Field of Invention

One example relates to a reusable applicator and a multimodal dispensing lid 2200.

Background of the Invention

Personal care products are routinely sold in applicators which facilitate the consumer to conveniently apply the product contained within the applicator. Many of these applicators are not reusable and are intended to be disposed of once the contents of the applicator are exhausted or are consumed. This is wasteful given personal care product applicators are considered a fast-moving consumer good and are used in huge quantities.

Reusable applicators may be considered to be more environmentally friendly than disposable applicators. Reusable applicators may allow for the consumer to refill the applicator with the product to be applied, dispensed, or consumed. Typically, the product used to refill the applicator is a semi-solid or solid.

Furthermore, dry material personal care products in the form of granules, powder, discrete solid particles, and tablets are typically dispensed from an applicator with a single opening which may be enclosed with a cap. Dry material personal care products are typically potent as they do not contain solvent or carrier which dilutes the active components. Accordingly, only small amounts of the dry material personal care products are required at a time. Dispensing dry material with an applicator having a single opening, typically results in excess dry material being provided to the consumer which is wasteful. A multimodal dispensing lid 2200 may modulate and allow precise control of the dry product to be dispensed.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved reusable applicator and a multimodal dispensing lid 2200. Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to ameliorate or address at least one shortcoming of an existing reusable applicator or dispensing lid 2200.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

Prior art reusable applicators and multimodal dispensing lid 2200s may be expensive, complex, and comprise of multiple components each formed from different materials which complicates recycling of the applicator or lid at the end of its usable life.

Prior art reusable applicators can be impractical or complicated to refill with the product to be applied or dispensed.

Many prior art applicators are suitable for dispensing products with a limited range of viscosities.

In one example of the present technology there is provided a reusable applicator suitable for dispensing gels, creams, lotions, ointments, semi-solids, and solid personal products.

In another example of the present technology there is provided a reusable applicator wherein the component parts are formed from the same material and are manufactured by the same technique.

In another example of the present technology there is provided a multimodal dispensing lid 2200 suitable for dispensing a dry material such as granules, powder, discrete solid particles, and tablets.

In another example of the present technology there is provided a reusable applicator:

According to some examples there is provided a reusable applicator comprising, a base cup being dimensioned to receive, a cannister rotatably positioned at least partially within the base cup, wherein the cannister comprises an interior volume for a product, at least one screw unit affixed to the base cup, at least one platform threaded onto the screw unit wherein the platform is housed within the interior volume of the cannister and wherein relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister causes the position of the platform to move within the inner volume of the cannister about a vertical axis, and at least one lid.

In some examples, the at least one screw unit affixed to the base cup is partially devoid of thread to allow the platform to disengage from the thread of the at least one screw unit.

In some examples, the platform is disengaged from the thread of the at least one screw unit such that the relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister does not break the at least one screw unit.

In some examples, the relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister cannot cause overtightening.

In some examples, the interior volume of the cannister across the axis (Hl) is a circle, square, a rounded square, a truncated circle, or a squircle shaped cavity.

In some examples, interior volume of the cannister can vary over the axis (VI).

In some examples, the shape of the interior volume of the cannister across the axis (Hl) is a circle, square, a rounded square, a truncated circle, or a squircle and this may be different to the shape of the interior volume of the cannister across the axis (H2).

In some examples, the components of the reusable applicator; the base cup, cannister, at least one screw unit, at least one platform and at least one lid are formed from the same material. In some examples, the components of the reusable applicator; the base cup, cannister, at least one screw unit, at least one platform and at least one lid are formed from a recyclable plastic.

In some examples, the at least one screw unit is affixed to the base cup by adhesive or welded by ultrasonic plastic welding.

In some examples, the platform of the reusable applicator comprises at least four cushion members.

In some examples, the cushion members of the platform of the reusable applicator may be leaf spring or coiled spring.

In some examples, the screw unit of the reusable applicator may comprise a thread with a minor diameter between l-6mm.

In some examples, the screw unit of the reusable applicator may comprise a thread with a major diameter between 10-50mm.

In some examples, the screw unit of the reusable applicator may comprise a thread with a thread pitch of between 5-40mm.

