Roll-on dispenser balls

Abstract

The present invention relates to roll-on dispenser balls. The roll-on dispenser balls may be used as is known in the art, including, for example, for use as a component or part of a dispenser of a liquid cosmetic (such as a deodorant) having a revolving ball as an applicator. The disclosed roll-on dispenser balls provide advantages over the prior art, such as, but not limited to, the lack of weld lines or joints in the finished product. Methods of producing the disclosed roll-on dispenser balls and apparatus for use in producing the disclosed roll-on dispenser balls are also provided.

1 . A roto-moulded roll-on applicator ball. 
     
     
         2 . A ball as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the ball is a deodorant ball. 
     
     
         3 . A ball as claimed in  claim 1  formed in the absence of joints or welding zones. 
     
     
         4 . A ball as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the weight of the ball is in the range 1 g to 6 g. 
     
     
         5 . A ball as claimed in  claim 4 , in which the weight of the ball is in the range 1.5 g to 5.5 g. 
     
     
         6 . A ball as claimed in  claim 5 , in which the weight of the ball is in the range 2.0 g to 3.5 g. 
     
     
         7 . A ball as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the diameter of the ball is in the range 0.8 to 2.0 inches. 
     
     
         8 . A ball as claimed in  claim 7 , in which the diameter of the ball is 1.0 inch, 1.14 inch, 1.3 inch or 1.4 inch. 
     
     
         9 . A ball as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the ball has a wall thickness in the range 0.1 mm to 1 mm. 
     
     
         10 . A ball as claimed in  claim 9 , in which the ball has a wall thickness in the range 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. 
     
     
         11 . A roll-on applicator comprising a ball as claimed in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . A method of forming a roll-on applicator ball comprising the steps of:
 providing a mould with a generally spherical cavity;   introducing a predetermined quantity of thermoplastics material into the mould;   rotating and heating the mould to cause material to melt and completely coat the internal surface of the cavity;   cooling the mould; and   removing a formed ball from the mould.   
     
     
         13 . A method as claimed in  claim 12 , in which the rotation of the mould goes over one or more axes. 
     
     
         14 . A method as claimed in  claim 12 , in which the mould is rotated simultaneously in two planes which are generally perpendicular to each other.