Device and method for applying a product

• US 6,776,549 B2
• Filed: 08/29/2002
• Issued: 08/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Original Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Inventors: Gueret, Jean-Louis H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Walczak, David J.
• Application Number:
  US10/230,266
• Publication Number:
  US 20030063945A1
• Time in Patent Office: 719 Days
• Field of Search: 401/170, 401/171, 401/176, 401/183, 401/189, 401/186, 401/152, 401/153, 401/156, 401/123, 401/124, 401/125, 401/126, 401/130, 132/317
• US Class Current: 401/170
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 2200/055 Piston or plunger for supplying the liquid to the applicator
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 2200/1018 comprising a pad, i.e. a cushion-like mass of soft material, with or without gripping means
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 34/042 using a brush or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 34/045 connected to the cap of the container
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/24 combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 83/0044 the piston having a dispensing opening formed in the piston B65D83/0016 takes precedence

Abstract

A device for applying a product defines a height and includes a first compartment defining a reservoir for containing a product. The first compartment may include a variable volume. The device may include a second compartment defining an opening and being in one of selective and permanent flow communication with the first compartment via at least one orifice. The second compartment may be configured to at least partially receive an applicator for applying the product, and may define a volume which is substantially fixed. The device may include a closure element configured to close off the opening of the second compartment. The device may be configured so that the height of the device diminishes as the volume of the first compartment becomes reduced, and at a last use of the device, the axial height of the device may be less than the axial height of the device at a first use of device.

Claims

1. A device for applying a product, the device defining a height and comprising:

a first compartment defining a reservoir for containing a product, wherein the first compartment has a variable volume;

a second compartment defining an opening and being in one of selective and permanent flow communication with the first compartment via at least one orifice, the second compartment being configured to at least partially receive an applicator for applying the product, and defining a volume which is substantially fixed; and

a closure element configured to close off the opening of the second compartment,

wherein the device is configured so that the height of the device diminishes as the volume of the first compartment becomes reduced,

wherein, at a last use of the device, the axial height of the device is less than the axial height of the device at a first use of device,

wherein an interior of the second compartment is sealed in a substantially product-tight manner with respect to the exterior of the device when the closure element closing the opening of the second compartment, and

wherein the first compartment defines a cross-section that remains substantially constant when the volume of the first compartment is reduced.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the closure element is configured to seal the opening of the second compartment in a substantially product-tight manner.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the closure element is configured to seal the opening of the second compartment in a substantially air-tight manner.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a piston configured to slide axially in the first compartment in response to a force exerted on the second compartment.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the piston is configured to slide inside the first compartment in response to a force exerted on the closure element.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the first compartment comprises an outer wall, the second compartment comprises a lateral wall, and the device further comprises an actuator comprising a screw thread, the actuator being integral with the lateral wall of the second compartment, and the screw thread being configured to interact with the outer wall of the first compartment so as to cause the piston to slide inside the first compartment in response to threading the actuator onto the first compartment.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein the second compartment comprises a lateral wall, and wherein the piston and lateral wall of the second compartment are formed as a single piece.

8. The device of claim 4, wherein the second compartment comprises a lateral wall, and wherein the piston is integral with the lateral wall of the second compartment.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the piston and the lateral wall are connected to one another via at least one of adhesive bonding and clasping.

10. The device of claim 4, wherein the second compartment comprises a lateral wall, and wherein the piston comprises an axial set-back substantially surrounded by an extension of the lateral wall of the second compartment.

11. The device of claim 4, wherein the piston and the second compartment each define a cross-section, wherein the cross-section of the piston is substantially identical to the cross-section of the second compartment.

12. The device of claim 4, wherein the first compartment comprises an inner wall and the piston forms a sealing lip configured to slide along the inner wall of the first compartment.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising means for keeping the first and second compartments linked together.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve configured to close the orifice, wherein the one-way valve is configured to open to permit product flow toward the second compartment in response to an overpressure generated in the first compartment.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the one-way valve comprises one of a flap valve and a ball valve.

