Squeezable bottle for nail polish

Abstract

Various disclosed embodiments relate to a cosmetic bottle having a dip mode and a squeeze bottle mode. The present disclosure includes a cosmetic kit having a container for a cosmetic fluid, an applicator for the cosmetic fluid, and a connector removably coupling the applicator to the container. In a first mode of operation, the connection may at least partially secure the applicator into the container. In a second mode of operation, the connector may secure the applicator to the container such that the applicator extends from the container and cosmetic fluid may flow from the container to the applicator.

Description

[0001] Priority declaration

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. application serial number 63 / 333,317, filed on April 21, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The examples discussed herein relate to cosmetic containers, and in particular to nail polish bottles. Background Art

[0004] Liquid cosmetics such as nail polish, foundation, concealer are used by a large number of consumers every day worldwide. The nail polish business comprising liquid nail polish and gel nail polish constitutes a multi-billion dollar industry. Nail polish is a paint that can be applied to fingernails or toenails to protect and decorate nail plates. Many nail polishes can include organic polymers and other components that allow various textures and colors. The application of nail polish may be time-consuming and may require drying time. In addition, when applying nail polish, for example, by dipping a brush into a bottle, the nail polish bottle is usually placed on a separate surface. However, conventional liquid nail polish may break, crack or wear in the course of daily life. Therefore, consumers may wish to reapply fixed nail polish in their daily lives. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a cosmetic bottle system, such as a nail polish bottle, having two operating modes: a first operating mode in which an applicator can be dipped into the bottle to retain cosmetic fluid for application; and a second operating mode in which the same applicator can be attached to an opening of the bottle and cosmetic fluid can flow from the cosmetic bottle to the applicator through a connector.

[0006] Many cosmetics such as nail polish usually use bottles (or other containers) to hold products. Usually, the consumer using the product must pour the product out to use with an applicator such as a sponge or a brush, or immerse the applicator in the bottle. For example, for nail polish, the brush is conventionally attached to the cap via a rod and easily immersed in the nail polish bottle. However, this type of cosmetic application usually requires two hands and a surface on which the bottle is placed when using the applicator to apply cosmetics. This is not ideal for applying cosmetics when traveling or going out.

[0007] Thus, a cosmetic container is proposed herein that can be used in two modes: a more typical "dip" mode, in which a brush can be dipped and used to apply a cosmetic fluid; and a more general "squeeze" mode, in which the same brush can be secured to a bottle in a flow-out manner to allow the cosmetic fluid to flow from the bottle into the brush. This second mode of operation can also allow for one-handed application of the cosmetic fluid, such as on-the-go application. For example, application of cosmetics such as nail polish can be simplified when traveling, commuting, or in public. This is particularly useful for touch-ups of quick-drying formula nail polish.

[0008] In a first example, a cosmetic kit may include a container, an applicator, and a connector. The container may be used to hold a cosmetic fluid and may have an opening for retrieving the cosmetic fluid therethrough. The applicator may be used for the cosmetic fluid and may have an application end and a handle end. The connector may be detachably coupled to the container. The connector may extend from the handle end of the applicator and may have at least one channel, at least one channel being aligned with the applicator to allow cosmetic fluid to pass through the at least one channel. In a first operating mode, the connector may be actuatable for at least partially fixing the application end of the applicator to the container, and in a second operating mode, the connector may be actuatable for fixing the handle end of the applicator to the container to allow cosmetic fluid to flow from the container to the applicator through the at least one channel.

[0009] In a second example, a nail polish device may include a bottle for accommodating nail polish, the bottle having an inner cavity and a cap assembly. The cap may include a brush and a cap. The brush may have an application end, a connection end with a fluid channel, and a rod extending therebetween. The application end may be configured to be immersed in the bottle, and the connection end may be configured to be releasably attached to the bottle. The connection end may have: a first configuration, wherein the application end of the brush extends at least partially into the inner cavity of the bottle; and a second configuration, wherein the application end of the brush extends away from the bottle. In the second configuration, the fluid channel may be aligned with the inner cavity of the bottle to allow nail polish to flow through. The cap may be configured to cover the brush in the first configuration, and the cap may be used to close the bottle and produce a fluid-tight seal.

[0010] In a third example, a method of applying nail polish may include: securing a brush to a nail polish bottle with a connector including a fluid channel, wherein the nail polish bottle is squeezable; squeezing the nail polish bottle to move the nail polish through the fluid channel to the brush; and applying the nail polish. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like reference numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments discussed in this document by way of example and not limitation.

