Composition applicator

Abstract

A composition applicator 1 has front and back panels 3, 5 (figure 1C) secured together along at least part of their edges to form a pocket for receiving at least a portion of a user’s hand. The front

Description

The present invention relates to a device for applying a composition such as tanning lotion to the skin. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Compositions such as body lotions and tanning lotions can be applied to the skin surface using bare hands, but are more typically applied using an applicator which covers at least a part of the user’s hand. The applicator provides a barrier between the user’s hand and the composition, which in the case of fake tan prevents the user’s hands becoming discoloured by contact with the tanning lotion. The applicator can also partially absorb the lotion, meaning more lotion can be applied in a single application while avoiding drips. The texture of the outer faces of the applicator can be varied to assist the user in achieving a more uniform application of the lotion, assist the user in rubbing the lotion into the skin, and / or provide a desired finish (e.g. by buffing). Various applicators in the form of mitts or gloves are currently available for the application of tanning lotion. Such tanning mitts are typically formed from two pieces of absorbent material, which absorb the lotion when it is applied to the mitt, allowing it to be applied without drips and associated staining. However, such mitts can absorb too much of the lotion, meaning each application involves wastage of the tanning lotion. Such mitts need a minimum surface area in order to absorb and apply sufficient quantities of the lotion, but this can lead to a large mitt which does not fit securely on the user’s hand. There is therefore a need for an improved device for applying a composition to the skin surface, which overcomes the disadvantages of known devices, e.g. currently marketed tanning mitts. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composition applicator comprising: a front panel and a back panel; wherein the front panel and the back panel are secured to each other along at least a portion of their peripheries, thereby forming a pocket to receive at least a portion of a user’s hand; wherein the front panel comprises a smooth outer layer and an inner layer, and wherein the front panel is liquid-impermeable; wherein the back panel comprises a brushed outer layer, a liquid-impermeable inner layer, and a sponge layer interposed between the brushed outer layer and the liquid-impermeable inner layer; and a wrist section arranged between the front panel and the back panel, defining an opening to the pocket which receives at least a portion of the user’s hand. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for applying a composition to a surface, comprising the steps of: a) applying the composition to the front panel of the composition applicator as described herein; b) transferring the composition from the front panel of the composition applicator to the surface; c) using the back panel of the composition applicator to rub the composition into the surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES The above and other aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, of which: Figures 1A and 1B are side views of a composition applicator according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating the front panel and the back panel, respectively; Figure 1C is an alternative side view of a composition applicator according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating the connection between the front panel and the back panel; Figure 1D is an alternative side view of a composition applicator according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating the opening to the pocket which receives the user’s hand; Figure 1E is a perspective view of a composition applicator according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the front panel, illustrating the inner and outer layers; Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the back panel, illustrating the outer layer, inner layer and further layer interposed between the inner and outer layers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The composition applicator according to the present invention comprises a front panel and a back panel. The front panel is liquid-impermeable and has a smooth outer layer (the outer layer being an external, outward-facing layer of the applicator) to which a composition can be applied, for subsequent application to the skin. The smooth texture of this side allows it to receive and hold a suitable amount of composition, without spillage or dripping, but the composition is not absorbed within the material of the layer, thereby preventing wastage of the composition. Having a front panel which is liquid-impermeable (in particular water-impermeable) prevents the composition from coming into contact with the user’s hand i.e. the composition does not penetrate from the smooth outer layer to the inner layer of the front panel. The present inventors have found that polyurethane leather is particularly suitable for this purpose because of the texture of its “leather-look” side. Thus, in one embodiment, the front panel comprises polyurethane leather. Polyurethane leather (also known as PU leather) is an artificial leather formed by applying or laminating a 100% polyurethane finish to a base material. A roller applies an artificial grain pattern to the surface to imitate the look of genuine leather (the smooth “leather-look” side). Polyurethane polymers are well known in the art, and define a class of polymers composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. The base material is suitably polyester, cotton, nylon or rayon, or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the base material is polyester. In the context of the present invention, the polyurethane leather is 100% synthetic and does not comprise any animal-derived hide. Thus, in one embodiment the polyurethane leather is vegan polyurethane leather. In one embodiment, the front panel consists of a layer of polyurethane leather having a smooth outer surface and an inner layer. The liquid-impermeable front panel has a smooth outer layer and an inner layer. A single layer of material can be considered to comprise both the smooth outer layer and the