Stick applicator

Abstract

A personal care product applicator includes a wide flat rim configured to slide over a surface of a user's face, lips, skin, etc. The wide flat rim enables soft personal care products, particularly in the form of a stick, to be applied without mushrooming or other distortion of the shape of the applicator tip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to personal care product applicators, and more specifically, to a personal care product applicator having a wide flat edge configured to glide on an application surface such as a user's face, lips, skin, etc. Background Technology

[0002] Many personal care products are offered in stick form. The stick of a personal care product is typically housed within the sleeve of an applicator. One end of the stick can be pushed out from the end of the sleeve, allowing the exposed tip of the personal care product to be easily applied to the user's face, lips, skin, etc. Some common examples of personal care products offered in stick form include lipsticks, lip balms, and sunscreens.

[0003] Although the aforementioned general design for applying stick-shaped personal care products has existed since the early 20th century, traditional applicators are generally unsuitable for soft product formulations because the stick portion extending from the sleeve is prone to mushroom-shaped or other deformations upon contact with the user, making the application of personal care products difficult to control. Furthermore, the mushroom-shaped portion of the stick often fails to retract cleanly into the applicator's sleeve, resulting in product residue on the outer surface of the sleeve, which may unintentionally transfer to hands, clothing, the inside of handbags, or other non-target surfaces.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved personal care product applicator. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a personal care product applicator including a wide, flat edge configured to glide across a user's face, lips, skin, or other application surface. This wide, flat edge allows soft personal care products, particularly stick-shaped products, to be applied without mushroom-shaped deformation or other forms of tip distortion.

[0006] In one example, a personal care product applicator is provided, comprising a housing, a sleeve, a rod-shaped product delivery mechanism, and an applicator guide ring. The sleeve extends distally from the housing and has a tubular channel. The rod-shaped product delivery mechanism is integrated into the housing and operable to advance the personal care product toward the distal end of the sleeve. The applicator guide ring is disposed at the distal end of the sleeve and has a central channel aligned with the tubular channel of the sleeve. The applicator guide ring has a flat edge extending around the central channel. The flat edge faces away from the housing and has a width of at least 1 mm, which is smaller than the diameter of the central channel.

[0007] In some examples, the inner diameter of the sleeve is less than or equal to the diameter of the central channel.

[0008] In some examples, the ratio of the diameter of the central channel to the width of the flat edge is between 20 and 2.

[0009] In some examples, personal care products are disposed within the sleeve. The personal care product may be at least one of oral care products, skin care products, sun protection products, hair care products, decorative cosmetic products, body care products, or fragrances.

[0010] In another example, a personal care product applicator is provided, comprising a housing, a sleeve, a stick-shaped personal care product delivery mechanism, and an applicator guide ring. The sleeve extends distally from the housing and has a tubular channel. The stick-shaped personal care product delivery mechanism is integrated into the housing and operable to advance the personal care product toward the distal end of the sleeve. The applicator guide ring is disposed at the distal end of the sleeve and has a central channel aligned with the tubular channel of the sleeve. The applicator guide ring has a flat edge extending around the central channel. The diameter of the central channel is between about 2 mm and about 20 mm. The flat edge faces away from the housing and has a width of at least 1 mm, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the central channel to the width of the flat edge is between 20 and 2.

[0011] In yet another example, a personal care product applicator is provided, comprising a housing, a sleeve, a stick-shaped personal care product, and an applicator guide ring. The sleeve extends distally from the housing and has a tubular channel. The stick-shaped personal care product is disposed within the housing and is advanceable through the distal end of the sleeve. The applicator guide ring is disposed at the distal end of the sleeve and has a central channel aligned with the tubular channel of the sleeve. The applicator guide ring has a flat edge extending around the central channel. The flat edge faces away from the housing and has a width of at least 1 mm. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To gain a detailed understanding of the implementation of the above-described features of the present invention, a more specific description of the invention, which has been briefly summarized above, can be obtained by referring to the embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings only show typical embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, as the invention may have other equivalent embodiments.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a side view of an example applicator for stick-shaped personal care products.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the applicator shown.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the applicator guide ring shown.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a top view of the applicator guide ring.