16. The device of claim 1, further comprising an applicator configured to be received at least partially in the second compartment.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element via at least one of adhesive bonding, welding, and pinching.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the closure element is configured to provide a gripping surface for the applicator.

20. The device of claim 16, wherein the second compartment comprises a wall and the applicator is fixedly attached to the wall of the second compartment.

21. The device of claim 16, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the wall of the second compartment via at least one of adhesive bonding, welding, and pinching.

22. The device of claim 16, wherein the applicator is at least one of configured to be loaded with cosmetic product at its surface and configured to be loaded with cosmetic product through its depth.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the applicator comprises a porous material.

24. The device of claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the applicator is formed of a material selected from sintered materials, thermoplastic materials, ceramic materials, felts, elastically compressible materials, foams having closed cells, foams having open cells, foams having semi-open cells, and elastomers.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the applicator comprises a superposition of layers.

26. The device of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the applicator is covered with a flocking.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein the flocking comprises at least one of rayon fibers, cotton fibers, viscose fibers, nylon fibers, a woven covering, and a non-woven covering.

28. The device of claim 16, wherein the second compartment defines an inner wall, and the applicator contacts at least a portion of the inner wall of the second compartment.

29. The device of claim 28, wherein the inner wall defines a base of the second compartment and the applicator contacts the base of the second compartment.

30. The device of claim 16, further comprising a cosmetic product contained in the first compartment.

31. A method of applying a cosmetic product, the method comprising:

providing the device of claim 30;

reducing the volume of the first compartment so as transfer at least a portion of the cosmetic product from the first compartment to the second compartment; and

applying at least a portion of the cosmetic product to a body portion using the applicator.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising removing the applicator from the second compartment.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the applicator is attached to the second compartment, and the method further comprises removing the closure element so as to expose the applicator.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein the device further comprises a piston associated with the first compartment, wherein reducing the volume of the first compartment comprises moving the piston in the first compartment.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein reducing the volume of the first compartment comprises moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment comprises moving the at least a portion of the first compartment in a non-rotating manner relative to the second compartment.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment comprises rotating the first compartment and the second compartment relative to each other.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the device further comprises an actuator interconnecting the first compartment to the second compartment, and wherein the rotating the first compartment and the second compartment relative to each other comprises rotating one of the first compartment and the second compartment relative to the actuator.

163. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cosmetic product contained in the first compartment.

39. A device for applying a product, the device defining a height and comprising:

a first compartment defining a reservoir configured to contain a product, wherein the first compartment has a variable volume;

a second compartment defining an opening and being in one of selective and permanent flow communication with the first compartment via at least one orifice, the second compartment being configured to at least partially receive an applicator, and defining a volume which is substantially fixed;

a closure element configured to close off the opening of the second compartment; and

an applicator configured to be received at least partially in the second compartment,

wherein the device is configured so that the height of the device diminishes as the volume of the first compartment becomes reduced,

wherein the device is configured so that the first compartment does not resiliently expand to increase its volume after the volume of the first compartment becomes reduced,

wherein the applicator is at least one of configured to be loaded with cosmetic product at its surface and configured to be loaded with the cosmetic product through its depth, and

wherein at least a portion of the applicator comprises a porous material.

40. The device of claim 39, wherein the closure element is configured to seal the opening of the second compartment in a substantially product-tight manner.

41. The device of claim 39, wherein the closure element is configured to seal the opening of the second compartment in a substantially air-tight manner.

42. The device of claim 39, further comprising a piston configured to slide axially in the first compartment in response to a force exerted on the second compartment.

43. The device of claim 42, wherein the piston is configured to slide inside the first compartment in response to a force exerted on the closure element.

44. The device of claim 42, wherein the first compartment comprises an outer wall, the second compartment comprises a lateral wall, and the device further comprises an actuator comprising a screw thread, the actuator being integral with the lateral wall of the second compartment, and the screw thread being configured to interact with the outer wall of the first compartment so as to cause the piston to slide inside the first compartment in response to threading the actuator onto the first compartment.

