as a screw lift, may engage the platform 36. Thus, the actuator 14 may be rotated so that the actuator mechanism 38 moves the platform 36 in an upward direction (i.e., toward the second end 20) relative to the body 12 to force the spreadable personal care composition 34 into the cavity 40 defined by the cover 18 and through the valve 30 of the flexible applicator pad 22. The cavity 40 of the cover 18 may be in communication with the cavity 32 of the body 12. In certain embodiments, the cavity 32 defined by the body 12 may contain the spreadable personal care composition 34. The spreadable personal care composition may be poured, sprayed, injected, or simply dripped (e.g., in solid form) into the cavity 32. The cover 18 may then be mounted on the body 12. Therefore, the cavity 40 defined by the cover 40 may create additional head space. Therefore, for the first initial use of the spreadable personal care composition 34, the platform 36 may need to be raised more to reach and leave the valve 30. Although a screw-type actuator mechanism 38 is shown, it should be understood that the cap 18 and flexible applicator pad 22 may be used with other dispensing mechanisms, such as a push-up piston, a squeeze bottle, or the like.

[0024] refer to Figure 3 , showing a front perspective view of the cover 18. The flexible applicator pad 22 (ie, excluding the protrusion 26) may have a width of about 5 cm. 2 To about 20cm 2 and more preferably about 10 cm 2 To about 15cm 2 The protrusions 26 may be conical, truncated conical or cylindrical, with a substantially circular cross-section. However, other cross-sections are also contemplated, such as elliptical, oval, triangular, square, diamond or D-shaped configurations. The protrusions 26 may be solid or hollow. To improve cleaning of the protrusions 26, the protrusions 26 may preferably be solid. Each of the protrusions 26 may have a diameter of about 0.20 mm. 2 To about 0.60mm 2 and more preferably about 0.40 mm 2 To about 0.50mm 2 The protrusions 26 may extend from the top surface 28 of the flexible coating pad 22 to the tip 44 of the corresponding protrusion 26. The protrusions 26 may taper from the base 42 at the top surface 28 of the flexible coating pad 22 to the corresponding tip 44 of the protrusion. Therefore, the maximum cross-sectional area may be located at the base 42. However, the protrusions 26 may include an enlarged portion, such as a head (not shown) at the tip 44. Therefore, in some embodiments, the maximum cross-sectional area may not always be at the base 42 of the protrusion 26.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the flexible coating pad 22 may have a protrusion density of about 10 to about 40 protrusions 26 per square centimeter and more preferably about 15 to about 25 protrusions 26 per square centimeter. The protrusion density may be calculated by dividing the total number of protrusions 26 by the surface area of ​​the flexible coating pad 22. The protrusion density may be taken over any area of ​​the flexible coating pad 22. For example, the area of ​​the flexible coating pad 22 used or the calculation of the protrusion density may be a portion of the total area of ​​the flexible coating pad 22, or an average protrusion density may be taken over the entire surface of the coating pad 22.

[0026] The protrusion density may be constant across the surface of the applicator pad 22, or may vary across the surface. For example, the protrusion density near the valve 30 may be lower than the average protrusion density. Alternatively, the protrusion density may be higher than the average protrusion density at the periphery of the applicator pad, or higher than the average protrusion density in the area intermediate the valve and the periphery.

