Dispenser tips and methods of use

Abstract

A dispenser has a product chamber and an applicator tip. The product chamber has at least two walls, connected by at least one seal and having an applicator tip. The dispenser is configured so that it can be stood on one end, with the applicator tip at the opposite end.

Claims

1. A dispenser, comprising: a product chamber having a tubular structure; a base at a first end of the tubular structure configured to allow the dispenser to be stood upright on the base; an applicator tip opposite the base at a second end of the tubular structure and having a conical applicator shape, wherein the applicator tip is rigid and includes a removable conic tip that extends to a point, a perforation traverses around the applicator tip at a base of the conic tip, wherein removal of the conic tip at the perforation creates an opening through which a content contained in the product chamber can be dispensed.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the tubular structure comprises cardboard, high density cardboard, high density paper, plastic, paper, plastic film, foil, metalized film, or a metal sheet.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a refill port on or adjacent the base.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1A is a top-down diagram of an inverted tip dispenser. An internal seal is illustrated as an optional embodiment.

(3) FIG. 1B is a side view diagram of an inverted tip dispenser.

(4) FIG. 2A is a top-down diagram of an applicator tip dispenser.

(5) FIG. 2B is a side view diagram of an applicator tip with an optional membrane.

(6) FIG. 2C is a top side view diagram of an applicator tip dispenser.

(7) FIG. 2D is a top-down diagram of an applicator tip dispenser showing the rupture of an optional membrane.

(8) FIG. 2E is a top-down diagram of an applicator tip dispenser showing an optional internal seal set.

(9) FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a one-way seal.

(10) FIG. 4A is a top-down diagram of a folding dispenser tip.

(11) FIG. 4B is an isometric view of a folding dispenser tip

(12) FIG. 5A is a top-down diagram of a brush applicator dispenser.

(13) FIG. 5B is a top-down diagram of a brush applicator dispenser showing an optional internal seal set.

(14) FIG. 5C is a top side view diagram of a brush applicator dispenser.

(15) FIG. 6A is a top-down diagram of a shaped applicator dispenser.

(16) FIG. 6B is a top-down diagram of a shaped applicator dispenser showing product expelled from the dispenser.

(17) FIG. 7 is a top-down diagram of a roller applicator tip.

(18) FIG. 8 is a top-down diagram of an aerosolizing or spray applicator tip.

(19) FIG. 9 is a top-down diagram of a squeeze applicator tip.

(20) FIG. 10A is a top-down diagram of a tear tab applicator. The diagram illustrates the side-pull tab.

(21) FIG. 10B is a top-down diagram of a tear tab applicator. The diagram illustrates the top-pull tab.

(22) FIG. 11A is a top-down diagram of a shaker tab applicator.

(23) FIG. 11B is a top-down diagram of a shaker tab applicator having a sealable pull tab.

(24) FIG. 12A is an isometric view of a writing dispenser tip in a first embodiment.

(25) FIG. 12B is an isometric view of a writing dispenser tip in a second embodiment.

(26) FIG. 12C is a top side view of a writing dispenser tip in a first embodiment.

(27) FIG. 12D is a top side view of a writing dispenser tip in a second embodiment.

(28) FIG. 13A is a top-down diagram of a utensil dispenser variation in a first embodiment.

(29) FIG. 13B is a top-down diagram of a utensil dispenser variation in a second embodiment.

(30) FIG. 14A is a top-down diagram of a transverse internal rigid expansion spring.

(31) FIG. 14B is an isometric view of a transverse internal rigid expansion spring.

(32) FIG. 14C is a top-down view of a transverse internal rigid expansion spring.

(33) FIG. 15A is a top-down diagram of a longitudinal internal rigid expansion spring.

(34) FIG. 15B is an isometric view of a longitudinal internal rigid expansion spring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(35) As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a polypeptide” includes a mixture of two or more polypeptides and the like.

(36) As used herein, “about” means approximately or nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means +/−15% of the numerical.

(37) As used herein, “inverted point” means a chevron-shape having an orientation directed toward the center of the product chamber.

(38) As used herein, “fluid” means liquids, gases, solutions, gels, and foams. Non-limiting examples include condiments, like mustard and ketchup, pastes, aerosol hair products, shaving gel, water, mouth washes, liquid medications, and other similar materials.

(39) As used herein, “semi-fluid” granular solids, and any other flowable non-gas phased composition.