[0012] Figure 1A to 1B Depicts a perspective view of the nail polish bottle system of the example.

[0013] Figures 2A to 2E Depicts a perspective view of the nail polish bottle system of the example.

[0014] Figures 3A to 3E A schematic cross-sectional view of a nail polish bottle system in an example is depicted.

[0015] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a nail polish bottle system in an example is depicted.

[0016] Figure 5 Describing the example Figure 4 An enlarged portion of a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG.

[0017] Figure 6 Depicts a method of painting nails using a nail polish bottle system in an example.

[0018] Figures 7A to 7C Perspective and cross-sectional views depicting a stackable nail polish bottle system in an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure describes, among other things, a cosmetic bottle and brush configuration for enabling on-the-go application of cosmetics. The cosmetic bottle can be switched between a dip mode and a squeeze bottle mode. The dip mode can be similar to conventional cosmetic application. The squeeze bottle mode can allow a continuous flow of cosmetic fluid from the bottle to the brush, such as for single-handed or on-the-go application.

[0020] Figure 1A to 1B depicts a perspective view of the nail polish bottle system 100 in an example, and Figures 2A to 2E Additional perspective views of the nail polish bottle system 100 are depicted in the example. Figures 1A to 2E The nail polish bottle system 100 can be used to store and apply nail polish 150 .

[0021] The nail polish bottle system 100 may include a bottle 110 having an opening 112 and a cavity 114, a cap 120, a connector 130, and an applicator 140 having an application end 142 and a handle end 144. The nail polish bottle system 100 may be used to contain nail polish 150.

[0022] In nail polish bottle system 100, nail polish 150 may reside in cavity 114 of bottle 110. Connector 130 with attached applicator 140 may be attached to bottle 110 at opening 112. Figure 1A In the embodiment, the applicator 140 can be directed inwardly toward the cavity 114 of the bottle 110, and the cap 120 can cover the connector 130 and the applicator 140. Figure 1B In the embodiment of the present invention, cap 120 may be disconnected and connector 130 may be attached to bottle 110 at opening 112 such that applicator 140 and application tip 142 may extend outwardly away from cavity 114 of bottle 110 .

[0023] Figure 1A The nail polish bottle system 100 is depicted in a first operating mode 100A. In the first operating mode, the cap 120 and the connector 130 can be removed from the bottle 110 opening 112. Then, the applicator 140 can be used to dip into the cavity 114 of the bottle 110 using the application end 142 to remove the nail polish 150. In the first operating mode 100A, the connector 130 can be actuatable for at least partially securing the application end 142 of the applicator 140 to the bottle 110.

[0024] Figure 1B The nail polish bottle system 100 is depicted in a second operating mode 100B. In the second operating mode, the cap 120 can be removed. The connector 130 can be flipped vertically and fixed to the opening 112 so that the application end 142 of the applicator 140 extends away from the bottle 110. In this second operating mode, the nail polish 150 can be dispensed by squeezing the bottle 110 and allowing the nail polish 150 to flow from the cavity 114 to the application end 142 of the applicator 140. In the second operating mode 100B, the connector 130 can be actuatable for fixing the handle end 144 of the applicator 140 to the bottle 110 to allow the nail polish 150 to flow from the bottle 110 to the applicator 140 through at least one channel.

[0025] Bottle 110 can be a container for receiving, containing and applying cosmetic fluid or a combination thereof. Bottle 110 can be a squeezable plastic bottle. For example, bottle 110 can be polyethylene or polypropylene, or other plastic resins with similar flexibility and compatibility properties. Bottle 110 can be a material compatible with the cosmetic fluid therein to avoid chemical reactions in bottle 110 and to avoid degradation.

[0026] In the example of system 100, the size and shape of bottle 110 can be set to allow to hold or receive nail polish 150.Nail polish can include nail polish, nail coating material, gel nail polish, acrylic nail material, nail polish, or other cosmetic fluids for applying to fingernails or toenails."Nail polish" can be alternatively referred to as "nail gloss" or "nail polish color".In other examples, different types of cosmetic fluids can be contained in bottle 110, such as but not limited to foundation, concealer, liquid blush, liquid bronze blush, liquid highlight or other cosmetic products.In some cases, skin care products can be contained in bottle 110, such as oil, essence, cleanser, makeup remover, cleaning brush or other cosmetic fluids.