[0017] Figure 5 It can be used Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the applicator guide ring, another example of the applicator shown.

[0018] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The section shown is cut by section line 6-6. Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the applicator guide ring is shown.

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the applicator guide ring is shown.

[0020] Figure 8 It can be used Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the applicator guide ring, another example of the applicator shown.

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the applicator guide ring is shown.

[0022] Figure 10 It can be used Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the applicator guide ring, another example of the applicator shown.

[0023] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the applicator guide ring is shown.

[0024] Figure 12 It can be used Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the applicator guide ring, another example of the applicator shown.

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the applicator guide ring is shown.

[0026] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used where possible to denote the same elements that appear in common in the figures. It is anticipated that elements of one embodiment can be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Embodiments of this disclosure generally provide a personal care product applicator including a wide, flat edge configured to glide over a user's face, lips, skin, or other application surface. This wide, flat edge allows soft personal care products, particularly stick-shaped products, to be applied without mushroom-shaped deformation or other forms of end-shape distortion. The wide, flat edge also allows the applicator to glide over the application area, enabling more precise control over the amount and placement of product applied to the user. Furthermore, the wide, flat edge helps soft personal care products retain their shape after application, allowing the stick to easily retract into the applicator without leaving excessive product outside, thus preventing product staining of hands, clothing, handbags, or other items. Personal care products that can be used with the applicator disclosed herein may include any of the following: oral care products, skin care products, sun protection products, hair care products, decorative cosmetic products, body care products, fragrances, or other products that may be provided in stick form. While the applicator described herein is particularly useful for soft stick formulations, it is also suitable for sticks with other hardness or physical composition.

[0028] Now go to Figure 1 This provides a side view schematic diagram of an example applicator 100 for a stick-shaped personal care product. The applicator 100 includes a body 102 with a removable cap 104. The cap 104 is shown in dashed lines to expose the personal care product stick 106 extending from the top surface 126 of the body 102. The body 102 generally includes a sleeve 108 and a housing 110. The sleeve 108 and housing 110 may be integrated as a single component (i.e., a single homogeneous structure) or made of separate components joined together. The sleeve 108 and housing 110 are generally tubular, having a centerline extending axially through the applicator 100. In one example, the sleeve 108 is cylindrical with an outer diameter 132.

[0029] Sleeve 108 has a first (top) end 120 and a second (bottom) end 122. The bottom end 122 of sleeve 108 is connected to a first end of housing 110. The top end 120 of sleeve 108 extends away from housing 110 and is connected to a first (bottom) end 124 of applicator guide ring 112. The second (top) surface 126 of applicator guide ring 112 also forms the top surface 126 of body 102. Cap 104 is typically attached to sleeve 108 and applicator guide ring 112 by snap-fit, press-fit, or screw-on to enclose rod 106 within applicator 100.

[0030] The applicator 100 also includes a stick-shaped product advance mechanism 114. The stick-shaped product advance mechanism 114 controls the movement / position of the stick 106 within the applicator 100. In one example, the stick-shaped product advance mechanism 114 may be used to move the stick 106 to a position flush with or extending from the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 112 to apply consumer care product from the end of the stick 106 to a desired surface, such as a user's lips, skin, or other surface. In some examples, the stick-shaped product advance mechanism 114 may also retract the stick 106 below the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 112 to prevent undesirable contact between the stick 106 and the surface when personal care product application is not required (e.g., between uses). While any type of stick-shaped product advance mechanism 114 may be used, such as a ratchet advance mechanism, a rotary advance mechanism, a click advance mechanism, a push mechanism, a slider, etc., references will be made below. Figure 2 A detailed description of an exemplary rod-shaped product propulsion mechanism 114.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-section of the applicator 100 after removing cap 104. First, refer to the reference above. Figure 1 Briefly discussing the rod-shaped product propulsion mechanism 114, in one example, the rod-shaped product propulsion mechanism 114 includes a cylinder 226, a threaded rod 222, and a bracket 206. The cylinder 226 is disposed within the housing 110 of the body 102. The cylinder 226 has a snap-fit ​​engagement 238 or other structure that allows the cylinder 226 to rotate within the housing 110 while restricting axial movement of the cylinder 226 along the centerline of the applicator 100. Figure 2 In the example shown, the cylinder 226 includes a knob 230 disposed outside the housing 110 to allow a user to grasp the knob 230 and manually rotate the cylinder 226 relative to the housing 110, thereby extending and retracting the rod 106 as further described below.

