Plastic cap applicator

Abstract

A support device configured to be coupled to a dispensing container that includes a tilt valve stem for dispensing a cosmetic cream. The support device includes a cap made of a plastic material that includes an opening for receiving the tilt valve stem and an outer surface configured to attach to the dispensing container, wherein the outer surface attaches to the dispensing container via threads; and a valve configured to be disposed between an inner surface of the cap and the tilt valve stem, the valve being configured to reinforce a return force experience by the stem.

Claims

1. A support device configured to be coupled to a dispensing container that includes a tilt valve stem for dispensing a cosmetic cream, comprising: a cap made of a plastic material that includes an opening for receiving the tilt valve stem, the tilt valve stem having a hollow tubular stem attached to an elastic sealing grommet, and an outer surface configured to attach to the dispensing container, wherein the outer surface attaches to the dispensing container via threads; and a valve configured to be disposed between an inner surface of the cap and the elastic sealing grommet of the tilt valve stem, the valve being configured to abut the inner surface of the cap at an angle at a portion of the inner surface that is parallel to the hollow tubular stem, abut the elastic sealing grommet at an angle, and reinforce a return force experience by the stem.

2. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the valve is made of a rubber material.

3. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetic cream is provided within the dispensing container at zero pressure.

4. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetic cream includes a peroxide.

5. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the valve is configured to be disposed in a recess of the inner surface of the cap.

6. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the valve includes a bend such the valve abuts the inner surface of the cap at two positions which are perpendicular to each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIGS. 1A and 1B show a conventional tilt valve system.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a tilt valve system according to an embodiment.

(3) FIGS. 3A-3E show detailed views of the threaded plastic cap.

(4) FIGS. 4A-4C show detailed views of the add-on valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(5) FIG. 2 shows a tilt valve structure according to an embodiment. The structure includes a conventional stem valve with seal 201. The stem valve fits through an opening in a threaded plastic cup 202. An add on valve 203 is embedded within the plastic cup 202. Specifically, the plastic cup 202 includes an add on valve trap 204, which is a recess that supports an outer portion of the add on valve.

(6) A crimped metal cup as used in the conventional art cannot be used with certain cosmetic creams due to its reactivity with peroxide in the cream. The present embodiment solution provides a plastic cup fully compatible with current valves. The plastic cup can be made of any number of plastic materials known in the art, such as the same material as used for a plastic container. As shown in FIG. 2, this plastic cup attaches directly onto the container 206 and sealed using an O-ring 205.

(7) The add-on valve 203 reinforces the return force experience by the stem allowing it to seal itself even with low or zero pressure inside the container 206. This add-on valve can be used with currently manufactured standard valves. The add-on valve is disposed in the plastic cup, but the spring force is active on the stem itselfthis gives the required preload to the stem, to ensure the sealing at zero pressure. Any number of materials may be used for the add-on valve which have elastic qualities and provide a spring return characteristic when bent. One such material is rubber. A non-limiting example of a material is PU 70 shore A black.

(8) The threaded plastic cup contains a small trap/indentation 204 allowing the zero-pressure add-on to be fixed to standard tilt-valves without modifying them.

(9) FIGS. 3A-3E show detailed views of the threaded plastic cap. The dimensions shown in FIGS. 3A-3E are non-limiting examples and they may be adjusted as necessary. FIG. 3A shows a three-dimensional view of the plastic cap. FIG. 3B shows a profile view of the plastic cap. FIG. 3C shows an overhead view of the plastic cap. The plastic cap constitutes a threaded plastic insert, with interfaces for standard stem, standard gasket and customized add-on. The threading is configured to fit the container interface. FIG. 3D shows a buttress thread profile.

(10) FIG. 3E shows a cross-section of the plastic cap (along the line D-D shown in FIG. 3B) and accompanying dimensions (in mm).

(11) FIGS. 4A-4C show detailed views of the add-on valve. The dimensions shown in FIGS. 4A-4C are non-limiting examples and they may be adjusted as necessary. FIG. 4A shows a three-dimensional view of the add-on valve. FIG. 4B shows a profile view of the add-on valve. FIG. 4C shows a cross-section of the add-on valve (along the line A-A shown in FIG. 4B) and accompanying dimensions (in mm). In general, the external diameter is for snapping in the plastic cap insert. The internal diameter may be designed to give the desired preload to the stem.

(12) The claimed invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications, combinations and replacements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.