45. The device of claim 42, wherein the second compartment comprises a lateral wall, and wherein the piston and the lateral wall of the second compartment are formed as a single piece.

46. The device of claim 42, wherein the second compartment comprises a lateral wall, and wherein the piston is integral with the lateral wall of the second compartment.

47. The device of claim 46, wherein the piston and the lateral wall are connected to one another via at least one of adhesive bonding and clasping.

48. The device of claim 42, wherein the second compartment comprises a lateral wall, and wherein the piston comprises an axial set-back substantially surrounded by an extension of the lateral wall of the second compartment.

49. The device of claim 42, wherein the piston and the second compartment each define a cross-section, wherein the cross-section of the piston is substantially identical to the cross-section of the second compartment.

50. The device of claim 42, wherein the first compartment comprises an inner wall and the piston forms a sealing lip configured to slide along the inner wall of the first compartment.

51. The device of claim 39, further comprising means for keeping the first and second compartments linked together.

52. The device of claim 39, further comprising a one-way valve configured to close the orifice, wherein the one-way valve is configured to open to permit product flow toward the second compartment in response to an overpressure generated in the first compartment.

53. The device of claim 52, wherein the one-way valve comprises one of a flap valve and a ball valve.

54. The device of claim 39, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element.

55. The device of claim 54, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element via at least one of adhesive bonding, welding, and pinching.

56. The device of claim 39, wherein the closure element is configured to provide a gripping surface for the applicator.

57. The device of claim 39, wherein the second compartment comprises a wall and the applicator is fixedly attached to the wall of the second compartment.

58. The device of claim 57, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the wall of the second compartment via at least one of adhesive bonding, welding, and pinching.

59. The device of claim 39, wherein at least a portion of the applicator is formed of a material selected from sintered materials, thermoplastic materials, ceramic materials, felts, elastically compressible materials, foams having closed cells, foams having open cells, foams having semi-open cells, and elastomers.

60. The device of claim 59, wherein the applicator comprises a superposition of layers.

61. The device of claim 39, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the applicator is covered with a flocking.

62. The device of claim 61, wherein the flocking comprises at least one of rayon fibers, cotton fibers, viscose fibers, nylon fibers, a woven covering, and a non-woven covering.

63. The device of claim 39, wherein the second compartment defines an inner wall, and the applicator contacts at least a portion of the inner wall of the second compartment.

64. The device of claim 63, wherein the inner wall defines a base of the second compartment and the applicator contacts the base of the second compartment.

65. The device of claim 39, further comprising a product contained in the first compartment.

66. The device of claim 65, wherein the product comprises a cosmetic product.

67. The device of claim 66, wherein the cosmetic product comprises at least one of a liquid, a milk, a cream, and a gel.

68. A method of applying a product, the method comprising:

providing the device of claim 66;

reducing the volume of the first compartment so as transfer at least a portion of the product from the first compartment to the second compartment; and

applying at least a portion of the cosmetic product to a body portion using the applicator.

69. The method of claim 68, further comprising removing the applicator from the second compartment.

70. The method of claim 68, wherein the applicator is attached to the second compartment, and the method further comprises removing the closure element so as to expose the applicator.

71. The method of claim 68, wherein the device further comprises a piston associated with the first compartment, and reducing the volume of the first compartment comprises moving the piston in the first compartment.

72. The method of claim 68, wherein reducing the volume of the first compartment comprises moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment comprises moving the at least a portion of the first compartment in a non-rotating manner relative to the second compartment.

74. The method of claim 72, wherein moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment comprises rotating the first compartment and the second compartment relative to each other.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein the device further comprises an actuator interconnecting the first compartment to the second compartment, and wherein the rotating the first compartment and the second compartment relative to each other comprises rotating one of the first compartment and the second compartment relative to the actuator.

