Abstract
A packaged deodorant stick product comprising a deodorant stick composition mounted on an axially immobile retaining member, the retaining member being reversibly connected to a holder enabling the deodorant stick product to be held in the human hand, wherein the retaining member comprises arcuate bridge structures separated by holes, the bridge structures arcing into the deodorant stick composition and being embedded therein.
Claims
1. A packaged deodorant stick product comprising: a deodorant stick composition; and an axially immobile retaining member, wherein the deodorant stick composition is mounted on the axially immobile retaining member, wherein the axially immobile retaining member configured to be reversibly connected to a holder enables the packaged deodorant stick product to be held in a human hand, wherein the axially immobile retaining member comprises arcuate bridge structures separated by holes, the bridge structures arcing into the deodorant stick composition and being embedded therein, wherein the ratio of the height to the breadth of the deodorant stick composition is from 1:2 to 3:2, wherein there is a strengthening strut running between mid-points of each of the arcuate bridge structures in a direction orthogonal to their long axis, and wherein the deodorant stick composition does not have a central spindle running through it.
2. A deodorant stick product according to claim 1, wherein the product has an oval cross-section when viewed from above.
3. A deodorant stick product according to claim 1, comprising a cap which sits over the deodorant stick composition and contacts the holder.
4. A deodorant stick product according to claim 1, wherein the bridge structures are entirely within the deodorant stick composition.
5. A deodorant stick product according to claim 1, wherein the deodorant stick composition is an antiperspirant composition.
6. A deodorant stick product according to claim 1, wherein the deodorant stick composition has a hardness of at least 600 gram force.
7. A deodorant stick product according to claim 1, wherein the axially immobile retaining member comprises one of a bayonet element and a socket and the holder comprises the other of the bayonet element and the socket, and the bayonet element is lockably receivable within the socket such that the axially immobile retaining member is removably connectable to the holder.
8. A deodorant stick product according to claim 7, wherein the axially immobile retaining member comprises a first connection surface from which the bayonet element extends, and the holder comprises a second connection surface on which the socket is positioned.
9. A deodorant stick product according to claim 7, wherein the socket comprises a retention shelf, and the bayonet element comprises a protrusion engageable with the retention shelf, such that when the protrusion is engaged with the retention shelf the bayonet element is locked within the socket.
10. A method of applying a deodorant stick composition to a surface of a human body comprising the topical application of a product according to claim 1.
11. A method of reducing perspiration comprising the use of a product according to claim 1 to topically apply a deodorant composition to a surface of a human body.
Description
SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
(1) FIGS. 1 to 4 represent a first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The Figures are not necessarily to the same scale.
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a deodorant stick product (1) according to the invention with the deodorant stick composition (2) and associated retaining member (3) separated from the holder (4).
(3) FIG. 2 is a front view of a deodorant stick product (1) as illustrated in FIG. 1 minus the deodorant stick composition and plus a cap (5) shown as partially transparent.
(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the deodorant stick composition (2), associated retaining member (3) and the separated holder (4) as illustrated in FIG. 1, with the retaining member (3) about to be slid into the holder (4).
(5) FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the packaging elements illustrated in FIG. 2, again shown with the cap (5) shown as partially transparent.
(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of second embodiment of a retaining member (103) suitable for use in the present invention.
(7) FIGS. 6 and 7 are top views of two further embodiments of retaining members (203 and 303) suitable for use in the present invention.
(8) FIG. 8 is an image of testing equipment being used to evaluate a packaged deodorant stick product according to the first aspect of the invention.
(9) FIGS. 9 to 17 are illustrations of a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The Figures are not necessarily to the same scale.
(10) FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of this further embodiment.
(11) FIG. 10 is a top view of the retaining member shown in FIG. 9.
(12) FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional representation of a bayonet element forming part of the retaining member of FIG. 9.
(13) FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional representation of a socket forming part of the holder of FIG. 9.
(14) FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the deodorant stick product of FIG. 9 showing the bayonet element and the socket.
