GUIDED ROLLING MIX PACK
The container design with a guided agitator element and additional grooves addresses the inefficiencies and applicator damage issues in existing mixers, enabling faster and safer mixing of cosmetic compositions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023012877
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2033-11-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing mixers for cosmetic compositions require significant effort and time for efficient mixing, and often risk damaging applicators due to random movement of mixing elements.
A container with a movably disposed agitator element within a guide, separated from an applicator volume to prevent contact, and additional grooves on the container to enhance mixing efficiency.
Facilitates efficient mixing of cosmetic compositions in a shorter time, reducing the risk of applicator damage and extending the container's lifespan.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: GUIDED ROLLING MIXING PACKAGE SUMMARY
[0001] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a container for mixing a composition, the container comprising: an agitator element movably disposed within a guide of an interior of the container, wherein the guide defines a mixing volume and is elongated such that the agitator element is movable through the mixing volume; and an applicator disposeable within an applicator volume of the interior of the container, wherein the applicator volume is in fluid communication with the mixing volume; wherein agitation of the container moves the agitator element through the mixing volume.
[0002] In embodiments, the guide further includes a ridge, at a lower portion of the guide, that extends from an interior wall of the container into the mixing volume configured to contact the agitator element to secure the agitator element in place when the container is not being agitated.
[0003] In embodiments, the applicator is flocked and is susceptible to breakage.
[0004] In embodiments, the agitator element is a ball bearing selected in the group consisting of: a stainless steel ball bearing, a 300 series stainless steel ball bearing, a 302 type stainless steel ball bearing, a 304 type stainless steel ball bearing, a 316 type stainless steel ball bearing, and any combination thereof.
[0005] In embodiments, the guide is disposed within an insert of the container, wherein the insert is insertable into a shell of the container, wherein the shell of the container is sealable with a cap of the container by securing the cap to the shell.
[0006] In embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the container that defines a cross-sectional shape of the interior of the container comprises a curved line, a straight line, a right angle, an acute angle, a semi-circular line, a circular line, a rectangular line, a square line, or any combination thereof.
[0007] In embodiments, with agitation of the container, the agitator element does not enter the applicator volume.
[0008] In embodiments, with agitation of the container, the applicator, when disposed within the applicator volume, is not brought into contact with the agitator element.
[0009] In embodiments, the container comprises a first agitator element and a second agitator element movably disposed within a first guide and a second guide of the interior of the container, respectively, wherein the first and second guides define first and second mixing volumes and are elongated such that the first and second agitator elements are movable through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively, wherein the applicator volume is in fluid communication with the first and second mixing volumes, and wherein agitation of the container moves the first and second agitator elements through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively.
[0010] In embodiments, with agitation of the container, the first and second agitator elements do not enter the applicator volume.
[0011] In embodiments, with agitation of the container, the applicator, when disposed within the applicator volume, is not contacted with either of the first and second agitator elements.
[0012] In embodiments, the first agitator element and the second agitator element are each, individually: spherical, cubic or semi-circular.
[0013] In embodiments, the container includes a groove on an outer portion thereof that extends an interior wall of the container into a composition volume that excludes the mixing volume and the applicator volume, wherein the groove increases mixing of the composition with agitation of the container.
[0014] In embodiments, the container includes a first groove and a second groove disposed at opposite outer portions of the container, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend an inner wall of the container into the composition volume and enhance mixing of the composition with agitation of the container.
[0015] In embodiments, the first groove and the second groove each include an arc shape.
[0016] In embodiments, the arc shape of the first groove and the second groove further includes an indentation shape that extends the inner wall of the container into the composition volume at positions adjacent to the mixing volume.
[0017] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a container for mixing a composition, the container comprising: a first agitator element and a second agitator element movably disposed within a first guide and a second guide of an interior of the container, respectively; wherein the first and second guides define first and second mixing volumes and are elongated such that the first and second agitator elements are movable through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively, wherein an applicator volume of the interior of the container is configured to receive an applicator therein and is in fluid communication with the first and second mixing volumes, wherein the first and second mixing volumes combined with the applicator volume form a composition volume for the composition; and wherein agitation of the container moves the first and second agitator elements through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively.
[0018] In embodiments, the first and second guides comprise cylindrical or arcuate shapes, and wherein the first and second agitator elements are spherical.
[0019] In embodiments, the container includes a first groove and a second groove disposed at opposing outer portions of the container, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend an interior wall of the container into the composition volume and increase mixing of the composition with agitation of the container.
