Applicator system for applying cosmetic products

Abstract

An applicator system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance may include a container defining a cavity and including an open first end, a dispensing mechanism operably coupled to the first end of the container, and an applicator. The dispensing mechanism includes an elongate body including first and second ends, and an actuator assembly operably coupled to the elongate body. The applicator is operably coupled to the actuator assembly and is positioned at or near the first end of the elongate body and the first end of the container. Upon engagement with the actuator assembly, the applicator is urged towards the container cavity to collect a quantity of the cosmetic substance.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cosmetic, hair care, body care, and / or skin care products, and more particularly to systems and techniques for applying such products. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0002] Cosmetics, hair care products, body care products, and / or skin care products may be provided in a number of different containers and may be applied using a number of different techniques. As an example, a concealer product may be applied using a user's finger, an applicator brush, and / or a sponge product, among other options. When applying such products, it may be difficult for a user to accurately dispense the appropriate amount of product to cover a desired area. If too much product is dispensed from a container, the excess product may be difficult and / or impossible to return to the container and may ultimately need to be discarded, thereby resulting in product waste. Conversely, if too little product is dispensed from a container, the need to repeatedly dispense additional product may adversely affect the user experience. In addition, existing techniques may lack customization capabilities and may be difficult to use when attempting specific application techniques. Furthermore, existing products may be disposable in nature, which may lead to environmental waste.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved accessories with improved functionality.

[0004] An example within the scope of the present invention is directed to an applicator system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance. Such a system may include a container defining a cavity and including an open first end, a dispensing mechanism operably coupled to the first end of the container, and an applicator. The dispensing mechanism includes an elongate body including first and second ends, and an actuator assembly operably coupled to the elongate body. The applicator is operably coupled to the actuator assembly and is positioned at or near the first end of the elongate body and the first end of the container. Upon engagement with the actuator assembly, the applicator is urged towards the cavity of the container to collect a quantity of the cosmetic substance.

[0005] In some examples, the actuator assembly is translatably coupled to the elongate body to permit relative movement therebetween. In some of these examples, the actuator assembly may further include a button and a resilient member. The resilient member may bias the button toward the second end of the elongate body, thereby positioning the applicator adjacent the cavity of the container. Additionally, in some examples, a locking mechanism may be provided to prevent the button from being engaged.

[0006] In some configurations, a retention medium may be provided to suspend the cosmetic substance within the cavity. The retention medium may be at least one of a foam member or a mesh member.

[0007] In some approaches, the first end of the elongate body may include a mating member for releasably securing the dispensing mechanism to the container. In these and other approaches, the applicator may be removably coupled to the actuator assembly.

[0008] In some examples, the applicator may be constructed from a compressible material that compresses when forced towards the cavity of the container.

[0009] According to a second approach, a dispensing mechanism for an applicator system containing a cosmetic substance includes an elongate shell having first and second ends, an actuator assembly at least partially disposed within the elongate shell, and an applicator including a base and a compressible member operably coupled to the base. The actuator assembly includes a button and a piston member operably coupled to the button. The piston member includes an applicator coupling mechanism. The applicator base includes a piston member coupling mechanism operably coupled to the applicator coupling mechanism of the piston member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] The above needs are met, at least in part, by providing one, two or more, or any combination of, the approaches for an applicator system for applying cosmetic products described in the following detailed description, particularly when considered in conjunction with the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary applicator system, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the exemplary applicator system of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-3, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-4, according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a second exemplary applicator system, according to various embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the exemplary applicator system of FIG. 5, according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the second exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 6 and 7 removed from the exemplary container, according to various embodiments.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative placement of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the various examples. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible examples are often not depicted to facilitate less obtrusive drawings of these various examples. It will be further appreciated that certain acts and / or steps may be described or illustrated in a particular sequence of occurrence, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be appreciated that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meanings as given to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art as set forth above, unless a different specific meaning is otherwise set forth herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Generally speaking, in accordance with these various approaches, an applicator system is provided that allows a user to precisely dispense and apply controlled, predetermined amounts (e.g., microdoses) of cosmetic, hair care, body care, and / or skin care products, such as, for example, concealer formulas, and allows the product to be applied and blended in an ergonomic and uniform manner. In some examples, the system may reduce air bubbles and / or other inconsistencies during dispensing and application, thereby providing a smooth application that reduces and / or eliminates texture marks.

