Patent Application
20250185786
The present disclosure generally relates to cosmetic, hair care, body care, and/or skincare products and, more particularly, to systems and approaches for applying such products.
Cosmetic, hair care, body care, and/or skincare products may be provided in a number of different containers and may be applied using a number of varying approaches. As an example, a concealer product may be applied using a user's finger, an applicator brush, and/or a sponge product, among other alternatives. When applying such products, it may be difficult for a user to accurately dispense an appropriate quantity of product to provide coverage for the desired area. In some instances, it may be advantageous to collect and apply increased quantities of product to the user. If too little product is collected from the container, the user's experience may be adversely impacted due to needing to repeatedly collect and apply additional product. Additionally, existing approaches may lack customization capabilities and may be difficult to use when attempting specific application techniques. Further, existing products may be disposable in nature, and as such may lead to environmental waste.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved accessories having improved functionalities.
Examples within the scope of the present invention are directed a product application device for dispensing and applying a cosmetic substance. Such a system may include a container defining a cavity having an open first end and an applicator insertable into the cavity. The applicator includes a rod, an urging member, at least one retention member, and an applicator head. The rod has a first end, a second end having an opening, and an elongated body defining a channel. The urging member is positioned at or near the rod first end and selectively draws a cosmetic substance through the rod second end and into the channel. The at least one retention member is positioned at or near the second end of the rod and extends a distance beyond the opening of the second end. The applicator head is operably coupled with the rod via the at least one retention member and includes an outer surface having at least one guide structure that directs the cosmetic substance about the outer surface.
In some examples, the applicator head is rotatable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. In some forms, the applicator head may include at least one flow path formed thereon. Such a flow path may transmit the cosmetic substance from an interior region of the applicator head to the outer surface thereof. In some of these examples, the at least one flow path may be in the form of a longitudinal groove. In some examples, the at least one flow path may be in the form of an open-cell structure. In some examples, the at least one flow path may be in the form of at least one transverse groove.
In some arrangements, the at least one guide structure may be in the form of at least one dimple formed on the outer surface of the applicator head. In these and other examples, the at least one guide structure may be in the form of at least one groove formed on the outer surface of the applicator head.
In some examples, the outer surface may include a first region having a first surface characteristic and a second region having a second surface characteristic that is different than the first characteristic.
In some examples, the urging member may be in the form of a button and/or a squeezable member.
In accordance with a second approach, an applicator for a product application device includes a rod, an urging member, at least one retention member, and an applicator head. The rod includes a first end, a second end having an opening, and an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween that defines a channel extending at least partially between the first and second ends thereof. The urging member is positioned at or near the first end of the rod and selectively draws a cosmetic substance through the second end of the rod and into the channel and to urge the cosmetic substance out of the second end of the rod. The at least one retention member is positioned at or near the second end of the rod and extends a distance beyond the opening of the second end thereof. The applicator head is operably coupled with the rod via the at least one retention member. The applicator head includes an outer surface having at least one guide structure adapted to direct the cosmetic substance about the outer surface thereof.
The above needs are at least partially met through provision of one, more than one, or any combination of the approaches for applicator systems for applying a cosmetic product described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various examples. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible examples are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various examples. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.
Generally speaking, pursuant to these various approaches, an applicator system is provided that allows a user to precisely dispense and apply a controlled quantity of a cosmetic, a hair care, a body care, and/or a skincare product such as, for example, a concealer formula, and allows the product to be applied and blended in an ergonomic and even manner. In some examples, the system may be capable of collecting and/or dispensing increased quantities of the cosmetic product as compared with conventional approaches, therefore reducing overall application times and enhancing the user's experience.
Turning to the Figures, a device 100 (e.g., a product application device) is provided for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance 101. The device 100 includes a container 102 that defines a cavity 103 that is dimensioned to retain the cosmetic substance 101 and an applicator 110 that may be inserted into the cavity 103 of the container 102. The cosmetic substance 101 may be any type of cosmetic, hair care, body care, and/or skincare product that may be applied to a user. For example, the cosmetic substance 101 may be in the form of a concealer formula. Other examples are possible.
The container 102 has a first end 102a and a second end 102b. In the illustrated examples, the first end 102a of the container 102 is open and may receive the applicator 110 therein. The first end 102a of the container 102 may include any number of features (e.g., threads, ridges, protrusions, sealing members, etc.) to assist with coupling the applicator 110 therewith. The container 102 may be constructed from any number of suitable materials such as, for example, a polymeric material, a metallic material, and/or a glass material. Other examples are possible.
In some examples, the container 102 may accommodate between approximately 3 ml and approximately 15 ml of cosmetic substance 101. More specifically, in some examples, the cavity 103 may be dimensioned to accommodate approximately 6 ml of cosmetic substance 101. In some forms (not illustrated), the container 102 may be configured to receive an internal pouch that may be removable therefrom.
The applicator 110 includes a rod 112 having a first end 112a, a second end 112b, and an elongated body 112c extending therebetween. The second end 112b of the rod 112 includes an opening 112d leading to a channel 113 formed by the elongated body 112c. In the illustrated examples, the channel 113 and the elongated body 112c extend generally along a longitudinal axis “L,” however other arrangements and examples are possible. As illustrated in
The applicator 110 further includes an urging member 118. More specifically, and as illustrated in
The applicator 110 further includes at least one retention member 120. More specifically, and with reference to
The device 100 further includes an applicator head 130 that is operably coupled with the second end 112b of the rod 112. The applicator head 130 includes an outer surface 130a, a proximal end 130b, and a distal end 130c. The outer surface 130a may include at least one guide structure 134. The applicator head 130 may be constructed from any number of desired materials or combinations thereof, such as, for example, a foam or otherwise porous and/or compressible material, a solid material such as glass, metal, and/or plastic, and the like. In the illustrated examples, the applicator head 130 has a generally ovoid shape, but it is to be appreciated that the applicator head 130 may have any number of desired shapes and/or configurations such as, for example, a tear-drop shape, a spherical shape, a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, and the like. Other examples are possible.
