Examples discussed herein relate to cosmetics containers, and specifically nail enamel bottles.
Liquid cosmetics, such as nail enamel, foundation, concealer, and others, are used worldwide on a daily basis by a large number of consumers. The nail enamel business, including liquid nail polish and gel nail polish, makes up a multi-billion-dollar industry. Nail enamel is a lacquer that can be applied to fingernails or toenails for protection and decoration of the nail plates. Many nail enamels can include organic polymers and other components that allow for various textures and colors. Application of nail enamel can be time consuming and may require drying time. Moreover, nail enamel bottles typically are set on a separate surface while the nail enamel is applied, such as by dipping a brush in the bottle. But conventional liquid nail enamel can be subject to chipping, cracking, or wearing off during the course of daily life. Thus, consumers can desire to re-apply or fix nail enamel during their daily life.
The present disclosure provides a cosmetics bottle system, such as a nail enamel bottle, with two modes of operation: a first mode of operation in which an applicator can be dipped into the bottle to retain cosmetic fluid for application, and a second mode of operation in which the same applicator can be attached to an opening of the bottle, and cosmetic fluid can flow from the cosmetics bottle, through a connector, to the applicator.
Many cosmetics, such as nail enamel, generally used bottle (or other receptacles) to hold products. Often, a consumer using the product must either pour the product out for use with an applicator such as a sponge or brush, or dip such an applicator into the bottle. For example, with nail color, brushes are conventionally attached to a cap via a rod, and easily dippable into a nail color bottle. However, this type of application of cosmetics generally requires two hands and a surface on which to place the bottle while the applicator is being used to apply the cosmetics. This is not ideal for travel or on-the-go application of cosmetics.
For this reason, proposed herein is a cosmetic receptacle that can be used in two modes: a more typical “dipping” mode where a brush can be dipped and used to apply cosmetic fluid, and a more versatile “squeezing” mode, where the same brush can be secured to the bottle in an outgoing fashion to allow flow of the cosmetic fluid from the bottle into the brush. This second mode of operation can also allow for single handed application of the cosmetic fluid, such as on-the-go application. For example, when travelling, commuting, or in public, application of cosmetics, such as nail enamel, can be simplified. This is particularly useful with quick dry formulation nail enamels for a touch-up.
In a first example, cosmetics kit can include a receptable, an applicator, and a connector. The receptacle can be for holding a cosmetic fluid and can have an opening for retrieval of cosmetic fluid therethrough. The applicator can be for the cosmetic fluid and have an application end and a handle end. The connector can detachably couple the applicator to the receptacle. The connector can extend from the handle end of the applicator and have at least one channel aligned with the applicator to allow cosmetic fluid through the at least one channel. In a first mode of operation, the connector can be actuatable for securing the application end of the applicator at least partially into the receptacle, and in a second mode of operation, the connector can be actuatable for securing the handle end of the applicator to the receptacle to allow flow of cosmetic fluid from the receptacle through the at least one channel to the applicator.
In a second example, nail enamel device can include a bottle for holding nail enamel, the bottle having an inner cavity and a cap assembly. The cap can include a brush and a cap. The brush can have an application end, a connecting end with a fluid channel, and a rod extending therebetween. The application end can be configured for dipping into the bottle, and the connecting end can be configured for releasable attachment to the bottle. The connecting end can have a first configuration where the application end of the brush extends at least partially into the inner cavity of the bottle, and a second configuration where the application end of the brush extends away from the bottle. In the second configuration, the fluid channel can be aligned with the inner cavity of the bottle to allow nail enamel flow therethrough. The cap can be configured to overlay the brush in the first configuration, the cap can be for closing the bottle and creating a fluid tight seal.
In a third example, a method of applying nail enamel can include securing a brush onto a nail enamel bottle with a connector comprising a fluid channel, wherein the nail enamel bottle is squeezable, squeezing the nail enamel bottle to move nail enamel through the fluid channel to the brush, and applying the nail enamel.
In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.
The present disclosure describes, among other things, is a cosmetics bottle and brush configuration that allows for on-the-go cosmetic application. The cosmetics bottle can be transitioned between a dip-and-paint mode and a squeeze-bottle mode. The dip-and-paint mode can be similar to conventional cosmetics applications. The squeeze-bottle mode can allow for a continuous flow of cosmetic fluid from the bottle to the brush, such as can be applied with one hand or on-the-go.
The nail enamel bottle system 100 can include a bottle 110 with an opening 112, and a cavity 114, a cap 120, a connector 130, and an applicator 140 with an application end 142 and a handle end 144. The nail enamel bottle system 100 can be used to hold nail enamel 150.