(40) As used herein, “plastic” means a polymerized organic material material, such as those disclosed in paragraph [00], disclosed herein, and elastomers. Non-limiting examples of elastomers include polyisopropene, polybutadience, chloroprene, neoprene, polychloroprene, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone, flurosilicone, polyether amides, polyethylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate.

(41) As used herein, “elastic metal” means a metal that deforms upon application of pressure by human hand or up to twice the pressure exerted by human hand and returns to an original shape upon removal of the load. Non-limiting examples include copper-aluminum-nickel alloys, nickel-titanium alloys, zinc alloys, copper alloys, iron alloys, such as Fe—Mn—Si, Cu—Zn—Al, Cu—Al—Ni, Ni—Ti, Ag—Cd, Au—Cd, Co—Ni—Al, Co—Ni—Ga, Cu—Al—Be—Zr, X Cu—Al—Be—B, Cu—Al—Be—Cr, Cu—Al—Be—Gd, Cu—Al—Ni, Cu—Al—Ni—Hf, Cu—Sn, Cu—Zn, Cu—Zn—Si, Cu—Zn—Al, Cu—Zn—Sn, Fe—Mn—Si, Fe—Pt, Mn—Cu, Ni—Fe—Ga, Ni—Ti—Hf, Ni—Ti—Pd, Ni—Mn—Ga, and Ti—Nb. In some variations, the elastic material deforms upon application of 250 kPa or less of pressure and can withstand at least 500 kPa of pressure without losing elasticity.

(42) As used herein, the term “longitudinal” means the axis running substantially parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the inventive article.

(43) As used herein, the term “transverse” means the axis running substantially perpendicular to the maximum linear dimension of the inventive article.

(44) As used herein, the term “substantially perpendicular” means within a 20° deviation from a right angle, i.e. perpendicular, to the reference object.

(45) The tips and/or dispensers disclosed herein are not limited to a type of product that can be stored and/or dispensed, but rather can hold and dispense any suitable products such as liquids, gels, creams, and other fluid or semi-fluid materials. Non-limiting examples include condiments, beverages, natural and/or artificial sweeteners, jellies, jams, preserves, syrups, toothpaste, personal care products (shampoo, soap, conditioner, etc.), liquids, lotions, gels, adhesives, cosmetics, paints, pharmaceuticals (e.g., topical, oral or other gels, lotions, pastes, etc.), etc.

(46) The tips and/or dispensers disclosed herein are described using exemplary materials, but the invention is not intended to be limited to being made from one specific material, but rather can be made from any suitable material or combination of materials including recyclable and/or recycled materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, foil, condiment materials, and/or recyclable polymers, etc.

(47) The tips disclosed herein can be affixed to any shape or size of dispenser packet. For example, non-limiting exemplary dispenser packet shapes can include an arrow, a circle (e.g., tomato ball), a peanut, a diamond, a heart, a carrot (e.g., for baby carrot food), a lipstick shape (e.g., for sample lipstick gels at cosmetics counters), a bottle shape (e.g., to store and dispense alcohol shots, energy drinks, electrolyte drink shots, for example for runners, marathoners and bike riders), a finger shape, a character shape (e.g., a children's story or movie character, a theme park character, etc.), a shape of a sensual body or body part for personal lubricants, etc. Similarly, the tips can be formed to resemble various shapes, such as, without limiting the scope of the invention, geometrical shapes like circles, triangles, squares, diamonds, hearts, octagons, sun, moons, stars, or horseshoes.

Example 1

(48) Dispenser 10 is formed of a product chamber 101 and inverted tip 201, as seen in FIG. 1A. Liquid dispenser 10 may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic, paper, or other material disclosed herein. Product chamber 101 includes a first wall 110 and second wall 120 connected by at least one seal 150. The seal shown in the exemplary embodiment includes a first seal 151, along a longitudinal edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120, a second seal 152, along a transverse edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120, and a third seal 153, along a longitudinal edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120. The three seals, 151-153 for three walls of a single dispenser chamber 110, as seen in the Figure. Optionally, a second set of seals form an interior of the dispenser chamber, where the second set of seals includes one or more seals. As shown in the Figure, the second set of seals optionally includes first interior seal 161, second interior seal 162, third interior seal 163, and semispherical seal 165, optionally disposed near the inverted tip, such that the dispenser material is thinnest adjacent to the inverted tip.

(49) Additionally, inverted tip 201 includes at least one tip seal 160. As seen in the Figure, the inverted tip has four seals, first tip seal 171, second tip seal 172, first inverted tip seal 173, and second inverted tip seal 174.