[0027] refer to Figure 4 , showing a cross section of the cap 18. The protrusion 26 may extend from the top surface 28 of the flexible applicator pad 22. The height "h1" of the protrusion 26 from the top surface 28 of the flexible applicator pad 22 to the tip 44 may be about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm, and more preferably about 3.0 mm to about 5.0 mm. The height of the protrusion 26 may promote the foaming of the spreadable personal care composition 34 on the user's skin surface. The height of the protrusion may also massage the user's skin, and contribute to the peeling of the skin and the arrangement of the hair in a more upright position when trimming and / or shaving. The combination of the height, maximum cross-sectional area and material hardness of the protrusion 26 (and the flexible applicator pad 22) may include, but is not limited to, promoting the release of the spreadable personal care composition 34, peeling the skin, promoting the release of the captured hair and promoting the removal of dirt, debris and dead skin. In addition, the combination of the height, maximum cross-sectional area and material hardness of the protrusion 26 (and the flexible applicator pad 22) may improve the cleaning and rinsing of the flexible applicator pad 22 after use.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the valve 30 may have a dome-shaped top surface 48. The dome shape may help prevent the valve 30 from collapsing on itself, thereby reducing leakage. The top surface 48 of the valve 30 may extend above the top surface 28 of the flexible applicator pad 22. For example, the top surface 48 of the valve 30 may be positioned on a plane "P1" that is a distance "d1" of about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm above the top surface 28 of the flexible applicator pad 22, and a distance "d2" of about 2.0 mm to about 5.0 mm below the tip 44 of the protrusion 26. The position of the valve 30 relative to the top surface 28 can minimize the deflection of the valve 30 during use, which may pinch the valve 30. For example, if the valve 30 is pinched, the valve 30 may be blocked or unable to open and unable to deliver the spreadable personal care composition 34 to the user's skin during application. The position of the valve 30 relative to the tip 44 of the protrusion 44 during use can facilitate the delivery of a sufficient amount of the spreadable personal care composition 34 ( Figure 3 ) is delivered to the skin. For example, if the valve 30 is positioned too far below the tip 44, the spreadable personal care composition 34 may be trapped between the protrusions 26 and will not be delivered to the user's skin during the application process, which may require the use of more spreadable personal care composition 34. In certain embodiments, the protrusions 26 can be spaced apart from each other by a minimum distance "d3" of about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm. The spacing of the protrusions 26 can provide space for the protrusions 26 to deflect during use, and provide enough space for the top surface 28 and the protrusions 26 of the flexible application pad 22 to be rinsed and cleaned. The flexible application pad 22 may have a thickness "t1" of about 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm. The thickness "t1" can be measured from the top surface 24 of the cover 18 to the top surface 28 of the flexible application pad 22. If the thickness "t1" is too small, the protrusions 26 may fall off from the flexible application pad 22. However, if the thickness "t1" is too large, the flexible applicator pad 22 may feel uncomfortable against the user's skin.

[0029] Now refer to Figure 5 , the attachment of the flexible applicator pad 22 to the cover 18 will be described in more detail. Figure 5A bottom view of a flexible applicator pad 22 secured to a cover 18 is shown. The cover 18 may be made of a substantially rigid material, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel) or a thermoplastic, such as high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), and combinations thereof. The cover 18 may be made of the same material as the body 12. Thus, the cover 18 may support the flexible applicator pad 22. The cover 18 may define a first hole 50 in communication with the cavity 40. The first hole 50 may extend through the cover 18 from the top surface 24 of the cover 18 to the bottom surface 52. The flexible applicator pad 22 may cover the top surface 24 of the cover 18 and extend above the first hole 50. The flexible applicator pad 22 may also extend into the first hole 50 and form a first ring 54 against the bottom surface 52 of the cover 18. The first ring 54 can help reinforce the valve 30 and facilitate securing the flexible applicator pad 22 to the cover 18. The cover 18 can define a second aperture 56. A portion of the flexible applicator pad 22 can extend into the second aperture 56. For example, the flexible applicator pad 22 can extend into the second aperture 56 and form a second ring 58 against the bottom surface 52 of the cover 18. The second ring 58 can extend around the first ring 54 to facilitate securing the flexible applicator pad 22 to the cover 18.

[0030] In some embodiments, the body 12 may be provided with a movable platform 36. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention relates to a personal care product dispensing system 10. The body 12 can be injection molded, and the movable platform 36 can be inserted into the cavity 32 of the body 12. The actuator mechanism 38 can be mounted to the first end 16 of the body 12. The actuator mechanism 38 can engage the movable platform 36 so that the actuator mechanism 38 slides the movable platform 36 within the cavity 32 toward the second end 20 of the body 12. Before or after positioning the platform 36 within the cavity 32, the cavity 32 defined by the body 12 can be filled with a spreadable personal care composition 34. The cavity 32 can be opened from the top (i.e., toward the Figure 2 The flexible coating pad 22 of one end) or the bottom (ie, toward Figure 2 one end of the actuator 14) is filled with a spreadable personal care composition.

[0031] The cap 18 may be injection molded from a first polymeric material. A second polymeric material (i.e., a TPE material) different from the first polymeric material may be injection molded into the cap 18, thereby forming the flexible coating pad 22. The second polymeric material may flow into the first hole 50 and the second hole 56 forming the first ring 54 and the second ring 58, respectively. The second polymeric material may also completely cover the first hole 50. The flexible coating pad 22 may be cut at the first hole 50 to form the valve 30. After the valve 30 is formed, the cap 18 may be mounted to the second end 20 of the body 12.

[0032] In some embodiments, the cover 18 can be fixed to the body 12 so that the user cannot easily remove the cover from the body. However, it should be understood that the cover 18 can be temporarily fixed to the body 12 to allow the consumer to remove the cover 18 (or Figure 2 The user can then remove the cover 18 by moving the platform 36 downward toward the first end 16 of the body 12. The user can then insert the replaceable spreadable personal care composition 34 on top of the platform 36 and reattach the cover 18 to the body 12. The replaceable spreadable personal care composition 34 can be refilled directly into the cavity 32 as a liquid, or can be provided in a cartridge or other pre-filled container that can be installed into the cavity 32.