(15) FIG. 13 is a view of the deodorant stick product shown in FIG. 9 showing the retaining member positioned ready to connect with the holder.
(16) FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the retaining member and the holder positioned as they are in FIG. 13.
(17) FIG. 15 is a view of the deodorant stick product (501) shown in FIG. 9, showing the retaining member connected to the holder;
(18) FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the retaining member and the holder positioned as they are in FIG. 15.
(19) FIG. 17 is close-up view of the retaining member of FIG. 9, positioned in the process of attachment to the holder.
(20) FIG. 1 shows a deodorant stick composition (2) sat on an associated retaining member (3) separated from a holder (4) into which the retaining member (3) is designed to slot. When put together, a tongue (6) on the underside of the retaining member (3) is slotted into a groove (7) in the upper side of the holder (4). The holder (4) is comprised of two elements: an upper element (4A) in which the groove (7) sits and a lower element (4B) holding the upper element (4A). Typically, the upper element (4A) and the lower element (4B) are moulded independently and then fitted together.
(21) Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is a small projection (8) from the side of the holder (4) designed to aid retention of a cap (5) and designed to fit over the deodorant stick composition (2).
(22) FIG. 2 illustrates the deodorant stick product (1) without its deodorant composition (2), but with a cap (5) shown over the space where the deodorant composition would sit and connecting with the holder (4). This Figure also illustrates arcuate bridge structures (9) that rise from the oval surround (3A) of the retaining member (3) and protrude into the deodorant stick composition (2) when it is in place. These bridge structures (9) serve to aid the retention of the composition (2) on the retaining member (3), particularly when the composition is being topically applied.
(23) FIG. 3 illustrates the deodorant stick composition (2) and its associated retaining member (3) slid out of the holder (4). Also illustrated are the tongue (6) and groove (7) features first illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows that the tongue (6) depending from the retaining member (3) bears a bead (10) which is designed to click into a hollow (11) in the groove (7) when the two are fully slotted together. The interaction between the bead (10) and the hollow (11) serve to aid the retention of the tongue (6) within the groove (7) and also provide a tactile and sometimes audible signal to the consumer of when the stick composition (2) and its associated retaining member (3) has been fully loaded into the holder (4).
(24) Also illustrated in FIG. 3 is a ledge (12) around the outer perimeter of the holder (4). The lower edge of a cap (5), as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, sits on this ledge (12) when such a cap (5) is employed. The ledge (12) is also illustrated and labelled in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.
(25) FIG. 4 shows cross-sections of each of the cap (5), the retaining member (3) and the holder (4), as illustrated in one or more of the previous figures. The cross-section of the cap (5) shows a retaining ring (13) on its inner surface, designed to accommodate the small projection (8) from the side of the holder (4) when the cap (5) is slid into place. The projection (8) from the side of the holder (4) and the retaining ring (13) on the inner surface of the cap (5) form a reversible “click-lock” retaining means for the cap (5) on the holder (4).
(26) FIG. 4 also illustrates the bridges structures (9) of the retaining member (3) in more detail. These key features arc upwards from an oval surround (3A) of the retaining member (3) into the deodorant stick composition (2), enhancing its retention.
(27) FIG. 4 also illustrates the holder (4) in more detail. As previously mentioned, it is comprised of two elements, including the upper element (4A) in which the groove (7) sits. The groove (7) is in part defined by opposing internal walls (4C) of the holder (4), specifically of the upper element (4A) of the holder (4). The opposing internal walls (4C) have a concave surfaces (4D) along the length of the groove (7). These walls (4C) are designed to accommodate corresponding convex surfaces (6A) of the tongue (6) depending from the retaining means (3), as illustrated in FIG. 3. The concave surfaces (4D) and convex surfaces (6A) are such that the tongue (6) fits closely into the groove (7), enhancing the quality of retention between the retention member (3) and the holder (4).