In some examples, the at least one lid of the reusable applicator may be dimensioned to receive the cannister.

In some examples, the at least one lid of the reusable applicator may be dimensioned to receive the cannister to prevent the relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister, wherein relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister causes the position of the platform to move within the inner volume of the cannister about a vertical axis.

According to some examples there is provided a mould for a gel, cream, ointment, semi-solid, or solid product comprising a screw unit with a thread with a minor diameter between l-6mm and a major diameter between 10-50mm. According to some examples there is provided a mould for a gel, cream, ointment, semi-solid, or solid product comprising a screw unit with a thread with a minor diameter between l-6mm, a major diameter between 10-50mm, and a thread pitch of 5-40mm.

In some examples, the mould may have a non-stick surface.

In some examples, the mould may be formed from an elastomeric material.

According to some examples there is provided a method of applying a gel, cream, ointment, semi-solid, or solid product by use of a reusable applicator comprising, a base cup being dimensioned to receive, a cannister rotatably positioned at least partially within the base cup, wherein the cannister comprises an interior volume for a gel, cream, ointment, semi-solid, or a solid, at least one screw unit affixed to the base cup, at least one platform threaded onto the screw unit wherein the platform is housed within the interior volume of the cannister and wherein relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister causes the position of the platform to move within the inner volume of the cannister about a vertical axis, and wherein the position of the platform can modulate the gel, cream, ointment, semi-solid, or solid product available along the axis to be applied. According to another example of the present technology there is provided a multimodal lid:

According to some examples there is provided a multimodal dispensing lid 2200 comprising a controller plate 2260 rotatably connected to a flashing member 2220 wherein the flashing member 2220 comprises a user input member a conjunction member 2210 configured to mount between the controller plate 2260 and the flashing member 2220, wherein the conjunction member 2210 is configured to be removably connected to a base vessel 2102 with a reservoir, and wherein the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 define a volume.

In some examples, rotation of the user input member of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 causes a relative rotation to the flashing member 2220 and the controller plate 2260 relative to the conjunction member 2210.

In some examples, the rotation of the user input member of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 causes a relative rotation to the flashing member 2220 and the controller plate 2260 relative to the conjunction member 2210, which permits the volume to be either: (i) open to the base vessel 2102 with a reservoir, or (ii) the exterior of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200.

In some examples, the rotation of the user input member of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 can cause the material in the reservoir of the base vessel 2102 to be either dispensed continuously or portion wise with a fixed volume dispensed with each rotation.

According to some examples there is provided a reusable applicator comprising, a base cup being dimensioned to receive a cannister rotatably positioned at least partially within the base cup , wherein the cannister comprises an internal volume for a product to be applied, at least one screw unit affixed to the base cup , at least one platform is operatively threaded onto the screw unit wherein the platform is housed within the internal volume of the cannister , and wherein relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister causes the position of the platform to move within the inner volume of the cannister about a vertical axis (VI), and at least one lid .

In some examples the at least one screw unit affixed to the base cup is partially devoid of thread to allow the platform to disengage from the thread of the at least one screw unit .

In some examples the platform is disengaged from the thread of the at least one screw unit such that the relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister does not break the at least one screw unit

In some examples the interior volume of the cannister across the axis (Hl) is a circle, square, a rounded square, a truncated circle, or a squircle shaped cavity.

In some examples the interior volume of the cannister across the axis (Hl) is a rounded square, a truncated circle, or a squircle shaped cavity.

In some examples the base cup , cannister , at least one screw unit , at least one platform and at least one lid are formed from the same material. In some examples the base cup , cannister , at least one screw unit , at least one platform and at least one lid are formed from a recyclable plastic.

In some examples the platform comprises at least four cushion members .

In some examples the one cushion member is a leaf spring or a coiled spring.

In some examples the at least one screw unit comprises a thread with a minor diameter between 1- 6mm and a major diameter of between 10-50mm.

In some examples the at least one screw unit comprises a thread with a thread pitch of between 5- 40mm.

In some examples the at least one lid is dimensioned to receive the cannister .

In some examples the at least one lid is dimensioned to receive the cannister to prevent the relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister , wherein relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister causes the position of the platform to move within the internal volume of the cannister about a vertical axis (VI).