(50) In operation, product chamber 101 is filled with a fluid or semi-fluid material, as seen in FIG. 1B. As a user applies pressure to the product chamber, inverted tip 201 may rupture at a perforation or other weakened area to permit the product within the product chamber to be dispensed.

Example 2

(51) Dispenser 10 is formed of a product chamber 101 and applicator dispenser tip 210, as seen in FIG. 2A. Product chamber 101 is formed of any suitable material, that forms at least two walls, as described in Example 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the product chamber includes a first seal 151, along a longitudinal edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120, a second seal 152, along a transverse edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120, and a third seal 153, along a longitudinal edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120. The three seals, 151-153 for three walls of a single dispenser chamber 110, as seen in the Figure. Optionally, a fourth seal 154 is disposed on a second transverse edge.

(52) Applicator dispenser tip 210 is in fluid communication with dispenser tube 215, having membrane 216 disposed in the interior of dispenser tube 215, as seen in FIG. 2B. Dispenser tube 215 traverses through fourth seal 154 (or a combination of seals on the transverse edge), and extends to the interior space of product chamber 101, thereby connecting the interior space of product chamber 101 with applicator dispenser tip 210.

(53) In operation, product chamber 101 is filled with a fluid or semi-fluid material, as seen in FIG. 2C. As a user applies pressure to product chamber 101, the fluid or semi-fluid material builds pressure against membrane 216, until membrane 216 ruptures allowing fluid flow F.sub.1 to the applicator dispenser tip, as shown in FIG. 2D. Fluid flow F.sub.1 permits the product within the single product chamber dispenser to travel through dispenser tube 215 to applicator dispenser tip 210 to be dispensed or applied.

(54) In certain variations of the invention, a second set of seals form an interior of the dispenser chamber, as discussed in Example 1. The interior seals seal three sides of product chamber 101, and include first interior seal 161, second interior seal 162, third interior seal 163, and fourth seal 166, disposed to permit dispenser tube 215 to extend to the interior space, as seen in FIG. 2E.

(55) In some variations, liquid dispenser 10 includes a valve disposed in the interior of dispenser tube 215. While valve 217 can be disposed interior to membrane 216 or exterior to membrane 216, it is envisioned that in most variations, valve 217 is disposed exterior to membrane 216, thereby not contacting any fluid or semi-fluid until the rupture of membrane 216, as seen in FIG. 3. Valve 217 is comprised of a spring or support 218 disposed in the interior of dispenser tube 215. Spring or support 218 is optionally integrally mounted to the interior of dispenser tube 215. Alternatively, spring or support 218 is supported by the interior of dispenser tube 215, via a lip, ledge, or ring integrally disposed on the interior of dispenser tube 215. Sealable membrane 219 is placed onto spring or support 218, and optionally sealed in place by a lip, ledge, or ring.

Example 3

(56) Dispenser 10 is formed of a product chamber 101 and fold applicator dispenser tip 310, as seen in FIG. 4A. Product chamber 101 is formed of any suitable material, that forms at least two walls, with at least one seal, as described in Example 1. Fold applicator dispenser tip 310, is formed of applicator dispenser tip 310 is in fluid communication with dispenser tube 315.

(57) Product chamber 101 included port 311, having membrane 216 disposed over port 311, as seen in FIG. 4B. Dispenser tube 215 traverses through fourth seal 154 (or a combination of seals on the transverse edge), and extends to the interior space of product chamber 101, thereby connecting the interior space of product chamber 101 with applicator dispenser tip 210. In some implementations, the applicator tips can fold over (and be secured with cellophane). In some implementations, the applicator can eject from the interior of the tip. Alternatively, applicator dispenser tip 310 is a folded applicator dispenser tip held in place by an adhesive film.

Example 4

(58) Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and brush applicator tip 410, as seen in FIG. 5A. Product chamber 101 is formed of any suitable material, that forms at least two walls, and includes at least a first set of seals, as described in Example 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least a first set of seals includes a first seal 151, along a longitudinal edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120, a second seal 152, along a first transverse edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120, a third seal 153, along a longitudinal edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120, and a fourth seal 154 disposed on a second transverse edge.

(59) Brush applicator tip 410 is in fluid communication with brush dispenser tube 415. Optionally, brush dispenser tube 415 includes membrane 216 disposed in the interior of dispenser tube 415, as seen in FIG. 5B. Brush dispenser tube 415 traverses through fourth seal 154 (or a combination of seals on the transverse edge), and extends to the interior space of product chamber 101, thereby connecting the interior space of product chamber 101 with brush applicator tip 410.