[0013] Referring to the figure, an applicator system 100 is provided for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance 101. The applicator system 100 includes a container or cartridge 102, a dispensing mechanism 110, and an applicator 130. The cosmetic substance 101 may be any type of make-up, hair care product, body care product, and / or skin care product that may be applied to a user. For example, the cosmetic substance 101 may be in the form of a concealer formula. Other examples are possible.

[0014] The container 102 has a first end 102a, a second end 102b, and defines a cavity 103 sized to hold the cosmetic substance 101. More specifically, the container 102 includes a base portion 104 and an extension portion 106 that cooperate to define the cavity 103. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the base portion 104 is sized to hold the cosmetic substance 101 therein and includes a substantially flat underside to allow the container 102 to rest on a substantially flat surface. The container 102 may be constructed from any number of suitable materials, such as, for example, a polymeric material, a metallic material, and / or a glass material. Other examples are possible. In some examples, the first end 102a of the container 102 may be open and the second end 102b of the container 102 may be closed.

[0015] The extension portion 106 of the container 101 is operably coupled to the base portion 104 of the container 101 via any number of suitable techniques. For example, the extension portion 106 may be coupled to the base portion 104 via frictional engagement, threaded engagement, and / or other suitable techniques. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the base portion 104 includes an inner flange 105a and an outer ledge 105b. The extension portion 106 includes an outer flange 107a that engages with the outer ledge 105b of the base portion 104. It should be understood that in some examples (not illustrated), the base portion 104 and the extension portion 106 may be integrally formed with one another.

[0016] 5, in some examples, the first end 102a of the container includes a threaded coupling region 107b, which in this example is part of the extension portion 106. As will be discussed in more detail, the extension portion 106 further includes a guiding surface 107c.

[0017] In some examples, the container 102 may be at least partially constructed from a transparent and / or translucent material and may receive between approximately 3 ml and approximately 15 ml of the cosmetic substance 101. More specifically, in some examples, the cavity 103 may be sized to receive approximately 6 ml of the cosmetic substance 101. In some configurations (not illustrated), the container 102 may be configured to receive an inner pouch that may be removable therefrom.

[0018] The dispensing mechanism 110 is operatively coupled to the first end 102a of the container 102 and has a first end 110a and a second end 110b. Generally, the dispensing mechanism 110 includes an elongated body 111 and an actuator assembly 120. The elongated shell or body 111 is generally hollow and includes a first end 111a, a second end 111b, a lower surface 111c, and a mating member in the form of a threaded coupling region 112 disposed at or near the first end 110a of the dispensing mechanism 110. Further, in some examples, the elongated body 111 may include a through hole 114 disposed at or near the first end 110a of the dispensing mechanism 110. Still further, in some examples, the elongated body 111 may include a retaining member 116 disposed at or near the first end 110a of the dispensing mechanism 110. It should be understood that any of the threaded coupling regions 112, through holes 114, and / or retention members 116 may be disposed elsewhere along the elongate body 111, as desired.

[0019] 5, the threaded coupling region 112 of the elongated body 111 engages with the threaded coupling region 107b of the extension portion 106 to operably couple the elongated body 111 to the extension portion 106 (and thus the container 102). It is understood that other suitable techniques for removably coupling the elongated body 111 to the extension portion 106 may be used, such as, for example, a friction fit engagement, a corresponding notch and groove coupling, etc.

[0020] The retaining member 116 is in the form of a ring that extends upwardly from the lower surface 111c into the interior cavity thereof. Moreover, in the illustrated example, the retaining member 116 is positioned such that it surrounds the through hole 114. Although the illustrated example shows the retaining member 116 in the form of a continuous ring, in other examples (not illustrated), the retaining member can be a discontinuous ring and / or a single protrusion. Other configurations are possible.

[0021] The actuator assembly 120 includes a resilient member 121, a button 122, and a piston member 126. The button 122 is dimensioned to be translatably coupled to the elongated body 111 to permit relative movement therebetween in an axial direction. More specifically, the button 122 is dimensioned to be at least partially disposed within a portion of the elongated body 111. In some examples, one of the elongated body 111 or the button 122 may have a groove (not illustrated) formed therein, and the other of the button 122 or the elongated body 111 may have a corresponding protrusion or notch (not illustrated) to guide relative movement therebetween. In any of these examples, the button 122 may include a tab or other locking mechanism to prevent the button 122 from being separated from the elongated body 111.