(28) FIG. 5 shows second embodiment of a retaining member (103) for use in accordance with the invention. This retaining member (103) comprises four arcuate bridge structures (109) that rise from an oval surround (103A) of the retainUing member (103) and protrude into the deodorant stick composition when it is in place. The retaining member (103) also comprises strengthening struts (114, 115, 116) running between the bridge structures (109) in a direction orthogonal to the long axis of the bridge structures (109). Some of these (114 and 115) run between the mid-points of the bridge structures (109) essentially forming a strengthening strut that runs between each of the arcuate bridge structures (109) in a direction orthogonal to their long axis. Three of the strengthening struts (115 and 116 [of which there are two]) run between the most central of the bridge structures (109), viewed along the long axis of the retaining member (103). This design of bridge structures (109) and strengthening struts (114, 115, 116) has been found to give particularly good retention of an associated deodorant stick composition (vide infra).
(29) FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a retaining member (203) for use in accordance with the invention. This retaining member (203) comprises four arcuate bridge structures (209A and 209B) that rise from an oval surround (203A) of the retaining member (203) and protrude into the deodorant stick composition when it is in place. The retaining member (203) also comprises three strengthening struts (215, 216) running between the central bridge structures (209B) in a direction orthogonal to the long axis of the bridge structures (109).
(30) FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a retaining member (303) for use in accordance with the invention. This retaining member (303) comprises four arcuate bridge structures (309A and 309B) that rise from an oval surround (303A) of the retaining member (303) and protrude into the deodorant stick composition when it is in place. The retaining member (303) also comprises strengthening struts (314, 315, 316) running between the bridge structures (309) in a direction orthogonal to the long axis of the bridge structures (309A and 309B). Some of these (314 and 315) run between the mid-points of the bridge structures (309A and 309B) essentially forming a strengthening strut that runs between each of the arcuate bridge structures (309) in a direction orthogonal to their long axis. Three of the strengthening struts (315 and 316 [of which there are two]) run between the most central of the bridge structures (309), viewed along the long axis of the retaining member (303).
(31) Independent deodorant stick products according to the invention were prepared using the retaining member (203) illustrated in FIG. 6 and the retaining member (303) illustrated in FIG. 7. A molten deodorant composition was poured through the retaining member into a polyurethane mould (not illustrated) to a level covering the arcuate bridge structures and the strengthening struts. The deodorant sticks, which were identical in composition and method of manufacture were then allowed to cool and solidify and the moulds were subsequently removed. The resulting solid stick compositions were of the same size and shape.
(32) The deodorant stick products as described above were tested to assess the bonding strength of the stick composition to the retaining member. The test involved the use of a 100N mechanical force gauge on a motorised test stand and its use is illustrated in FIG. 8 and described below.
(33) The deodorant stick composition and its associated retaining member were fitted into a holder in accordance with the invention and the holder was firmly clamped. A plate angled at 20° from the vertical was advanced into the side of the deodorant composition at a speed of 40 mm/min. The centre of the plate was aligned with the top of the stick. This is illustrated in FIG. 8 in which the deodorant stick composition (401) sits on its retaining member (403) which is attached to a holder (404) and a plate (444) is pushed sideways into the stick composition.
(34) The force required to shear the deodorant composition from its retaining member was measured for several samples. This force is herein referred to as the bonding force. The results are shown in Table 1.
(35) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Retaining member (203) Retaining member (303) as shown in FIG. 6 as shown in FIG. 7. Sample Bonding force (N) Sample Bonding force (N) 1 8.96 1 21.84 2 12.78 2 17.64 3 10.64 3 23.52 4 9.54 4 22.26 5 12.60 5 20.84 6 11.84 6 20.94 Mean 11.06 Mean 21.17 Std. Dev. 1.60 Std. Dev. 1.99
(36) The bonding force of the stick composition to its retaining member was significant for both retaining members; however, the retaining member (303) as shown in FIG. 7 had by far the stronger binding force to its composition. The axial depth of the bridge structures in the retaining members tested was the same for both and the retaining members were each fitted to the holders by the same means, namely a bayonet fitting on the retaining means locking into a socket in the holder.
