The Procter Gamble Company

Mark P McNally

Jacqueline W Charrier

The present invention provides a combined package comprising a container and a mascara applicator. The applicator includes a hollow shaft having a longitudinal axis extending from the handle. A rod having a brush affixed at one end reciprocates within the hollow shaft. The rod has a first position and a second position such that when the handle of the applicator is secured to the container the rod reciprocates to the first position extending the hinge beyond the hollow shaft such that the brush is substantially non-aligned with the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft. Upon removal of the applicator from the container the rod reciprocates to the second position causing the hinge to retract within the hollow shaft, thereby substantially aligning the brush with the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft. This combined package allows the user to stir the product within the container when both attaching and removing the applicator to and from the container. The combined package also permits substantially all of the product to be removed from the container as the brush sweeps about the container.

Combined mascara bottle and applicator

An externally threaded vessel having an outwardly projecting directed pour spout to permit substantially mess-free dispensing of liquid from the vessel. The tip of the outwardly projecting directed pour spout exhibits a cross-sectional profile which resides completely within the outline which would be formed if the external thread on the vessel were to be extended upwardly a sufficient distance to include the tip of the pour spout. Sizing and positioning the tip of the pour spout in the foregoing manner permits dispensing of liquid from the vessel without contaminating the external thread or the exterior surfaces of the vessel, yet permits engagement of the vessel with a secondary vessel having a complementary thread engaging means without any interference with the tip of the outwardly projecting directed pour spout. In essence, the cross-sectional profile of the tip of the outwardly projecting directed pour spout acts as an extension of the external thread on the vessel incorporating the pour spout.

Outwardly projecting directed pour spout exhibiting thread compatible

A liquid dispensing vessel having a pour spout which will provide substantially mess-free dispensing of viscous liquids, such as laundry detergents, during two different modes of dispensing: a concentrated stream as might be used for spot treating articles of clothing; and a bulk dispensing cycle to quickly empty the vessel's contents into a washing machine. The dual function pouring spout of the present invention may be employed either directly on a bulk liquid container or on a closure member used to transfer liquid from a bulk liquid container to a washing machine.

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Cincinnati, OH, United States of America

Mark P McNally