Application container

Abstract

To provide an application container which can supply a desired amount of content fluid to an application object part.SOLUTION: An application container according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a container body in which a supply port is formed on a first side end part in the axial direction and which stores content fluid; an operation part which compresses the inside of the container body and feeds the content fluid to the outside of the container body through the supply port; and an application member which is provided in a movable or deformable manner in the axial direction with respect to the container body and which forms a storage space where the supply port is opened between the container body and itself. The application member is formed with a discharge port which makes the inside and outside of the storage space communicate with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an application container. [Background technology]

[0002] A known application container configuration includes a storage section that stores the liquid content, an applicator body having a flow passage communicating with the storage section and an application surface to which the communication passage opens, and an operating section that pressurizes the storage section and sends the liquid content toward the flow passage (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). According to this configuration, the liquid content sent out by the operating section is supplied onto the application surface through the communication passage. Then, by bringing the application surface into contact with the application target, the liquid content can be applied to the application target. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5274975 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the amount of content liquid corresponding to the amount of operation of the operating unit is supplied onto the application surface at once, so there is still room for improvement in the conventional application container in terms of supplying the desired amount of content liquid to the application target part.

[0005] The present invention provides an application container that can supply a desired amount of the liquid contained therein to an application target portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. An application container according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a container body having a supply port formed at a first axial side end and containing a liquid content; an operating unit that pressurizes the inside of the container body and sends the liquid content out of the container body through the supply port; and an application member that is axially movable or deformable relative to the container body and forms a storage space into which the supply port opens between the application member and the container body, and the application member has a discharge port formed in the application member that connects the inside and outside of the storage space.

[0007] According to this aspect, the content liquid delivered from the supply port by operating the operating unit first flows into the storage space. In this case, a portion of the content liquid that has flowed into the storage space is directly discharged to the outside through the discharge port. Meanwhile, the content liquid stored in the storage space is discharged to the outside through the discharge port as the storage space is pressurized as the applicator member moves toward the first side in the axial direction relative to the container body. This allows the desired amount of content liquid to be supplied to the application target regardless of the amount of operation of the operating unit. As a result, an applicator container with excellent usability can be provided.

[0008] In the applicator container according to the above aspect, it is preferable that an opening that opens in the axial direction is formed at a second axial side end of the container body, and the operating part closes the opening and is configured to be elastically deformable. According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce costs and simplify the configuration compared to a configuration that uses a piston or the like as the operating portion, for example.

[0009] In the applicator container according to the above aspect, the applicator member is preferably made of a metal material. According to this aspect, the applicator cap can be formed from a material with excellent thermal conductivity, which provides a cool feeling when the applicator cap is pressed against the application target area, thereby providing an applicator container that is comfortable to use.

[0010] In the applicator container according to the above aspect, it is preferable that the discharge port opens in a direction intersecting the axial direction. According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the content liquid that has flowed into the storage space through the supply port from being discharged in large quantities through the discharge port. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the content liquid is discharged directly below the application container, it is possible to discharge the content liquid evenly to the application target part.

[0011] In the applicator container according to the above aspect, it is preferable that the container body includes a rib that extends into the discharge port. According to this aspect, before the applicator cap is pressed, the surface tension between the rib and the edge of the outlet prevents the liquid from accidentally leaking out of the outlet. On the other hand, when the applicator cap is pressed, the liquid stored in the storage space flows along the rib toward the outlet. As a result, the liquid can be easily supplied to the desired location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, a desired amount of the content liquid can be supplied to the application target portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an overcap is removed from the application container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an overcap is attached to the application container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing a state in which the overcap is removed in the application container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation of the application container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are explanatory views of the operation of the application container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which an overcap is removed in an application container according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which an overcap is attached to an application container according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 is for applying the liquid contained therein to an application target area H (for example, the scalp, etc.). In this embodiment, the liquid contained therein can be a cosmetic, a medicine, or the like.