(37) In FIG. 9, a deodorant stick product according to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is illustrated. The deodorant stick product (501) comprises a retaining member (503) and a holder (504) which are shown here separated from one another.
(38) The retaining member (503) comprises a bayonet element (506), a retaining structure (509), a retaining surface (530), a first connection surface (531) and a pair of end portions (540). The bayonet element (506) extends from the first connection surface (531) which is spaced apart from the retaining surface (530). An end portion (540) extends parallel to the bayonet element (506) from each end of the retaining member (503).
(39) A deodorant stick composition (not shown) may be mounted to the retaining member (503) wherein the retaining structure (509) is embedded within the deodorant stick composition and the deodorant stick composition extends from the retaining surface (530). The retaining structure (509) comprises a plurality of bridge structures (518) which projects away from the first connection surface (531).
(40) The holder (504) comprises an upper element (504A) and a lower element (504B). The upper element (504A) comprises a second connection surface (532) and a socket (507) positioned on the second connection surface (532). The lower element (504B) is adapted to receive and hold the upper element (504A). Typically, the upper element (504A) and the lower element (504B) are moulded independently and then fitted together.
(41) In FIG. 10, the retaining structure (509) of retaining member (503) is shown in more detail. In this embodiment of the invention the retaining structure (509) comprises four bridge structures (518). Each bridge structure (518) forms a bridge extending from one side of the retaining member (503) to the other substantially parallel to the minor axis of the retaining member (503).
(42) The retaining structure (509) further comprises a plurality of apertures (519) that separate the bridge structures and that extend through the retaining member from the retaining surface (530) to the first connection surface (531).
(43) In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the bayonet element (506), end portions (540) and socket (507) are shown in more detail. In FIG. 11A, a cross-section of the bayonet element (506) and the end portions (540) is provided. In this embodiment the bayonet element (506) comprises a pair of flanges (506a, 506b) wherein each flange extends parallel to one another from the first connection surface (531) of the retaining member (503).
(44) Each flange (506a, 506b) comprises a protrusion (510) that extends outwards from the bayonet element (506). Each protrusion (510) comprises an outside edge (520) wherein the distance between the outside edge (520) of each protrusion (510) is shown as X.
(45) Each end portion (540) comprises a detent support (542) and each detent support (542) comprises a detent (541).
(46) In FIG. 11B, a cross-section of the second connection surface (532) is shown. The socket (507) comprises a pair of retention shelves (511) that extend inwardly from an opening of the socket (507). Each retention shelf (511) comprises an inner edge (521) wherein the distance between the inner edge (521) of each retention shelf (511) is shown as Y. The protrusions (510) and the retention shelves (511) are adapted such that distance X is greater than distance Y. (The distances X and Y are also shown in FIG. 12.)
(47) The second connection surface (532) further comprises an indent (544) at each end thereof. Each indent (545) is adapted to receive a respective detent (541).
(48) In FIG. 12, a cross-sectional view of the retaining member (503) and the upper element of the holder (504A) is shown. Here the protrusions (510) are shown extending outwardly from the bayonet element (506) and the retention shelves (511) extend inwardly from the opening of the socket (507). It can be seen that, in this orientation, the bayonet element (506) cannot be fully inserted into the socket (507) because distance X is greater than distance Y. Or in other words, the retention shelves (511) prevent movement of the protrusions (510) into the socket (507).
(49) In FIG. 13, the deodorant stick product (501) is shown with the retaining member (503) positioned ready to be connected with the holder (504). The bayonet element (506) may be is inserted into the socket (507) by lowering the retaining member (503) into contact with the holder (504).
(50) In FIG. 14, a cross-sectional view is provided of the deodorant stick product (501) in the configuration shown in FIG. 13. It can be seen that, in this orientation, the relative positions of the socket (507) and the retention shelves (511) allow the bayonet element (506) to be fully inserted into the socket (507) when the bayonet element (506) is in a first position wherein the protrusions (510) are not engaged with the retention shelves (511).