[0032] A threaded rod 222 extends between the cylinder 226 and the bracket 206. One end of the threaded rod 222 engages with a threaded hole 228 formed in the cylinder 226. The threaded rod 222 passes through a guide 224 formed in the housing 110. The guide 224 keeps the threaded rod 222 aligned with the centerline of the applicator 100, which is also aligned with the centerline of the threaded hole 228 formed in the cylinder 226. The threaded rod 222 and the guide 224 have complementary features, such as flat portions, tabs, or non-circular cross sections, to prevent the threaded rod 222 from rotating relative to the guide 224. Therefore, when the cylinder 226 rotates, the threaded rod 222, which is constrained by the guide 224 and cannot rotate, moves axially along the centerline of the applicator 100 as the threaded rod 222 extends out of or retracts from the threaded hole 228 in the cylinder 226.

[0033] The threaded rod 222 is connected to the bracket 206 at the end opposite to the cylinder 226. As the cylinder 226 rotates, the threaded rod 222 moves toward the top surface 126 of the applicator 100, and the bracket 206 is also moved toward the top surface 126 of the applicator 100 by the threaded rod 222. When the cylinder 226 rotates in the opposite direction, the threaded rod 222 retracts into the cylinder 226, causing the bracket 206 to move away from the top surface 126 of the applicator 100.

[0034] The bracket 206 is configured to hold the bottom end 204 of the personal care product stick 106. In one example, the bracket 206 has a cup-shaped shape to receive the bottom end 204 of the stick 106. The bracket 206 may have alternative geometries that allow the bottom end 204 of the stick 106 to be secured to the bracket 206. The bracket 206 is typically located within a sleeve 108. The inner diameter 232 of the sleeve 108 is large enough to allow free movement of the bracket 206 and the personal care product stick 106 within the internal channel 210 of the sleeve 108. In some examples, the outer diameter of the stick 106 is between about 1.0 mm and 30 mm or greater. In other examples, the outer diameter of the stick 106 is at least about 1.0 mm, for example, at least about 1.5 mm in diameter, or at least about 2.0 mm in diameter. In still other examples, the outer diameter of the stick 106 is from about 2.0 mm to about 20 mm.

[0035] The inner diameter 232 is typically equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the rod 106. For example, the inner diameter 232 of the sleeve 108 is between about 1.0 mm and 30 mm or greater. In other examples, the inner diameter 232 of the sleeve 108 is at least about 1.0 mm, for example at least about 1.5 mm, or at least about 2.0 mm. In still other examples, the inner diameter 232 of the sleeve 108 is about 2.0 mm to about 20 mm.

[0036] As described above, the bottom end 122 of the sleeve 108 extends from the housing 110 to the top end 120, where the sleeve 108 connects to the bottom end 124 of the applicator guide ring 112. The applicator guide ring 112 has an inner diameter 234 and an outer diameter 236. The inner diameter 234 (i.e., the central channel) of the applicator guide ring 112 is generally the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter 232 of the sleeve 108. The inner diameter 232 is generally equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the rod 106. Therefore, the inner diameter 234 of the applicator guide ring 112 is between about 1.0 mm and 30 mm or greater. In other examples, the inner diameter 234 of the applicator guide ring 112 is at least about 1.0 mm, for example, at least about 1.5 mm, or at least about 2.0 mm. In still other examples, the inner diameter 234 of the applicator guide ring 112 is from about 2.0 mm to about 20 mm. The inner diameter 234 passes through the opening in the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 112 to allow the exposed end 202 of the personal care product stick 106 to extend and retract relative to the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 112 via the stick product advance mechanism 114.

