applicator

Abstract

To provide an applicator having a slit part formed between an application member and a non-application member and allowing a nail tip part to be inserted thereinto, and capable of easily applying an application liquid in a constant width to the nail tip part.SOLUTION: An applicator comprises: an application part that can be impregnated with an application liquid or has been impregnated with the application liquid; a non-application part that is in contact with the application part or arranged opposite the application part, separated by a prescribed distance, and not permitting impregnation or permeation of the application liquid; a slit part arranged between the application part and the non-application part and allowing a nail tip part to be inserted thereinto; and an application surface as the outer surface of the application part, arranged so as to constitute the inner surface of the slit part, coming into surface contact with the surface of the inserted nail tip part and permitting the application of the application liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator. More particularly, the present invention relates to an applicator for applying an application liquid to the tip of a nail. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, in French manicures, where nail polish (application liquid) is applied to the tip of the nail in a predetermined width, it was difficult to apply nail polish in a constant width. In particular, it was difficult to apply nail polish neatly in a constant width to the tip of the nail by oneself, and even more so, it was extremely difficult to apply nail polish neatly in a constant width to the tip of the nail with one's non-dominant hand.

[0003] For example, when applying nail polish to the toes of the nails using a brush, it is difficult to apply nail polish neatly in a consistent width because the application line is distorted or the nail polish extends beyond the outer edge of the application line. In particular, because application with a brush requires delicate movements, it is extremely difficult to apply nail polish neatly in a consistent width to the toes of the nails using the non-dominant hand.

[0004] For example, when using masking tape, one can apply nail polish to the nail by sticking the masking tape to the nail, applying nail polish, and then peeling off the masking tape to apply nail polish to the tip of the nail in a uniform width. However, this process is cumbersome and time-consuming, and there are problems such as the applied nail polish peeling off when the masking tape is peeled off.

[0005] In response to this, for example, a nail art applicator has been proposed that has an applicator main body made of a porous material that absorbs and retains liquid, a nail guide part that guides the tip of the nail, and a nail applicator part that is connected to this nail guide and has a flat surface for application (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2006-204332 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the shape of the nail polish line is affected by the shape of the outer edge of the nail tip, since the nail polish is applied by bringing the tip of the nail into contact with the nail guide portion.

[0008] Furthermore, since the nail polish is applied by pressing the tip of the nail against the nail guide portion, the width of the nail polish cannot be adjusted, and there is a problem that the width of the nail polish may end up being narrower or wider than the tip of the nail.

[0009] Furthermore, in French manicures, nail polish may be applied not only to the surface of the nail tip but also to the back of the nail, and there is a demand for an applicator that can be used suitably in such cases as well.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide an applicator that has a slit portion formed between an applicator member and a non-applicator member into which the toe portion can be inserted, and that can easily apply application liquid to the toe portion at a constant width. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention relates to an applicator having an applicator section that can be impregnated with or has been impregnated with a coating liquid, a non-applicator section that abuts against the applicator section or is positioned opposite the applicator section at a predetermined distance and does not allow the applicator section to be impregnated with or pass through the coating liquid, a slit section that is positioned between the applicator section and the non-applicator section and into which a toe section can be inserted, and an applicator surface that is the outer surface of the applicator section that is positioned to form the inner surface of the slit section and that abuts against the surface of the inserted toe section so as to be able to apply the application liquid.

[0012] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the slit portion is capable of guiding the relative movement between the inserted tip portion and the applicator.

[0013] It is also preferable that the applicator of the present invention further comprises a finger guide portion that is arranged in an area where the fingertip comes into contact when the toe portion is inserted into the slit portion on the outer surface of the non-application portion.

[0014] Furthermore, in the applicator of the present invention, when the toe portion is inserted into the slit portion and the applicator is moved along the outer edge of the toe portion, it is preferable that the finger guide portion abuts against the fingertip to guide the movement of the applicator.

[0015] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the applicator portion and the non-applicator portion are substantially cylindrical and extend in a first direction, and the opening of the slit portion is located at an end in the first direction.