76. A device for applying a product, the device defining a height and comprising:

a first compartment defining a reservoir for containing a product, wherein the first compartment has a variable volume;

a second compartment defining an opening and being in one of selective and permanent flow communication with the first compartment via at least one orifice, the second compartment being configured to at least partially receive an applicator, and defining a volume which is substantially fixed;

a closure element configured to close off the opening of the second compartment; and

a piston configured to slide in the first compartment,

wherein the device is configured so that the height of the device diminishes as the volume of the first compartment becomes reduced, and

wherein the device lacks a structure biasing the piston.

77. The device of claim 76, wherein the piston is configured to slide inside the first compartment in response to a force exerted on the closure element.

78. The device of claim 76, further comprising means for keeping the first and second compartments linked together.

79. The device of claim 76, further comprising a one-way valve configured to close the orifice, wherein the one-way valve is configured to open to permit product flow toward the second compartment in response to an overpressure generated in the first compartment.

80. The device of claim 76, wherein the one-way valve comprises one of a flap valve and a ball valve.

81. The device of claim 76, further comprising an applicator configured to be received at least partially in the second compartment.

82. The device of claim 81, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element.

83. The device of claim 82, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element via at least one of adhesive bonding, welding, and pinching.

84. The device of claim 81, wherein the closure element is configured to provide a gripping surface for the applicator.

85. The device of claim 81, wherein the second compartment comprises a wall and the applicator is fixedly attached to the wall of the second compartment.

86. The device of claim 85, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the wall of the second compartment via at least one of adhesive bonding, welding, and pinching.

87. The device of claim 81, wherein the applicator is at least one of configured to be loaded with product at its surface and configured to be loaded with product through its depth.

88. The device of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the applicator is covered with a flocking.

89. The device of claim 81, wherein the second compartment defines an inner wall, and the applicator contacts at least a portion of the inner wall of the second compartment.

90. The device of claim 89, wherein the inner wall defines a base of the second compartment and the applicator contacts the base of the second compartment.

91. The device of claim 81, further comprising a cosmetic product contained in the first compartment.

92. The device of claim 91, wherein the cosmetic product comprises at least one of a liquid, a milk, a cream, and a gel.

93. A method of applying a product, the method comprising:

providing the device of claim 91;

reducing the volume of the first compartment so as transfer at least a portion of the product from the first compartment to the second compartment; and

applying at least a portion of the product to a body portion using the applicator.

94. The method of claim 93, further comprising removing the applicator from the second compartment.

95. The method of claim 93, wherein the applicator is attached to the second compartment, and the method further comprises removing the closure element so as to expose the applicator.

96. A device for applying a product, the device defining a height and comprising:

an applicator for applying a product;

a first compartment defining a reservoir configured to contain a product, wherein the first compartment has a variable volume;

a second compartment defining an opening, the second compartment being configured to at least partially receive the applicator for applying the product, and defining a volume which is substantially fixed;

a piston configured to slide in the first compartment;

a one-way valve configured to permit flow of product from the first compartment to the second compartment; and

a closure element configured to close off the opening of the second compartment,

wherein the device is configured so that the height of the device diminishes as the volume of the first compartment becomes reduced.

97. The device of claim 96, wherein the device is configured so that an overpressure in first compartment opens the one-way valve.

98. The device of claim 96, wherein the piston is configured to slide inside the first compartment in response to a force exerted on the closure element.

99. The device of claim 96, further comprising means for keeping the first and second compartments linked together.

100. The device of claim 96, wherein the one-way valve comprises one of a flap valve and a ball valve.

101. The device of claim 96, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element.

102. The device of claim 101, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element via at least one of adhesive bonding, welding, and pinching.

103. The device of claim 96, wherein the closure element is configured to provide a gripping surface for the applicator.

104. The device of claim 96, wherein the second compartment comprises a wall and the applicator is fixedly attached to the wall of the second compartment.