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 112 of the applicator 100 is shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a top view of the applicator guide ring 112. (See also...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 112 is defined by a flat flange 340 extending between the inner diameter 234 and the outer diameter 236 of the applicator guide ring 112. Although the flat flange 340 can have various geometries as described below, Figure 3 The flat edge 340 shown is generally planar. The plane of this flat edge 340 is oriented at an angle 304 generally relative to the centerline of the applicator 100. The angle 304 can range from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees. When the plane orientation of the flat edge 340 is less than 90 degrees, the portion of the flat edge 340 furthest from the bottom end 128 of the applicator 100 defines a vertex 350. For ease of description, the vertex 350 of the flat edge 340 is located at... Figure 3 In the X / Y plane shown.

[0038] although Figure 3 The diagram shows the flat edge 340 in a planar, coplanar orientation on the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 112, but the flat edge 340 may also have other orientations. For example, the flat edge 340 may slope inward and downward from the outer diameter 236 of the applicator guide ring 112. In another example, the flat edge 340 may slope outward and downward from the inner diameter 234 of the applicator guide ring 112. The shape of the flat edge 340 on the slope profile may be flat or curved.

[0039] In some examples, the width 320 of the flat edge 340 may be narrower in some areas than in others. For example, the width 320 of the flat edge 340 at vertex 350 may be smaller than the width 320 of the flat edge 340 on the side of the applicator guide ring 112 opposite to vertex 350. Figure 3 In the example shown, the width 320 of the flat edge 340 opposite to vertex 350 fully extends the distance between the inner diameter 234 and the outer diameter 236 of the applicator guide ring 112, while the width 320 of the flat edge 340 at vertex 350 extends a distance less than the distance between the inner diameter 234 and the outer diameter 236 of the applicator guide ring 112. Figure 3 In this design, the outer diameter 236 of the applicator guide ring 112 includes a conical surface 302. Compared to the distance 308 that defines the radial distance of the outer diameter 236 of the applicator guide ring 112, the conical surface 302 shortens the horizontal distance 306 (i.e., the distance in the X direction perpendicular to the center line of the applicator 100) defined between the apex 350 and the center line of the applicator 100.

[0040] The width 320 of the flat edge 340 is typically chosen to provide a relatively wide surface to facilitate the gliding of the applicator guide ring 112 across the user's lips, face, skin, or other desired surfaces. Therefore, the flat edge 340 significantly supports the applicator 100 on the application surface, rather than by the stick 106, thus preventing the stick 106 from undergoing mushroom-shaped deformation or other distortions—a common occurrence in conventional applicators where the stick bears the full application force because the applicator is always in a gap from the application surface during use. In some examples, the average width 320 of the flat edge 340 is at least 1.00 mm. In other examples, the average width 320 of the flat edge 340 is at least 1.25 mm. In still other examples, the average width 320 of the flat edge 340 is at least 2.00 mm. The width 320 of the flat edge 340 is typically wide relative to the diameter of the inner diameter 232 of the sleeve 108 (and / or the inner diameter 234 of the applicator guide ring 112). For example, the ratio of the diameter of the inner diameter 232 or 234 to the width 320 of the flat edge 340 can be between 20 and 2.

[0041] The applicator guide ring 112 is typically chosen to allow it to glide over the user's lips, face, skin, or other desired surfaces. The applicator guide ring 112 may be made of the same or a different material as the sleeve 108. In one example, the applicator guide ring 112 is made of a plastic material. In other examples, the applicator guide ring 112 is made of a metallic material or a material capable of retaining heat. Examples of materials capable of retaining heat include stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, steel, nickel, tin, copper, brass, metal alloys, ceramics, high-density plastics, composite materials, etc.