[0015] (First embodiment) The application container 1 includes a container body 2, an operating unit 3, an application member 4, and an overcap 5 (see FIG. 2). The container body 2, the operating unit 3, the application member 4, and the overcap 5 are formed in a cylindrical shape with their respective central axes aligned on a common axis. Hereinafter, this common axis will be referred to as the container axis O, and the overcap 5 along the container axis O will be referred to simply as the lower side, and the operating unit 3 side will be referred to simply as the upper side. Furthermore, in a plan view seen from the direction of the container axis O, a direction intersecting the container axis O will be referred to as the radial direction, and a direction going around the container axis O will be referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0016] The content liquid is contained within the container body 2. The container body 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. Specifically, the container body 2 includes a body 10, a bottom 11, and an attachment tube 13. The body portion 10 is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. An upper mounting portion 10a is formed at the upper end of the body portion 10. A lower mounting portion 10b is formed at the lower end of the body portion 10.

[0017] The bottom portion 11 closes the lower end opening of the body portion 10. The bottom portion 11 is formed in a stepped shape facing downward relative to the body portion 10. Specifically, the bottom portion 11 includes an upper step portion 11a, a protruding tube 11b, and a lower step portion 11c. The upper stage 11a extends radially inward from the lower edge of the body 10 (lower mounting portion 10b). The protruding tube 11b extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of the upper stage 11a. The protruding tube 11b is formed in a tapered cylindrical shape with an outer diameter that decreases as it extends downward. The lower stage 11c closes the lower end opening of the protruding tube 11b. A supply port 11d is formed in the lower stage 11c. The supply port 11d penetrates in the vertical direction through a portion of the lower stage 11c that is positioned coaxially with the container axis O. In the example shown in the figure, the supply port 11d is formed in a tapered shape with a diameter that gradually increases as it extends downward.

[0018] The mounting cylinder 13 extends downward from the outer periphery of the upper stage portion 11a and surrounds the periphery of the protruding cylinder 11b.

[0019] The operating part 3 applies pressure to the inside of the container body 2. The operating part 3 includes an attachment member 21, a pressing member 22, and a retaining part 23. The mounting member 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape and arranged coaxially with the container axis O. Specifically, the mounting member 21 includes a base cylindrical portion 21a, a support flange 21b, a sealing cylinder 21c, a positioning portion 21d, and a restricting portion 21e.

[0020] The upper mounting portion 10a is fitted into the lower end portion of the base tubular portion 21a via an undercut. The support flange 21b projects radially inward from the vertical midpoint of the base tubular portion 21a. The cylindrical seal 21c extends downward from the inner periphery of the support flange 21b and is in close contact with the inner periphery of the upper mounting portion 10a.

[0021] The positioning portion 21d extends upward from the inner peripheral edge of the support flange 21b. In this embodiment, the positioning portion 21d extends around the entire circumference of the support flange 21b. However, the positioning portion 21d may be formed intermittently in the circumferential direction. The restricting portion 21e connects portions of the positioning portion 21d that face each other in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 21e extends in one radial direction. However, the restricting portion 21e may extend in two radial directions that intersect each other in an X-shape, for example.

[0022] The pressing member 22 is made of a soft material (an elastically deformable material such as rubber or elastomer) that is softer than the material that constitutes the container body 2. The pressing member 22 includes a dome portion 22a and a base portion 22b. The dome portion 22a is formed in a hemispherical shape that is convex upward. The outer peripheral edge of the dome portion 22a is supported on the support flange 21b. Therefore, the dome portion 22a closes the upper end opening of the container body 2 from above via the mounting member 21. The dome portion 22a is configured to be elastically deformable downward when pressed down from above (see FIG. 4). That is, in the application container 1, the inside of the container body 2 is pressurized by the elastic deformation of the dome portion 22a. Note that the downward deformation of the dome portion 22a is restricted by contacting the restricting portion 21e from above.

[0023] The seat portion 22b is formed in an annular shape and is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The seat portion 22b protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential edge of the dome portion 22a.

[0024] The retaining portion 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The retaining portion 23 is fitted into the upper end portion of the base tubular portion 21a. The retaining portion 23 sandwiches the base portion 22b in the vertical direction between the retaining portion 23 and the support flange 21b.

