This application claims priority of US non-provisional application number 12/932,986 filed on March 9, 201 1 and is included herein in its entirety by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates broadly to dispensing cartridges from a cylindrical body. Specifically, the present invention relates to dispensing cartridges from a cylindrical body, wherein the cartridges contain cosmetic material and are capable of retaining an applicator delivering cosmetic material to a human user. More specifically still, the present invention dispenses cartridges by rotating them as they are passed through an inner body connected to a graspable turning assembly that rotates the inner tubular body within an outer tubular body contained within an outer body.

Description of Related Art

[002] The problem of having a choice of a vast array of desirable cosmetic products is that they generate clutter. Typically, cosmetic products are grouped together in a purse or bag, only to be retrieved individually as they are needed, then set on a surface while attention is on application of other cosmetic products, which also are retrieved, applied, and set down on the surface. Hopefully, the surface doesn't become jammed with cosmetics, or simply is a large surface where lots of cosmetics can be spread out and easily used as needed. An attempt of organizing this chaos is a chest that contains and displays a number of cosmetic products. Cosmetic chests come in a wide variety of configurations, some being portable, and some being to large or bulky to carry easily.

[003] Portability and organization are two problems presented by a user of multiple cosmetic products. But there is also significant issues of cross contamination and expiration of cosmetics. Cosmetics are applied to parts of the human body, and often, in the case of eye makeup and lipstick or lip gloss, cross contamination can occur when one person uses another person's cosmetic applicator, and germs are passed from one person to another by way of the applicator. Eye infections from applying eyeliner are a most common form of cross contamination, but other diseases can be spread this way. Also, while cross contamination is a threat between two users, a single user can continue to be infected by their own applicator if it is not kept free of contaminants.

[004] Likewise, the issue of expired contents is a problem with cosmetics.

Considering product cost, waste is a problem of conventional deployment of cosmetic products. In many instances, only small amounts of a particular cosmetic product are applied, but the product itself may have a shelf life that expires before the product is fully consumed. This may occur because of contamination from the user, or simply limited by the shelf life of individual ingredients of the product, or their combination.

[005] Cosmetic products are often expensive, and losing just one product out of a group of cosmetics not only can be costly, but also can be sorely missed by the individual who uses them. There has been no easy way to carry and apply multiple cosmetic products beyond the traditional solutions, and people who use them are most likely going to carry them around in a bag, hope they brought everything that they needed, and hope that they pack it all up when they are done. The problem is compounded by the use of applicators, which often are brushes, rollers, and applicator tips of various configurations, usually dictated by the material dispensed and how it must be applied to a user. But also the requirement of not allowing the individual materials to mix with others means that each product dispensed needs its own applicator.

[006] While the problems above have been described so far in terms of cosmetic products, the use of other products such as materials used in the medical field, faces the same problems as described above. Such materials must usually be maintained in a sterile environment and not be mixed with anything else before being applied to a patient or equipment used in hospital or clinical environments. These materials can include medicine, marking materials, and antiseptic.

[007] What is sorely needed in all three applications described above is a dispenser of multiple containers of products that are to be applied that is small, portable, and dispenses cartridges that can be used with a variety of different applicators, and dispense cartridges having different contents from the other cartridges.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] The present invention solves the problems described above by providing a rotational cylinder filled with a plurality of cartridges having sealed contents. The rotational cylinder includes a plurality of slots running longitudinally, which retain cartridge tabs that protrude radially from a ram slug that drives cartridges through the length of the dispenser as the rotational cylinder is rotated. An outer cylinder houses the rotational cylinder and incorporates spiraled grooves on its inner surface, and the cartridge tabs extend through the plurality of slots on the rotational cylinder and into the spiraled grooves of the outer cylinder. A graspable member attached to the rotational cylinder gives a user a mechanism by which the rotational cylinder is rotated within the outer cylinder, driving the cartridges contained inside the rotational cylinder to be ejected out the opposite end of the rotational cylinder as revolutions occur. The present invention is particularly useful in one-handed operation, where a user may hold the dispenser in one hand, and turns the rotational cylinder with the user's thumb and index finger of the same hand.