[0042] The flat edge 340 of the applicator guide ring 112 may also include an optional surface cover (or texture) 360. For example, the surface cover 360 of the flat edge 340 may be at least one of a flocked surface, a porous surface, an elastomer surface, or a sponge surface. The surface cover 360 of the flat edge 340 may also optionally be an unflocked plastic surface, an unflocked ceramic surface, or an unflocked metal surface. The surface cover 360 may optionally extend to cover a portion or all of the outer diameter 236 of the applicator guide ring 112. Figure 5-13 Other example applicator guide rings depicted may also include an optional surface cover layer 360 as described above.

[0043] Continue to refer to Figure 3 As described above, the applicator guide ring 112 can be part of the body 102 or a separate component attached to the sleeve 108. The applicator guide ring 112 can be removably or permanently attached to the sleeve 108. Figure 3 In this configuration, the applicator guide ring 112 is connected to the sleeve 108 via a snap-fit ​​connection. For example, the outer diameter 132 of the sleeve 108 and the inner diameter 234 of the applicator guide ring 112 may include complementary protrusions and grooves 322, 324, which snap together when the bottom end 124 of the applicator guide ring 112 slides onto the top end 120 of the sleeve 108. The sleeve 108 and the applicator guide ring 112 may also be connected using adhesives, welding, threads, interference fits, or other suitable techniques.

[0044] Figure 5 It can replace the applicator guide ring 112 and Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of another example applicator guide ring 512 used with the applicator 100 shown. The construction of the applicator guide ring 512 is substantially the same as that of the applicator guide ring 112, except that the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 512 is not planar. The top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 512 is generally curved, at least in the X / Y plane. For example, the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 512 is concave in the X / Y plane. This curvature typically has a radius 502, the origin of which is offset from the centerline of the applicator 100 / applicator guide ring 512, thereby defining a vertex 350 at a point along the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 512. Figure 5 In the example shown, vertex 350 lies in the X / Y plane. The radius 502 defining the curvature of the top surface 126 can be approximately 1 mm or approximately 15 mm.

[0045] although Figure 5 Not shown, but the outer diameter 236 may optionally include a tapered surface 302 (e.g. Figure 3(As shown). When the applicator guide ring 512 includes the conical surface 302, the width 320 of the flat edge 340 at the apex 350 will be smaller than the width 320 of the flat edge 340 at other locations along the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 512.

[0046] As briefly mentioned above, the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 512 is generally curved, at least in the X / Y plane. In some examples, the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 512 is curved only in at least the X / Y plane. Figure 5 In the example shown, and as along Figure 5 The section shown is cut by section line 6-6. Figure 6 The cross-sectional view better shows that the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 512 is also curved in the Y / Z plane.

[0047] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the top surface 126 has a convex curvature in the Y / Z plane. Therefore, the flat edge 340 has a radius 602 in the Y / Z plane. The center of radius 602 is typically closer to the housing 110 than the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 512. The center of radius 602 may be located on the centerline of the applicator 100 / applicator guide ring 512, or optionally deviated from this centerline. The radius 602 defining the curvature of the top surface 126 in the Y / Z plane may be approximately 4 mm or approximately 5 mm.

[0048] The curvature of the top surface 126 in the Y / Z plane causes the flat edge 340 to have a ramp extending downward and outward from the inner diameter 234 of the applicator guide ring 512 to the outer diameter 236. The ramp of the flat edge 340... Figure 7 The enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the applicator guide ring 512 is shown more clearly. The inclined curvature of the flat edge 340 helps the applicator guide ring 512 slide more smoothly on the application surface, while providing lateral support for the personal care product stick 106, making the stick 106 resist deformation when applied to the user's surface.

[0049] Figure 8 It can replace the applicator guide ring 112 and Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of another example applicator guide ring 812 used with the applicator 100 shown. The construction of the applicator guide ring 812 is the same as described above. Figure 5-7 The applicator guide ring 512 is basically the same, except that the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 812 is inclined inward and downward from the outer diameter 236 in the X / Z plane.