[0020] In embodiments, the first groove and the second groove each comprise an arc shape, wherein the arc shape optionally further comprises an indentation shape that further extends the interior wall of the container into the composition volume at positions adjacent the mixing volume.
[0021] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are described more fully below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings
[0022] [Fig. 1A] [Fig. 1A] shows a perspective view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, with the composition therein, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0023] [Fig. 1B] [Fig. 1B] shows a perspective view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0025] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a side view of an exemplary container for mixing of a composition, depending on aspects of the disclosure.
[0026] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a perspective sectional view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0027] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a sectional view of an example of a composition volume formed by two mixing volumes and an applicator volume, and grooves, of an example container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the di- popularization.
[0028] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows a sectional view of an exemplary composition volume formed by two mixing volumes and an applicator volume, and grooves, of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0029] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] shows a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0030] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] shows a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0031] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] shows a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, showing a ridge, at a lower portion of the guide, which extends from an interior wall of the container into the mixing volume to secure the agitator element therein, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0032] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] shows a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, without a ridge, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0033] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] shows a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, showing a ridge, at a lower portion of the guide, which extends from an interior wall of the container into the mixing volume to secure the agitator element therein, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0034] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] shows a top sectional view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0035] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] shows a top sectional view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0036] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] shows a side view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, during stirring and movement of stirring elements therein, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0037] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] shows a side view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, before or after stirring and potential movement of stirring elements therein indicated by double-headed black arrows, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0038] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] shows a top sectional view of a first example of a container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0039] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] shows a top sectional view of a second example container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0040] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] shows a top sectional view of a third example of container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0041] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] shows a top sectional view of a fourth example container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0042] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] shows a perspective view of an example of a container for the mixture of a composition, showing the shape of an insert as installed in a shell of the container, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0043] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] shows a sectional view of an example of a container for the mixture of a composition, showing the shape of an insert as installed in a shell of the container, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0044] [Fig.22A] [Fig.22A] shows a sectional view of a fifth example of container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0045] [Fig.22B] [Fig.22B] shows a sectional view of a sixth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0046] [Fig.22C] [Fig.22C] shows a sectional view of a seventh example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0047] [Fig.22D] [Fig.22D] shows a sectional view of an eighth example container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0048] [Fig.22E] [Fig.22E] shows a sectional view of a ninth example of container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0049] [Fig.22F] [Fig.22F] shows a sectional view of a tenth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0050] [Fig.23] [Fig.23] shows a sectional view of an eleventh example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0051] [Fig.24] [Fig.24] shows a sectional view of a twelfth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0052] [Fig.25] [Fig.25] shows a sectional view of a thirteenth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0053] [Fig.26] [Fig.26] shows a sectional view of a fourteenth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, depending on aspects of disclosure.
[0054] [Fig.27] [Fig.27] shows a sectional view of a fifteenth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0055] [Fig.28] [Fig.28] shows a sectional view of a sixteenth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0056] [Fig.29] [Fig.29] shows a sectional view of a seventeenth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0057] [Fig.30] [Fig.30] shows a sectional view of an eighteenth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0058] [Fig.31] [Fig.31] shows a sectional view of a nineteenth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0059] [Fig.32] [Fig.32] shows a sectional view of a twentieth example of a container for mixing a composition, having a particular shape or configuration, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0060] [Fig.33] [Fig.33] shows a perspective view of an exemplary container for mixing a composition, with a cap insert removed therefrom, according to aspects of the disclosure.
[0061] The foregoing aspects and numerous related advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed description
[0062] Compositions, including cosmetic compositions, often settle when allowed to stand, resulting in separation of the composition and the need to mix the composition before use. Existing mixers may contain mixing elements therein, such as springs and the like, which move within containers containing such compositions for mixing the compositions before use. The movement of these mixing elements typically occurs randomly with agitation of the container, resulting in inefficient mixing that requires significant effort (e.g., fifteen seconds or more of manual mixing by agitation) and an increased risk of contact between these mixing elements and other elements within the container, such as app- applicators, which may cause breakage of the applicators or other components. In the case of a consumer product, the time and effort required on the part of a consumer may result in frustration with the product or difficulty in achieving the desired result with the product, or improper or overly vigorous mixing that results in breakage of the container or a component thereof. In these and other situations, there is a need for containers for mixing compositions that facilitate easy mixing of the compositions prior to use, in a shorter period of time compared to previous efforts due to more efficient mixing (e.g., less than ten seconds of manual mixing by agitation). The present disclosure addresses these and other long-unmet needs in the art.