[0027] The size and shape of cavity 114 can be set to accommodate nail polish 150. The opening 112 of bottle 110 can be used to remove cosmetic fluid, such as when a user wishes to apply cosmetic fluid. For example, when a consumer wishes to paint their nails, the consumer can use applicator 140 to remove nail polish 150 from bottle 110 via opening 112. In the case of system 100, the consumer can alternatively fix connector 130 in the second operating mode and remove nail polish 150 by squeezing the bottle. Bottle 110 can be made of a single piece of material, such as plastic.

[0028] The size and shape of the cap 120 can be set to fit over the connector 130 and the applicator 140 to secure the applicator 140 and the connector 130 to the bottle 110 opening 112 when in the closed configuration. The cap 120 can allow the nail polish bottle system 100 to be closed in the first operating mode 100A. The cap 120 can provide a fluid-tight seal to protect the nail polish 150, such as to prevent the nail polish 150 from drying out. The size and shape of the cap 120 can be set to fit securely with the connector 130 and the applicator 140.

[0029] The connector 130 can be removably 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 aligned with a handle end 144 of the applicator 140 (hereinafter referred to as Figures 3A to 5 shown and discussed).

[0030] Applicator 140 can include an application end 142 and a handle end 144. Handle end 144 can be an extension that secures application end 142 to connector 130. In some cases, handle end 144 can be a rod, a cylindrical piece, or other component that attaches application end 142 to connector 130.

[0031] The smearing end 142 can be formed to dispense nail polish 150. For example, the smearing end 142 can be a brush for applying fingernails or toenails. In some cases, the smearing end 142 can be a standard nail brush, such as a natural hair brush or a synthetic material brush. In some cases, the smearing end 142 can be a nail art brush for fine details. In some cases, the smearing end 142 can be a synthetic brush, such as a polymer or plastic material. In some cases, the smearing end 142 can be an alternative type of applicator, such as a pad, sponge, scraper or other applicator type. In some cases, the smearing end 142 can include a flocking material or a foam material. For example, this smearing end can be a deer foot applicator.

[0032] Figures 2A to 2E Depicts the transition of the nail polish bottle system 100 between the first operating mode 100A and the second operating mode 100B. Figure 2A , the nail polish bottle system 100 is closed in a first operating mode 100A. Here, the cap 120 is fixed over the connector 130 and the applicator 140. The connector 130 is in a first vertical position, wherein the application end 142 of the applicator 140 extends inwardly to the cavity 114 having the nail polish 150.

[0033] exist Figure 2B , the nail polish bottle system 100 is open in a first operating mode 100A. Here, the applicator 140 and the connector 130 remain connected to the cap 120 in the same vertical position. In this first operating mode 100A, the consumer can use the applicator 140 to dip into the opening 112 and cavity 114 of the bottle 110 to absorb the nail polish 150. The consumer can then use the applicator 140 application end 142 to apply the nail polish 150 to a fingernail, toe nail, or alternative surface.

[0034] exist Figure 2C In the embodiment, nail polish bottle system 100 is switched between first operation mode 100A and second operation mode 100B. First, cap 120 is separated from connector 130 and applicator 140, and cap 120 is set aside. Next, in Figure 2D In the embodiment, the connector 130 with the attached applicator 140 is disconnected from the bottle 110. For example, if the connector 130 is attached to the bottle 110 using threads, the connector 130 can be unscrewed and removed.

[0035] Finally, in Figure 2E In the second mode of operation 100B, the connector 130 with the attached applicator 140 is flipped vertically so that the applicator 140 extends outward from the bottle 110. The connector 130 is then secured to the opening 112 of the bottle 110 with the applicator 140 extending outward. The nail polish bottle system 100 can now be used in the second mode of operation 100B.

[0036] Figures 3A to 3E A schematic cross-sectional view of a nail polish bottle system 100 in an example is depicted. The nail polish bottle system 100 may include a bottle 110 having an opening 112, a cavity 114, and threads 113, a cap 120, a connector 130 having a channel 132 and threads 133 and 134, and an applicator 140 having an application end 142 and a handle end 144. Figures 3A to 3E Threads 113 on bottle 110, channel 132 in connector 130, and threads 134 on connector 130 can be seen.

[0037] The threads 113 can be a mating feature on the bottle 110 to allow the connector 130 to be attached to the corresponding threads 133 in the first operating mode 100A. In some cases, other attachment mechanisms can be used. In addition to reducing or minimizing the drying or contamination of the nail polish 150, the threads 113 can also create a fluid-tight seal to prevent the nail polish 150 from leaking.