[0016] In the applicator of the present invention, the opening of the slit portion is preferably curved so as to bulge toward the applicator portion.

[0017] In the applicator of the present invention, the applicator portion is preferably more flexible than the non-applicator portion.

[0018] Furthermore, in the applicator of the present invention, when the toe portion is inserted into the slit portion and the applicator and the toe portion are moved relative to each other, it is preferable that the applicator portion is pressed against the surface of the toe portion and deformed, and the applicator surface maintains a state in which it is in face-to-face contact with the surface of the toe portion.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable that the applicator of the present invention further comprises an outer tube portion that houses the application portion and the non-application portion with a portion of the application portion exposed, and that the opening of the slit portion is located in the portion exposed from the outer tube portion.

[0020] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the non-applicator portion is connected to or fixed to the outer cylindrical portion.

[0021] Moreover, the applicator of the present invention preferably has a storage section that stores an application liquid, and a supply section that can supply the application liquid stored in the storage section to the applicator section.

[0022] Furthermore, in the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the non-application section is arranged so that it can transmit external operations to the supply section, and that the supply section is configured so that it can supply the application liquid it contains to the application section in response to operations transmitted from the non-application section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, an applicator can be provided that has a slit portion formed between the applicator member and the non-applicator member into which the toe portion can be inserted, and that can easily apply the application liquid to the toe portion at a constant width. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating an applicator according to an embodiment, in which (a) is a top view of the applicator, and (b) is a front view of the applicator. [Figure 2] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a usage mode of the applicator of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an applicator member constituting the applicator of the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are top views illustrating the shape of an opening in a slit portion of an applying member, where FIG. 1A is a top view of the slit portion of an embodiment, and FIGS. 1B to 1G are top views of the slit portion of modified examples. [Figure 5] 5A to 5F are cross-sectional views illustrating the configuration of the applying member and the shape of the slit portion, where FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the slit portion of an embodiment, and FIGS. 5B to 5F are cross-sectional views of the slit portion of modified examples. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method of using the applicator of the embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing application to nails of different fingers, in which (a) shows the state before application, (b) shows application to the nail of the index finger, and (c) shows application to the nail of the little finger. [Figure 8]1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method of using the applicator of the embodiment and the state of application on the toe portion. [Figure 9] 1A to 1D are diagrams illustrating the movement (deformation) of the applicator member when the applicator is in use, showing (a) before use, (b) to (d) during use, and (e) after use. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a method of using the modified applicator and the state of application on the toe portion. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a modified example of an applicator, in which (a) is a top view of the applicator, and (b) is a front view of the applicator. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a modified example of the applicator part, in which (a) is a top view of the applicator part, and (b) is a side view of the applicator. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a modified example of a non-coating portion, in which (a) is a top view of the non-coating portion and (b) is an LL cross-sectional view of the non-coating portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, a sprayer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The applicators of the present embodiment and modified examples will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the applicator of the embodiment, where (a) is a top view of the applicator and (b) is a front view of the applicator. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating how the applicator of the embodiment is used. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an applicator member constituting the applicator of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the shape of the opening in the slit section of the applicator member, where (a) is a top view of the slit section of the embodiment and (b) to (g) are top views of the slit section of modified examples. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the applicator member and the shape of the slit section, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the slit section of the embodiment and (b) to (f) are cross-sectional views of the slit section of modified examples. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating how to use the applicator of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how to use the applicator on the nails of different fingers, where (a) is a diagram before use, (b) is a diagram using the nail of the index finger, and (c) is a diagram using the nail of the little finger. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating how to use the applicator of the embodiment and how the applicator is applied to the toe of the nail. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the movement (deformation) of the applicator member when the applicator is in use, showing (a) before use, (b) to (d) during use, and (e) after use. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of using a modified applicator and the state of application of the toe portion. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified applicator, showing (a) a top view of the applicator and (b) a front view of the applicator. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified applicator section, showing (a) a top view of the applicator and (b) a side view of the applicator. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified non-applicator section, showing (a) a top view of the non-applicator section and (b) an LL cross-sectional view of the non-applicator.

