Applicator system for applying a cosmetic product

Abstract

An applicator system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance may include a flexible container defining a cavity and including an open first end and a closed second end, a dispensing mechanism extending into the cavity from the open first end toward the second end, and an applicator operatively coupled to at least a portion of the dispensing mechanism. The applicator has a body and an exterior surface. Upon application of a force to a portion of the flexible container, a predetermined amount of the cosmetic substance is dispensed from the cavity, through the dispensing mechanism, through the body of the applicator and onto the exterior surface of the applicator.

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. [Background technology]

[0002] Cosmetic, hair, body, 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, concealer products may be applied using a user's finger, applicator brush, and / or sponge products, 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 flexible 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 flexible 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. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0004] An example within the scope of the present disclosure is directed to an applicator system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance. Such a system may include a flexible container defining a cavity and including an open first end and a closed second end, a dispensing mechanism extending into the cavity from the open first end toward the second end, and an applicator operatively coupled to at least a portion of the dispensing mechanism. The applicator has a body and an exterior surface. Upon application of a force to a portion of the flexible container, a predetermined amount of cosmetic substance is dispensed from the cavity, through the dispensing mechanism, through the body of the applicator, and onto the exterior surface of the applicator.

[0005] In one approach, the applicator system further includes a flexible neck member that is capable of bending in response to the applicator being actuated by a user.

[0006] In these and other approaches, the dispensing mechanism may include at least one orifice restriction. The at least one orifice restriction may be constructed from a material having a Shore D hardness of approximately 50-75. Further, in some examples, the at least one orifice restriction may be in the form of a one-way valve that closes upon dispensing a predetermined amount of cosmetic substance. In some forms, the predetermined amount of cosmetic substance is approximately 10 microliters.

[0007] In some examples, the dispensing mechanism extends into the cavity toward the second end of the flexible container. The dispensing mechanism may include a dip tube plunger having an elongated tube member. In some examples, the elongated tube member may extend to the second end of the flexible container such that the cosmetic substance can be dispensed from the flexible container in an upright orientation.

[0008] In some approaches, the applicator includes a flow-through head that distributes the cosmetic substance over the exterior surface of the applicator. The applicator may be constructed from an open cell foam material.

[0009] In some examples, the flexible container can have a rectangular or oval shape. Additionally, in some examples, the flexible container can have a generally tapered profile extending from a first end to a second end. [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 a cosmetic product described in the following detailed description, particularly when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary applicator system, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevational view of the exemplary applicator system of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation 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 elevation cross-sectional view of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-4, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation cross-sectional view of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-5, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0012] 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 depicted in a particular order of occurrence, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that such specificity with respect to the order is not actually required. It will also be appreciated that the terms and expressions used in this specification have the ordinary technical meanings as given to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art as described above, unless a different specific meaning is otherwise set forth herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 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 a cosmetic, hair, body, and / or skin care product, such as, for example, a concealer formula, 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.

[0014] Referring to the figure, an applicator system 100 is provided for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance 102. The applicator system 100 includes a flexible container or cartridge 104, a dispensing mechanism 110, and an applicator 120. The cosmetic substance 102 may be any type of makeup product, hair care product, body care product, and / or skin care product that may be applied to a user. For example, the cosmetic substance 102 may be in the form of a concealer formula. Other examples are possible. In some examples where the cosmetic substance 102 is a cosmetic formula, it may include strong or otherwise harsh chemicals and / or solvents, such as, for example, volatile materials.

[0015] The flexible container 104 has a first end 104a, a second end 104b, and a ledge 108. The flexible container 104 defines a cavity 105 sized to hold the cosmetic substance 102. The flexible container 104 may be constructed from any number of suitable flexible materials, such as, for example, a polymeric material. Other examples are possible. In some examples, the first end 104a of the flexible container 104 may be open and the second end 104b of the flexible container 104 may be closed. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some examples, the first end 104a of the flexible container 104 may be in the form of a neck portion including a threaded coupling region 106. In some examples, the flexible container 104 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 102. More specifically, in some examples, the cavity 105 may be sized to receive approximately 6 ml of the cosmetic substance 102. In some forms (not illustrated), the flexible container 104 may be configured to receive an inner pouch that may be removable therefrom.

[0016] The dispensing mechanism 110 is disposed at or near the first end 104a of the flexible container 104 and is operatively coupled thereto. The dispensing mechanism 110 is in the form of a wing or cap including a base 112, a threaded coupling region 114 extending from the base 112, and a sidewall 116 also extending from the base 112. In some examples, all or a portion of the dispensing mechanism 110 is constructed from a resilient material that can bend or flex when biased or pressed. More specifically, in some examples, the dispensing mechanism 110 can be constructed from a bi-injected soft-touch material, such as a fluorosilicate. Other examples are possible.