(60) In operation, product chamber 101 is filled with a fluid or semi-fluid material, as seen in FIG. 5C. As a user applies pressure to product chamber 101, the fluid or semi-fluid material builds pressure against membrane 216, until membrane 216 ruptures allowing fluid flow F.sub.1 to the applicator dispenser tip, as described in Example 2. Fluid flow F.sub.1 permits the product within the single product chamber dispenser to travel through brush dispenser tube 415 to brush applicator tip 410 to be dispensed or applied.

(61) In certain variations of the invention, a second set of seals form an interior of the dispenser chamber, as discussed in Example 1. The interior seals seal three sides of product chamber 101, and include first interior seal 161, second interior seal 162, third interior seal 163, and fourth seal 166, disposed to permit dispenser tube 215 to extend to the interior space.

Example 5

(62) Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and shaped dispenser tip 510, as seen in FIG. 6A. Product chamber 101 is formed of any suitable material, that forms at least two walls, and includes at least a first set of seals, as described in Example 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least a first set of seals includes a first seal 151, along a longitudinal edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120, a second seal 152, along a first transverse edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120, a third seal 153, along a longitudinal edge of first wall 110 and second wall 120, and a fourth seal 154 disposed on a second transverse edge.

(63) Shaped dispenser tip 510 is in fluid communication with the interior space of product chamber 101, thereby connecting the interior space of product chamber 101 with brush applicator tip 410. Optionally, shaped dispenser tip 510 includes membrane 216 disposed in the interior of the dispenser tip, as discussed in previous Examples.

(64) A fluid or semi-fluid material is added to product chamber 101. When pressure is applied to product chamber 101, the fluid or semi-fluid material is dispensed from shaped dispenser tip 510. Where a membrane is used, the pressure of the fluid or semi-fluid material ruptures the membrane, allowing the fluid or semi-fluid material to flow to the tip as flow F.sub.2, seen in FIG. 6B. Optionally, a one-way flow valve is disposed in the tip.

Example 6

(65) Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and rolling dispenser applicator tip 610, as seen in FIG. 7. Product chamber 101 is formed of any suitable material, that forms at least two walls, and includes at least a first set of seals, as described in Example 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least a first set of seals, 151 through 154, as described in previous Examples. Product chamber 101 optionally includes second set of seals, 161 through 165, as described above. Rolling dispenser applicator tip 610 is configured to dispense in the form of a roll-on and/or glosser gliding component, emanating off of, on top of, or out of, the primary package. This roll-on component can accommodate a method of dispensing whereby a glossing effect for lipstick, lip gloss, perfumes, sanitizers, repellents, etc. may occur.

(66) Rolling dispenser applicator tip 610 includes dispenser neck 614, which holds the roller dispenser and permits rotational adjustments. Optionally, rolling dispenser applicator tip 610 includes membrane 216 disposed in dispenser neck 614, and functions as discussed in previous Examples. In some variations, a one-way flow valve is disposed in dispenser neck 614.

Example 7

(67) Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and atomizing applicator tip 710, as seen in FIG. 8. Product chamber 101 is formed of any suitable material, that forms at least two walls, and includes at least a first set of seals, as described in Example 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least a first set of seals, 151 through 154, as described in previous Examples. Product chamber 101 optionally includes second set of seals, 161 through 165, as described above. Atomizing applicator tip 710 is configured to dispense as a spraying or spritzing, emanating off of, on top of, or out of, the primary package.

(68) Atomizing applicator tip 710 includes dispenser neck 714, which holds atomizer 716, and an atomizer, as would be readily apparent in the field, to achieve the spray or spritzing effect. Optionally, atomizing applicator tip 710 includes membrane 216 disposed in dispenser neck 714, and functions as discussed in previous Examples. In some variations, a one-way flow valve is disposed in dispenser neck 714. The atomizer optionally comprises a first chamber adapted to accept a fluid, where the first chamber comprises a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter, and where the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. A tube is in fluid communication with the first chamber and has a first end and a second end, where the first end of the tube is disposed on the second end, where the tube has a diameter equivalent to the second diameter. A second chamber is in fluid communication with the tube, and has a third end with the second diameter and disposed on the second end of the tube, and fourth end having a third diameter, where the third diameter is larger than the second diameter.

(69) Optionally, the atomizer head is formed of a translucent material in communication with a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED). This illuminating component is disposed on top of the package and emits a glow that can be used in conjunction with, or separate from, other dispensing mechanisms. This light component can be taken apart from the package and can be solar, battery, LED or electrically operated.