inner layer of the liquid-impermeable front panel. Thus, in embodiments where the front panel is formed entirely from polyurethane leather, the smooth outer layer corresponds to the side of the polyurethane leather which comprises the polyurethane, finished with the “leather-look” finish. The inner layer corresponds to the base material layer, which typically has the texture of a soft material. The inner layer is an inner layer in the sense that it is an internal, inward-facing layer, which contacts at least a portion of the user’s hand in use. The back panel is typically formed from three layers: a brushed outer layer, a liquid-impermeable inner layer and a sponge layer interposed between the brushed outer layer and the liquid-impermeable inner layer. The brushed outer layer is an outer layer in the sense that it is an external, outward-facing layer of the applicator. The brushed outer layer of the back panel provides a soft surface with a suitable texture for rubbing the composition (which is applied to the surface (e.g. the skin) using the smooth, liquid-impermeable front panel e.g. comprising polyurethane leather) into the surface. The brushed texture can also be used to buff the skin surface if required. The advantage of applying the composition to the liquid-impermeable front panel, and then using the back panel to rub in the composition, is that excess composition is not absorbed into the back panel, thereby avoiding wastage of the lotion. In one embodiment is provided a method for applying a composition to a surface, comprising the steps of: a) applying the composition to the front panel of the composition applicator as described herein; b) transferring the composition from the composition applicator to the surface; and c) using the back panel of the composition applicator to rub the composition into the surface. Suitably, the surface is skin and / or the composition is tanning lotion. Suitably, steps a), b) and c) are carried out sequentially, without any intervening steps. The brushed outer layer is formed from any suitable material to which a “brushed”, “tufted” or “flocked” effect can be applied to one side of the material. The process of brushing is well known in the art and is a finishing process used to raise the surface fibres of a fabric. For example, a cotton fabric can be brushed using a mechanical brushing process in which fine, metal brushes carefully rub the fabric to produce fine fibres from the woven yarns, creating a brushed effect which provides extra softness on the surface of the fabric. In the context of the present invention, a brushed outer layer can also be a layer of velvet, velour or velveteen fabric. The brushed outer layer suitably comprises, consists essentially of or consists of cotton, linen, mohair, wool, or a synthetic material (such as polyester, nylon, viscose, acetate); or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the brushed outer layer comprises, consists essentially of or consists of polyester. A sponge layer is interposed between the brushed outer layer and the liquid-impermeable inner layer, and in certain embodiments provides a layer of stiffness to the applicator, allowing it to hold its shape, while being flexible enough to allow the lotion to be applied to a contoured surface. The cushioned effect of the sponge also enhances the user’s experience. The sponge layer can be made from any suitable sponge fabric. In one embodiment, the sponge layer comprises, consists essentially of or consists of polyester sponge. The liquid-impermeable inner layer is an inner layer in the sense that it is an internal, inwardfacing layer of the applicator, i.e. a layer which makes contact with at least a portion of the user’s hand. The liquid-impermeable inner layer is located under the brushed outer layer (relative to the outer surface of the applicator) and prevents any excess lotion which has been absorbed by the brushed outer layer and the sponge layer from being transferred to the user’s hand. The liquid-impermeable layer can be made from any suitable liquid-impermeable (e.g. water impermeable) material (typically a fabric). In one embodiment, the liquid-impermeable inner layer comprises, consists essentially of or consists of polyurethane. In one embodiment, the back panel consists of the brushed outer layer, the liquid-impermeable inner layer and the sponge layer interposed between the brushed outer layer and the liquid-impermeable inner layer. The brushed outer layer, liquid-impermeable inner layer and sponge layer that make up the back panel are suitably of the same dimension, such that every part of the back panel has a brushed outer layer, a sponge layer and a liquid-impermeable layer. Thus, in one embodiment, the brushed outer layer, liquid-impermeable inner layer and sponge layer are substantially co-extensive. As mentioned above, the brushed outer layer of the back panel comprises the brushed, tufted or flocked effect on only one side of the layer (the outer facing side). Suitably, substantially all or all of the side of the brushed outer layer not having the brushed or tufted effect is in contact with substantially all or all of one side of the sponge layer. Suitably, substantially all or all of the other side of the sponge layer (i.e. the opposite side of the sponge layer that is in contact with the brushed outer layer) is in contact with substantially all or all of a side of the liquid-impermeable layer. The layers of the back panel (in particular the brushed outer layer, the sponge layer and the liquid-impermeable inner layer) are suitably secured to each other by heat-welding the layers together. Both the front panel and back panel are flexible, although they may have different levels of flexibility. The front panel and the back panel are secured to each other along at least a portion of their peripheries, thereby forming a pocket to receive at least a portion of a user’s hand. The front panel and the back panel are therefore typically of the same dimension. Thus, in one embodiment, the front panel and the back panel are substantially co-extensive. The front panel and the back panel can be secured together by any suitable means, including by stitching, by welding e.g. heat-welding or using adhesive. Suitably, the front panel and the back panel are secured together by stitching. The shape of the front and back panel, and how they are secured together, will