[0025] 1 to 3, the applicator member 4 is attached to the lower end of the container body 2 and stores and discharges the content liquid. The applicator member 4 includes an applicator cap 31 and a stopper 32. The applicator cap 31 is made of a material, such as metal, that has better thermal conductivity than the container body 2. The applicator cap 31 includes a cap body 31a and a restricting flange 31b.

[0026] The cap body 31a is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The cap body 31a covers the portion of the bottom 11 extending from below to the protruding tube 11b and the lower portion 11c. A storage space S is formed between the applicator cap 31 and the bottom 11 (the protruding tube 11b and the lower portion 11c). The storage space S is a space that extends continuously around the protruding tube 11b and below the lower portion 11c. A supply port 11d opens into the storage space S. In other words, the inside of the container body 2 and the storage space S are in communication via the supply port 11d.

[0027] The peripheral wall portion 31a1 of the cap body 31a faces the protruding tube 11b in the radial direction and is formed in a tapered shape that gradually narrows downward. A discharge port 31a2 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 31a1. The discharge port 31a2 penetrates the peripheral wall portion 31a1 in the radial direction (a direction intersecting the axial direction) and is formed in the shape of a slit extending in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, multiple discharge ports 31a2 (for example, three) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The discharge ports 31a2 communicate between the inside and outside of the storage space S.

[0028] The bottom wall 31a3 of the cap body 31a closes the lower end opening of the peripheral wall 31a1. The bottom wall 31a3 includes an application portion 31a4 located on the outer periphery and a stopper portion 31a5 located on the inner periphery. The applicator part 31a4 is formed in an annular shape and is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The applicator part 31a4 is formed in an arc shape that protrudes upward. Stopper portion 31a5 is formed at a position on bottom wall portion 31a3 that overlaps supply port 11d in a plan view Stopper portion 31a5 bulges upward relative to application portion 31a4. The restriction flange 31b projects radially outward from the upper edge of the peripheral wall portion 31a1.

[0029] Here, applicator cap 31 is configured to be movable up and down relative to container body 2. Specifically, applicator cap 31 moves up and down between a closed state (see FIGS. 2 and 5) in which supply port 11d is closed by stopper portion 31a5, and an open state (see FIGS. 1 and 4) in which stopper portion 31a5 is separated from supply port 11d. In other words, as applicator cap 31 moves up and down, storage space S expands and contracts.

[0030] The stopper 32 is for connecting the applicator cap 31 to the container body 2. The stopper 32 includes a connecting cylinder 32a, a connecting ring 32b, and a regulating cylinder 32c. The connecting cylinder 32a is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. The mounting cylinder 13 is fitted into the connecting cylinder 32a. The connecting ring 32b projects radially inward from the lower end edge of the connecting cylinder 32a. The restricting tube 32c extends upward from the inner peripheral edge of the connecting ring 32b. The restricting tube 32c faces the restricting flange 31b in the vertical direction. The restricting flange 31b abuts against the restricting tube 32c from above, thereby restricting the downward movement of the applicator cap 31.

[0031] 2, the overcap 5 is detachably attached to the lower attachment portion 10b. The overcap 5 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is arranged coaxially with the container axis O. The overcap 5 includes an enclosing cylinder 5a, a bottom wall portion 5b, and a closing cylinder 5c. The surrounding tube 5a is disposed coaxially with the container axis O. When the overcap 5 is attached, the upper end of the surrounding tube 5a is screwed to the lower mounting portion 10b. However, the surrounding tube 5a may be attached by a method other than screwing.

[0032] The bottom wall 5b closes the lower end opening of the surrounding tube 5a. When the overcap 5 is attached, the bottom wall 5b holds the applicator cap 31 in a closed state. That is, when the overcap 5 is attached to the container body 2, the overcap 5 pushes the applicator cap 31 upward toward the closed state and restricts the downward movement of the applicator cap 31.

[0033] The blocking tube 5c extends upward from the bottom wall 5b. When the overcap 5 is attached, the blocking tube 5c enters the inside of the stopper 32 and surrounds the periphery of the peripheral wall 31a1 inside the stopper 32.