[0022] The button 122 further includes a coupling cavity 123 adapted to receive a portion of the piston member 126. More specifically, the piston member 126 includes a rod 127 and a piston head 128. In the illustrated example, the rod 127 is disposed within the coupling cavity 123 of the button 122 such that the piston member 126 moves axially with the button 122 relative to the elongated body 111 (and thus relative to the container 102). The engagement between the rod 127 and the coupling cavity 123 may be in the form of a threaded connection, a friction fit connection, or any other suitable manner. Furthermore, the rod 127 is disposed through the through hole 114 of the elongated body 111. So configured, the piston head 128 is positioned at or near the first end 111a of the elongated body 111 and below the lower surface 111c thereof, and can be moved axially such that the piston head 128 extends a distance beyond the first end 111a of the elongated body 111. The piston head 128 includes a cavity 128a that defines an applicator coupling mechanism 129. In the illustrated example, the applicator coupling mechanism 129 is in the form of a threaded coupling region, although other configurations are possible.

[0023] The elastic member 121 is in the form of a spring disposed within the elongated body 111 and the button 122. More specifically, a first end of the elastic member 121 is coupled to the retaining member 116. In some examples, the elastic member 121 may be disposed around a periphery of the retaining member 116, while in other examples, the elastic member 121 may be disposed within an interior cavity formed by the retaining member 116. In still other examples, the elastic member 121 may be coupled to the retaining member 116 via a mechanical fastener or other suitable manner. A second end of the elastic member 121 is positioned adjacent to the coupling cavity 123 of the button 122. When so disposed, the elastic member 121 is adapted to bias the button axially away from the second end 111b of the elongated body 111. In this configuration, rod 127 is coupled to button 122 and piston head 128 is positioned below lower surface 111c of elongate body 111 such that piston head 128 prevents button 122 from moving axially away from second end 111b of elongate body 111 to a distance where elongate body 111 and button 122 are separated from one another. In some examples, resilient member 121 may be constructed from an environmentally sustainable plastic or other polymeric material. Other suitable materials are possible.

[0024] The applicator 130 has a first end 130a, a second end 130b, a body 132, and a compressible member 134. The compressible member 134 is positioned at the first end 130a, and the body 132 is positioned at the second end 130b. The body 132 of the applicator 130 may be in the form of a rigid collar including a piston member coupling mechanism 133 that may be used to threadably couple the applicator 130 to the piston member 126. More specifically, the applicator coupling mechanism 129 of the piston head 128 engages with the piston member coupling mechanism 133. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the body 132 of the applicator 132 is positioned within the guiding surface 107c of the extension portion 106 such that it (in addition to a portion of the piston head 128) may be slidable and / or translatable relative to the guiding surface 107c.

[0025] The compressible member 134 is coupled to the base 132 via any number of suitable techniques, such as, for example, via adhesive, ultrasonic welding, friction fit connection, and the like. In some examples, the compressible member 134 is constructed from a flocked soft foam having porosity that allows the cosmetic substance 101 to diffuse through and be evenly distributed along its exterior surface 134a. By using a flocked foam material, the exterior surface 134 provides a smooth application of the cosmetic substance 101. In some examples, the compressible member 134 may have a dome-shaped sloped surface having a petal shape that mimics a user's finger, approximately 5 mm thick and approximately 17 mm wide. In these and other examples, the tip of the compressible member 134 may be sharpened to allow for targeted application of the cosmetic substance 101. Other examples are possible.

[0026] In operation, the applicator system 100 is prepared by filling the cavity 103 with a cosmetic substance 101. In some examples, a user may purchase a stand-alone container 102 pre-filled with a desired cosmetic substance 101. The assembled dispensing mechanism 110 and actuator assembly 120 are then coupled to the container 102 by threadably engaging the threaded coupling region 112 of the elongated body 111 with the threaded coupling region 107b of the extension portion 106. So positioned, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the compressible member 134 of the applicator 130 is disposed within the cavity 103 of the container and positioned above the cosmetic substance 101 contained therein.

[0027] The user may then press the button 122 downwards (i.e., towards the first end 111a of the elongated body 111), which causes the piston member 126 and applicator 130 to move downwards and the compressible member 134 to collect a predetermined amount of the cosmetic substance 101. More specifically, in some examples, the maximum allowable travel distance of the button 122 relative to the elongated member 111 is predefined such that, upon lowering the compressible member 134, a desired microdose (e.g., between about 5 microliters and about 20 microliters, preferably about 10 microliters) may be collected by the compressible member 134. In some examples, the cosmetic substance 101 may be drawn out onto its outer surface 134a, while in other examples, the porosity of the compressible member 134 may cause an amount of the cosmetic substance 101 to be collected and drawn into its inner portion.