[0038] The threads 134 on the connector 130 may be on an end of the connector 130 opposite the corresponding threads 133. The threads 134 may be configured to mate with the threads 113 on the bottle 110 also in the second operating mode 100B.

[0039] The channel 132 can extend through the connector 130. When the connector 130 is attached in the second operating mode 100B, the channel 132 can extend between the opening 112 and the application end 142 of the applicator 140. This can allow the nail polish 150 to flow from the cavity 114 in the bottle 110 down the channel 132 to the application end 142 to apply the nail polish 150 to a fingernail, a toenail, or another surface.

[0040] exist Figure 3A In the first operation mode 100A, the system 100 is closed. Figure 3B In the first operation mode 100A, the bottle 110 is opened by unscrewing the cap 120 from the opening 112 of the bottle 110. The connector 130 and the applicator 140 can be Figure 3B The connector 130 remains attached to the cap 120 until the cap 120 is unscrewed from the connector 130. Figure 3C At , pull the cap 120 out of the connector 130. Figure 3D At , the connector 130 and the applicator 140 are removed from the opening 112 of the bottle 110. Figure 3E In the second operating mode 100B, the connector 130 is flipped vertically and attached to the bottle 110.

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a nail polish bottle system 100 is depicted. Figure 5 Depiction Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an enlarged portion X of a schematic cross-sectional view of a nail polish bottle system 100 shown in FIG. Figure 4 and 5 .

[0042] Nail polish bottle system 100 may include bottle 110 having opening 112 , threads 113 , and cavity 114 , cap 120 , connector 130 having channel 132 and threads 134 , and applicator 140 having application end 142 and handle end 144 . Figure 4 and 5 The flow of nail polish 150 is depicted by arrow Y. The squeezing action of the consumer is indicated by arrow Z.

[0043] exist Figure 4 and 5 1, the nail polish bottle system 100 is in a second operating mode 100B for on-the-go, one-handed or simplified dispensing of nail polish 150. Here, the consumer can squeeze the bottle 110 at arrow Z. This can push the nail polish 150 out of the cavity 114 through the opening 112 to reach the channel 132 of the connector 130. The nail polish 150 can flow along arrow Y toward the application end 142. When the nail polish 150 encounters the applicator 140, the nail polish 150 can leave the channel 132 and flow toward the application end 142 around the handle end 144 until the nail polish 150 reaches the application end 142. The nail polish 150 can settle on the outer surface of the application end 142, such as on both sides of the application end 142, mimicking what happens when the application end 142 is immersed in the cavity 112 of the bottle 110 in the first operating mode 100A. In this way, the nail polish 150 can be delivered to the application end 142 and used to paint toenails, fingernails or other surfaces.

[0044] Here, the bottle 110 can have high density or medium density polyethylene so that the bottle does not chemically react with the nail polish 150, but is still squeezable. The connector 130 can be polypropylene high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene or other plastic resins with similar flexibility and compatibility properties so that the connector can fit tightly within the cap 120 in the first operating mode 120.

[0045] Figure 6Describe the method 600 of painting nails with a nail polish bottle system. Method 600 may include operations 610 to 630. In operation 610, a brush may be fixed to a nail polish bottle with a connector having a fluid passage. In some cases, fixing the brush to the nail polish bottle may include screwing the connector to the opening of the nail polish bottle to make a fluid-tight connection. The bottle may be squeezable. In operation 620, the nail bottle may be squeezed to move the nail polish to the brush through the fluid passage. In operation 630, the nail polish may be applied to a surface, such as a toenail or a fingernail.

[0046] Figures 7A to 7C A perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a stackable nail polish bottle system 700 are depicted in an example. The system 700 can include a plurality of nail polish bottles. For example, Figures 7A to 7C In the embodiment, two nail polish bottles 710 and 720 are stacked. The nail polish bottles 710 and 720 can be similar to those described above. Figures 1A to 5 The bottles described.

[0047] Each of the nail polish bottles 710, 720 may include a bottom portion 712, 722 attached to the bottom itself, and a top depression 714, 724 on the cap that are shaped to snap into place with each other. For example, the bottom portion 722 of the second nail polish bottle 720 may be snapped onto the top depression 714 of the first nail polish bottle 710, thereby creating a stack of nail polish bottles. This may be useful for storage.