[0026] First, an applicator 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the applicator 1 has an applicator member 10, a storage section 120 that stores an application liquid 110, a supply section 60 that can supply the application liquid 110 stored in the storage section 120 to the applicator member 10 (applicator section 11), and an outer tube section 100 that stores the applicator member 10, the storage section 120, and the supply section 60.

[0027] The applicator 1 is an applicator that applies the application liquid 110 to the surface of the toe portion 220 of the nail 210 of the finger 200 so as to form a line of a predetermined width on the surface of the toe portion 220 inserted into a slit portion 20 (described later) in the applicator member 10. Here, the toe portion 220 is the tip portion of the nail 210, and is the portion extending from the fingertip 201 of the finger 200.

[0028] Applicator 1 has finger guide portion 15a (described later) formed on the end face of non-application portion 15, against which fingertip 201 comes into contact during application. During application, fingertip 201 comes into contact with finger guide portion 15a and slides against it.

[0029] In the applicator 1, the application liquid 110 is supplied to the application member 10 (application section 11) from a supply section 60. In detail, the application liquid 110 stored in a storage section 120 is supplied to the application member 10 (application section 11) via the supply section 60.

[0030] Continuing, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, applicator member 10 has applicator portion 11, non-applicator portion 15, slit portion 20, applicator surface 22, and finger guide portion 15a. The applicator member 10 is formed by arranging an applicator portion 11 and a non-applicator portion 15 in contact with each other or facing each other at a predetermined distance so that a slit portion 20 is formed at a predetermined interval.

[0031] In this embodiment, the application member 10 is housed and disposed in the outer tube portion 100 (tip portion 101). The application member 10 is housed and disposed in the outer tube portion 100 so that an opening 21 (described later) of the slit portion 20 is exposed to the outside from the outer tube portion 100. The application member 10 is housed and disposed in the outer tube portion 100 with the application portion 11 and the non-application portion 15 partially protruding from the tip portion 101. The application member 10 (application portion 11) is housed and disposed so as to protrude, for example, 0 to 20 mm from the outer tube portion 100 (see, for example, FIG. 12).

[0032] Furthermore, applicator 10 may be configured so that one of the end of applicator portion 11 or the end of non-applicator portion 15 protrudes further. For example, applicator 10 may be formed so that the end face of applicator portion 11 protrudes approximately 0 to 15 mm beyond the end face of non-applicator portion 15. For example, in one embodiment, non-applicator portion 15 may be disposed so as to protrude 1 to 5 mm from outer tube portion 100, and applicator portion 11 may be disposed so as to protrude a further 0 to 15 mm from non-applicator portion 15 (see, for example, FIG. 12).

[0033] In this embodiment, the application member 10 is housed and arranged in the outer tube portion 100 so that the non-application portion 15 can move in the longitudinal direction of the outer tube portion 100. The non-application portion 15 is configured to be able to move in the longitudinal direction by an external pressing operation or the like, thereby transmitting an external operation to the supply portion 60.

[0034] In this embodiment, the application member 10 is configured to have a generally cylindrical shape, with the application portion 11 and the non-application portion 15 extending in the longitudinal direction (first direction) of the outer cylinder portion 100. Here, the shape of the application member 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a polygonal prism (cylinder), a cone, a pyramid, a cube, a sphere, an ellipsoid, or the like.

[0035] The diameter of the application member 10 is, for example, 5 to 15 mm, preferably 7 to 13 mm, and more preferably 8 to 11 mm, but is not particularly limited to this. It can be appropriately set depending on the usability, appearance, the inner diameter of the outer cylinder portion described below, etc. The length of the application member 10 is, for example, 1 to 10 cm, preferably 2 to 8 cm, and more preferably 2 to 5 cm, but is not particularly limited to this. It can be set appropriately depending on the usability, appearance, usage mode (usage period, disposable, etc.), the length of the outer tube portion 100, etc.