In some examples the product to be applied is a gel, cream, lotion, ointment, semi-solid, or solid.

In some examples there is a mould for a gel, semi-solid, or solid product comprising a screw insert with a thread with a minor diameter between l-6mm and a major diameter between 10-50mm.

In some examples there is a method of applying a gel, cream, ointment, semi-solid, or solid product by use of a reusable applicator comprising,

In some examples the reusable applicator comprises at least one screw unit affixed to the base cup is partially devoid of thread to allow the platform to disengage from the thread of the at least one screw unit . In some examples the reusable applicator comprising a platform is disengaged from the thread of the at least one screw unit such that the relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister does not break the at least one screw unit .

(Multimodal lid)

In some examples there is provided a multimodal dispensing lid 2200 comprising a controller plate 2260 comprising at least one shaped orifice, rotatably connected to a flashing member 2220 wherein the flashing member 2220 comprises a user input member and at least one shaped facing orifice a conjunction member 2210 configured to mount between the controller plate 2260 and the flashing member 2220 , the conjunction member 2210 comprising at least one volume defining member wherein the conjunction member 2210 is configured to be removably connected to a base vessel 2102 with a reservoir , and wherein the controller plate 2260 , flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 define a volume .

In some examples rotation of the user input member causes a relative rotation to the flashing member 2220 and the controller plate 2260 relative to the conjunction member 2210 .

In some examples the rotation of the user input member causes a relative rotation to the flashing member 2220 and the controller plate 2260 relative to the conjunction member 2210 , which permits the volume to be either:

(i) open to the base vessel 2102 with a reservoir , or (ii) the exterior of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 .

Further examples of the invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustration of the reusable applicator according to an example of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustration of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an exploded view illustration of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a top view illustration of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a top perspective view illustration of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a top perspective view illustration of the platform of the reusable applicator shown in

Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a side view illustration of the platform of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view illustration of the platform of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a top perspective view illustration of the at least one screw unit of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is a bottom perspective view illustration of the at least one screw unit of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 is a bottom perspective view illustration of the at least one cannister of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is an alternative bottom perspective view illustration of the cannister with at least one screw unit of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is a top view illustration of the base cup of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 14 is a top perspective view illustration of the cannister, with at least one screw unit, and at least one platform of the reusable applicator shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustration of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200;

Fig. 16 is an exploded side perspective view illustration of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 shown in Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a top perspective view illustration of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 shown in Fig.

15;

Fig. 18 is a bottom perspective view illustration of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 shown in

Fig. 15;

Fig. 19 is an illustration of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 shown in Fig. 15;

Fig. 20 is a top perspective view illustration of the mould for forming product for use with the applicator;

Fig. 21 is a side cross section of a flexible mould base;

Fig. 22 is a side cross section of a mould cap; Detailed Description of the Invention

Reusable applicator

Fig. 1 shows a reusable applicator 100 according to one example. In some examples the reusable applicator is intended to hold a product such as gel, cream, lotion, ointment, semi-solid, and solids, and to allow a consumer to dispense or apply the product from the reusable applicator. In some examples the gel, cream, lotion, ointment are in a semi-solid or solid form. In some examples the reusable applicator may be easily refilled with various products by the consumer. In some examples reusable applicator is suitable for the application of personal care products. In other examples the applicator is also suitable for dispensing or applying industrial products, such as, but not limited to, automotive waxes, automotive polishes, adhesives, and waterproofing agents for clothing.

Fig. 2 shows the preferred configuration of the reusable applicator 100, comprising a base cup 102, a cannister 106, at least one screw unit 104, at least one platform 108 and a lid 110.

In some examples, the base cup 102 comprises a base 1021 and a generally circular cup wall 1022 extending upwardly from the base 1021 to an open top 1025 defining an internal volume within the cup 102. The base 1021 of the cup has a rectangular shaped abutment 1023 extending upwardly within the cap volume and defining and elongate slot 1024.