[0063] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, an exemplary container 1 for mixing a cosmetic composition may be provided empty (e.g., [Fig. 1B]) or in combination with a cosmetic composition 5 therein (e.g., [Fig. 1A]), depending on embodiments. The cosmetic composition may be composed of multiple composition elements that separate when the composition is at rest, including, but not limited to, immiscible compounds, water / oil mixtures, ionic / non-ionic mixtures, or the like. The unmixed cosmetic composition may remain unmixed for a period of time without losing its usability; however, it may benefit from being mixed before use for its effectiveness. To this end, the disclosure provides various containers and container designs for mixing cosmetic compositions. As shown in [Fig.lB], an example of a container 1 includes an insert 3 that contains agitator elements 2, as well as an applicator 4. The agitator elements 2 move along defined paths within the container so that they enhance mixing of the composition and also do not come into contact with the applicator 4, which would risk damaging the applicator 4. In this way, the container 1 can be used for a longer period of time or can have a longer shelf life compared to other containers or composition-container products.
[0064] [Fig. 2] shows an exemplary container in exploded view, and [Fig. 3] shows the exemplary container in side view. The container 1 is configured for mixing a composition, and includes an agitator element 2 that is movably disposed within a guide of an interior of the container (e.g., an insert guide 3 that is insertable into the shell 6). The guide defines a mixing volume and is elongated such that the agitator element 2 is movable through the mixing volume during agitation of the container and mixing of the composition therein. An applicator 4 may be disposed within an applicator volume of the interior of the container 1, and the applicator volume is in fluid communication with the volume mixing; in this way, a fluid exchange of the composition between the mixing volume and the applicator volume means that the mixing that occurs in the mixing volume provides a mixed composition to the applicator volume, which in turn comes into contact with the applicator 4. Agitation of the container 1 moves the agitator element 2 through the mixing volume to mix the composition to increase its homogeneity before, during or after use. In the embodiment shown, the container 1 includes an insert cover 7 which is affixed to the insert 3 to close it, and a scraper 8. The scraper 8 includes an opening therethrough for the passage of the applicator 4 therethrough, upon insertion and removal of the applicator 4 into and out of the insert 3, respectively.As the applicator 4 passes through the opening of the scraper 8, surfaces of the opening of the scraper 8 contact surfaces of the applicator 4 to remove excess cosmetic composition therefrom. In the embodiment shown, the applicator 4 may be affixed to a lid adapter 10, which is configured to engage the cap 9 to secure the applicator 4 to the cap 9. During use, an individual may unscrew the cap 9 (which contains a thread on its inner surfaces) from the insert lid 7, and remove the applicator 4 from the insert 3 by pulling upwards on the cap 9. To replace the applicator 4 in the insert 3, for example, after use, the individual may insert the applicator 4 through the insert lid 7 into the insert 3.
[0065] As shown by way of non-limiting examples in Figures 4 and 9 and Figures 28 to 33, the exemplary container includes several structural components that function together for the overall mixing functionality of the container insert 3, the sum of which is unexpectedly greater than the contribution of the components individually. In the embodiment shown, a guide 11 further includes a ridge 14 (or a plurality of ridges 14), at a lower portion of the guide 11, that extends from an interior wall of the container 1 into the mixing volume. In embodiments, as shown by way of example in [Fig. 33], the ridge 14 may extend from central and upper portions of the interior wall of the container 1 into the mixing volume, as needed, to serve as guides for the containment and guidance of the agitator elements.The ridge 14 is configured to contact the stirring element 2 to secure the stirring element 2 in place when the container 1 is not being stirred, i.e., when it is at rest; however, in the embodiments of [Fig. 33], the ridges 14 may contact the stirring elements 2 during stirring. Securing the stirring element 2 in place within the guide prevents its contact with the applicator 4, thereby preventing damage to or breakage of the applicator 4. This is because, in at least some embodiments, the applicator 4 is flocked and . likely to break. In this way, the applicator 4 is preserved and has a longer lifespan.
[0066] In embodiments, the agitator element 2 is a ball bearing selected from the group consisting of: a stainless steel ball bearing, a 300 series stainless steel ball bearing, a 302 type stainless steel ball bearing, a 304 type stainless steel ball bearing, a 316 type stainless steel ball bearing, and any combination thereof. In embodiments, the agitator element 2 is optimized for mixing a cosmetic composition having particular properties or characteristics, including, but not limited to, viscosity and degree of separation of two or more phases or chemical components of the cosmetic composition.