[009] The present invention solves the problem of cross contamination by providing a plurality of sealed cartridges inside the dispenser. Cartridges are only opened when needed, and, because only a limited amount of material is contained within a single cartridge, the present invention reduces waste and encourages the use of a fresh cartridge, thus eliminating or reducing the chance of cross contamination between multiple users, or even a single user.

[010] The present invention is also perfect for cosmetic kit applications where multiple types of cosmetics are needed. Combining cosmetic materials in a single dispenser is also an excellent product for drugstores, convenience stores and the like to carry, it's an excellent product for hotels to provide guests, and can be easily distributed by vending machines in airports, train stations, malls, and the like.

[011] The present invention also is perfect for the medical industry, art applications, industrial applications, and other uses, where the contents of the cartridges of the present invention may include marking material, medicine, coloring agents, ink, paint, adhesive, coating agents such as polyurethane, drying agents, lubricants, and the like.

[012] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an advancing cartridge dispenser, having a rotational cylinder having a plurality of slotted apertures running along its length to the cylinder's end, and having a graspable member attached to the end of the cylinder opposite from the cylinder's end to which the slotted apertures run; and a plurality of closed cartridges, each cartridge containing solid material, semisolid material, or liquid material. The plurality of cartridges is arranged in sequence within the rotational cylinder with their alignment tabs placed through and protruding from the slotted apertures of the rotational cylinder. A ram is also included that has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the rotational cylinder and has a plurality of alignment tabs. An outer cylinder contains the rotational cylinder, and has a plurality of spiraled grooves arranged on the inner surface of the outer cylinder to run in a longitudinal orientation along the length of the outer cylinder and receive the ends of the alignment tabs on the ram. Detents in the spiraled grooves hold the cartridges at various locations along the length of the rotational cylinder.

[013] In one embodiment, the invention is an advancing cartridge dispenser, comprising:

a) a rotational cylinder having an inner diameter, a length, a first and a second end, and a plurality of slotted apertures running along the rotational cylinder's length and terminating at the rotational cylinder's first end, and having a graspable member attached to the second end of the cylinder; b) a plurality of cartridges, each cartridge having an alignment tab with a distal end and containing at least one material selected from the group consisting of solid material, semisolid material, and liquid material, the plurality of cartridges arranged in a sequence within the rotational cylinder with their alignment tabs distal end placed through and protruding from the slotted apertures of the rotational cylinder; c) a ram, the ram having an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the rotational cylinder, the ram having a plurality of alignment tabs each tab having a distal end; and d) an outer cylinder, having an inner surface, a dispensing end, and a length, the outer cylinder containing the rotational cylinder, the outer cylinder having a plurality of spiraled grooves arranged on the inner surface of the outer cylinder and running in a longitudinal orientation along the length of the outer cylinder, the spiraled grooves receiving the distal ends of the alignment tabs on the ram; the dispensing end of the outer cylinder being aligned with the dispensing end of the rotational cylinder.

[014] Many other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the advancing cartridge dispenser of the present invention. [016] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the advancing cartridge dispenser of the present invention.

[017] FIGS. 3A-3C are views of the inner, rotational cylinder of the dispenser.

[018] FIGS. 4A-4C are views of the outer cylinder of the dispenser.

[019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a ram slug used to drive cartridges through the dispenser.

[020] FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of a cartridge used in the dispenser.

[021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 6.

[022] FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of a ball-roller cartridge used in the dispenser.

[023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 8.

[024] FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a cartridge attached to an applicator.

[025] FIG. 1 1 is an elevation view of a cap that can be used with a cartridge.

[026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cap used with a cap that aligns the cap in the inner cylinder of the present invention.

[027] FIG. 13 is an elevation view of an applicator tip of an embodiment of the present invention.

[028] FIG. 14 is an elevation view of a brush applicator attached to a cartridge.

[029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cap that has a shirt pocket clip that fits over the dispenser. [030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cap that inserts into the dispensing end of the dispenser.

[031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of advancing cartridge dispenser of the present invention having squeeze points for coaxing material out of a cartridge.

[032] FIG. 18 is an elevation view of a cartridge having squeeze points for use with the advancing cartridge dispenser shown in FIG. 17.