Example 8

(70) Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and flow applicator tip 810, as seen in FIG. 9. Product chamber 101 is formed of any suitable material, that forms at least two walls, and includes at least a first seal of seals, as described in Example 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least a first set of seals, 151 through 154, as described in previous Examples. Product chamber 101 optionally includes second set of seals, 161 through 165, as described above. Flow applicator tip 810 is configured to dispense with a pull-down, push out system. Useful materials include, without limiting the scope of the invention, mini ice pops, mini candies or sucking elements, various types of foods or frozen drinks or edibles in solid form, as well as lipsticks, cosmetics or other items that can be pushed through this dispensing mechanism. There may be a squeezing or other allowable method on the package to cause to suction in the pop or lipstick or other item as well, as a push-out component.

(71) Flow applicator tip 810 includes dispenser neck 814, which holds the flow tip. Optionally, flow applicator tip 810 includes membrane 216 disposed in dispenser neck 814, and functions as discussed in previous Examples. In some variations, a one-way flow valve is disposed in dispenser neck 814. Placing pressure on product chamber 101 results in fluid or semi-fluid material P ejection from the flow applicator tip 810, either completely expelling the material or partially expelling the material, which may be retracted back into product chamber 101 after use.

Example 9

(72) Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and tear applicator tip 910. Product chamber 101 is formed of any suitable material, that forms at least two walls, and includes at least a first set of seals, as described in Example 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least a first set of seals, 151 through 154, as described in previous Examples. Product chamber 101 optionally includes second set of seals, 161 through 165, as described above.

(73) Tear applicator tip 910 is optionally tear tab 915 disposed perpendicular to the dispensing tip 917, as seen in FIG. 10A. In this variation, tear tab 915 is pulled by a user to remove the apex of dispensing tip 917 and leaving an opening on tear applicator tip 910. In some embodiments, a perforated line, tear line 916, runs parallel to tear tab 915.

(74) Alternatively, tear applicator tip 910 is optionally disposed parallel to the dispensing tip 917, as seen in FIG. 10B. In this variation, tear tab 915 is in communication with tear perforations 918 disposed on one wall of product chamber 101 or an opening in one wall of product chamber 101. Tear tab 915 is pulled by a user to access the perforations in the product chamber wall, thereby forming an opening in the wall, or tear tab 915 is peeled to expose an opening in the wall. In some variations, tear applicator tip 910 includes an adhesive forming a resealable tab, allowing for later use as well.

Example 10

(75) Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and shaker applicator tip 1010, seen in FIG. 11A. Product chamber 101 is formed of any suitable material, that forms at least two walls, and includes at least a first set of seals, as described in Example 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least a first set of seals, 151 through 154, as described in previous Examples. Product chamber 101 optionally includes second set of seals, 161 through 165, as described above.

(76) Shaker applicator tip 1010 is configured to dispense granular semi-fluid products, such as sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, coffee creamers, energy powders etc. to be dispensed upon shaking the package. A plurality of openings 1013 are disposed on one wall of product chamber 101. In some variations, a tear tab, such as the parallel tear tab disclosed in Example 9, is used to seal shaker applicator tip 1010 until use, as seen in FIG. 11B. Shaker tab 1015 is optionally disposed parallel to the shaker tip, however, other variations, including perpendicular, are also envisioned. The tear tab optionally includes a resealable function, as disclosed in that Example. In alternative variations, a safety seal or peel-off is disposed at the tip of these shaker-holes, allowing protection and cleanliness prior to opening, as well as allowing an adhesive or stick-able resealing component, so the package can be reusable for later.

Example 11

(77) Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and writing tip 1110. The dispenser in this embodiment mimics a pencil, crayon, or pen having a flat base, as seen in FIG. 12A. Writing tip 1110 has a chevron shape or conical shape, including a conical tip 1119 that extends to a point, wherein the product opening is accessed via perforation 1115 that traverses around the writing tip 1110 at a base of the conic tip 1119. In some variations, product chamber 101 is rigid or semi-rigid, having a tubular structure, as seen in FIG. 12B. In these embodiments, writing tip 1110 is optionally semi-rigid or rigid, and include perforation 1115, such as that seen in FIG. 12C. Optionally, the product chamber includes a curvature to the body of the chamber, permitting a user to more securely grip and hold the dispenser. The base can also allow for easy standing, placement and storage when it is not in use. Upon removal of perforation 1115, a user may expel fluid or semi-fluid material from the product chamber using opening 1117 after removing conic tip 1117 at perforation 1115, as seen in FIG. 12D.