determine the shape of the composition applicator and the shape of the pocket that fits at least a portion of a user’s hand. In one embodiment, the composition applicator is a mitt, a mitten (effectively a mitt with an extra portion to receive a thumb) or a glove (comprising separate portions to receive thumb and individual fingers). Alternatively, the applicator may be of a size that only two, three, or four of the user’s fingers may be inserted. In one embodiment, the composition applicator as described herein having an opening as described herein has two side edges extending away from opposite ends of the opening, and a convexly curved end edge extending between the ends of the side edges remote from the opening. The side edges and the end edge are secured together (joined). Suitably the curved end edge is part-circular in shape and the side edges are tangential to the end edge so as to form smooth extensions thereof. This shape is illustrated in the Figures. Optionally, the side edges can diverge as they extend away from the opening. In all embodiments, a section of the front panel and back panel are not secured together, which defines an opening which receives at least a portion of a user’s hand. This section of the applicator is defined as the wrist section, because in use this section of the applicator will suitably be at or adjacent to the user’s wrist. The wrist section suitably comprises an elasticated wrist cuff, to better secure the applicator to the user’s hand. The composition applicator of the invention can further comprise an elastic holder located within the pocket which receives at least a portion of a user’s hand, wherein the elastic holder is arranged to receive at least a portion of a user’s hand (including just one or more fingers) and provide a more secure attachment of the composition applicator to the user’s hand. Typically, the elastic holder comprises a length of elastic material which is positioned within the applicator such that when in use, it is in elastic contact with the user’s hand (e.g. across their palm), so as to secure the applicator to the user’s hand and prevent excessive movement. The holder is therefore typically of elongate shape, with its longitudinal axis when positioned within the applicator being parallel to the opening, and secured at either end, towards the periphery of the applicator. The elastic holder is suitably secured to the back panel of the composition applicator, although it can also be attached by incorporating each end of the elastic holder within the secure attachment between the front panel and the back panel. The surface to which the composition is applied is typically the dermis, or skin of mammal, typically a human. The composition applicator can also be used for applying a composition to a surface with hair, e.g. fur on an animal. With reference to the Figures, an embodiment of the invention where the composition applicator (1) is a mitt is shown. In this embodiment, the front panel (3) and the back panel (5) are secured along a continuous section of their peripheries to form a pocket, with the section that is not secured defining an opening (7) through which at least a portion of a user’s hand may be inserted. The top section of the applicator (the end opposite the opening) in the illustrations is rounded, but it can be a more angular shape e.g. the mitt can take the form of a rectangle. In an embodiment where the composition applicator has a substantially rectangular or square shape, the front panel and the back panel are secured to each other (i.e. joined together) around substantially three sides thereof, leaving the further side which defines an opening into which at least a portion of a user’s hand may be inserted. Fig. 1C illustrates a side view of the composition applicator. Although the front panel (3) and the back panel (5) are shown to be in contact with each other along their entire inner faces as drawn, they are only secured together at their peripheries, and the front panel and back panel are not secured to each other along the bottom edge as drawn, and hence when the front panel and the back panel are moved away from each other, an opening (7) is formed, which can receive at least a portion of a user’s hand. Hence, in the context of this invention, “an opening” is intended to include the applicator having a section which is capable of being opened i.e. the composition applicator is also claimed when not in use (i.e. when the front panel and back panel are adjacent to one another, before having been manipulated to form the pocket). “Opening” (7) may also be defined herein as “an opening edge (7)”. This is illustrated further in Figure 1D, which shows a view of the composition applicator of Fig. 10 along the arrow corresponding to opening (7) in Figs. 1A, 1B and 1C. Figure. 2A illustrates a cross-section of front panel (3) having a smooth outer surface (3a) and an inner surface (3b). Figure 2B illustrates a back panel (5) being made up of a brushed outer layer (5a), a liquid-impermeable inner layer (5b) and a sponge layer (5c) interposed between the brushed outer layer and the liquid-impermeable inner layer (5b). In the embodiment shown, the brushed outer layer is in complete contact with the sponge layer, which is itself in complete contact with the liquid-impermeable inner layer. It should be noted that in the context of the present application, when referring to a range of between about “AA” and about “BB”, the point values of AA and BB are intended to be included as possible values in the range. The word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” as used herein should be understood to mean the inclusion of the stated integer, step, group of integers or group of steps, but not to the exclusion of any other integer, step, groups of integers or group of steps. The word “consisting of’ as used herein limits the scope of the integer, step, group of integers or group of steps to the specified integer, step, groups of integers or group of steps. The word “consisting essentially of” as used herein limits the scope of the integer, step, group of integers or group of steps, and further integers, steps, groups of integers or groups of steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the invention. The invention embraces all combinations of indicated integers, steps, groups of integers or groups of steps recited above. 23 04 24