[033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a cartridge having a hinged shaving head.

[034] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG., 19 in an upright orientation.

[035] FIG. 21 is an elevation view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 20.

[036] FIG. 22 is an elevation view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 19 having a latch that locks the shaver head into place.

[037] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a cartridge having a shaving kit that includes a removable shaver head that attaches to a central support member in the cartridge and a tube of shaving gel.

[038] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the front of the shaver head shown in FIG. 23. [039] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the rear of the shaver head shown in FIG. 24. [040] FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the shaver head shown in FIGS. 23-25. [041] FIG. 27 is an elevation view of a tube of shaving gel shown in FIG. 23. [042] FIG. 28 is a cutaway elevation view of the cartridge and contents shown in FIG. 23.

[043] FIG. 29 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge having an applicator tip that can be used with the advancing cartridge dispenser of the present invention.

[044] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 29 with a cap protecting the applicator tip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[045] While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such

embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the terms used herein and specifically describes

embodiments in order for those skilled in the art to practice the invention.

DEFINITIONS

[046] The terms "about" and "essentially" mean ±10 percent.

[047] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term "plurality", as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term "another", as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having", as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled", as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

[048] Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment", "certain

embodiments", and "an embodiment" or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

[049] The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" means any of the following: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

[050] The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of illustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present invention, and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. Term "means" preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use of the term "means" is not intended to be limiting.

[051] As used herein the phrase "advancing cartridge dispenser" refers to a device for containing and dispensing a plurality of related or not related materials contained in a device for selectively dispensing or using each material. The cartridges each contain a single material that can be dispensed in a one at a time means but can contain the plurality of materials in a single device for individual dispensing (such as a plurality of cosmetic material) or use (such as with a brush or shaver material). In other embodiments, an ampule could be dispensed. The device comprises generally an outer cylinder, a rotational cylinder, cartridges and a ram for advancing the cartridges.

[052] As used herein the phrase "rotational cylinder" refers to a rotatable cylindric device having an inner diameter, a length, a first dispensing end, a second end, a plurality of slotted apertures running along its length on the inner diameter and terminating at the cylinders first end, wherein there is a graspable member attached to the second end of the cylinder. The rotational cylinder is designed to hold and deliver or dispense the contents of each of a plurality of cartridges to the first dispensable end at a time for use by a user of the device.

[053] As used herein the phrase "slotted apertures" refers to in one embodiment two or more openings running along the length of the inner diameter of the rotational cylinder. The openings run parallel to each other and terminate at the dispensing end of the cylinder (i.e. the first dispensing end). The purpose of the slotted apertures is to guide the movement of the cartridges i.e. toward the dispensing first end during use of the device.

[054] As used herein the phrase "graspable member" refers to an area provided at the second end sufficient for the user to hold and rotate the rotatable cylinder with the fingers to grasp the graspable member. [055] As used herein the term "cartridge" refers to a container for containing materials to be dispensed or delivered which in one embodiment is sealed in a removable manner to prevent contamination of the contents. The contents must be accessible from a portion of the cartridge such as from a dispensing first end as a lipstick would be open so that the contents can be utilized. The cartridges have an alignment tab with a distal end. The cartridges are arranged in the rotatable cylinder utilizing the slotted apertures by placing the distal end of the alignment tab through and protruding from the slotted apertures.

[056] As used herein the phrases "solid material", "semisolid material" and "liquid material" refers to the types of materials that can be contained in the containers for dispensing out the dispensing end. As noted above cosmetics, medicaments, devices (brushes, shavers, etc.) chemicals and the like can all be utilized. A container within a container could also be utilized for example the container could contain a drug ampule. One skilled in the art once viewing the design and purpose could easily select appropriate materials and quantities to place in a cartridge.