[0036] The coating portion 11 is a member that can be impregnated with a coating liquid or that has been impregnated with a coating liquid 110. The coating portion 11 is disposed in contact with the non-coating portion 15 or facing the non-coating portion 15 at a predetermined distance. The coating portion 11 forms a slit portion 20 together with the non-coating portion 15. The coating portion 11 also has a coating surface 22 that is an outer surface and is disposed so as to form the inner surface of the slit portion 20.

[0037] The applicator 11 is configured to be deformable in response to the shape and movement of the inserted toe portion 220. For example, when toe portions 220 of different sizes and shapes of different fingers 200 are inserted into the slit portion 20, the applicator 11 is configured to be deformable in response to the inserted toe portion 220. Furthermore, when the toe portion 220 is inserted into the slit portion 20 and the applicator 1 and the toe portion 220 move relative to each other, the applicator 11 is pressed against the surface of the toe portion 220 and deforms. The applicator 11 deforms in response to the shape and movement of the toe portion 220 inserted into the slit portion 20, and maintains a state in which the application surface 22 is in face-to-face contact with the surface of the toe portion 220.

[0038] In this embodiment, the applicator 11 is more flexible than the non-applicator 15. In this embodiment, the applicator 11 has, for example, higher elastic deformability (compression and expansion) than the non-applicator 15. The applicator 11 is adjusted to have higher flexibility than the non-applicator 15 by adjusting the material, shape, shape of the slit 20, etc. The applicator 11 is configured to have the flexibility to deform in response to the size, shape, and movement of the toe 220 inserted into the slit 20.

[0039] The application part 11 is preferably one that impregnates and retains the application liquid 110 by, for example, capillary force. The application part 11 is composed of, for example, a molded fiber body (felt, synthetic fiber) or a synthetic resin body with a complex cross-sectional shape. In detail, the application part 11 is, for example, a synthetic resin body such as a porous body having open cells, or a fiber body such as a raised body or a flocked body, preferably a fiber bundle obtained by bundling various fibers and bonding them with a synthetic resin, more preferably a fiber bundle with a porosity of 50% or more, and particularly preferably a fiber bundle with a cellular content of 50 to 90%. In this case, the fiber thickness is 2 to 30 denier, preferably 5 to 25 denier.

[0040] The applicator 11 can be manufactured by bundling, adhering, and shaping fibers such as polyester, nylon, or urethane. The applicator 11 is manufactured to have a sponge-like shape with pores necessary for the application liquid 110 to penetrate or be impregnated therein. The pore content varies depending on the application liquid 110 used, but is adjusted to, for example, 50 to 90%. In the applicator 11, for example, the fibers are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the applicator member 10, and are resistant to deformation due to a pressing force in the longitudinal direction but are susceptible to deformation due to a pressing force in the radial direction of the applicator member 10. When the toe of the applicator 11 is inserted into the slit 20, the outer surface (application surface 22) of the applicator 11 is pressed by the convex portion of the curved toe 220, and the impregnated ink (or air) is pushed out and deformed, so that the outer surface (application surface 22) deforms in accordance with the surface shape of the toe 220. Furthermore, the applicator 11 has a resilience such that when the toe portion is removed from the slit portion 20, the applicator 11 is re-impregnated with the application liquid 110 (or air) and returns to its original state. As a result, the applicator 11 is configured such that when the toe portion 220 is inserted into the slit portion 20, the application surface 22 deforms in response to the shape and movement of the toe portion 220, and when the toe portion 220 is removed from the slit portion 20, the applicator 11 returns to its normal state. Alternatively, the material of the application part 11 may be, for example, an olefin-based material. In this case, PES6-80 (density 80 kg / m 3 ) ~ PES6-220 (density 220kg / m 3) is preferable. As the olefin-based material, for example, a mixture of PP (polypropylene) and PE (polyethylene), for example, a mixture of PP:PE=50:50, can be used, but is not limited to this. In this case, the fiber thickness is 3 to 10 denier, preferably 5 to 7 denier.