In some examples, the screw unit 104 comprises a base disc 1041 having an screw shaft 1042 extending axially from the base disc 1041. An auger blade 1043 extends in a generally helictical pattern about the shaft 1042 from adjacent the base disc 1041 to the top of the screw shaft 1043. The distal extremity 1045 of the auger blade 1043 is spaced apart from the base disc 1041 such that there is a free running portion 1046 of the shaft 1042 immediately adjacent the base disc 1041. An adjacent side of the base disc 1041 includes a rectangular shaped tab 1044 extending downwardly actually opposite to the screw shaft 1042.

In some examples the elongate slot 1024 and rectangular shaped tab 1044 have complementary shapes and configuration such that the rectangular shaped tab 1044 is snugly accommodated within the elongate slot 1024. In other examples the at least one screw unit 104 can be rotationally affixed with the base cup 102 by adhesive or welded by ultrasonic plastic welding. In other examples the one screw unit 108 may be retained in the base cup 102 by a friction joint.

In some examples, the canister 106 comprises a base 1061 and a circumferential canister wall 1062 extending upwardly from the base 1061 to an open top 1065 defining an internal volume within the cup 106. A circumferential collar 1063 is provided at the top of the canister wall 1062. The base 1061 of the canister is provided with an opening 1064 and a plurality of locating ribs 1065 spaced about the circumference of the opening 1064. In some examples, the circumferential canister wall 1062 has a shape and configuration adapted to be accommodated within the generally circular cup wall 1022 such that the canister 106 can, in use, be accommodated withing the volume of the base cup 102. The collar 1063 has a shape and configuration adapted to cooperate with an upper rim of the cap wall 1022 when the canister 106 is accommodated within the volume of the cap 102.

In some examples the cannister of the reusable applicator is nested almost entirely within the base cup. The cannister is rotatably positioned at least partially within the base cup. The cannister can freely rotate with respect to the base cup and screw unit around the VI axis. In some examples, the canister base opening 1064 is adapted to receive the auger blade 1043 of screw unit 104 through the base of the base 1061 canister, but not the screw unit base disc 1041. The plurality of locating ribs 1065 spaced about the circumference of the opening 1064 are adapted to axially locate the screw unit base disc 1041 with the canister 106. When assembled together the base cup 102 and screw unit 104 are rotationally fixed via engagement of the tab 1044 with elongate slot 1024 and rotate together with respect to the canister 106 located within the cup volume.

The platform 108 comprises a generally planar body having a shape adapted to be accommodated within the canister. The platform has an opening 1081 extending axially through the platform from its bottom side 1082 to its opposite top side. The opening has a generally helictical lip 1084 extending about the inner periphery of the opening 1081 from the top to the bottom. The lip is adapted to engage the screw unit 104, such that when assembled within the canister the platform moves back and forth (or upwardly and downwardly) long the length of the screw unit 104 when the base cup and screw unit are rotated with respect to the canister. When the cup and screw unit are rotated in a first direction the platform moves along the screw unit within the canister, in a first direction, towards the open end of the canister. When the cup and screw unit are rotated in a second, opposite, direction the platform moves along the screw unit, in a second direction, towards the bottom end of the canister. At the bottom end of the canister the generally helictical lip 1084 of the opening 1081 inner periphery can disengage from the auger blade 1043 on the free running portion 1046 of the screw shaft 1042. When rotation is changed again the generally elliptical lip 1084 can 'catch' the auger blade 1043 and begin to move again along the screw unit. The bottom side 1082 of the platform 108 is provided with inwardly bent spring tabs 1083 which when the platform is at the bottom of the canister bias the platform upwardly to aid re-engagement with the auger blade 1043 during reversal of the screw unit.

The cap or lid 110 is adapted to close the base cup, and cannister 106, screw unit 104, and platform 108 within the cup, when not in use.

A reusable applicator of the examples is adapted to be used with a product formed into a semi solid bar (or cake) of a shape adapted to fit within the volume of the canister 106. The semi solid cake is formed with a helical bore adapted to accommodate the shaft and auger blade of the screw unit such that the bar may be extended and retracted from within the canister for application purposes. An advantage of a reusable applicator of the examples is that the semisolid product bar may be provided without any plastic components such that a user initially purchases the adapter with plastic components and thereafter may purchase plastics free replacement product bars/cakes making the adapter of the examples particularly environmentally friendly. A user may also change type of product for use with the applicator by buying a replacement bar cake of the desired product without having to replace the entire applicator.