Claims

1. A composition applicator (1) comprising:a front panel (3) and a back panel (5); wherein the front panel (3) and the back panel (5) are 5 secured to each other along at least a portion of their peripheries, thereby forming a pocket to receive at least a portion of a user’s hand;wherein the front panel (3) comprises a smooth outer layer (3a) and an inner layer (3b), wherein the front panel (3) is liquid-impermeable and comprises polyurethane leather;wherein the back panel (5) comprises a brushed outer layer (5a), a liquid-impermeable 10 inner layer (5b), and a sponge layer (5c) interposed between the brushed outer layer (5a) and the liquid-impermeable inner layer (5b);anda wrist section arranged between the front panel (3) and the back panel (5), defining an opening (7) to the pocket which receives at least a portion of the user’s hand.

152. The composition applicator according to claim 1, which is a mitt, a mitten or a glove.

3. The composition applicator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the front panel (3)consists of a layer of polyurethane leather having a smooth outer surface (3a) and an inner 20 surface (3b).

4. The composition applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the back panel (5) consists of the brushed outer layer (5a), the liquid-impermeable inner layer (5b) and the sponge layer (5c) interposed between the brushed outer layer and the liquid-impermeable 25 inner layer (5b).

5. The composition applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the brushed outer layer (5a) of the back panel comprises polyester.30 6. The composition applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spongelayer (5c) of the back panel comprises polyester sponge.

7. The composition applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid-impermeable inner layer of the back panel comprises polyurethane.23 04 248. The composition applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the back panel is formed by heat-welding the brushed outer layer (5a), the liquid-impermeable inner layer (5b) and the sponge layer (5c) together.5 9. The composition applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wristsection comprises an elasticated wrist cuff.

10. The composition applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an elastic holder located within the pocket which receives at least a portion of a user’s hand, 10 wherein the elastic holder is arranged to receive at least a portion of a user’s hand and provide a more secure attachment of the composition applicator to the user’s hand.

11. The composition applicator according to claim 10, wherein the elastic holder is secured to the back panel of the composition applicator.1512. The composition applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the front panel (3) and a back panel (5) are secured to each other along at least a portion of their peripheries by stitching.20 13. The composition applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein thecomposition applicator is a tanning lotion applicator.

14. A method for applying a composition to a surface, comprising the steps of:a) applying the composition to the front panel of the composition applicator according to any 25 one of claims 1 to 13;b) transferring the composition from the front panel of the composition applicator to the surface;c) using the back panel of the composition applicator to rub the composition into the surface.30 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the surface is skin.

16. A method according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the composition is tanning lotion.

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