SQUEEZEABLE BOTTLE FOR NAIL POLISH

Description

FIELD

[0001] Examples discussed herein relate to cosmetics containers, and specifically nail enamel bottles.BACKGROUND

[0002] 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.

[0003] Document US4710048A discloses an applicator bottle for cosmetics according to the preamble of claim 1.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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 SG:bm 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] The proposed invention is a device according to claim 1.

[0008] The 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.

[0009] The invention also provides a method of applying nail enamel according to claim 15.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] 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. FIGS. 1A to 1B depict perspective views of a nail enamel bottle system in an example. FIGS. 2A to 2E depict perspective views of a nail enamel bottle system in an example. FIGS. 3A to 3E depict schematic cross-sectional views of a nail enamel bottle system in an example. FIG. 4 depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of a nail enamel bottle system in an example. FIG. 5 depicts a zoomed in portion of the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 in an example. FIG. 6 depicts a method of painting nails with a nail enamel bottle system in an example. FIGS. 7A-7C depict a perspective and cross-sectional views of a stackable a nail enamel bottle system in an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present disclosure describes, among other things, 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.

[0012] FIGS. 1A to 1B depict perspective views of a nail enamel bottle system 100 in an example, and FIGS. 2A to 2E depict additional perspective views of the nail enamel bottle system 100 in an example. FIGS. 1A to 2E will be discussed together. The nail enamel bottle system 100 can be used for storage and application of the nail enamel 150.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 FIG. 1A, the applicator 140 can point inwards to the cavity 114 of the bottle 110, and the cap 120 can cover the connector 130 and the applicator 140. In FIG. 1B, the cap 120 can be disconnected, and the connector 130 can be attached to the bottle 110 at the opening 112 such that the applicator 140 and the application end 142 can extend outwards away from the bottle 110 cavity 114.

[0015] FIG. 1A depicts the nail enamel bottle system 100 in a first mode of operation 100A. In the first mode of operation, the cap 120 and the connector 130 can be detached from the bottle 110 opening 112. The applicator 140 can then be used to dip into the cavity 114 of the bottle 110, using the application end 142 to retrieve the nail enamel 150. In the first mode of operation 100A, the connector 130 can be actuatable for securing the application end 142 of the applicator 140 at least partially into the bottle 110.

[0016] FIG. 1B depicts the nail enamel bottle system 100 in a second mode of operation 100B. In the second mode of operation, the cap 120 can be removed. The connector 130 can be flipped vertically and secured to the opening 112 such that the application end 142 of the applicator 140 extends away from the bottle 110. In this second mode of operation, the nail enamel 150 can be dispensed by squeezing the bottle 110 and allowing flow of the nail enamel 150 from the cavity 114 to the application end 142 of the applicator 140. In the second mode of operation 100B, the connector 130 can be actuatable for securing the handle end 144 of the applicator 140 to the bottle 110 to allow flow of the nail enamel 150 from the bottle 110 through the at least one channel to the applicator 140.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 FIGS. 3A to 5 below) that is aligned with the applicator 140 handle end 144.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] FIGS. 2A to 2E depict a transition of the nail enamel bottle system 100 between the first mode of operation 100A to the second mode of operation 100B. In FIG. 2A, the nail enamel bottle system 100 is closed in the first mode of operation 100A. Here, the cap 120 is secured over the connector 130 and the applicator 140. The connector 130 is in a first vertical position where the applicator 140 application end 142 extends inward to the cavity 114 with the nail enamel 150.

[0025] In FIG. 2B, the nail enamel bottle system 100 is opened in the first mode of operation 100A. Here, the applicator 140 and the connector 130 remain in the same vertical position, connected to the cap 120. In this first mode of operation 100A, a consumer can use the applicator 140 to dip into the opening 112 and the cavity 114 of the bottle 110 to uptake the nail enamel 150. The consumer can then use the applicator 140 application end 142 to apply the nail enamel 150 to fingernails, toenails, or alternative surfaces.

[0026] In FIG. 2C, the nail enamel bottle system 100 is being transitioned between the first mode of operation 100A and the second mode of operation 100B. First, the cap 120 is separated from the connector 130 and the applicator 140, and the cap 120 is set aside. Next, in FIG. 2D, the connector 130 with the attached applicator 140 is disconnected from the bottle 110. For example, if threading is used to attach the connector 130 to the bottle 110, the connector 130 can be unthreaded and detached.

[0027] Finally, in FIG. 2E, the connector 130 with the attached applicator 140 is vertically flipped such that the applicator 140 extends outward from the bottle 110. The connector 130 is then secured to the opening 112 opening of the bottle 110 with the applicator 140 extending outward. The nail enamel bottle system 100 can now be used in the second mode of operation 100B.