[0041] The application liquid 110 may be, for example, pigment ink, dye ink, paint, nail polish, etc. Examples of pigment ink include oil-based pigment ink, water-based pigment ink, solvent-free pigment ink, gel-type pigment ink, emulsion pigment ink, etc. Examples of dye ink include oil-based dye ink, water-based dye ink, solvent-free dye ink, gel-type dye ink, emulsion dye ink, etc. Examples of paint include oil-based paint, water-based paint, solvent-free paint, lacquer, synthetic resin paint, alcohol paint, etc. Nail polish includes those included in the above-mentioned pigment ink, dye ink, and paint, but may be, for example, oil-based nail polish, water-based nail polish, solvent-free nail polish, etc. Nail polish may be a typical nail polish made by dissolving colored synthetic resin such as acrylic or nitrocellulose in an organic solvent, or it may be a water-based nail polish that does not contain organic solvents, etc.

[0042] As described above, the coating liquid 110 is a pigment ink, dye ink, paint, or nail polish, preferably a pigment ink, dye ink, paint, or nail polish that does not contain an organic solvent, and more preferably an aqueous pigment ink, dye ink, paint, or nail polish. In this embodiment, an aqueous pigment ink is used as the coating liquid 110. The color of the coating liquid 110 may be any color, such as white, red, or crimson, and may be transparent or translucent. The coating liquid 110 may also contain pearl, glitter, or the like.

[0043] The non-coating portion 15 is a member that does not allow the coating liquid 110 to penetrate or be impregnated with the coating portion 110. The non-coating portion 15 is disposed in contact with the coating portion 11 or facing the coating portion 11 at a predetermined distance. The non-coating portion 15 forms a slit portion 20 together with the coating portion 11. Furthermore, the end face of non-application portion 15 (all or part of end face 5a) constitutes finger guide portion 15a. In detail, the end face, which is the outer surface of non-application portion 15, constitutes finger guide portion 15a, which is the area with which fingertip 201 comes into contact when toe portion 220 is inserted into slit portion 20.

[0044] The non-application portion 15 is a member separate from the application portion 11, and is a member that does not allow the application liquid 110 to be impregnated or to pass through. The non-application portion 15 does not allow the application liquid 110 to adhere to the fingertip 201 that comes into contact with the non-application portion 15. Furthermore, the non-application portion 15 does not allow the application liquid 110 supplied from the supply portion 60 to be impregnated or to pass through the non-application portion 15.

[0045] The non-coating portion 15 is a member that does not allow the coating liquid 110 to penetrate or be impregnated with the coating liquid 110, and is made of, for example, rubber, resin, metal, etc. The non-coating portion 15 can also be formed by arranging a sheet- or plate-shaped member made of rubber, resin, vinyl, metal, etc. on the entire surface.

[0046] The material and shape of non-application portion 15 are adjusted so that it is less deformable than application portion 11. It is preferable that non-application portion 15 does not deform when toe portion 220 is moved while inserted into slit portion 20.

[0047] In this embodiment, the non-application section 15 is arranged so as to be able to transmit an external operation to the supply section 60. The non-application section 15 is accommodated in the outer tube section 100 so as to be able to move in the longitudinal direction of the outer tube section 100. In this embodiment, the non-application section 15 is configured to be able to move in the longitudinal direction by an external pressing operation or the like, and to transmit an external operation to the supply section 60.

[0048] The slit portion 20 is formed from the surface to the inside of the end face 5 of the applicator member 10. The slit portion 20 is disposed between the applicator portion 11 and the non-applicator portion 15. The slit portion 20 is configured so that the toe portion 220 can be inserted therein. The slit portion 20 has an opening 21 formed in the end surface 5 of the applicator member 10. The outer surface of the applicator portion 11, which is arranged to form the inner surface of the slit portion 20, forms an applicator surface 22 that can apply the applicator liquid 110 by coming into face-to-face contact with the surface of the inserted toe portion 220.

[0049] The opening 21 of the slit portion 20 is arranged on the end surface 5 (end portion in the first direction) of the applicator member 10. The slit portion 20 is arranged so that the opening 21 is exposed to the outside from the outer tube portion 100. The slit portion 20 is also formed on the end surface 5 where the opening 21 is arranged to protrude from the outer tube portion 100 (tip portion 101).

