APPLICATOR SYSTEM FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC PRODUCT

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20250185786
  • Publication Number
    20250185786
  • Date Filed
    December 11, 2023
    a year ago
  • Date Published
    June 12, 2025
    a month ago
Abstract
A product application device for dispensing and applying a cosmetic substance includes 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 the rod first end and selectively draws a cosmetic substance through the rod second end and into the channel. The 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 retention member and includes an outer surface having at least one guide structure that directs the cosmetic substance about the outer surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

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.


BACKGROUND

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.


SUMMARY

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.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:



FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation view of an example applicator system in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of an example applicator for use with the example applicator system of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation cross-sectional view of the example applicator of FIG. 2 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation view of a portion of the example applicator of FIGS. 2 & 3 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of the example applicator of FIGS. 2-4 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of a portion of the example applicator of FIGS. 2-5 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevation view of an alternative example applicator head for use with the example applicator system of FIGS. 1-5 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example applicator for use with the example applicator system of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 9 illustrates a side elevation view of the example applicator of FIG. 8 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example applicator for use with the example applicator system of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevation view of the example applicator of FIG. 10 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example applicator for use with the example applicator system of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 13 illustrates a side elevation view of the example applicator of FIG. 12 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 14 illustrates a lower plan view of the example applicator of FIGS. 12 & 13 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 15 illustrates a side elevation view of an alternative example applicator head in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 16 illustrates a side elevation view of an alternative example applicator head in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example applicator head in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 18 illustrates a front elevation view of the example applicator head of FIG. 17 in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 19 illustrates a front elevation view of an alternative example applicator head in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example applicator head in accordance with various embodiments;



FIG. 21 illustrates a side elevation view of the example applicator head of FIG. 20 in accordance with various embodiments; and



FIG. 22 illustrates a front elevation view of the example applicator head of FIGS. 20 & 21 in accordance with various embodiments.





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.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 FIGS. 1 & 2, a handle 116 is positioned at the first end 112a of the rod 112 which a user may grasp to use the applicator 110 to collect and/or apply the cosmetic substance 101. This handle 116 may also be in the form of a cap or lid that engages the first end 102a of the container 102 to close and/or seal the cavity 103. While not illustrated, the rod 112 may be operably coupled with the handle 116 via any number of suitable approaches such as, for example, via a friction-fit connection. Other examples are possible.


The applicator 110 further includes an urging member 118. More specifically, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2, the urging member 118 may be positioned at or near the first end 112a of the rod 112. Generally speaking, the urging member 118 is provided to selectively draw the cosmetic substance 101 through the second end 112b of the rod 112 and into the channel 113, and further to urge the cosmetic substance 101 retained within the channel 113 out of the opening 112d at the second end 112b thereof. In the illustrated examples, the urging member 118 is in the form of a button that may be depressed into the handle 116. In such examples, the urging member 118 may be outwardly biased by a biasing member (e.g., a spring; not illustrated) or any other suitable component. In other examples (not illustrated), the urging member 118 may be in the form of a dropper bulb constructed from a generally flexible, squeezable, or otherwise resilient material. Other examples are possible.


The applicator 110 further includes at least one retention member 120. More specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 2-5, the retention member 120 is in the form of any desired number of prongs or extensions that extend in an axial distance beyond the second end 112b (and thus the opening 112d) of the rod 112. In the illustrated examples, each retention member 120 includes a generally inwardly-extending finger 122. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in some examples, each finger 122 may extend along an axis “T” that is transverse to the longitudinal axis L. In this illustrated example, each finger 122 is coaxially aligned with the other finger 122, however other implementations are possible. The retention member 120 may be constructed from a rigid, semi-rigid, and/or a resilient material as desired.


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 FIG. 1, the applicator head 130 and the second end 112b of the rod 112 (including the opening 112d) are disposed within the cavity 103 of the container 102 such that they are at least partially immersed within the cosmetic substance 101.


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 FIGS. 2 and 4, in some examples, the guide structure 134 may be in the form of dimples or indentations that collect a quantity of cosmetic substance 101 such that the cosmetic substance is partially retained therein. In this example, such guide structures 134 may assist with ensuring the cosmetic substance 101 is evenly distributed about the outer surface 130a of the applicator head 130.