[0028] FIGS. 3A to 3E depict schematic cross-sectional views of the nail enamel bottle system 100 in an example. The nail enamel bottle system 100 can include the bottle 110 with the opening 112, the cavity 114, and threads 113, the cap 120, the connector 130 with a channel 132 and threads 133 and 134, and the applicator 140 with the application end 142 and the handle end 144. In FIGS. 3A to 3E, which depict schematic cross-sections, the threads 113 on the bottle 110, the channel 132 in the connector 130, and the threads 134 on the connector 130 can be seen.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In FIG. 3A, the system 100 is closed in a first mode of operation 100A. In FIG. 3B, the bottle 110 is opened in the first mode of operation 100A by unscrewing the cap 120 from the opening 112 of the bottle 110. The connector 130 and the applicator 140 can stay attached to the cap 120 at FIG. 3B until the cap 120 is twisted off the connector 130. At FIG. 3C, the cap 120 is pulled off of the connector 130. At FIG. 3D, the connector 130 and the applicator 140 are removed from the bottle 110 opening 112. At FIG. 3E, the connector 130 is flipped vertically and attached to the bottle 110 in the second mode of operation 100B.

[0033] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of the nail enamel bottle system 100. FIG. 5 depicts a zoomed in portion X of the schematic cross-sectional view of the nail enamel bottle system 100 shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 4 and 5 will be discussed together.

[0034] 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 FIGS. 4 and 5 is depicted by arrows Y. The squeezing action of the consumer is indicated with arrows Z.

[0035] In FIG. 4 and 5, the nail enamel bottle system 100 is in the second mode of operation 100B, for on-the-go, one-handed, or simplified dispensing of the nail enamel 150. Here, the consumer can squeeze the bottle 110 at the arrows Z. This can push the nail enamel 150 out of the cavity 114 through the opening 112 to the channel 132 of the connector 130. The nail enamel 150 can flow along the arrows Y towards the application end 142. When the nail enamel 150 meets the applicator 140, the nail enamel 150 can exit the channel 132 and flow around the handle end 144 towards the application end 142, until the nail enamel 150 reaches the application end 142. The nail enamel 150 can settled on the application end 142 external surfaces, such as on both sides of the application end 142, mimicking what occurs when the application end 142 is dipped into the bottle 110 cavity 112 in the first mode of operation 100A. In this way, the nail enamel 150 can be delivered to the application end 142 and used for painting toenails, fingernails, or other surfaces.

[0036] 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.

[0037] FIG. 6 depicts a method 600 of painting nails with a nail enamel bottle system. The method 600 can include operations 610 to 630. In operation 610, a brush can be secured onto a nail enamel bottle with a connector having a fluid channel. In some cases, securing the brush onto the nail enamel bottle can include screwing the connector onto an opening of the nail enamel bottle to make a fluid tight connection. The bottle can be squeezable. In operation 620, the nail bottle can be squeezed to move nail enamel through the fluid channel to the brush. In operation 630, the nail enamel can be applied to a surface, such as toenails or fingernails.

[0038] FIGS. 7A-7C depict a perspective and cross-sectional views of a stackable a nail enamel bottle system 700 in an example. The system 700 can include multiple nail enamel bottles. For example, in FIGS. 7A to 7C, two nail enamel bottles 710 and 720 are stacked. The nail enamel bottles 710 and 720 can be similar to those bottles described above with reference to FIGS. 1A to 5.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a receptacle for holding a cosmetic fluid (150), the receptacle (110) having an opening (112) for retrieval of cosmetic fluid therethrough; an applicator (140) for the cosmetic fluid (150), the applicator having an application end (142) and a handle end (144); a connector (130) detachably coupling the applicator (140) to the receptacle, the connector (130) extending from the handle end (144) of the applicator and defining at least one channel (132) 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 (142) of the applicator at least partially into the receptacle (110), and wherein in a second mode of operation, the connector is actuatable for securing the handle end (144) of the applicator to the receptacle to allow flow of cosmetic fluid (150) from the receptacle through the at least one channel (132) to the applicator (140), characterized in that in the second mode of operation when the cosmetic fluid (150) meets the applicator (140), the cosmetic fluid (150) can exit the channel (132) and flow around the handle end (144) towards the application end (142), until the cosmetic fluid (150) reaches the application end (142) and settles on the application end (142) external surfaces.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cap (120) attachable to the connector (130) when in the first mode of operation, wherein the cap (120) is configurable for creating a fluid tight seal over the applicator (140) and the connector (130) to the bottle.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is squeezable, such that the cosmetics fluid (150) can flow out of the receptacle when squeezed.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is a nail enamel bottle (110).

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator (140) is a brush.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator (140) is a sponge, a foam, or a flocked material.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the opening (112) on the receptacle comprises a set of threads (113), and the connector (130) comprises a corresponding set of mating threads (133, 134) for attaching the applicator (140) and connector (130) to the receptacle in the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first mode of operation allows dipping of the applicator end (142) in the cosmetic fluid in the receptacle through the opening (112).

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first mode of operation allows for closing the kit in a fluid-tight fashion.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the second mode of operation allows for flow of fluid (150) from the receptacle through the connector channel (132) to the application end (142) of the applicator.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the cosmetics fluid (150) is nail enamel.

12. The device of claim 4, wherein the bottle is squeezable.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the bottle is actuatable for conducting movement of nail enamel from the inner cavity through the fluid channel to the application end.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the bottle is squeezable.

15. A method of applying nail enamel with a device of claims 1-14, comprising: securing a brush onto a nail enamel bottle with a connector defining 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.

16. The method of claim 15, 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.