Materials, in one embodiment, should be dispensable in a manner that is soft enough to extract from the cartridge in the case of chemicals cosmetics or the like and of course useable where a brush, shaver or any utility device contained in the cartridges. Where the product is contained in another container soft material is not needed. In yet another embodiment, the material is compatible with a squeezable or pliable material of the cartridge (e.g. a squeeze tube) which can contain other viscosities of material. For example, solid materials could include waxes, lipids, paraffin-type compositions and devices such as brushes and shavers or the like and containers like ampules. Semisolids could include gels, pastes and creams such as shaving cream and liquids could include tints, alcohol and any other free flowing liquids including water. Other materials include cosmetics, antiseptics, marking materials and the other materials noted throughout the specification. One skilled in the art can add other materials in view of the teachings herein.

[057] As used herein the phrase "in sequence" refers to positioning the cartridges in the device so that they are available in a particular desired order. The user of the device can position them or they can be prepositioned by the manufacturer of the device. Any desired order such as order of use or the like can be utilized and there is no particular limitation other than some order will be attained by virtue of the placement of the cartridges in the device.

[058] As used herein the term "ram" refers to any device designed to be positioned in the device to push the cartridges toward the dispensing end. The ram will obviously have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the rotational cylinder in one embodiment. The ram also has alignment tabs with a distal end. To serve as a movement guide while moving in the rotational cylinder in the same manner as the cartridges. The ram could be considered a faux cartridge since it can be similar in shape and just not have any contents like the cartridges. In one embodiment, the ram is an empty cartridge.

[059] As used herein the phrase "alignment tabs" refers to arms having a distal end which are used as a guidance device for the ram and the cartridges while moving inside the rotational cylinder toward the dispensing end.

[060] As used herein the phrase "outer cylinder" refers to a cylinder designed to contain the rotational cylinder. Therefore, it has an inner surface, a dispensing end, and a length roughly the same as the rotational cylinder (in one embodiment) which contains the outer cylinder having a plurality of spiraled groves arranged on the inner surface of the outer cylinder designed for receiving the distal ends of the alignment tabs on the ram, wherein the dispensing end of the rotational and outer cylinder are aligned for dispensing the content of the cartridges when desired. As used herein, the phrase "dispensing end" refers to the end of the device where access to the contents of the cartridges can be obtained.

[061] As used herein the phrase "detente locations" refers to an optional feature where a feature such as concave portions or some stop exists with a similar opposite feature on the cartridge as a means to hold the cartridge from moving forward unless desired. The stops would be included in the trajectory of the spiral grooves located along the length of the rotational cylinder. The stops would make contact and hold the cartridge until the next one is pushed forward.

[062] Now referring to the drawings, in FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of dispenser 100. Outer cylinder 102 is disposed between dispensing end 104 and filling end 106. In an embodiment, outer cylinder 102 has a concave profile, such that outer cylinder 102 is more slender at its midpoint than it is at ends 104, 106. Cap 108 fits over filling end 106 and may incorporate clip 1 10 in an embodiment to secure dispenser 100, for example, in a shirt pocket.

[063] Directing attention to FIG. 2, there is shown a cutaway view of dispenser 100. In this view, dispenser 100 is in the opposite orientation from its display in FIG. 1 , and cap 108 is shown covering dispensing end 104. Ram slug 200 is loaded into filling end 106 and rotated through dispenser 100 to drive the plurality of sealed cartridges 202 out of dispensing end 104. Returning to FIG. 1 , once dispenser 100 is to be used, the user grasps cap 108 and turns it, thus rotating an inner, rotational cylinder 204 (shown in FIG. 2) and driving ram slug 200 forward through alignment grooves that are arranged in a helical orientation on the inner surface of outer cylinder 102, and out of dispensing end 104.

[064] FIGS. 3A through 3C illustrate inner, rotational cylinder 204. At filling end 106, collar 206 is affixed to the end of cylinder 204. In operation of dispenser 100, cartridges 202 are inserted through collar 206, and, in an embodiment, aligned with flat surface 208. In an embodiment, detente 210 is also presented to mate with a protrusion on the surface of a cartridge 202. The body of cylinder 204 is divided by two slotted openings 220 running longitudinally along the length of the body of cylinder 204 to the dispensing end 104. In an embodiment, slotted openings 220 are located opposite of each other, and alignment tabs on a ram slug (described below) are inserted through slotted openings 220. FIGS. 3B and 3C show this orientation first with the view through both slotted openings 220, and then when cylinder 204 is turned 90 degrees this view is no longer visible. It is important to note however that while two slotted openings are shown, additional slotted openings could be present based on configuration of ram slug 200, for example, if three alignment fins are used rather than two, the three would be disposed in symmetrical orientations at every 120 degrees.