[0050] In this embodiment, the opening 21 of the slit portion 20 has a curved shape that bulges toward the applicator portion 11. In this embodiment, the shape of the slit portion 20 is such that the opening 21 is curved and the depth at any position of the opening 21 is the same. Here, the shape of the slit portion 20 is not limited to this, and for example, the opening 21 may be a curved shape that is more curved or linear, or may be a shape that is deeper at the center and shallower at both ends in the direction in which the opening 21 extends. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the slit portion 20 (see, for example, FIG. 5) may have a cross section that is parallel to the depth direction, or may have a cross section that is inclined relative to the depth direction. As modified examples of the applicator member 10, examples having slit portions 20 with different shapes will be described below.

[0051] The width of slit 20 (the distance between application portion 11 and non-application portion 15) is not particularly limited as long as toe portion 220 can be inserted, but can be set to, for example, 0 to 5 mm, preferably 0 to 2 mm. Furthermore, by adjusting the width of slit 20, it is possible to maintain a state in which application surface 22 does not come into contact with non-application portion 15. The depth of slit portion 20 (the distance from end face 5 to bottom face 27, and the distance from the face including finger guide portion 15a to bottom face 27) is set to a depth corresponding to the width of the application line and is not particularly limited, but can be set to, for example, 2 to 10 mm, preferably 4 to 8 mm.

[0052] The position, shape, width, and depth of slit 20 are set according to the applicability to toe 220. The position, shape, width, and depth of slit 20 are adjusted taking into consideration the size of toe 220 to be inserted (such as the type of finger), the width of the application line, and the deformability of applicator 11 (such as elastic deformability and ability to conform to the surface of the toe).

[0053] Furthermore, the slit portion 20 can guide the relative movement between the inserted toe portion 220 and the applicator 1 (applicator member 10). Furthermore, when the applicator 1 and the toe portion 220 move relative to each other while the toe portion 220 is inserted into the slit portion 20, the applicator portion 11 forming the slit portion 20 is pressed against the surface of the toe portion 220 and deforms. The slit portion 20 deforms in response to the movement of the toe portion 220, so that the applicator surface 22, which is the inner surface of the slit portion 20, remains in face-to-face contact with the surface of the toe portion 220. Therefore, the applicator 1 can suitably form an application line of a predetermined width on the toe portion 220.

[0054] Furthermore, the slit portion 20 is configured to sandwich the inserted toe portion 220 so that the application liquid 110 can be applied to the surface of the toe portion 220. Because the slit portion 20 sandwiches the inserted toe portion 220, it is possible to suitably guide the movement of the applicator 1 and apply the application liquid 110 to the surface of the toe portion 220. Because the slit portion 20 sandwiches the inserted toe portion 220, it is possible to move the applicator 1 slowly and little by little, and it is possible to easily form a desired line of the application liquid 110 on the toe portion 220.

[0055] Application surface 22 is the outer surface of application unit 11 that is arranged so as to form the inner surface of slit section 20. Application surface 22 is a portion that can come into face-to-face contact with the surface of inserted toe section 220 to apply application liquid 110. Application surface 22 is the inner surface of slit section 20 (outer surface of application unit 11), and is an application surface that can come into face-to-face contact with the surface of toe section 220 that is inserted with fingertip 201 in contact with finger guide section 15a to apply application liquid. The application surface 22 is maintained in face-to-face contact with the surface of the toe 220 due to the deformation of the application part 11 in response to the movement of the toe 220 .

[0056] In this embodiment, the shape of application surface 22 is curved, but is not limited thereto, and may be flat, wavy, or have one or more protrusions. The distance between application surface 22 and non-application portion 15 (the width of slit portion 20) is not particularly limited as long as it is a distance that allows toe portion 220 to be inserted.