The applicator head 130 is operably coupled with the retention member 120 via engagement with the fingers 122. More specifically, the applicator head 130 may include a coupling region in the form of a groove, opening, or detent 136 that may receive the finger or fingers 122. In the illustrated example, the applicator head 130 may be rotatable about the transverse axis T defined by the fingers 122, but in other examples, the applicator head 130 may be coupled with the fingers 122 in a fixed or otherwise non-rotatable manner. In any event, the assembled applicator 110 includes the urging member 118 coupled and/or formed with the handle 116, which is in turn coupled with the first end 112a of the rod 112, which is in turn coupled with the applicator head 130 at the second end 112b via the retention member(s) 120.
Notably, when the applicator head 130 is coupled with the rod 112, a gap 126 is formed between the second end 112b of the rod 112 and the proximal end 130b of the applicator head 130. This gap 126 allows the cosmetic substance 101 to selectively enter or exit the channel 113 of the rod 112 via the opening 112d by flowing around the outer surface 130a of the applicator head 130.
More specifically, operation of the device 100 will now be described. The device 100 is first prepared by filling the container 102 with the cosmetic substance 101. In some examples, a user may purchase a standalone container 102 that is prefilled with the desired cosmetic substance 101. The assembled applicator 110 is then coupled with the first end 102a of the container 102 by any suitable approach such as, for example a threaded engagement, a snap or friction-fit engagement, a magnetic engagement, and the like. Other examples are possible. So arranged, and as illustrated in
A user may then press, squeeze, or otherwise engage the urging member 118, which causes any air retained in the channel 113 of the rod 112 to be expelled (via the opening 112d) into the cavity 103 of the container 102. Upon releasing the urging member 118, the channel 113 creates a slight vacuum, which causes the cosmetic substance 101 to be drawn into or otherwise enter the channel 113 via the opening 112d. In some examples, the volume of the channel 113 may define a maximum allowable quantity of cosmetic substance 101 to be retained therein. Further, in some examples, the type of urging member 118 may be selected to provide greater or reduced urging force to therefore draw a desired dosage or microdosage (e.g., between approximately 5 microliters and approximately 20 microliters and preferably approximately 10 microliters) of cosmetic substance 101 into the channel 113.
The user may then use the handle 116 to decouple the applicator 110 from the container 102 (e.g., via unscrewing and/or pulling the handle 116 in a direction away from the container 102), whereupon the cosmetic substance 101 remains within the channel 113 due to chemical bonding, adhesion, and/or surface tension of the cosmetic substance 101. The user may next press, squeeze, or otherwise engage the urging member 118 a second time, which will cause the cosmetic substance 101 disposed within the channel 113 to be expelled therefrom via the opening 112d. The cosmetic substance 101 will traverse the gap 126 between the second end 112b of the rod 112 and the proximal end 130b of the applicator head 130 and subsequently cover all or a portion of the outer surface 130a thereof. The user may then apply the cosmetic substance 101 to their skin using the applicator head 130 in a desired manner and/or technique. Notably, in examples where the finger or fingers 122 of the retention member 120 provide a rotatable coupling with the applicator head 130, the applicator head 130 may rotate about the transverse axis T to assist with conforming with a user's facial features while applying the cosmetic product.
As previously noted, the outer surface 130a of the applicator head 130 may include any number of guide structures 134. These guide structures 134 may assist with directing the cosmetic substance 101 about the outer surface 130a in a desired manner and/or pattern. For example, as illustrated in
It is appreciated that the devices described herein may be provided with any number of additional and/or alternative features. For example,
More specifically,
Turning to
The applicator head 330 illustrated in
Turning to
With brief reference to
Turning to
Turning to
It is to be appreciated that in any of these examples, a number of modifications may be made to the devices described herein. For example, in some arrangements, the applicator may not include a guide structure, and instead, the applicator head may have a generally smooth outer surface. Additionally or alternatively, in some approaches, the flow paths described herein may be in the form of an open-cell structure. Further, in some examples, an alternative arrangement may be provided to engage the rod with the applicator head. For example, the retention member or members described herein may include an opening or detent, and the applicator head may include a protrusion or finger that engages this opening or detent. In some implementations, the urging members described herein may be in the form of a plunger or other driving mechanism.
Because the devices described herein include threadable or otherwise removable components, the applicator heads may be separated from the remainder of the device as desired and interchanged with different applicator heads having desired geometries and/or other characteristics such as, for example, softer or more rigid materials. Accordingly, the devices may be customizable to meet varying consumer demands. Such a removable arrangement further allows the applicator head to be adequately cleaned and replaced as needed, which may be advantageous in retail environments to promote hygienic practices.
So configured, the system allows a consumer to actuate, apply, and blend the product in an efficient manner. The applicator head geometry allows the product to spread about the outer surface for a more homogenous application. Further, because each of the components are removably coupled with each other, the devices may be readily customized as desired by a user.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. Additionally, the described embodiments/examples/implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, and should instead be understood as potentially combinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations.
The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).