[0017] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the threaded coupling region 114 of the dispensing mechanism 110 threadably couples with the threaded coupling region 106 of the flexible container 104. In the illustrated example, the threaded coupling region 114 of the dispensing mechanism 110 surrounds the neck portion of the flexible container 104, although in other examples (not illustrated) the opposite configuration may be provided. It is further understood that any other suitable coupling mechanism may be used, such as friction fit coupling, tab and prong coupling, etc. Other examples are possible. So positioned, a portion of the base 112 covers the first end 104a of the flexible container 104 to help retain the cosmetic substance 102 within the cavity 105. When the dispensing mechanism 110 is coupled with the flexible container 104, the sidewall 116 of the dispensing mechanism 110 may be positioned at or near and / or engage with the ledge 108 of the flexible container 104.

[0018] In some examples, the discharge mechanism 110 includes at least one orifice restriction 118. More specifically, in these examples, the orifice restriction 118 may be formed on or in the base 112 of the discharge mechanism 110. The orifice restriction 118 is in the form of a one-way valve that may be selectively opened and closed in response to an external force. In these configurations, the one-way valve opens in a direction away from the cavity 105 (thereby allowing the cosmetic substance 102 to be dispensed therefrom). The one-way valve 118 may have a particular hardness and / or stiffness value that prevents the valve from opening until a sufficient force is applied. By way of example, the one-way valve 118 may be constructed of low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, or other elastomeric material depending on the desired formula of the cosmetic substance 102 and its properties. Such materials may have a Shore D hardness value of approximately 50-70 and may, in some instances, be advantageously capable of repeatedly returning to a valve closed state despite being subjected to repeated external forces in addition to the cosmetic substance 102, which may be a relatively abrasive formulation.

[0019] As with other or all portions of the dispensing mechanism 110, in some examples, the one-way valve 118 may be constructed from a bi-injected soft-touch material, such as fluorosilicate. As a result, if the desired cosmetic substance 102 is constructed from a harsh and potentially abrasive chemical formulation, the dispensing mechanism 110 may safely retain and / or dispense the cosmetic substance 102 without degrading or otherwise weakening the device.

[0020] The applicator 120 has a body 122 and an exterior surface 124. A portion of the applicator's body 122 may include a mating region (not illustrated) that allows the applicator 120 to be mated with the dispensing mechanism 110. More specifically, in some examples, the body 122 of the applicator 120 may include a rigid collar that engages with a protrusion or cavity formed on the base 112 of the dispensing mechanism 110. It will be appreciated that in some examples, other suitable types of mating mechanisms may be used to removably couple the applicator 120 to the dispensing mechanism 110, such as, for example, a threaded coupling, a tab and protrusion coupling, and the like. Other examples are possible. So configured, the body 122 of the applicator 120 is positioned adjacent to the orifice restriction 118 of the dispensing mechanism 110.

[0021] In some examples, the applicator 120 is constructed from a flocked soft foam with channels that allow the cosmetic substance 102 to flow from the internal cavity of the body 122 to the exterior surface 124 of the applicator 120. By using a flocked foam, the exterior surface 124 allows for smooth application of the cosmetic substance 102. In some examples, the channels can be laser cut. In other words, the applicator 120 can be micro-perforated to allow the cosmetic substance 102 to diffuse through the exterior surface 124 of the applicator 120 and spread evenly thereon. In some examples, the applicator 120 can have a dome-shaped sloped surface with 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 applicator 120 can be sharpened to allow for targeted application of the cosmetic substance 102. Other examples are possible. For example, in some approaches, the applicator 120 can have a tube (not illustrated) disposed therein. The tube may be constructed from any number of suitable materials, such as, for example, a flexible member, that may move and / or bend when pressure is applied to the applicator 120, yet still provide increased support during application of the cosmetic substance 102. In some examples, the tube itself may define a channel that directs the cosmetic substance 102 from the dispensing mechanism 110 to the top end of the applicator 120. Other examples are possible.

[0022] The applicator system 100 may further include a cap 130 having a first end 130a and a body 132. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the first end 130a of the cap 130 may be removably coupled to a portion of the flexible container 104. More specifically, in the illustrated example, the first end 130a of the cap 130 may frictionally engage the ledge 108 of the flexible container 104. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the cap 130 may be threadably coupled to the flexible container 104. In yet other examples, the cap 130 may be coupled to the dispensing mechanism 110. Other suitable coupling mechanisms may be used. The body 132 of the cap 130 may be flared to allow for a larger applicator 120. Additionally, the cap 130, as well as the second end 104b of the flexible container 104, may be flat at the end or top surface to allow the applicator system 100 to stand upside down on a horizontal surface.