(78) The base of product chamber 101 optionally includes an opening or port disposed on the base or adjacent to the base, thereby permitting a user to refill the product chamber.

Example 12

(79) Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and product access tip 1210. Product chamber 101 includes integrated utensil pouch 1215 disposed on one wall of the product chamber, where utensil pouch 1215 is dimensioned to accept utensil 1220, as seen in FIG. 13A. The product access tip 1210 is optionally a tip disclosed in one prior example, or is formed of a resealable lock, as seen in FIG. 13B. In some variations, an opening is disposed on the product chamber wall, adjacent to utensil 1220. A pressure seal, such as a rubber or elastomeric material, is disposed around the opening and dimensioned to seal against utensil 1220, when utensil 1220 is placed against the product chamber wall.

Example 13

(80) The applicator tip disclosed in the prior Examples is optionally formed of a translucent material in communication with a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED). This illuminating component is disposed on top of the package and emits a glow that can be used in conjunction with, or separate from, the dispensing mechanism. This light component can be taken apart from the package and can be solar, battery, LED or electrically operated. The LED light may be in direct communication with the translucent material of the applicator tip or may be in communication via a fiber optic tubing or light guides.

Example 14

(81) Product chamber 101 optionally includes transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130, as seen in FIG. 14A. Transverse internal rigid expansion valve 130 is disposed in the interior of product chamber 101 and is formed of a first spring leaf 131 and a second spring leaf 132, which are connected to form an almond shape, as seen in FIG. 14B. First spring leaf 131 and second spring leaf 132 are formed of plastic or an elastic metal, and connect to each other by means known in the art, such as welding, adhesive, polymerized resins. Transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130 can be used in any of the embodiments disclosed. In a first embodiment, the transverse internal rigid expansion spring fits within the interior of product chamber 101, as seen in FIG. 14A. In a second embodiment, the transverse internal rigid expansion spring is integrated into the seals of product chamber 101, as seen in FIG. 14C.

(82) As external pressure is applied the transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130, product in product chamber 101 can be dispensed or applied. When the external pressure is released from the transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130, the transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130 returns to its starting shape (e.g., open) and opens as shown in FIG. 14B, which causes the product chamber 101 to expand and stop the fluid or semi-fluid material from flowing out of dispenser 10. Further, as transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130 opens, the spring causes product chamber 101 to withdraw product into the chamber. The transverse internal rigid expansion spring may also be used in the embodiments of the invention to provide a sucking functionality to the invention. Such vacuum function can be used to draw matter into the product chamber, such as oils on the skin.

Example 15

(83) Product chamber 101 optionally includes longitudinal internal rigid expansion spring 140, as seen in FIG. 15A. Longitudinal internal rigid expansion valve 140 is disposed in the interior of product chamber 101 and is formed of a first spring leaf 141 and a second spring leaf 142, which are connected to form an almond shape, as seen in FIG. 15B. First spring leaf 141 and second spring leaf 142 are formed of plastic or an elastic metal, as disclosed in the previous example. The two leafs connect to each other by means known in the art, such as welding, adhesive, polymerized resins. Longitudinal internal rigid expansion spring 140 can be used in any of the embodiments disclosed.

(84) When external pressure is applied to longitudinal internal rigid expansion spring 140, product in product chamber 101 can be dispensed or applied. When the external pressure is released from the transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130, longitudinal internal rigid expansion spring 140 returns to its starting shape (e.g., open) and opens as shown in FIG. 15A, which causes the product chamber 101 to expand and stop the fluid or semi-fluid material from flowing out of dispenser 10. Further, as longitudinal internal rigid expansion spring 140 opens, the spring causes product chamber 101 to withdraw product into the chamber. The transverse internal rigid expansion spring may also be used in the embodiments of the invention to provide a sucking functionality to the invention. Such vacuum function can be used to draw matter into the product chamber, such as oils on the skin.

(85) In the preceding specification, all documents, acts, or information disclosed do not constitute an admission that the document, act, or information of any combination thereof was publicly available, known to the public, part of the general knowledge in the art, or was known to be relevant to solve any problem at the time of priority.

(86) The disclosures of all publications cited above are expressly incorporated herein by reference, each in its entirety, to the same extent as if each were incorporated by reference individually.

(87) While there has been described and illustrated specific embodiments of a dispenser and tips useful therein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications are possible without deviating from the broad spirit and principle of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.