[0067] Examples of cross-sectional views of containers are shown in Figures 4-19, 21, 22A-22F and 23-32. In embodiments, the guide 11, which may be formed by a shape or curvature of the insert 3, is disposed within the insert 3 of the container 1, and the insert 3 is insertable into the shell 6 of the container. The shell 6 of the container 1 is sealable with a cap 9 of the container 1 by securing the cap 9 to the shell 6, directly or indirectly.In embodiments, the guide 11 results from the shape of the insert 3, which may include one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more guides 11 configured for securing agitator elements 2 therein, as well as, optionally, channels configured to contain an additional cosmetic composition 5 that is not necessarily within the mixing volume (i.e., the volume surrounding and including the agitator elements 2 and the guides 11) or the applicator volume (i.e., the volume surrounding and including the applicator 4). In embodiments, at least the first and second guides 11 comprise cylindrical or arcuate shapes, and the first and second agitator elements 2 are spherical.
[0068] As shown by way of example in Figures 5 and 6, in embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the container (e.g., a cross-sectional shape of the insert 3) defines a cross-sectional shape of the interior of the container and includes one or more shape features, such as a curved line, a straight line, a right angle, an acute angle, a semi-circular line, a circular line, a rectangular line, a square line, or any combination thereof, to enhance flow and mixing of the composition within the insert 3 during agitation and mixing. The applicator is insertable through an applicator volume 12, and the mixing volumes are defined at least in part by guides 11. The mixing volumes are fluidly connected to the bulk volume of the composition 5, which is in turn fluidly connected to the applicator volume 12.In this way, composition 5 is better able to be mixed and made more homogeneous, and the homogeneous composition . is better distributed inside the container for use with the applicator.
[0069] As shown by way of example in Figures 7 and 8, the agitator elements 2 are limited in their horizontal movement within the guides, which may include one or more shape features for further definition of the guides of the insert 3. In embodiments, the container 1 includes a groove 13 on an outer portion thereof that extends an inner wall of the container 1 (e.g., the inner wall of the insert 3) into a composition volume that excludes the mixing volume and the applicator volume, such that the groove 13 increases the mixing of the composition with the agitation of the container 1. An example of such a groove 13 is also shown in Figures 5 to 8.In embodiments, the container includes a first groove 13 and a second groove 13 disposed at opposing outer portions of the container 1, and the first groove 13 and the second groove 13 extend an interior wall of the container 1 (e.g., the interior wall of the insert 3) into the composition volume and increase mixing of the composition 5 with agitation of the container 1. In embodiments, the first groove 13 and the second groove 13 each include an arc shape (as exemplified in Figures 5 and 6), and this arc shape may further include an indentation shape (as exemplified in Figures 5 and 7 as opposed to Figures 6 and 8). The indentation shape further extends the interior wall of the container 1 (e.g., the interior wall of the insert 3) into the composition volume at positions adjacent to the mixing volume, according to embodiments.Examples of indentation shapes, which contribute to the shape of the grooves 13 and thus the guides for containing the agitator elements, are evident by comparing Figures 5 and 7 with Figures 6 and 8, respectively.
[0070] In embodiments, with the agitation of the container 1, the agitating elements 2 do not enter the applicator volume (i.e., the central volume space within the insert 3 of [Fig.7]). In this way, with the agitation of the container 1, the applicator, when disposed in the applicator volume, is not brought into contact with the agitating elements 2.
[0071] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1A and 1B, 2-21, 22A-22F, 23-26, and 28-33, a container may include a first agitator member 2 and a second agitator member 2 that are movably disposed within a first guide 11 and a second guide 11 of the interior of the container 1, respectively, and the first and second guides 11 define first and second mixing volumes and are elongated such that the first and second agitator members 2 are movable through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively. Since the applicator volume is in fluid communication with the first and second mixing volumes, as agitation of the container 1 moves the first and second stirring elements 2 through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively, the first and second stirring elements 2 do not enter the applicator volume. In this manner, the applicator 4, when disposed within the applicator volume, is not brought into contact with either of the first and second stirring elements 2. In other embodiments, and as shown by way of example in [Fig. 27], with respect to a quantity of stirring elements required for a particular implementation, a container 1 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a stirring element 2 which is configured for mixing the cosmetic composition 5 and used by the applicator 4 within the insert 3 of the container 1.In this way, although most of the disclosure includes two or more agitator elements 2, in at least some embodiments, a single agitator element 2 can be implemented, for example, for a minimalist design or a certain use case.