[0050] See also Figure 9The enlarged detail of the applicator guide ring 812 depicted shows that the flat edge 340 of the applicator guide ring 812 has a ramp in the Y / Z plane. For example, the flat edge 340 may form an angle 902 with the centerline of the applicator 100 / applicator guide ring 812. The angle 902 of the ramp of the wide flat edge 340 in the Y / Z plane is defined to be less than 90 degrees, and in one example is between about 20 degrees and about 45 degrees. The ramp of the flat edge 340 helps the applicator guide ring 812 provide lateral support for the personal care product stick 106, so that the stick 106 resists deformation when applied to the user's surface, while allowing the personal care product to pass over the flat edge 340 for more precise application.

[0051] although Figure 8 Not shown, but the outer diameter 236 may optionally include a tapered surface 302 (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown). When the applicator guide ring 812 includes the conical surface 302, the width 320 of the flat edge 340 at the apex 350 will be smaller than the width 320 of the flat edge 340 at other locations along the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 812.

[0052] Figure 10 It can replace the applicator guide ring 112 and Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of another example applicator guide ring 1012 used with the applicator 100 shown. The construction of the applicator guide ring 1012 is the same as described above. Figure 5-7 The applicator guide ring 512 is basically the same, except that the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 1012 has a concave curvature in the X / Z plane.

[0053] See also Figure 11 The enlarged portion of the applicator guide ring 1012 depicted shows that the flat edge 340 of the applicator guide ring 1012 has a concave curvature in the Y / Z plane. Therefore, the flat edge 340 has a radius 1002 in the Y / Z plane. The center of the radius 1002 is generally further away from the housing 110 relative to the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 1012. The center of the radius 1002 may be located on the centerline of the applicator 100 / applicator guide ring 1012, or optionally deviated from this centerline. The radius 1002 defining the curvature of the top surface 126 in the Y / Z plane may be approximately 1 mm or approximately 15 mm.

[0054] and Figure 8-9 The shape of the flat edge 340 depicted in the text is the same. Figure 10-11 The curvature of the flat edge 340 shown in the figure helps the applicator guide ring 1012 provide lateral support for the personal care product stick 106, so that the stick 106 resists deformation when applied to the user's surface, while allowing the personal care product to go over the flat edge 340 for more precise application.

[0055] although Figure 10Not shown, but the outer diameter 236 may optionally include a tapered surface 302 (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown). When the applicator guide ring 1012 includes a conical surface 302, the width 320 of the flat edge 340 at the apex 350 will be smaller than the width 320 of the flat edge 340 at other locations along the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 1012.

[0056] Figure 12 It can replace the applicator guide ring 112 and Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of another example applicator guide ring 1212 used with the applicator 100 shown. The construction of the applicator guide ring 1212 is the same as described above. Figure 5-7 The applicator guide ring 512 is basically the same, except that the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 1212 is inclined outward and downward from the inner diameter 234 in the X / Z plane.

[0057] See also Figure 13 The enlarged detail of the applicator guide ring 1212 depicted shows that the flat edge 340 of the applicator guide ring 1212 has a ramp in the Y / Z plane. For example, the flat edge 340 may form an angle 1302 with the centerline of the applicator 100 / applicator guide ring 1212. The angle 1302 of the ramp of the flat edge 340 in the Y / Z plane is defined to be greater than 90 degrees. The ramp of the flat edge 340 helps the applicator guide ring 1212 provide lateral support for the personal care product stick 106, so that the stick 106 resists deformation when applied to the user's surface, while allowing the personal care product to be applied with less contact with the flat edge 340 when certain formulations of personal care products need to be applied.

[0058] although Figure 12 Not shown, but the outer diameter 236 may optionally include a tapered surface 302 (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown). When the applicator guide ring 1212 includes a conical surface 302, the width 320 of the flat edge 340 at the apex 350 will be smaller than the width 320 of the flat edge 340 at other locations along the top surface 126 of the applicator guide ring 1212.