[0057] The shape and deformability of the application surface 22 vary depending on the position, shape, width, and depth of the slit portion 20. The application surface 22 is set according to the application properties to the toe portion 220. The application surface 22 is adjusted to an appropriate form by adjusting the position, shape, width, and depth of the slit portion 20 according to the size of the toe portion 220 to be inserted (such as the type of finger), the width of the application line, etc. Similarly, the conformability of the application surface 22 to the surface of the toe portion 220 is adjusted. The width of the application line is also set by the length of the application surface 22 in the depth direction (the distance from the end surface 5 to the bottom surface of the slit portion 20).

[0058] Finger guide portion 15a is arranged on the outer surface (end surface) of non-application portion 15. Finger guide portion 15a is arranged in a region where fingertip 201 comes into contact when toe portion 220 is inserted into slit portion 20. Finger guide portion 15a is arranged near opening 21 of slit portion 20 on end surface 5 of applicator member 10. Finger guide portion 15a is formed on the end surface of non-application portion 15, which is not permeable or penetrated by application liquid 110, and is therefore configured to prevent application liquid 110 from adhering to contacting fingertip 201.

[0059] Finger guide portion 15a is arranged near opening 21 in slit portion 20 along the direction in which opening 21 extends. The outer edge of finger guide portion 15a forms the outer edge of opening 21 of slit portion 20.

[0060] When the applicator 1 is moved along the outer edge of the toe portion 220 with the toe portion 220 inserted in the slit portion 20, the finger guide portion 15a comes into contact with the fingertip 201 to guide the movement of the applicator 1. The finger guide portion 15a guides the movement of the applicator 1 during the operation of applying the application liquid 110 to the toe portion 220. The finger guide portion 15a guides the movement of the applicator 1 from one end to the other end of the fingertip 201 of the applicator 1 during the operation of applying the application liquid 110 to the toe portion 220.

[0061] The finger guide portion 15a is formed on the end face of the non-application portion 15, which is not permeable or infiltrated by the application liquid 110, and therefore prevents the application liquid 110 from adhering to the fingertip 201 that slides relatively while in contact with the finger guide portion 15a when the applicator 1 moves to apply the application liquid 110 to the toe portion 220.

[0062] In this embodiment, finger guide portion 15a is disposed so that non-application portion 15 can transmit an external operation to supply portion 60, and therefore functions as an operating portion that presses non-application portion 15. When an operator presses finger guide portion 15a, non-application portion 15 moves toward supply portion 60, and the pressing operation is transmitted to supply portion 60 (pressure receiving portion 61).

[0063] Here, modified examples of the applicator member 10 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Modified examples in which the shape of the slit portion 20 is mainly different will be described. First, modified examples in which the shape of the opening 21 in the slit section 20 is different will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(g). Fig. 4(a) shows a top view of the applicator 10 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4(a), the slit portion 20 of the applicator 10 of this embodiment has an opening 21 formed in a curved shape that bulges toward the applicator 11. The applicator 10 of this embodiment has a slit portion 20 with a curved surface that corresponds to the shape of the toe 220.

[0064] Next, Fig. 4(b) shows a top view of applicator 10A of Modification A. As shown in Fig. 4(b), slit portion 20A in applicator 10A of Modification A has opening 21A formed in a curved shape that bulges further toward applicator 11A. Slit portion 20A in Modification A has opening 21A formed in a curved shape that is more curved than opening 21 of the present embodiment. Applicator 10A of Modification A has slit portion 20A with a curved surface that corresponds to the shape of toe 220, which is more curved.

[0065] Next, Fig. 4(c) shows a top view of applicator 10B of modified example B. As shown in Fig. 4(c), slit portion 20B in applicator 10B of modified example B is formed such that opening 21B is positioned further to the left in Fig. 4(c) than applicator 10 of the present embodiment. In other words, slit portion 20B is formed at a position such that applicator portion 11B has a narrower width (radial length) than applicator portion 11 of applicator 10 (see Fig. 4(a)). Applicator portion 11B in modified example B is formed to be more deformable than applicator portion 11 of the present embodiment.

[0066] 4(d) shows a top view of applicator 10C of modification C. As shown in FIG. 4(d), slit portion 20C of applicator 10C of modification C has opening 21C that is formed in a linear shape.