[0034] Next, a description will be given of how to use the application container 1. In the following description, the initial state will be described with the overcap 5 attached. First, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, overcap 5 is removed from container body 2. This allows applicator cap 31 to move up and down relative to container body 2. After overcap 5 is removed, applicator cap 31 may transition to an open state by its own weight, or may transition to an open state by operating dome portion 22a.

[0035] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, while holding the body portion 10, the applicator portion 31a4 is brought into contact with the application target portion H. In this state, the dome portion 22a is pressed down. This causes the dome portion 22a to elastically deform downward, thereby pressurizing the inside of the container body 2. As a result, the content liquid in the container body 2 is discharged into the storage space S through the supply port 11d. By performing the pressing operation of the dome portion 22a multiple times, the content liquid is sequentially discharged into the storage space S. Of the content liquid discharged into the storage space S, a portion of the content liquid is discharged from the storage space S to the outside through the discharge port 31a2. Meanwhile, of the content liquid discharged into the storage space S, the remaining content liquid is stored in the storage space S.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, with the content liquid stored in the storage space S, the applicator container 1 is pressed against the part to be coated H via the applicator part 31a. Then, the applicator cap 31 is pushed upward, and the storage space S is pressurized. As the storage space S is pressurized, the content liquid stored in the storage space S is discharged in the radial direction through the discharge port 31a2. Then, with the applicator part 31a4 pressed against the part to be coated H, the applicator container 1 is moved relative to the part to be coated H. This allows the content liquid stored in the storage space S to be applied to the part to be coated H.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, after the content liquid has been applied, the overcap 5 is attached to the container body 2. When the overcap 5 is fastened to the lower mounting portion 10b, the overcap 5 rises relative to the container body 2. Then, the applicator cap 31 is pushed up by the bottom wall portion 5b, causing the applicator cap 31 to transition to a closed state. As a result, with the overcap 5 attached, the downward movement of the applicator cap 31 is restricted by the bottom wall portion 5b, and the applicator cap 31 is maintained in a closed state.

[0038] In this way, the coating container 1 of this embodiment is provided with a coating member 4 at the lower end of the container body 2, which is movable in the vertical direction relative to the container body 2 and forms a storage space S between the container body 2 and the coating member 4, into which the supply port 11d opens, and the coating member 4 is formed with a discharge port 31a2 that connects the inside and outside of the storage space S. According to this configuration, the content liquid delivered from the supply port 11d by operating the operating unit 3 first flows into the storage space S. In this case, a portion of the content liquid that has flowed into the storage space S is directly discharged to the outside through the discharge port 31a2. Meanwhile, as the applicator member 4 moves upward relative to the container body 2, the storage space S is pressurized, and the content liquid stored in the storage space S is discharged to the outside through the discharge port 31a2. This makes it possible to supply a desired amount of content liquid to the application target part H, regardless of the amount of operation of the operating unit 3. As a result, an applicator container 1 with excellent usability can be provided.

[0039] In the applicator container 1 of the present embodiment, the operating part 3 is configured to close the upper end opening of the container body 2 (body part 10) and to include an elastically deformable pressing member 22. This configuration can reduce costs and simplify the configuration compared to a configuration that uses a piston or the like as the operating portion, for example.

[0040] In the applicator container 1 of the present embodiment, the applicator member 4 is configured to include an applicator cap 31 formed of a metal material. According to this configuration, applicator cap 31 can be formed from a material with excellent thermal conductivity, which provides a refreshing feeling when applicator cap 31 is pressed against the application target part H. This makes it possible to provide applicator container 1 that is comfortable to use.

[0041] In the application container 1 of this embodiment, the discharge port 31a2 is configured to open in the radial direction. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the content liquid that has flowed into the storage space S through the supply port 11d from being discharged in large quantities through the discharge port 31a2. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the content liquid is discharged directly below the application container 1, it is possible to discharge the content liquid evenly to the application target part H.

[0042] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a rib 50 is provided corresponding to the discharge port 31a2. 6 and 7, the discharge port 31a2 is formed across the boundary between the peripheral wall portion 31a1 and the application portion 31a4 and over the outer periphery of the peripheral wall portion 31a1 and the application portion 31a4. That is, the discharge port 31a2 is continuously open in the radial direction and downward.