The reusable applicator and its component parts may be formed from the same material. This provides obvious advantages from a manufacturing perspective since it eases supply chain issues as only a single raw material is required to manufacture the reusable applicator. By manufacturing the reusable applicator using a single raw material, this may also reduce the manufacturing cost as there are typically cost savings when purchasing raw material in bulk. Notably, cost is key motivating factor for consumers for fast-moving consumer goods items.

The reusable applicator of one example may be manufactured from metal, ceramic, resin, or plastic.

In preferred examples the reusable applicator is manufactured from plastic or resin. The plastic or resin may be recycled or may be recyclable. The plastic or resin may be biodegradable and can be aerobically and/or anaerobically biodegradable.

Whilst some of the reusable applicators in the prior art may be recyclable, these applicators are complex and formed from multiple component parts. The reusable applicators comprising multiple component parts in the prior art may not be formed from the same material due to the operation that the component parts are intended to serve. In other words, some of the component parts must be made from specific materials in order to function as intended in the reusable applicator. At the end of the life of the applicator, it is inconvenient for the consumer to separate the applicator into its component parts so that these are appropriately recycled or disposed of.

All of the component parts of the reusable applicator of one example may be manufactured from the same plastic or resin. This aids in the recycling and/or disposal of the reusable applicator at the end of its life.

In preferred examples the plastic or resin may be; polypropylene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene + acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polycarbonate, polycarbonate + acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate, urea formaldehyde, phenol formaldehyde resins (e.g. polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride (bakelite)), galalith, polylactic acid, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyhydroxyurethanes, polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone, polyvinyl alcohol, or polybutylene adipate terephthalate or any combination or blend thereof.

All of the component parts of the reusable applicator of one example may be entirely manufactured by a single process, e.g. injection moulding (e.g. insert moulding, reaction injection moulding, gas-assisted injection moulding), casting, compression moulding, or 3-D printing. This represents a significant cost saving during commercial manufacture, as it decreases the capital expenditure and maintenance on the equipment required to produce the reusable applicator of one example.

Many of the reusable applicators in the prior art are configured for the application of personal care products. Furthermore, in many instances the prior art reusable applicators may only be suitable for the application of semi-solids with specific viscosities. This may limit their use to the application of only certain personal care products.

The cannister of the reusable applicator of one example comprises an interior volume (X) which can accommodate a product to be applied or dispensed from the reusable applicator. The at least one screw unit affixed to the base cup, extends along from VI axis from the interior of the base cup to the interior volume (X) of the cannister.

The screw unit of the reusable applicator of one example is partially devoid of thread to allow the platform to disengage from the thread of the at least one screw unit. As such, this allows the relative rotation of the base cup to the cannister to not overtighten or break the at least one screw unit.

The cannister of the reusable applicator of one example has an interior volume across the Hl axis that can be a circle, square, a rounded square, a truncated circle, or a squircle shape.

The interior volume cannister of the reusable applicator of one example, can vary over the axis (VI).

In some examples, the shape of the interior volume of the cannister across the axis (Hl) is a circle, square, a rounded square, a truncated circle, or a squircle and this may be different to the shape of the interior volume of the cannister across the axis (H2).

The platform of the reusable applicator of one example may comprise at least one cushion member. In preferred examples the platform comprises at least four cushion members. In further preferred examples the cushion member is a spring. In some examples it may be a leaf spring or coiled spring. In other examples, the cushion member may be an elastomeric material.

The screw unit of the reusable applicator of one example may comprises a thread. The thread may be a unified, ACME, knuckle, buttress, modified buttress, whitworth, sharp v, or metric thread. In further preferred examples the tread is a metric thread. The screw unit of the reusable applicator of one example may have a minor thread diameter of between lmm-6mm. In preferred examples, the minor thread diameter is between 2mrn-4mm. More preferably the minor thread diameter is between 2-3mm. The screw unit of the reusable applicator of one example may have a major thread diameter of between 10-50mm. In preferred examples, the minor thread diameter is between 20mm-40mm. More preferably the minor thread diameter is between 25-35mm.