105. The device of claim 104, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the wall of the second compartment via at least one of adhesive bonding, welding, and pinching.

106. The device of claim 96, wherein the applicator is at least one of configured to be loaded with product at its surface and configured to be loaded with product through its depth.

107. The device of claim 96, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the applicator is covered with a flocking.

108. The device of claim 96, wherein the second compartment defines an inner wall, and the applicator contacts at least a portion of the inner wall of the second compartment.

109. The device of claim 108, wherein the inner wall defines a base of the second compartment and the applicator contacts the base of the second compartment.

110. The device of claim 96, further comprising a cosmetic product contained in the first compartment.

111. The device of claim 110, wherein the cosmetic product comprises at least one of a liquid, a milk, a cream, and a gel.

112. A method of applying a product, the method comprising:

providing the device of claim 110;

reducing the volume of the first compartment so as transfer at least a portion of the product from the first compartment to the second compartment; and

applying at least a portion of the product to a body portion using the applicator.

113. The method of claim 112, further comprising removing the applicator from the second compartment.

114. The method of claim 112, wherein the applicator is attached to the second compartment, and the method further comprises removing the closure element so as to expose the applicator.

115. A device for applying a product, the device defining a height and comprising:

a first compartment defining a reservoir for containing a product, wherein the first compartment has a variable volume;

a second compartment defining an opening and being in one of selective and permanent flow communication with the first compartment via at least one orifice, the second compartment being configured to at least partially receive an applicator, and defining a volume which is substantially fixed; and

a closure element configured to close off the opening of the second compartment,

wherein the device is configured so that the height of the device diminishes as the volume of the first compartment becomes reduced, and

wherein at least a portion of the second compartment is configured to slide within the first compartment.

116. The device of claim 115, wherein the closure element is configured to seal the opening of the second compartment in a substantially product-tight manner.

117. The device of claim 115, wherein the at least a portion of the second compartment configured to slide within the first compartment comprises a piston configured to slide axially in the first compartment in response to a force exerted on the second compartment.

118. The device of claim 117, wherein the piston is configured to slide inside the first compartment in response to a force exerted on the closure element.

119. The device of claim 115, further comprising a one-way valve configured to close the orifice, wherein the one-way valve is configured to open to permit product flow toward the second compartment in response to an overpressure generated in the first compartment.

120. The device of claim 115, further comprising an applicator configured to be received at least partially in the second compartment.

121. The device of claim 120, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element.

122. The device of claim 121, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element via at least one of adhesive bonding, welding, and pinching.

123. The device of claim 120, wherein the closure element is configured to provide a gripping surface for the applicator.

124. The device of claim 120, wherein the second compartment comprises a wall and the applicator is fixedly attached to the wall of the second compartment.

125. The device of claim 120, wherein the applicator is at least one of configured to be loaded with cosmetic product at its surface and configured to be loaded with cosmetic product through its depth.

126. The device of claim 120, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the applicator is covered with a flocking.

127. The device of claim 120, wherein the second compartment defines an inner wall, and the applicator contacts at least a portion of the inner wall of the second compartment.

128. The device of claim 127, wherein the inner wall defines a base of the second compartment and the applicator contacts the base of the second compartment.

129. The device of claim 120, further comprising a product contained in the first compartment.

130. The device of claim 129, wherein the product comprises a cosmetic product.

131. The device of claim 130, wherein the cosmetic product comprises at least one of a liquid, a milk, a cream, and a gel.

132. A method of applying a product, the method comprising:

providing the device of claim 130;

reducing the volume of the first compartment so as transfer at least a portion of the product from the first compartment to the second compartment; and

applying at least a portion of the product to a body portion using the applicator.

133. The method of claim 132, further comprising removing the applicator from the second compartment.

134. The method of claim 132, wherein the applicator is attached to the second compartment, and the method further comprises removing the closure element so as to expose the applicator.

135. The method of claim 132, wherein reducing the volume of the first compartment comprises moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment.