[0043] The container body 2 is provided with ribs 50. The ribs 50 are formed at the same circumferential positions of the protruding tube 11b as the respective discharge ports 31a2. Each rib 50 protrudes radially from the protruding tube 11b and extends vertically. The lower end of the rib 50 protrudes downward beyond the lower stage portion 11c. In the illustrated example, the lower end of the rib 50 is rounded downward.

[0044] A portion of the rib 50 extends into the corresponding discharge port 31a2. This restricts the rotation of the applicator cap 31 relative to the container body 2 by the rib 50. In this embodiment, the lower end of the rib 50 protrudes outside the applicator cap 31 through the discharge port 31a2 (the portion formed in the lower portion 11c) when the applicator cap 31 is in the closed state. The rib 50 may be configured to move forward and backward relative to the discharge port 31a2 as the applicator cap 31 moves up and down relative to the container body 2. In other words, the rib 50 may be configured to enter the discharge port 31a2 when the applicator cap 31 is in the closed state, and to retract from the discharge port 31a2 when the applicator cap 31 is in the open state.

[0045] In the applicator container 1 of this embodiment, before the applicator cap 31 is pressed, the surface tension between the rib 50 and the opening edge of the discharge port 31a2 prevents the content liquid from accidentally leaking out of the discharge port 31a2. On the other hand, when the applicator cap 31 is pressed, the content liquid stored in the storage space S flows along the rib 50 toward the discharge port 31a2. As a result, the content liquid can be easily supplied to a desired location.

[0046] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the appended claims. In the above-described embodiment, the operation unit 3 is configured to include the elastically deformable pressing member 22, but the configuration is not limited to this. The operation unit 3 may be a piston or the like as long as it is configured to be able to apply pressure to the inside of the container body 2. In the above-described embodiment, the applicator member 4 is described as having the applicator cap 31 and the stopper 32, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The applicator member 4 may be formed as a single unit. The applicator cap 31 is not limited to being made of a metal material, but may be made of a resin material or the like. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the applicator cap 31 moves up and down relative to the container body 2, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The applicator cap 31 may be configured to expand and contract the storage space S by deforming in the vertical direction relative to the container body 2.

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the applicator cap 31 is held in a closed state when the overcap 5 is attached has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In the above-described embodiment, the discharge port 31a2 is configured to open in the radial direction, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0048] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

[0049] The aspects of the present invention are as follows, for example. <1> a container body having a supply port formed at a first side end in the axial direction and containing a liquid content; an operating unit that applies pressure to the inside of the container body and sends the content liquid to the outside of the container body through the supply port; an application member that is provided so as to be axially movable or deformable relative to the container body, and that forms a storage space in which the supply port opens between the application member and the container body; The applicator container has a discharge port formed in the applicator member that connects the inside and outside of the storage space. <2> an opening portion that opens in the axial direction is formed at a second axial end portion of the container body; The operation portion closes the opening and is configured to be elastically deformable. <1> The application container according to claim 1. <3> The application member is made of a metal material. <1> or <2> The application container according to claim 1. <4> The discharge port is open in a direction intersecting the axial direction. <1> from <3> 10. The application container according to any one of the above. <5> The container body has a rib that extends into the discharge port. <1> from <4> 10. The application container according to any one of the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1: Application container 2: Container body 3:Operation unit 4: Application material 11d: Supply port 31a2:Discharge port 50: Rib

Claims

1. a container body having a supply port formed at a first side end in the axial direction and configured to accommodate a content liquid; an operating unit that applies pressure to the inside of the container body and sends the content liquid to the outside of the container body through the supply port; an application member that is provided so as to be axially movable or deformable relative to the container body, and that forms a storage space in which the supply port opens between the application member and the container body; The application member has a discharge port that communicates the inside and outside of the storage space, The container body has a rib that extends into the discharge port.

2. an opening portion that opens in the axial direction is formed at a second axial end portion of the container body; The applicator container according to claim 1 , wherein the operation portion closes the opening and is configured to be elastically deformable.

3. 3. The applicator container according to claim 1, wherein the applicator member is made of a metal material.

4. The applicator container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge port opens in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

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