[0072] As shown by way of example in Figures 1A and 1B, 2 to 21, 22A to 22F and 23 to 33, the agitator elements 2 can take any suitable form, but in example embodiments, they are spheres. As such, in embodiments, the first agitator element 2 and the second agitator element 2 are each, individually: spherical, cubic or semi-circular. While spherical agitator elements 2 can provide reduced drag and better mixing in at least some implementations, other forms can provide other advantages, depending on the implementation.
[0073] [Fig. 33] shows another example of a container 1 for mixing a cosmetic composition, the container 1 including two agitator elements 2, extended ridges 14 which define guides for containing and guiding the agitator elements 2 as well as mixing volumes (e.g., void guides), and an insert cover 15 which includes ridge extenders 16 which extend therefrom. As the insert cover 15 is affixed to the upper opening of the insert 3, the ridge extenders 16 contact (or become proximal) with the extended ridges 14, thereby creating a containment column for the agitator elements 2. Since the extended ridges 14 do not extend to the middle of the insert 13, there is space for fluid communication between the mixing volumes and the applicator volume for efficient mixing. NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS
[0074] Although general features of the disclosure are described and shown and particular features of the disclosure are set forth in the claims, the following non-limiting embodiments relate to features, and combinations of features, which are explicitly contemplated as part of the disclosure. The following non-limiting embodiments contain elements that are modular and can be combined with each other in any number, order or combination to form a new non-limiting Embodiment, which itself can be combined with other non-limiting Embodiments.
[0075] Embodiment 1. A container for mixing a composition, the container comprising: an agitator element movably disposed within a guide of an interior of the container, wherein the guide defines a mixing volume and is elongated such that the agitator element is movable through the mixing volume; and an applicator disposeable within an applicator volume of the interior of the container, wherein the applicator volume is in fluid communication with the mixing volume; wherein agitation of the container moves the agitator element through the mixing volume.
[0076] Embodiment 2. A container of any other embodiment, wherein the guide further comprises a ridge, at a lower portion of the guide, that extends from an interior wall of the container into the mixing volume configured to contact the agitator element to secure the agitator element in place when the container is not being agitated.
[0077] Embodiment 3. Container of any other embodiment, in which the applicator is flocked and capable of breaking.
[0078] Embodiment 4. A container of any other embodiment, wherein the agitator element is a ball bearing selected from the group consisting of: a stainless steel ball bearing, a series 300 stainless steel ball bearing, a type 302 stainless steel ball bearing, a type 304 stainless steel ball bearing, a type 316 stainless steel ball bearing, and any combination thereof.
[0079] Embodiment 5. A container of any other embodiment, wherein the guide is disposed within an insert of the container, wherein the insert is insertable into a shell of the container, wherein the shell of the container is sealable with a lid of the container by securing the lid to the shell.
[0080] Embodiment 6. A container of any other embodiment, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the container that defines a cross-sectional shape of the interior of the container comprises a curved line, a straight line, a right angle, an acute angle, a semi-circular line, a circular line, a rectangular line, a square line, or any combination thereof.
[0081] Embodiment 7. Container of any other embodiment, wherein with agitation of the container, the agitating element does not enter the applicator volume.
[0082] Embodiment 8. Container of any other embodiment, wherein with agitation of the container, the applicator, when disposed in the volume applicator, is not brought into contact with the agitator element.
[0083] Embodiment 9. A container of any other embodiment, comprising a first agitator element and a second agitator element movably disposed within a first guide and a second guide of the interior of the container, respectively, wherein the first and second guides define first and second mixing volumes and are elongated such that the first and second agitator elements are movable through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively, wherein the applicator volume is in fluid communication with the first and second mixing volumes, and wherein agitation of the container moves the first and second agitator elements through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively.
[0084] Embodiment 10. A container of any other embodiment, wherein with agitation of the container, the first and second agitator members do not enter the applicator volume.
[0085] Embodiment 11. A container of any other embodiment, wherein with agitation of the container, the applicator, when disposed within the applicator volume, is not contacted with either of the first and second agitator members.
[0086] Embodiment 12. Container of any other embodiment, wherein the first stirring element and the second stirring element are each, individually: spherical, cubic or semi-circular.