[0033] Example

[0034] The following exemplary formulations of shaving aids according to the present disclosure were prepared according to the following Tables 1 to 4. All values ​​are w / w %.

[0035] It is believed, without being bound by theory, that the compositions listed in Table 1 may provide improved performance when used for a clean shave (i.e., cutting hair at or below the skin surface). When these compositions are distributed on the skin with the flexible applicator pad 22, they may have more foaming and lathering properties, which may result in a closer and more comfortable shave. In addition, the compositions listed in Table 1 may provide a more opaque appearance when applied to the user's skin, which may be desirable for improved tracking.

[0036] Table 1

[0037]

[0038] It is believed, without being bound by theory, that the compositions listed in Table 2 may provide improved performance when used to trim hair to stubble length (i.e., a dirty shave). When these compositions are distributed on the skin with the flexible applicator pad 22, these compositions may have less foaming and lathering characteristics, thereby facilitating the spreading of the composition on stubble length hair. In addition, the compositions listed in Table 2 may provide a less transparent appearance when applied to the user's skin, which may be desirable for consumers to see where hair is trimmed or trimmed to a short stubble length.

[0039] Table 2

[0040]

[0041] *The trade names are Carbopol Ultrez 20, Carbopol Ultrez 21, Pemulen TR-1, Pemulen TR-2, available from Lubrizol.

[0042] The compositions listed in Table 3 may include compositions for antiperspirants and deodorants, which may also be used for the spreadable personal care composition 34 within the personal care product dispensing system 10. The personal care product dispensing system 10 may apply and dispense the spreadable personal care composition 34 in contrast to typical antiperspirant and deodorant containers having a smooth application surface (e.g., without protrusions).

[0043] Table 3

[0044]

[0045] The specific chemical compositions of the spreadable personal care compositions 34 listed in Tables 1 to 3 above may be preferred for certain sizes and geometries of the protrusions 26. For example, a higher protrusion density and / or a larger protrusion height may be better for the embodiments of Table 1 to produce a richer foam when mixed with water and applied to the skin surface. Alternatively, a lower protrusion density and / or a lower protrusion height may be better for the embodiments of Table 2 when a clear application is desired (e.g., cutting hair to a specific length to create a short beard appearance).

[0046] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to represent "about 40 mm". In addition, dimensions should not be maintained to an impossibly high standard of metaphysical identity, which does not take into account differences due to typical manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, the term "about" should be understood to be within a typical manufacturing tolerance range.

[0047] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present invention disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more of the references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this invention shall govern.

[0048] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A personal care product dispensing system (10), comprising: a body (12) defining a cavity (32) configured to contain an applyable personal care product; a spreadable material positioned within the cavity; a cover (18) mounted to the body, the cover defining a first aperture (50) extending from a top surface (24) of the cover to a bottom surface (52) of the cover; and A flexible applicator pad (22) is mounted to the top surface of the cover with a valve (30) positioned over the first hole, wherein the flexible applicator pad has a plurality of protrusions (26) and a protrusion density of 10 to 40 protrusions per square centimeter.

2. The personal care product dispensing system (10) of claim 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions (26) comprise a material having a Shore A hardness of 30 to 70.

3. The personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the protrusions (26) has a diameter of 0.20 mm. 2 Up to 0.60mm 2 The maximum cross-sectional area.

4. The personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible applicator pad (22) comprises a material having a Shore A hardness of 30 to 50.

5. The personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hole (50) has a diameter of 3 mm to 7 mm.

6. A personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusions (26) each have a corresponding tip (44), and the valve (30) has a top surface (48) positioned on a plane 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm below the tip of the protrusion.

7. A personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion (26) has a height of 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm extending from the top surface (28) of the flexible applicator pad (22) to the corresponding tip (44) of the protrusion (26).

8. The personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible applicator pad (22) has a protrusion density of 15 to 25 protrusions (26) per square centimeter.

9. The personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (18) comprises a material having a Shore A hardness greater than a Shore A hardness of a material of the protrusion (26).

10. The personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (30) comprises a slit (25) in the flexible applicator (22).

11. The personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion (26) has a height of 3 mm to 5 mm extending from the top surface (28) of the applicator pad (22) to the tip (44) of the protrusion (26).

12. A personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (18) defines a second hole (56), and a portion of the flexible applicator pad (22) is positioned within the second hole and forms a ring (54) positioned against the bottom surface of the cover.

13. The personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible applicator pad (22) includes a ring (54) surrounding the first aperture and positioned against the bottom surface of the cap.

14. The personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve has a dome-shaped top surface (48).

15. The personal care product dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible applicator pad (22) has a thickness of 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

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