136. The method of claim 135, wherein moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment comprises moving the at least a portion of the first compartment in a non-rotating manner relative to the second compartment.

137. The method of claim 135, wherein moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment comprises rotating the first compartment and the second compartment relative to each other.

138. The method of claim 137, wherein the device further comprises an actuator interconnecting the first compartment to the second compartment, and wherein the rotating the first compartment and the second compartment relative to each other comprises rotating one of the first compartment and the second compartment relative to the actuator.

139. A device for applying a product, the device defining a height and comprising:

a first compartment defining a reservoir for containing a product, wherein the first compartment has a variable volume;

a second compartment defining an opening and being in one of selective and permanent flow communication with the first compartment via at least one orifice, the second compartment being configured to at least partially receive an applicator, and defining a volume which is substantially fixed; and

a closure element configured to close off the opening of the second compartment,

wherein the device is configured so that the height of the device diminishes as the volume of the first compartment becomes reduced,

wherein the device lacks a bellows and lacks a biased piston,

wherein an interior of the second compartment is sealed in substantially product-tight manner with respect to the exterior of the device when the closure element closes the opening of the second compartment, and

wherein the first compartment defines a cross-section that remains substantially constant when the volume of the first compartment is reduced.

140. The device of claim 139, wherein the closure element is configured to seal the opening of the second compartment in a substantially product-tight manner.

141. The device of claim 139, wherein the device further comprises a piston configured to slide axially in the first compartment in response to a force exerted on the second compartment.

142. The device of claim 141, wherein the piston is configured to slide inside the first compartment in response to a force exerted on the closure element.

143. The device of claim 139, further comprising a one-way valve configured to close the orifice, wherein the one-way valve is configured to open to permit product flow toward the second compartment in response to an overpressure generated in the first compartment.

144. The device of claim 139, further comprising an applicator configured to be received at least partially in the second compartment.

145. The device of claim 144, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element.

146. The device of claim 145, wherein the applicator is fixedly attached to the closure element via at least one of adhesive bonding, welding, and pinching.

147. The device of claim 144, wherein the closure element is configured to provide a gripping surface for the applicator.

148. The device of claim 144, wherein the second compartment comprises a wall and the applicator is fixedly attached to the wall of the second compartment.

149. The device of claim 144, wherein the applicator is at least one of configured to be loaded with cosmetic product at its surface and configured to be loaded with cosmetic product through its depth.

150. The device of claim 144, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the applicator is covered with a flocking.

151. The device of claim 144, wherein the second compartment defines an inner wall, and the applicator contacts at least a portion of the inner wall of the second compartment.

152. The device of claim 151, wherein the inner wall defines a base of the second compartment and the applicator contacts the base of the second compartment.

153. The device of claim 144, further comprising a product contained in the first compartment.

154. The device of claim 153, wherein the product comprises a cosmetic product.

155. The device of claim 154, wherein the cosmetic product comprises at least one of a liquid, a milk, a cream, and a gel.

156. A method of applying a product, the method comprising:

providing the device of claim 154;

reducing the volume of the first compartment so as transfer at least a portion of the product from the first compartment to the second compartment; and

applying at least a portion of the product to a body portion using the applicator.

157. The method of claim 156, further comprising removing the applicator from the second compartment.

158. The method of claim 156, wherein the applicator is attached to the second compartment, and the method further comprises removing the closure element so as to expose the applicator.

159. The method of claim 156, wherein reducing the volume of the first compartment comprises moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment.

160. The method of claim 159, wherein moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment comprises moving the at least a portion of the first compartment in a non-rotating manner relative to the second compartment.

161. The method of claim 159, wherein moving at least a portion of the first compartment toward the second compartment comprises rotating the first compartment and the second compartment relative to each other.

162. The method of claim 161, wherein the device further comprises an actuator interconnecting the first compartment to the second compartment, and wherein the rotating the first compartment and the second compartment relative to each other comprises rotating one of the first compartment and the second compartment relative to the actuator.