[0048] Various notes and examples

[0049] Example 1 is a cosmetic kit comprising: a container for containing a cosmetic fluid, the container having an opening through which the cosmetic fluid is removed; an applicator for the cosmetic fluid, the applicator having an application end and a handle end; a connector for removably connecting the applicator to the container, the connector extending from the handle end of the applicator and including at least one channel, the at least one channel being aligned with the applicator to allow cosmetic fluid to pass through the at least one channel, wherein in a first operating mode, the connector is actuatable to at least partially secure the application end of the applicator to the container, and wherein in a second operating mode, the connector is actuatable to secure the handle end of the applicator to the container to allow cosmetic fluid to flow from the container to the applicator through the at least one channel.

[0050] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes a cap attachable to the connector when in the first operating mode, wherein the cap is configurable to create a fluid-tight seal with the bottle over the brush and the connector.

[0051] In example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1-2 optionally includes wherein the container is squeezable, such that the cosmetic fluid can flow out of the container when squeezed.

[0052] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 3 optionally includes wherein the container is a bottle.

[0053] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 4 optionally includes wherein the applicator is a brush.

[0054] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 5 optionally includes wherein the applicator is a sponge, foam, or flocked material.

[0055] In Example 7, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 1 to 6 optionally includes wherein the opening on the container includes a set of threads, and the connector includes a set of corresponding mating threads for attaching the applicator and connector to the container in the first operating mode or the second operating mode.

[0056] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 7 optionally includes wherein the set of corresponding mating threads is reversible.

[0057] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 8 optionally includes wherein the first mode of operation allows the applicator tip to be immersed in the cosmetic fluid in the container through the opening.

[0058] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 optionally includes wherein the first mode of operation effects closure of the kit in a fluid-tight manner.

[0059] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 10 optionally includes wherein the second mode of operation enables fluid flow from the container to the application end of the applicator through the connector channel.

[0060] In example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 11 optionally includes wherein the cosmetic fluid is nail polish.

[0061] Example 13 is a device comprising: a bottle for containing nail polish, the bottle having an interior cavity; a cap assembly comprising a brush having an application end, a connecting end with a fluid channel, and a stem extending therebetween, wherein the application end is configured to be immersed in the bottle and the connecting end is configured to be releasably attached to the bottle, the connecting end having: a first configuration in which the application end of the brush extends at least partially into the interior cavity of the bottle; and a second configuration in which the application end of the brush extends away from the bottle, wherein, in the second configuration, the fluid channel is aligned with the interior cavity of the bottle to allow nail polish to flow therethrough; and a cap configured to cover the brush in the first configuration, the cap being used to close the bottle and create a fluid-tight seal.

[0062] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 optionally includes wherein the connecting end includes an attachment feature that is actuatable for securing the brush to the bottle in the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0063] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 13 to 14 optionally includes wherein the fluid channel extends from the connecting end through the brush and terminates before the application end, so that nail polish exiting the fluid channel flows onto the application end.

[0064] In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 13 to 15 optionally includes wherein the bottle comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0065] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includes wherein the bottle is actuatable for movement of nail polish from the inner cavity through the fluid passageway to the application tip.

[0066] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 optionally includes wherein the bottle is squeezable.

[0067] Example 19 is a method of applying nail polish, comprising: fixing a brush to a nail polish bottle with a connector including a fluid channel, wherein the nail polish bottle is squeezable; squeezing the nail polish bottle to move the nail polish to the brush through the fluid channel; and applying the nail polish.

[0068] In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 optionally includes wherein securing the brush to the nail polish bottle comprises threading the connector onto an opening of the nail polish bottle to make a fluid-tight connection.

[0069] Each of these non-limiting examples may stand alone or may be combined with one or more of the other examples in various permutations or combinations.

[0070] The above detailed description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention that can be put into practice. These embodiments are also referred to as "examples" in this article. Such examples may include elements other than those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate that only examples of those elements shown or described are provided. In addition, the inventors also contemplate using any combination or arranged examples (or one or more aspects thereof) of those elements shown or described relative to a specific example (or one or more aspects thereof) or relative to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0071] In the event of an inconsistency in usage between this document and any document incorporated by reference, the usage of this document shall control.

[0072] 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 examples or uses of "at least one" or "one or more". In this document, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" is used to refer to non-exclusivity, or thus "A or B" includes "A but not B", "B but not A", and "A and B". In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as concise English equivalents of the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein". Moreover, in the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" are open, that is, systems, devices, articles, compositions, formulations, or processes that include elements other than those listed after such terms in the claims are still considered to be within the scope of the claims. In addition, 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.