It is appreciated that the devices described herein may be provided with any number of additional and/or alternative features. For example, FIGS. 7-22 illustrate alternative devices. It is appreciated that the various devices illustrated in FIGS. 7-22 may include similar features to the device 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, and accordingly, elements illustrated in these various figures are designated by similar reference numbers indicated in the example illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 increased by multiples of 100. Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. Further, it is appreciated that any of the elements described with regards to the device 100 may be incorporated into these later-described devices, and vice-versa.


More specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of an alternative device 200. In this example, an applicator 210 is provided that includes an applicator head 230 that has an outer surface 230a having a guide structure 234 in the form of any number of grooves that extend in a direction generally parallel to the transverse axis T. Each groove of the guide structure 234 may have a different desired width or thickness to assist with retaining and/or dispersing the cosmetic substance 101 on the outer surface 230a of the applicator head 230. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the applicator head 230 has relatively narrow grooves at a proximal end 230b, and the grooves progressively grow wider in the direction towards the distal end 230c thereof. Such an arrangement may improve flow and enhance application to a user's skin.


Turning to FIGS. 8-11, portions of two alternative devices 300, 400 are provided. In these examples, each device 300, 400 includes a respective applicator 310, 410 that has a respective applicator head 330, 430. In these devices 300, 400, a gap is not formed between the second end 312b, 412b of the rod 312, 412 and the proximal end 330b, 430b of the applicator head 330, 430. Instead, in these examples, the applicator head 330, 430 may be directly coupled with the rod 312, 412 via any number of suitable approaches. In this arrangement, each channel (not illustrated) of the respective rod 312, 412 opens to an interior portion 338, 438 of the respective applicator head 330, 430. The applicator heads 330, 430 include any number of flow paths 340, 440 in the form of openings or through bores that extend from the interior portion 338, 438 to the outer surface 330a, 430a. So configured, when a user engages the urging member (not illustrated), the cosmetic substance 101 may be selectively drawn into and out of the interior portions 338, 438 of the applicator heads 330, 430 and into the respective channel of the rod 312, 412. Put differently, the flow paths 340, 440 transmit the cosmetic substance from the interior portions 338, 438 to the outer surface 330a, 430a thereof.


The applicator head 330 illustrated in FIGS. 8 & 9 includes guide structures 334 in the form of grooves that extend in a generally parallel direction to the longitudinal axis L, but terminate at or near a midpoint of the applicator head 330. Conversely, the applicator head 430 illustrated in FIGS. 10 & 11 includes guide structures 434 in the form of grooves that extend in a generally parallel direction to the longitudinal axis L substantially the entire distance of the applicator head 430 (i.e., substantially the entire length between proximal and distal ends 430a, 430b). However, other examples or arrangements are possible.


Turning to FIGS. 12-14, a portion of an alternative device 500 is provided. Like the devices 300, 400, the device 500 includes an applicator 510 having an applicator head 530 that does not form a gap between a second end 512b of the rod 512 and a proximal end 530b of the applicator head 530. In this example, the outer surface 530a of the applicator head 530 is segmented into a first region 542 in the form of a central member and a second region 544 that at least partially surrounds the first region 542. Further, the applicator head 530 includes a flow path 540 defined at least partially around the first region 542. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the flow path 540 allows the cosmetic substance 101 to selectively enter or exit an interior portion 538 and the channel (not illustrated) of the rod 512.


With brief reference to FIGS. 15 & 16, example devices 600, 700 are provided that include similar features as the device 500 illustrated in FIGS. 12-14. However, the device 600 illustrated in FIG. 15 includes a first region 642 having a surface treatment applied thereto, and the device 700 illustrated in FIG. 16 includes a second region 744 having a surface treatment applied thereto. This surface treatment may be in the form of flocking, bumps, ridges, a relatively softer or harder material, a resilient or flexible material, and the like. Other examples of suitable surface treatments, and arrangements of the first and second regions, are possible.