[0023] In operation, the applicator system 100 is prepared by filling the cavity 105 with the desired cosmetic substance 102. The dispensing mechanism 110 is then coupled to the flexible container 104 via the threaded coupling regions 114, 106, and the applicator 120 is then operatively coupled to the base 112 of the dispensing mechanism 110. The user may then dispense the cosmetic substance by squeezing the flexible container 104 with sufficient force to open the one-way valve 118 and force the cosmetic substance 102 into the body 122 of the applicator 120. In some examples, the one-way valve 118 may close when the user releases the flexible container 104. However, in some examples, the one-way valve 118 may be configured to close upon releasing a particular volume and / or a predetermined amount of the cosmetic substance 102. For example, the one-way valve 118 may close upon dispensing approximately 10 microliters of the cosmetic substance 102. Other examples are possible. Advantageously, the desired dispensed volume can be adjusted by the manufacturer to dispense different types of cosmetic substances. Further, the dispenser mechanism 110 advantageously enables the cosmetic substance to be dispensed into the applicator 120 in an upright orientation.

[0024] The user may then apply the cosmetic substance 102 by pressing the exterior surface 124 of the applicator 120 against the user's skin, causing the cosmetic substance 102 disposed within the body 122 of the applicator 120 to flow through the applicator 120 and onto its exterior surface 124. Once the cosmetic substance 102 has been applied, the user may secure the cap 130 to the flexible container 104.

[0025] In some examples (not illustrated), alternative dispensing mechanisms may be provided. For example, the dispensing mechanism may be in the form of a dip tube plunger that extends into the cavity 105 of the flexible container. Such a mechanism may draw or collect the cosmetic substance 102 into the applicator 120 upon engaging or otherwise squeezing the flexible container 104. As previously mentioned, such a dispensing mechanism may advantageously allow the cosmetic substance 102 to be dispensed into the applicator 120 in an upright orientation.

[0026] Because applicator system 100 includes threadable or otherwise removable components, applicator 120 can 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 can be customizable to meet changing consumer demands. Such a removable configuration further allows applicator 120 to be properly cleaned and replaced as needed, which can be advantageous in retail environments to promote hygienic practices.

[0027] Additionally, the applicator system 100 may be reusable. More specifically, in some examples, once all of the cosmetic substance 102 has been used, the user may remove the flexible container 104 from the dispensing mechanism 110 and return the flexible container 104 to the manufacturer. The user may then purchase a stand-alone container 104 having a closure or capping device (not illustrated) on the first end 104a and then couple the dispensing mechanism 110 to the stand-alone container 104. Such a system may result in a significant reduction in packaging waste.

[0028] So configured, the system allows the consumer to actuate, apply, and blend the product in one swipe or motion. The geometry of the applicator head allows the product to spread over the surface for a more even 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 by the user as desired.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 applicator system comprising: a flexible container defining a cavity, the flexible container including an open first end and a closed second end; a dispensing mechanism disposed at or near the open first end of the flexible container; an applicator operatively coupled to at least a portion of the dispensing mechanism, the applicator having a body and an exterior surface; An applicator system, wherein application of force to a portion of the flexible container causes a predetermined amount of cosmetic substance to be dispensed from the cavity, through the dispensing mechanism, through the body of the applicator, and onto the exterior surface of the applicator.

2. 10. The applicator system of claim 1, further comprising a flexible neck member, the flexible neck member adapted to bend in response to the applicator being actuated by a user.

3. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the dispensing mechanism includes at least one orifice restriction.

4. 4. The applicator system of claim 3, wherein the at least one orifice restriction is constructed from a material having a Shore D hardness of approximately 50-75.

5. 4. The applicator system of claim 3, wherein the at least one orifice restriction comprises a one-way valve adapted to close upon dispensing of the predetermined amount of cosmetic substance.

6. 6. The applicator system of claim 5, wherein the predetermined amount of cosmetic substance is approximately 10 microliters.

7. 2. The applicator system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing mechanism is adapted to extend into the cavity toward the second end of the flexible container.

8. The applicator system of claim 7 , wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a dip tube plunger having an elongated tubular member.

9. 9. The applicator system of claim 8, wherein the elongated tubular member extends to the second end of the flexible container such that the cosmetic substance is dispensed from the flexible container in an upright orientation.

10. 2. The applicator system of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a flow-through head adapted to spread the cosmetic substance onto the exterior surface of the applicator.

11. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the applicator is constructed from an open cell foam material.

12. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the flexible container has a rectangular or oval shape.

13. 2. The applicator system of claim 1, wherein the flexible container has a generally tapered profile extending from the first end to the second end.

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