[0073] The method examples described herein may be implemented at least in part by a machine or computer. Some examples may include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform the method described in the above example. The implementation scheme of such methods may include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, high-level language code, etc. This code may include computer-readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form part of a computer program product. In addition, in an example, the code may be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-temporary or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable disks, removable optical disks (e.g., optical disks and digital video disks), cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), etc.

[0074] The above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. For example, a person of ordinary skill in the art can use other embodiments after consulting the above description. An abstract is provided to comply with 37C.FR§1.72(b) to allow readers to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the following understanding: it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above specific embodiments, various features can be grouped together to simplify the present disclosure. This situation should not be interpreted as an expectation that the unclaimed public features are necessary for any claim. On the contrary, the subject matter of the present invention may be less than all the features of a specific disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the attached claims are hereby incorporated into the specific embodiments as examples or embodiments, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate embodiment, and it is expected that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full range of equivalents given by such claims.

Claims

1. A cosmetic kit comprising: a container for containing a cosmetic fluid, the container having an opening for removing the cosmetic fluid therethrough; an applicator for the cosmetic fluid, the applicator having an application end and a handle end; a connector that removably couples the applicator to the container, the connector extending from the handle end of the applicator and defining at least one channel that is aligned with the applicator to allow cosmetic fluid to pass through the at least one channel, wherein in a first operating mode, the connector is actuatable for at least partially securing the application end of the applicator to the container, and Wherein in a second operating mode, the connector is actuatable for securing the handle end of the applicator to the container to allow cosmetic fluid to flow from the container to the applicator through the at least one passageway.

2. The cosmetic kit of claim 1, further comprising a cap attachable to the connector when in the first operating mode, wherein the cap is configurable to create a fluid-tight seal with the bottle over the brush and the connector. 3 . The cosmetic kit of claim 1 , wherein the container is squeezable such that the cosmetic fluid can flow out of the container when squeezed. The cosmetic kit of claim 1 , wherein the container is a bottle.

5. The cosmetic kit of claim 1, wherein the applicator is a brush.

6. The cosmetic kit of claim 1, wherein the applicator is a sponge, foam, or flocked material.

7. The cosmetic kit of claim 1, wherein the opening on the container includes a set of threads and the connector includes a corresponding set of mating threads for attaching the applicator and connector to the container in the first operating mode or the second operating mode.

8. The cosmetic kit of claim 1, wherein the set of corresponding mating threads are reversible.

9. The cosmetic kit of claim 1, wherein the first mode of operation allows the applicator tip to be immersed in the cosmetic fluid in the container through the opening.

10. The cosmetic kit of claim 1, wherein the first mode of operation effects closure of the kit in a fluid-tight manner.

11. The cosmetic kit of claim 1 , wherein the second mode of operation effects the flow of fluid from the container through the connector passage to the application end of the applicator.

12. The cosmetic kit of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic fluid is nail polish.

13. An apparatus comprising: a bottle for containing nail polish, the bottle defining an interior cavity; A cap assembly comprising: a brush having an application end, a connecting end defining a fluid passage, and a stem extending therebetween, wherein the application end is configured to be dipped into the bottle and the connecting end is configured to be releasably attached to the bottle, The connecting end has: a first configuration in which the application end of the brush extends at least partially into the inner cavity of the bottle; and a second configuration in which the application end of the brush extends away from the bottle, wherein, in the second configuration, the fluid passage is aligned with the interior cavity of the bottle to allow nail polish to flow therethrough; and A cap is configured to cover the brush in the first configuration, the cap being used to close the bottle and create a fluid-tight seal.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the connecting end includes an attachment feature that is actuatable for securing the brush to the bottle in either the first configuration or the second configuration.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the fluid channel extends from the connection end through the brush and terminates before the application end such that nail polish exiting the fluid channel flows onto the application end.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the bottle comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the bottle is actuatable for movement of nail polish from the interior cavity through the fluid passageway to the application tip.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the bottle is squeezable.

19. A method of applying nail polish, comprising: securing the brush to a nail polish bottle with a connector defining a fluid passage, wherein the nail polish bottle is squeezable; squeezing the nail polish bottle to move the nail polish through the fluid channel to the brush; and Apply said nail polish.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein securing the brush to the nail polish bottle comprises threading the connector onto an opening of the nail polish bottle to make a fluid-tight connection.

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