[0059] Therefore, the personal care product applicator disclosed above includes a wide, flat edge configured to glide across the user's face, lips, skin, or other application surfaces, while significantly reducing the tendency for the applicator to deform into a mushroom shape or other forms. This allows for more precise control over the amount and location of the personal care product applied to the user, while also allowing the applicator to retain its shape after application. Advantageously, the wide, flat edge also allows the applicator to easily retract into the applicator without leaving excessive product outside, thus preventing product from soiling hands, clothing, handbags, or other items.

Claims

1. A personal care product applicator, comprising: case; A sleeve extending from the housing to a distal end, the sleeve having a tubular channel; A rod-shaped product propulsion mechanism, integrated with the housing, is operable to propel a personal care product toward the distal end of the sleeve; as well as An applicator guide ring is disposed at the distal end of the sleeve. The applicator guide ring has a central channel aligned with the tubular channel and a flat edge extending around the central channel. The flat edge is opposite to the housing and has a width of at least 1 mm, which is smaller than the diameter of the central channel.

2. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The flat edge has a width of at least 1.25 mm.

3. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The orientation of the flat edge is perpendicular to the central axis of the sleeve.

4. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The orientation of the flat edge is not perpendicular to the central axis of the sleeve.

5. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed along a first direction perpendicular to the central axis of the sleeve, the applicator guide ring has a concave profile.

6. The personal care product applicator according to claim 5, wherein, When viewed along a second direction perpendicular to the central axis of the sleeve, the applicator guide ring has a convex profile, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The flat edge of the applicator guide ring has a flocked surface, a porous surface, an elastomer surface, a sponge surface, an unflocked plastic surface, an unflocked ceramic surface, or an unflocked metal surface.

8. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The flat edge of the applicator guide ring is made of a material with heat storage capacity.

9. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve and the applicator guide ring form a single homogeneous structure.

10. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve and the applicator guide ring are formed from separate components.

11. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The propulsion mechanism also includes a ratchet propulsion mechanism, a rotary propulsion mechanism, a click-type propulsion mechanism, a push mechanism, or a slider.

12. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, further comprising: The personal care product disposed within the sleeve is at least one of oral care products, skin care products, sun protection products, hair care products, decorative cosmetic products, body care products, or fragrances.

13. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The inner diameter of the sleeve is less than or equal to the diameter of the central channel.

14. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio of the diameter of the central channel to the width of the flat edge is between 20 and 2.

15. A personal care product applicator, comprising: case; A sleeve extending from the housing to a distal end, the sleeve having a tubular channel; A stick-shaped personal care product propulsion mechanism, integrated with the housing, operable to propel a stick-shaped personal care product through the distal end of the sleeve; and An applicator guide ring is disposed at the distal end of the sleeve. The applicator guide ring has a central channel aligned with the tubular channel, the diameter of which is between about 2 mm and about 20 mm. The applicator guide ring has a flat edge extending around the central channel, the flat edge being opposite to the housing, the flat edge having a width of at least 1 mm. The ratio of the diameter of the central channel to the width of the flat edge is between 20 and 2.

16. The personal care product applicator according to claim 15, wherein, When viewed along a first direction perpendicular to the central axis of the sleeve, the applicator guide ring has a concave profile.

17. The personal care product applicator according to claim 16, wherein, When viewed along a second direction perpendicular to the central axis of the sleeve, the applicator guide ring has a convex profile, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

18. The personal care product applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve and the applicator guide ring are formed from separate components.

19. A personal care product applicator, comprising: case; A sleeve extending from the housing to a distal end, the sleeve having a tubular channel; A rod-shaped personal care product, disposed within the housing and capable of being advanced through the distal end of the sleeve; and An applicator guide ring is disposed at the distal end of the sleeve. The applicator guide ring has a central channel aligned with the tubular channel and a flat edge extending around the central channel, the flat edge being opposite to the housing and having a width of at least 1 mm.

20. The personal care product applicator according to claim 19, wherein, The diameter of the central channel is between about 2 mm and about 20 mm; and the ratio of the diameter of the central channel to the width of the flat edge is between 20 and 2.

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