(51) Once the bayonet element (506) is inserted into the socket (507) in the orientation shown in FIG. 14, the protrusions (510) sit lower in the socket (507) than the retention shelves (511). This allows the bayonet element (506) to be rotated from the first position to a second position wherein the protrusions (510) slide under the retention shelves (511) such that the protrusions (510) are engaged with the retention shelves (511).
(52) The rotation may be achieved by rotating the retaining member (503) relative to the holder (504) about its central axis by 90° (or vice versa).
(53) In FIG. 15, the bayonet element (506) is in the second position and the retaining member (503) is thereby connected to the holder (504). In this orientation, the end portions (540) extend past the ends of the second connection surface (532). This allows the detents (541) to be received by the indents (545) (as is shown in FIG. 16).
(54) In FIG. 16, a cross-sectional view of the deodorant stick product shown in FIG. 15 is provided. As shown, the retention shelves (511) overlap the protrusions (510), and therefore the protrusions (510) engage with the retention shelves (511). This means that the bayonet element (506) is locked within the socket (507) until the bayonet element (506) is rotated back to the first position.
(55) In order to prevent the bayonet element (506) from rotating back to the first position accidentally, the indents (545) are adapted to receive the detents (541) when the bayonet element (506) is in the second position.
(56) Herein, the maximum diameter of the second connection surface (532) is defined as the largest possible distance between any two points on the perimeter of the second connection surface (532). Herein, the minimum distance between the pair of detents (541) is defined as the smallest possible distance between a point on one of the pair of detents and a point on the other of the pair of detents. The pair of detents are integrally formed as part of the retaining member, therefore the minimum distance between them is set by the size and shape of the retaining member.
(57) The maximum diameter of the second connection surface (532) is adapted to be greater than the minimum distance between the pair of detents (541). Therefore in order for the retaining member (503) to be rotated relative to the holder (504) so that the bayonet element (506) can rotate from the first position to the second position, each detent support (542) deforms as shown in FIG. 17 to allow each detent (541) to move outwards (away from the bayonet element (506), thereby increasing the minimum distance between the pair of detents (541). The outward movement of the detents (541) allows the bayonet element (506) to be rotated fully towards the second position.
(58) The shape of each end portion (540) is adapted such that a rotational force applied to the retaining member (503) causes the detents (541) to slidably abut against the second connection surface (532) and result in the necessary deformation of the detent supports (542) to move the detents (541) sufficiently outwards.
(59) The detent supports (542) comprise a resiliently deformable material so that when each detent (541) aligns with its respective indent (545) the detent supports (542) return to their undeformed shape and each indent (545) receives a respective detent (541). Once the configuration shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is reached, a further rotational force is required to cause deformation to the detent supports (542) again before the detents (541) can be moved outwards and the bayonet element (506) can be rotated away from the second position. The end portions (540) are adapted such that the rotational force required to cause deformation of the detent supports (542) is larger than would typically be applied during use of the deodorant stick product (501) but also easy for a user to apply intentionally in order to connect or disconnect a retaining member (503) from a holder (504). Hence it would be unlikely that the retaining member (503) would disconnect from the holder (504) accidentally during use of the deodorant stick product (501).
(60) Further, the end portions (540) are adapted such that the detent supports (542) may resiliently deform to allow movement of the detents (541) while the overall retaining member (503) deforms very little. This is advantageous because if the retaining member (503), and particularly the retaining structure (509), were to deform significantly when the retaining member (503) is connected to the holder then the deodorant stick composition in which the retaining structure (509) is embedded may deform also. The deodorant stick composition is a wax-like structure and is not resiliently deformable, therefore deformation of the composition may cause it to become loose from the retaining structure (509). It is very undesirable for the composition to fall off the retaining member (503), hence it is beneficial to minimise deformation of the overall retaining member (503).