In the nail enamel bottle system 100, the nail enamel 150 can reside in the cavity 114 of the bottle 110. The connector 130 with the attached applicator 140 can be attached to the bottle 110 at the opening 112. In
The bottle 110 can be a receptacle for receipt, holding, and application, or combinations thereof, of a cosmetics fluid. The bottle 110 can be a plastic bottle that is squeezable. For example, the bottle 110 can be a polyethylene or a polypropylene, or other plastic resins with similar flexibility and compatibility properties. The bottle 110 can be a material compatible with the cosmetics fluid therein, such as to avoid chemical reaction in the bottle 110 and avoid degradation.
In the example of system 100, the bottle 110 can be sized and shaped to allow holding or receipt of the nail enamel 150. Nail enamel can include nail color, nail coating materials, gel nail color, acrylic nail materials, nail oils, or other cosmetic fluid for application to fingernails or toenails. “Nail enamel” can be alternatively referred to as “nail polish” or nail varnish”. In other examples, a different type of cosmetic fluid can be held in the bottle 110, such as, but not limited to, foundation, concealer, liquid blush, liquid bronzer, liquid highlighter, or other cosmetic products. In some cases, skin care products can be held in the bottle 110, such as oil, serums, cleansers, make-up removers, brush cleaners, or other cosmetic fluids.
The cavity 114 can be sized and shaped to hold the nail enamel 150. The opening 112 of the bottle 110 can be used for retrieval of the cosmetics fluid, such as when a user desires to apply the cosmetics fluid. For example, when a consumer desires to paint their nails, they can use the applicator 140 to retrieve the nail enamel 150 from the bottle 110 via the opening 112. In the case of the system 100, the consumer may alternatively secure the connector 130 in the second mode of operation and retrieve the nail enamel 150 through squeezing the bottle. The bottle 110 can be made of a monolithic piece of material, such as a plastic.
The cap 120 can be sized and shaped to fit over the connector 130 and the applicator 140, to secure the applicator 140 and connector 130 to the bottle 110 opening 112 when in a closed configuration. The cap 120 can allow for closing of the nail enamel bottle system 100 in the first mode of operation 100A. The cap 120 can provide a fluid tight seal to protect the nail enamel 150, such as preventing drying out of the nail enamel 150. The cap 120 can be sized and shape to securely fit with the connector 130 and applicator 140.
The connector 130 can be detachably coupled to the bottle 110. The connector 130 and the applicator 140 can be, for example, a single piece or multiple pieces assembled together. The applicator 140 can extend from a central portion of the connector 130. The connector 130 can include a channel 132 (shown and discussed with reference to
The applicator 140 can include the application end 142 and the handle end 144. The handle end 144 can be an extension piece securing the application end 142 to the connector 130. In some cases, the handle end 144 can be a rod, a cylindrical piece, or other component attaching the application end 142 to the connector 130.
The application end 142 can be formed to distribute the nail enamel 150. For example, the application end 142 can be a brush for painting fingernails or toenails. In some cases, the application end 142 can be a standard nail brush, such as a natural hair brush or a synthetic material brush. In some cases, the application end 142 can be a nail art sized brush for fine details. In some cases, the application end 142 can be a synthetic brush such as a polymer or plastic material. In some cases, the application end 142 can be an alternative type of applicator, such as a pad, sponge, spatula, or other applicator type. In some cases, the application end 142 can include a flocked material, or a foam material. For example, such an application end can be a doe foot applicator.
In
In
Finally, in
The threads 113 can be a mating feature on the bottle 110 to allow for attachment of the connector 130 with the corresponding threads 133 in the first mode of operation 100A. In some cases, other attachment mechanisms can be used. The threads 113 can create a fluid-tight seal to prevent leaking of the nail enamel 150, in addition to reducing or minimizing the nail enamel 150 drying out or becoming contaminated.
The threads 134 on the connector 130 can be on an opposing end of the connector 130 from the corresponding threads 133. The threads 134 can be configured to also mate with the threads 113 on the bottle 110, in the second mode of operation 100B.
The channel 132 can extend through the connector 130. When the connector 130 is attached in the second mode of operation 100B, the channel 132 can extend between the opening 112 and the application end 142 of the applicator 140. This can allow for flow of the nail enamel 150 from the cavity 114 in the bottle 110 down the channel 132 to the application end 142 for application of the nail enamel 150 on fingernails, toenails, or another surface.