The screw unit of the reusable applicator of one example may have a thread pitch of between 5-40mm. In preferred examples, the minor thread diameter is between 8-20mm. More preferably the minor thread diameter is between 10-18mm.

The screw unit, cannister and platform of the reusable applicator may be configured such that it provides a liquid-tight internal reservoir for the product to be applied or dispersed.

The reusable applicator of one example is suitable for the application of products with a wide range of viscosities. This is an advantage over existing reusable applicators which are configured for the application of viscous semi-solids or solids only. It is desirable to produce a reusable applicator that is compatible for the application of low viscosity products such as creams or ointments, as well as more viscous products such as semi-solids and solids. In fact, many personal care products and medicines are creams, lotions, gels, or ointments, and examples include sunscreen, insect repellents, and topical steroid medications.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the combination of the platform and the screw unit with a thread with a minor diameter between l-6mm, a major diameter between 10-50mm, and a thread pitch of between 5-40mm, facilitates and suitably modulates the application of products from the reusable applicator with a wide range of viscosities.

The screw unit possessing a thread with a minor diameter between l-6mm, a major diameter between 10-50mm, and a thread pitch of between 5-40mm, provides a large surface area within the chamber to retain less viscous product within the chamber when the applicator is in use or when the reusable applicator is inverted without the lid.

When dispensing less viscous material, such as a cream or ointment, the screw unit possessing a thread with a minor diameter between l-6mm, a major diameter between 10-50mm, , and a thread pitch of between 5-40mm, which in combination with the movable platform, modulates the application of product from the reusable applicator, ensuring that excess material is not applied or dispensed. In effect, the screw unit "holds" the less viscous product within the chamber of the reusable applicator, ensuring the amount of product applied is not excessive.

Mould for forming products to be used with applicator

Figures 20 through 22 show a mould for forming a product for use with the applicator. A mould base comprising one or more individual moulds 3110 having a circumferential wall 3112 and a base 3114 defining an interior volume 3116 is provided in known manner. The interior volume 3116 has a shape corresponding to that defined for the interior space of the applicator. The mould 3110 is made from a flexible material such as silicon or rubber. A more rigid mould cap 3120 is provided for each mould 3110. The cap comprises a boss 3126 having on an upper side thereof a handle 3124 and centrally located on opposite side a screw thread 3122 matching the screw thread of the applicator. Products are formed by placing the product in a liquid or semi-liquid state within the interior space 3116 of the mould and inserting the mould cap. After solidification of the product the mould cap can be removed using the handle by rotating the screw thread out of the solidified product. The product can then be easily removed from the silicon mould housing to reveal a preformed product for use with the applicator.

Multimodal dispensing lid

Fig. 15 shows a multimodal dispensing lid 2200 according to one example.

The multimodal dispensing lid 2200 is configured to be mounted to a base vessel 2102 with a reservoir 2105. The base vessel 2102 with a reservoir may house the product to be dispensed. The multimodal dispensing lid 2200 may be mounted to a base vessel 2102 with a reservoir by a screw arrangement or snap-on type mechanism.

The multimodal dispensing lid 2200 according to one example, may be mounted to a base vessel 2102 with a reservoir containing the product to be dispensed. The product can be dispensed from the base vessel 2102 by passing through the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 which modulates the dispensing of the product. In some examples, the base vessel 2102 containing the product to be dispensed to which is mounted a multimodal dispensing lid 2200, can be inverted to gravity feed the product into the multimodal dispensing lid 2200. The multimodal dispensing lid 2200 may have two different dispensing modes, these being: (i) a regulated continuous flow dispensing mode and (ii) a defined fixed volume dispensing mode.

The multimodal dispensing lid 2200 is intended to dispense a product. In preferred examples, the product is intended to be a dry product, such as granules, powder, discrete solid particles, or tablets. The product to be dispensed may be a personal care product, an industrial cleaning composition, or any other composition for industrial purposes.

The multimodal dispensing lid 2200 according to one example comprises a controller plate 2260, a flashing member 2220 with a user input member 2230, and a conjunction member 2210.

The multimodal dispensing lid 2200 according to one example comprises a controller plate 2260 which is rotatably connected to a flashing member 2220. The controller plate 2260 may comprise at least one shaped orifice 2280 which allows for product to pass through. The at least one shaped orifice may be circular, square or may be reniform. In preferred examples of the invention, the at least one shaped orifice is reniform.