[0028] The user may then release the button 122, causing the resilient member 121 to move the button 122, the piston member 126, and the applicator 130 axially upwards, thereby removing the compressible member 134 from the cosmetic substance 101. With brief reference to FIG. 8 , the user may then separate (e.g., unscrew) the threaded coupling region 112 of the elongated body 111 from the threaded coupling region 107b of the extension portion 106 of the container 102, such that the compressible member 134 of the applicator 130 is exposed for use. The user may apply the cosmetic substance 101 by gripping the elongated body 111 (which in some examples may include a gripping member and / or may be ergonomically designed for comfortable handling) and pressing the exterior surface 134a of the compressible member 134 against the user's skin, causing the cosmetic substance 101 disposed on or within the compressible member 134 to flow onto the user's skin. Once the cosmetic substance 101 has been applied, the user can secure the elongated member 111 to the extension portion 106 via the threaded coupling regions 112, 107b. The user can repeat this process as necessary to collect and apply additional cosmetic substance 101.

[0029] It should be appreciated that in some approaches, the dispensing mechanism may include a locking mechanism (not illustrated) to prevent the button 122 from being engaged. For example, the button 122 may incorporate a feature that must first be twisted relative to the elongate body 111 in order to be depressible. Other examples are possible.

[0030] The applicator 130 must translate a known distance into the cavity 103 of the container 102 to properly collect the desired, predetermined amount of cosmetic substance 101. In some examples, the dispensing mechanism 110 may include a translation limiting member (not illustrated) in the form of a notch or protrusion that prevents the button from moving beyond a desired axial distance. In some examples, the stroke of the resilient member 121 to the thickness ratio of the compressible member 134 is optimized to provide complete evacuation of the cosmetic substance 101 from the container 102. Furthermore, in some examples, the outer surface 134a of the compressible member 134 is equal to the top dimension (e.g., diameter) of the container 102 to provide uniform transfer of the cosmetic substance 101.

[0031] In some examples, the cosmetic substance 101 may be disposed within a holding medium 109 that suspends the cosmetic substance 101 within the cavity 103. Advantageously, such a holding medium 109 may prevent the cosmetic substance from spilling if the system 100 is placed on its side. More specifically, the holding medium 109 may be in the form of a foam or mesh member. In such examples, when the button 122 is pressed to lower the applicator 130, the compressible member 134 may compress against the top surface of the holding medium 109 to break the surface tension created by the cosmetic substance 101 thereon. Such compression may act as a partial vacuum that causes the cosmetic substance 101 to be drawn into the compressible member 134 upon release of the button 122. In examples in which a holding medium 109 is used, the inner flange 105a of the base portion 104 may function as a retention mechanism to store the holding medium 109 within the base portion 104 of the container 102. In some examples, the holding medium 109 may include a central region (not illustrated) that is depressed and / or shaped to correspond to the shape of the applicator 130. In such a configuration, when the applicator 130 is depressed, the holding medium 109 may engage the applicator 130 in a uniform manner such that the cosmetic substance 101 is evenly applied to the exterior surface of the applicator 130. Other examples are possible.

[0032] Additionally, in some examples where a foam holding medium 109 is used, different layers of foam with varying porosity may be used to drive the cosmetic substance 101 towards the top. For example, a high density foam material may be used at the bottom of the holding medium 109 and a low density foam material may be used at the top of the holding medium 109. Such a configuration may provide capillary action, which urges the cosmetic substance 101 upward. Other examples are possible.

[0033] It is understood that the applicator systems described herein may include any number of additional and / or alternative features. For example, Figures 6-8 illustrate an alternative applicator system 200. It will be understood that the applicator system 200 illustrated in Figures 6-8 may include similar features as the applicator system 100 illustrated in Figures 1-5, and thus the elements illustrated in Figures 6-8 are designated by like reference numerals shown in the example illustrated in Figures 1-5, plus 100. Thus, these features will not be described in substantial detail. Furthermore, it will be understood that any of the elements described with respect to applicator system 100 may be incorporated into applicator system 200, and vice versa.

[0034] In this exemplary applicator system 200, at least a portion of the outer surface 234a of the compressible member 234 includes an angled portion that may assist in applying the cosmetic substance 201 during certain techniques. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the applicator 230 may have a tube 236 disposed therein. The tube 236 may be constructed from any number of suitable materials, such as, for example, a thermoplastic elastomeric material or other suitable flexible material that may move and / or bend when pressure is applied to the applicator 230, yet still provide increased support during application of the cosmetic substance 201. Still further, in the illustrated example, the applicator 230 may include a support member 238 in the form of a rigid collar that surrounds a portion of the applicator 230 to provide additional support when a user applies increased pressure to the applicator 230 during certain application techniques. Other examples are possible.