In
The nail enamel bottle system 100 can include the bottle 110 with the opening 112, the threads 113, and the cavity 114, the cap 120, the connector 130 with the channel 132 and the threads 134, and the applicator 140 with the application end 142 and the handle end 144. The flow of the nail enamel 150 in
In
Here, the bottle 110 can be of a high or medium density polyethylene, such that the bottle does not chemically react with the nail enamel 150 but is still squeezable. The connector 130 can be a polypropylene, a high-density polyethylene, a medium density polyethylene, or other plastic resins with similar flexibility and compatibility properties, such that the connector can fit snuggly within the cap 120 in the first mode of operation 120.
Each of the nail enamel bottles 710, 720, can include a bottom portion 712, 722, attached to the bottom itself and a top indentation 714, 724 on the cap, which are shaped for snapping into place with each other. For example, the bottom portion 722 of the second nail enamel bottle 720 can be snapped on to the top indentation 714 of the first enamel bottle 710, creating a stack of nail enamel bottles. This can be useful for storage.
Example 1 is a cosmetics kit comprising: a receptacle for holding a cosmetic fluid, the receptacle having an opening for retrieval of cosmetic fluid therethrough; an applicator for the cosmetic fluid, the applicator having an application end and a handle end; a connector detachably coupling the applicator to the receptacle, the connector extending from the handle end of the applicator and comprising at least one channel aligned with the applicator to allow cosmetic fluid through the at least one channel, wherein in a first mode of operation, the connector is actuatable for securing the application end of the applicator at least partially into the receptacle, and wherein in a second mode of operation, the connector is actuatable for securing the handle end of the applicator to the receptacle to allow flow of cosmetic fluid from the receptacle through the at least one channel to the applicator.
In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes a cap attachable to the connector when in the first mode of operation, wherein the cap is configurable for creating a fluid tight seal over the brush and the connector to the bottle.
In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally include wherein the receptacle is squeezable, such that the cosmetics fluid can flow out of the receptacle when squeezed.
In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally include wherein the receptacle is a bottle.
In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally include wherein the applicator is a brush.
In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally include wherein the applicator is a sponge, a foam, or a flocked material.
In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally include wherein the opening on the receptacle comprises a set of threads, and the connector comprises a corresponding set of mating threads for attaching the applicator and connector to the receptacle in the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation.
In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally include wherein the corresponding set of mating threads is reversable.
In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8 optionally include wherein the first mode of operation allows dipping of the applicator end in the cosmetic fluid in the receptacle through the opening.
In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 optionally include wherein the first mode of operation allows for closing the kit in a fluid-tight fashion.
In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10 optionally include wherein the second mode of operation allows for flow of fluid from the receptacle through the connector channel to the application end of the applicator.
In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-11 optionally include wherein the cosmetics fluid is nail enamel.
Example 13 is a device comprising: a bottle for holding nail enamel, the bottle having an inner cavity; a cap assembly comprising: a brush having an application end, a connecting end with a fluid channel, and a rod extending therebetween, wherein the application end is configured for dipping into the bottle, and the connecting end is configured for releasable attachment to the bottle, the connecting end having a first configuration where the application end of the brush extends at least partially into the inner cavity of the bottle, and a second configuration where the application end of the brush extends away from the bottle wherein, in the second configuration, the fluid channel is aligned with the inner cavity of the bottle to allow nail enamel flow therethrough; and a cap configured to overlay the brush in the first configuration, the cap for closing the bottle and creating a fluid tight seal.
In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 optionally includes wherein the connecting end comprises an attachment feature actuatable for securing the brush to the bottle in the first configuration or the second configuration.
In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 13-14 optionally include wherein the fluid channel extends from the connecting end through the brush and terminates prior to the application end, such that nail enamel exiting the fluid channel flows onto the application end.
In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 13-15 optionally include wherein the bottle comprises a polyethylene or polypropylene.
In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includes wherein the bottle is actuatable for conducting movement of nail enamel from the inner cavity through the fluid channel to the application end.
In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 optionally includes wherein the bottle is squeezable.
Example 19 is a method of applying nail enamel, comprising: securing a brush onto a nail enamel bottle with a connector comprising a fluid channel, wherein the nail enamel bottle is squeezable; squeezing the nail enamel bottle to move nail enamel through the fluid channel to the brush; and applying the nail enamel.
In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 optionally includes wherein securing a brush onto a nail enamel bottle comprises screwing the connector on to an opening of the nail enamel bottle to make a fluid tight connection.
Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.
The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), 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. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 63/333,317, filed Apr. 21, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2023/019219 | 4/20/2023 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63333317 | Apr 2022 | US |