[0087] Embodiment 13. A container of any other embodiment, wherein the container comprises a groove on an outer portion thereof that extends an interior wall of the container into a composition volume that excludes the mixing volume and the applicator volume, wherein the groove increases mixing of the composition with agitation of the container.
[0088] Embodiment 14. A container of any other embodiment, wherein the container comprises a first groove and a second groove disposed at opposing outer portions of the container, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend an interior wall of the container into the volume of composition and increase mixing of the composition with agitation of the container.
[0089] Embodiment 15. A container of any other embodiment, wherein the first groove and the second groove each comprise an arc shape.
[0090] Embodiment 16. A container of any other embodiment, wherein the arc shape of the first groove and the second groove further comprises an indentation shape that further extends the interior wall of the container into the composition volume at positions adjacent to the mixing volume.
[0091] Embodiment 17. Container for mixing a composition, the container comprising: a first agitator element and a second agitator element movably disposed within a first guide and a second guide of an interior of the container, respectively; wherein the first and second guides define first and second mixing volumes and are elongated such that the first and second agitator elements are movable through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively, wherein an applicator volume of the interior of the container is configured to receive an applicator therein and is in fluid communication with the first and second mixing volumes, wherein the first and second mixing volumes combined with the applicator volume form a composition volume for the composition; and wherein agitation of the container moves the first and second agitator elements through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively.
[0092] Embodiment 18. A container of any other embodiment, wherein the first and second guides comprise cylindrical or arcuate shapes, and wherein the first and second stirring members are spherical.
[0093] Embodiment 19. A container of any other embodiment, wherein the container comprises a first groove and a second groove disposed at opposing outer portions of the container, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend an interior wall of the container into the composition volume and increase mixing of the composition with agitation of the container.
[0094] Embodiment 20. A container of any other embodiment, wherein the first groove and the second groove each comprise an arc shape, wherein the arc shape optionally further comprises an indentation shape that further extends the interior wall of the container into the composition volume at positions adjacent the mixing volume.
[0095] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
Claims
1. A container for mixing a composition, the container comprising: an agitator element movably disposed within a guide of an interior of the container, wherein the guide defines a mixing volume and is elongated such that the agitator element is movable through the mixing volume; and an applicator disposeable within an applicator volume of the interior of the container, wherein the applicator volume is in fluid communication with the mixing volume; wherein agitation of the container moves the agitator element through the mixing volume.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the guide further comprises a ridge, at a lower portion of the guide, that extends from an interior wall of the container into the mixing volume configured to contact the agitator element to secure the agitator element in place when the container is not being agitated.
3. A container according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is flocked and capable of breaking.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the agitator element is a ball bearing selected from the group consisting of: a stainless steel ball bearing, a 300 series stainless steel ball bearing, a 302 type stainless steel ball bearing, a 304 type stainless steel ball bearing, a 316 type stainless steel ball bearing, and any combination thereof.
5. A container according to claim 1, wherein the guide is disposed within an insert of the container, wherein the insert is insertable into a shell of the container, wherein the shell of the container is sealable with a cap of the container by securing the cap to the shell.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the container that defines a cross-sectional shape of the interior of the container comprises a curved line, a straight line, a right angle, an acute angle, a semicircular line, a circular line, a rectangular line, a square line, or any combination thereof.
7. A container according to claim 1, wherein, with agitation of the container, the agitator element does not enter the applicator volume; and wherein, with agitation of the container, the applicator, when disposed within the applicator volume, is not brought into contact with the agitator element.
8. The container of claim 1, comprising a first agitator element and a second agitator element movably disposed within a first guide and a second guide of the interior of the container, respectively, wherein the first and second guides define first and second mixing volumes and are elongated such that the first and second agitator elements are movable through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively, wherein the applicator volume is in fluid communication with the first and second mixing volumes, and wherein agitation of the container moves the first and second agitator elements through the first and second mixing volumes, respectively.
9. A container according to claim 8, wherein, with agitation of the container, the first and second agitator elements do not enter the applicator volume.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a groove on an outer portion thereof that extends an interior wall of the container into a composition volume that excludes the mixing volume and the applicator volume, wherein the groove increases mixing of the composition with agitation of the container; and wherein the container comprises a first groove and a second groove disposed at opposing outer portions of the container, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend an interior wall of the container into the composition volume and increase mixing of the composition with agitation of the container.