[0035] Because applicator system 100 includes threadable or otherwise removable components, applicator 130 may be separated from the remainder of applicator system 100 as desired and replaced with a different applicator having a desired geometry and / or other properties, such as, for example, a softer or more rigid foam material. Thus, system 100 may be customizable to meet changing consumer demands. Such a removable configuration further allows applicator 130 to be properly cleaned and replaced as needed, which may be advantageous in retail environments to promote hygienic practices.

[0036] Additionally, any of the applicator systems 100, 200 described herein may be reusable. More specifically, in some examples, once all of the cosmetic substance 101 has been used, the user may remove the container 102 from the dispensing mechanism 110 (and / or, in some examples, may remove the base portion 104 from the extension portion 106) and return the container 102 to the manufacturer. The user may then purchase a stand-alone container 102 having a closure or cap arrangement (not illustrated) on its first end 102a and then couple the dispensing mechanism 110 thereto. Such a system may result in a significant reduction in packaging waste.

[0037] So configured, the system allows the consumer to actuate, apply, and blend the product in an efficient manner. The geometry of the applicator head allows the product to spread over the surface for a more uniform application, while the pointed top area of ​​the applicator head provides better application. By providing two orifice restrictions, the displacement within the dispensing mechanism is precisely controlled, which is not possible with existing systems and pumping mechanisms. Furthermore, because each of the components are removably coupled to one another, the system 100 can be easily customized as desired by the user.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, changes, and combinations can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and combinations should be considered to be within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

[0039] The final claims of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited in the claim, such as by the language "means for" or "step for."

Claims

1. 1. An applicator system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance, said system comprising: a container defining a cavity for receiving a cosmetic substance and including an open first end; a dispensing mechanism operably coupled to the first end of the container, the dispensing mechanism including an elongate body and an actuator assembly operably coupled to the elongate body, the elongate body having a first end and a second end; an applicator operably coupled to the actuator assembly and positioned at or near the first end of the elongate body and the first end of the container; An applicator system, wherein upon engagement with the actuator assembly, the applicator is urged towards the cavity of the container so as to collect a quantity of cosmetic substance.

2. 2. The applicator system of claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly is translatably coupled to the elongate body to permit relative movement therebetween.

3. 3. The applicator system of claim 2, wherein the actuator assembly includes a button and a resilient member, the resilient member urging the button toward the second end of the elongate body, thereby positioning the applicator adjacent the cavity of the container.

4. 4. The applicator system of claim 3, further comprising a locking mechanism adapted to prevent the button from being engaged.

5. 10. The applicator system of claim 1, further comprising a holding medium adapted to suspend the cosmetic substance within the cavity.

6. The applicator system of claim 5 , wherein the retaining medium comprises at least one of a foam member or a mesh member.

7. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the elongate body includes a fitting for releasably securing the dispensing mechanism to the container.

8. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the applicator is removably coupled to the actuator assembly.

9. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the applicator is constructed from a compressible material adapted to compress when urged towards the cavity of the container.

10. 1. A dispensing mechanism for an applicator system containing a cosmetic substance, the dispensing mechanism comprising: an elongated shell having a first end and a second end; an actuator assembly at least partially disposed within the elongated shell, the actuator assembly including a button and a piston member operably coupled to the button, the piston member including an applicator coupling mechanism; an applicator comprising a base and a compressible member operably coupled to the base, the base including a piston member coupling mechanism for operably coupling to the applicator coupling mechanism of the piston member.

11. The dispensing mechanism of claim 10 , wherein the actuator assembly is translatable relative to the elongate shell such that upon engagement with the button, the actuator assembly moves toward the first end of the elongate shell.

12. The dispensing mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the compressible member is adapted to extend a distance beyond the first end of the elongated shell when the actuator assembly is moved to an extended position.

13. 12. The dispensing mechanism of claim 11, wherein the actuator assembly further includes a resilient member operably coupled to the button and a portion of the elongated shell, the resilient member adapted to bias the button toward the second end of the elongated shell.

14. The dispensing mechanism of claim 11 , further comprising a locking mechanism adapted to prevent the button from being engaged.

15. The dispensing mechanism of claim 11 , further comprising a translation limiting member adapted to limit translation of the actuator assembly relative to the elongate shell.

16. The dispensing mechanism of claim 10 , wherein the applicator is removably coupled to the piston member.

17. The dispensing mechanism of claim 10 , wherein the first end of the elongated shell includes a mating member for releasably securing the dispensing mechanism to a container containing a cosmetic substance.

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