[065] FIG. 4A shows outer cylinder 102 in a cutaway view. Cylinder 102

incorporates a spiraled or helical groove 400 cut into the inner surface of cylinder 102. Helical groove 400 is a continuous groove spanning the length of cylinder 102. In an embodiment, detente 402 is presented as a mechanism to retain ram slug 200 at various points along the length of dispenser 100, when ram slug incorporates small protrusions on the edges of tabs 500, which fit into helical groove 400. While detente 402 is shown in the center of FIG, 4A, it is to be understood that placement of detente 402 can depend on a variety of factors, such as individual dimensions of individual cartridges of cartridges 202, and also by the series in which individual cartridges of cartridges 202 do not have the same dimensions as other individual cartridges, so the sequence in which cartridges are used may dictate the placement of cartridges 402. FIG. 4B shows helical groove 400 extending out of cylinder 102. FIG. 4C shows the load point of cylinder 102, as defined by the presence of wedge- shaped triangular protrusions 404 that are built into cylinder 102. Protrusions 404 serve as backstops that prevent a user from rotating cylinder 204 in the wrong direction. Detente 402 can retain cartridges at various points along the length of cylinder 204, either near filling end, at incremental locations as the cartridge proceeds through cylinder 204, and finally at dispensing end 104 so that the cartridge is retained within cylinder 204 as it is being used. Detente 402 is also useful for cartridges having varying dimensions, so that longer cartridges can be retained at similar deployment points with respect to the opening of the dispenser as shorter cartridges are retained.

[066] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of ram slug 200. Alignment tabs 500 extend radially from the surface of ram slug 200, and are presented at opposite locations along the circumference of ram slug 200, such that they align with slotted openings 220. As described above with respect to slotted openings, while two tabs 500 are shown, other configurations can be used, such as three or more tabs. Ram slug 200 has, in an embodiment, flat surface 510 located in parallel with the plane defined by alignment tabs 500. However, flat surface 510 can be located in other orientations with respect to alignment tabs, or, in alternative embodiments, can be located with more than one flat surface, depending on cartridge requirements. However, as shown, a single flat surface is sufficient to align ram slug 200 inside cylinder 204. While ram slug 200 is shown as being the driver of cartridges 202, and carries no payload, it is to be understood that cartridges can have alignment tabs similar to alignment tabs 500, and thus an individual cartridge can replace ram slug 200.

[067] FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of individual cartridge from cartridges 202 and used in dispenser 100. Body 600 includes upper portion 601 and lower portion 602 and, in an embodiment, at least one detente 604 along the circumference of lower portion 602. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the individual cartridge shown in FIG. 6. In addition to detente 604, in an embodiment, flat surface 610 is presented on the surface of the cartridge to align the cartridge within cylinder 204.

[068] Numerous possibilities are realized with the present invention when it comes to cartridges and their uses and accessories. Cartridges 202 may be constructed from substantially elastomeric material, such that a user can squeeze the cartridge to cause the contents to be dispensed. In one embodiment, the material is a pliable material to aid in removing material from a cartridge. Numerous applicators can be affixed to the cartridges, depending on application of the contents contained therein. For example, it is practical to use a roll-on applicator as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in the present invention. In this embodiment, the cartridge would include a storage area for material, and a solid or hollow ball 700 that is trapped by the structure surrounding it, but allowed to rotate freely, thus allowing contents to be carried out of the cartridge on the surface of ball 700. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 9, flat surface 710 and detente 704 can be incorporated into the surface of the cartridge.

[069] Directing attention to FIGS. 10 and 1 1 , a cartridge may also include an applicator affixed in a receiving structure 800 of a cartridge, and capped by cap 810. In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), applicators can be attached to the cartridges as they are presented at dispensing end 104, where a user pokes the applicator through a membrane in the cartridge to allow insertion of the applicator into a receiver inside the cartridge. Also, in an embodiment, cosmetic material can be forced through an applicator stem into an applicator tip, and pumped by thumb when a user manipulates a flexible bottom surface of a cartridge in a button-pushing action, thereby driving the material into the applicator. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a cartridge that aligns the cartridges to the inner surface exit point of a device of the invention 820 with flat surface 830 and detente 804.