The controller plate 2260 may be affixed to the flashing member 2220 by mechanical friction, adhesive, or may be ultrasonically welded. The flashing member 2220 in some examples may have a form that is aesthetically pleasing. The flashing member 2220 comprises a user input member 2230 which facilitates a user to rotate the flashing member 2220 and the interconnected controller plate 2260 relative to the conjunction member 2210. In preferred examples, the user input member may facilitate a user to rotate the flashing member 2220 in wet conditions. The user input member 2230 may be a simple bar member or may take a more complex form.

The flashing member 2220 may also comprise at least one facing orifice 2225. The at least one facing orifice may be circular, square or may be reniform. In preferred examples of the invention, the at least one shaped orifice is reniform. In another preferred examples of the invention, the shape of the at least one shaped orifice is identical to the at least one facing orifice.

The controller plate 2260 may be affixed to the flashing member 2220 on opposing sides of a conjunction member 2210. The controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 define a volume. The volume may hold a product to be dispensed. The conjunction member 2210 comprises at least one volume defining member 2240. The volume defining members may be adjustable or may be fixed. In alternative examples of one example, the volume defining members can be repositioned by a user repositioning member which may extend through the conjunction member 2210. The volume defining members can modulate the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210, thus may control the amount of product to be dispensed.

The conjunction member 2210 of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 may be configured to be removably connected to a base vessel 2102 with a reservoir. The conjunction member 2210 may be mounted to a base vessel 2102 with a reservoir by a screw arrangement or snap-on type mechanism. In preferred examples the conjunction member 2210 may be mounted to a base vessel 2102 with a reservoir by a screw arrangement.

In some examples of one example, the rotation of the user input member of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 causes a relative rotation to the flashing member 2220 and the controller plate 2260 relative to the conjunction member 2210.

In some examples of one example, the rotation of the user input member of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 causes a relative rotation to the flashing member 2220 and the controller plate 2260 relative to the conjunction member 2210, which permits the volume to be either: (i) open to the base vessel 2102 with a reservoir, or (ii) the exterior of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200.

In some examples of one example, the rotation of the user input member of the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 can cause the material in the reservoir of the base vessel 2102 to be either dispensed continuously or portion wise with a fixed volume dispensed with each rotation.

In some examples, the base vessel 2102 containing the product to be dispensed to which is mounted a multimodal dispensing lid 2200, can be inverted to gravity feed the product into the multimodal dispensing lid 2200 to charge the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210.

The volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 may be charged with a product or may be absent of product. The multimodal dispensing lid 2200 according to one example, may have three positions: (i) closed, (ii) intermediate and (iii) open.

In the closed position, product from the reservoir of the base vessel 2102 may be gravity fed to the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210. In the closed position, the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 may be charged with a product. In the closed position, no product from the reservoir of the base vessel 2102 or the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 may pass through the at least one facing orifice of the flashing member 2220. In the closed position, product from the reservoir may pass through the at least one shaped orifice of the controller plate 2260 to the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210.

In the intermediate position, the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 may be continually charged with a product. In the intermediate position, product from the reservoir or the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 may pass through the at least one shaped orifice and the at least one facing orifice. The rate of flow of product from the reservoir of the base vessel 2102 through the at least one shaped orifice and the at least one facing orifice may be controlled by the relative position of the controller plate 2260 and flashing member 2220 relative to the conjunction member 2210. The rate of flow of product from the reservoir of the base vessel 2102 through the at least one shaped orifice and the at least one facing orifice may be controlled by the relative position of the controller plate 2260 and flashing member 2220 relative to the conjunction member 2210 and the orientation of the reservoir of the base vessel 2102.

In the open position, the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 may not be charged with a product from the reservoir of the base vessel 2102. In the open position, product from the reservoir or the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 may not pass through the at least one shaped orifice, but may pass through the at least one facing orifice. In the open position, product from the volume defined by the controller plate 2260, flashing member 2220 and conjunction member 2210 may pass through the at least one facing orifice of the flashing member 2220. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred examples described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within one example.