Turning to FIGS. 17-19, a portion of an alternative device 800 is provided. Like the devices 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700, the device 800 includes an applicator 810 having an applicator head 830 that does not form a gap between a second end 812b of the rod 812 and a proximal end 830b of the applicator head 830. In this example, the proximal end 830b of the applicator head 830 includes a flow path 840 in the form of an opening or through bore that extends from the second end 812b of the rod 812 (and thus, the opening formed thereby) to the outer surface 830a.


Turning to FIGS. 20-22, a portion of an alternative device 900 is provided. Like the devices 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800, the device 900 includes an applicator 910 having an applicator head 930 that does not form a gap between a second end 912b of the rod 912 and a proximal end 930b of the applicator head 930. In this example, the retention member(s) 920 includes any number of flow paths 940 in the form of louvered openings that extends from the second end 912b of the rod 912 (and thus, the opening formed thereby) to the outer surface 930a.


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).

Claims
  • 1. A product application device for dispensing and applying a cosmetic substance, the product application device comprising: a container defining a cavity containing the cosmetic substance and including an open first end; andan applicator adapted to be insertable into the cavity of the container, the applicator comprising: a rod having a first end, a second end having an opening, and an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the elongated body further defining a channel extending at least partially between the first end and the second end of the rod;an urging member positioned at or near the first end of the rod, the urging member adapted to selectively draw the 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;at least one retention member positioned at or near the second end of the rod, the at least one retention member extending a distance beyond the opening of the second end of the rod; andan applicator head operably coupled with the rod via the at least one retention member, the applicator head including an outer surface having at least one guide structure adapted to direct the cosmetic substance about the outer surface thereof.
  • 2. The product application device of claim 1, wherein the applicator head is rotatable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.
  • 3. The product application device of claim 1, wherein the applicator head includes at least one flow path formed thereon, the at least one flow path adapted to transmit the cosmetic substance from an interior region of the applicator head to the outer surface thereof.
  • 4. The product application device of claim 3, wherein the at least one flow path comprises at least one longitudinal groove.
  • 5. The product application device of claim 3, wherein the at least one flow path comprises an open-cell structure.
  • 6. The product application device of claim 3, wherein the at least one flow path comprises at least one transverse groove.
  • 7. The product application device of claim 1, wherein the at least one guide structure comprises at least one dimple formed on the outer surface of the applicator head.
  • 8. The product application device of claim 1, wherein the at least one guide structure comprises at least one groove formed on the outer surface of the applicator head.
  • 9. The product application device of claim 1, wherein the outer surface includes a first region having a first surface characteristic and a second region having a second surface characteristic.
  • 10. The product application device of claim 1, wherein the urging member comprises at least one of a button or a squeezable member.
  • 11. An applicator for a product application device, the applicator comprising: a rod having a first end, a second end having an opening, and an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the elongated body defining a channel extending at least partially between the first end and the second end of the rod;an urging member positioned at or near the first end of the rod, the urging member adapted to selectively draw 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;at least one retention member positioned at or near the second end of the rod, the at least one retention member extending a distance beyond the opening of the second end of the rod; andan applicator head operably coupled with the rod via the at least one retention member, the applicator head including an outer surface having at least one guide structure adapted to direct the cosmetic substance about the outer surface thereof.
  • 12. The applicator of claim 11, wherein the applicator head is rotatable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.
  • 13. The applicator of claim 11, wherein the applicator head includes at least one flow path formed thereon, the at least one flow path adapted to transmit the cosmetic substance from an interior region of the applicator head to the outer surface thereof.
  • 14. The applicator of claim 13, wherein the at least one flow path comprises at least one longitudinal groove.
  • 15. The applicator of claim 13, wherein the at least one flow path comprises an open-cell structure.
  • 16. The applicator of claim 13, wherein the at least one flow path comprises at least one transverse groove.
  • 17. The applicator of claim 11, wherein the at least one guide structure comprises at least one dimple formed on the outer surface of the applicator head.
  • 18. The applicator of claim 11, wherein the at least one guide structure comprises at least one groove formed on the outer surface of the applicator head.
  • 19. The applicator of claim 11, wherein the outer surface includes a first region having a first surface characteristic and a second region having a second surface characteristic.
  • 20. The applicator of claim 11, wherein the urging member comprises at least one of a button or a squeezable member.