[070] FIG. 13 shows applicator 900, which is larger than the applicator shown in FIG. 10. Applicator 900 is especially useful for applying material to larger areas on a user than the applicator shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 14 shows brush 920 used with a cartridge.

[071] FIG. 15 shows cap 108 in a perspective view. Cap 108, in an embodiment, is sufficiently elastic to form a pressure fit over collar 206 that allows cap 108 to serve as a handle to rotate cylinder 204 and cartridges 202; however other types of connections can be realized between cap 108 and collar 206. For example, collar 206 and cap 108 can be threaded (reference numeral 930), or detentes (reference numeral 940) may be employed between collar 206 and cap 108 as an interface, or there may be a keyed interface (reference numeral 950) wherein cap 108 can only slide onto collar at one orientation with respect to the circumference of collar 206, and the key would be pressure fit between cap 108 and collar 206.

[072] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of protective cap 105 that will seat the distal end 106 of a device of the invention. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an

embodiment of advancing cartridge dispenser 962 of the present invention having squeeze points 963 for coaxing material out of a cartridge. FIG. 18 is an elevation view of a cartridge having squeeze points for use with the advancing cartridge dispenser shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 18 shows an alternative cartridge that may be used in embodiments of the present invention. Cartridge 964 has a squeezable exit point for materials contained within. This is particularly useful for viscous materials that are to be dispensed from cartridge 964. In an embodiment, squeeze points 965 are located on opposite sides of cartridge 964, and align with squeeze points 965 of FIG. 17, so that a user can apply pressure to squeeze points 963, which is transferred through squeeze points 965 to materials within cartridge 964 when it is located near the dispensing end of advancing cartridge dispenser 962. In an embodiment, cartridge 964 includes a breakable ampule containing the material to be dispensed, and dispenses material once the ampule is broken by a user squeezing cartridge 964. Viscous materials, and materials reactive to exposure to oxygen, are well-served in such an embodiment of the present invention, and may include materials such as medical adhesives, conventional glues, epoxies, and the like.

[073] Numerous cartridge configurations are contemplated for use in the present invention. Directing attention to FIGS. 19 through 22, razor cartridge 966 provides a rotatable shaver head assembly 968 that is fed through dispenser 100, and locked in position at dispensing end 104 of dispenser 100. Once razor cartridge 966 is locked in position, shaver head assembly 968 is rotated 90 degrees with respect to cartridge base 970 at fulcrum 972. In an embodiment, latch 972 is attached to shaver head assembly and fits into crevice 976 to secure shaver head assembly 968 in an operating position. [074] Directing attention to FIGS. 23-28, yet another embodiment of a cartridge containing a shaver head and a tube of shaving gel is shown. Cartridge 980 includes shaver head 982, shaving gel 982, and central mounting shaft 986. In this embodiment, shaver head 982 is removed from cartridge 980, and attaches to central mounting shaft 986 by way of a press fit to attaching interface 983 located on the back of shaver head 982.

[075] Directing attention to FIG. 29, yet another applicator tip is shown that can be used with embodiments of the present invention. Cartridge 990 includes applicator tip 992, which can be used to apply materials such as lip gloss, lip stain, or a lipstick cartridge. Applicator tip can also be used to apply lip balm or any other cosmetic material that can be painted on, such as anti-aging serums around the eyes, where a user applies applicator tip 992 to small wrinkles around the eyes. As shown in FIG. 30, cartridge 990 can also incorporate cap 994 to protect applicator tip 992 until it is ready for use.

[076] While the preferred embodiments of an advancing cartridge dispenser having spiral action has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that numerous modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the scope of the present invention is defined below in the accompanying claims.

[077] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make modifications resulting in other embodiments employing principles of the present invention without departing from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon considering the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, modifications of structure, sequence, materials and the like apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope of the invention as claimed by the applicant.