[0067] Next, Fig. 4(e) shows a top view of applicator member 10A1 of modified example A1. As shown in Fig. 4(e), slit portion 20A1 in applicator member 10A1 of modified example A1 has a shape in which application portion 11A1 and non-application portion 15A1 abut on both ends of opening 21A1. Slit portion 20A1 in modified example A1 is formed such that application portion 11A1 and non-application portion 15A1 are spaced apart in the center and are abutted on both ends. In this modified example, the degree of curvature of application surface 21A1 on the application portion 11A side is increased so that both ends of application surface 22A1 abut on non-application portion 15A1. According to variant A1, the application portion 11A1 and the non-application portion 15A1 abut on both ends of the opening 21A1, so that the application liquid 110 can be suitably applied to both ends of the toe portion 220, which is difficult to apply the application liquid 110 to.

[0068] Next, FIG. 4(f) shows a top view of applicator member 10A2 of Modification A2. As shown in FIG. 4(f), slit portion 20A2 of applicator member 10A2 of Modification A2 has a shape in which the width is narrow in the center of opening 21A2 and wide at both ends. Compared to Modification A, slit portion 20A2 of Modification A2 has application portion 11A2 and non-application portion 15A2 arranged close to each other in the center, and application portion 11A2 and non-application portion 15A2 arranged farther apart at both ends. In this modification, the curvature of application surface 22A2 on the application portion 11A2 side is reduced, and non-application portion 15A2 is arranged close to application portion 11A2. According to Modification A2, the width of both ends of opening 21A2 is wide, making it easier to insert toe 220. Furthermore, according to the modification A2, the width of the central portion of the opening 21A2 is narrow, so that the inserted toe portion 220 is tightly held and the application liquid 110 can be applied suitably.

[0069] FIG. 4(g) shows a top view of applicator 10A3 of Modification A3. As shown in FIG. 4(g), slit portion 20A3 of applicator 10A3 of Modification A3 has a shape in which the width at both ends of opening 21A3 is significantly wider. Non-application portion 15A3 is cylindrical (circular in top view). Compared to Modification A, slit portion 20A3 of Modification A3 has applicator portion 11A3 and non-application portion 15A3 spaced farther apart at both ends. In this modification, non-application portion 15A3 is cylindrical (circular in top view) with a diameter smaller than that of applicator portion 11A3. According to Modification A3, opening 21A3 has a significantly wider width at both ends, making it easier to insert toe portion 220. Furthermore, according to variant A3, the non-application portion 15A3 is cylindrical (circular when viewed from above), so that the application liquid 110 can be suitably applied to the toe portion 220 by inserting the toe portion 220 from one end side of the slit portion 20A3 while the inner surface of the toe portion 220 is abutted against the side surface of the non-application portion 15A3.

[0070] Next, modified examples in which the depth and shape of the slit portion 20 are different will be described with reference to FIGS. 5(a) to 5(f). 5(a) shows a cross-sectional view of applying member 10 of this embodiment (a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4(a)). Here, the cross-sectional views of the following modified examples correspond to the cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4(a) in a top view (not shown) of each modified example. 5(a), the slit section 20 in the applicator 10 of this embodiment is formed such that the inner surface of the applicator section 11 and the inner surface of the non-applicator section 15 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the bottom surface 27 is arranged so as to be perpendicular to both inner surfaces. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 27 of the slit section 20 is formed by a part of the applicator section 11. The applicator section 11 is formed so that the end surface 6 side of the applicator 10 opposite to the end surface 5 is thicker in the radial direction.

[0071] 5(b), applicator member 10D of modification D has the same basic structure as applicator member 10 of the present embodiment, but is a modification that differs in that slit portion 20D is formed to be shallower than slit portion 20 of the present embodiment. Applicator member 10D of modification D can form, for example, a coating line that is narrower than applicator member 10 of the present embodiment.

[0072] Next, as shown in FIG. 5(c), applicator 10E of Modification E has the same basic structure as applicator 10 of the present embodiment, but differs in that applicator portion 11E (the length in the longitudinal direction of applicator 10E) is longer than non-applicator portion 15E. This modification differs from the present embodiment in that applicator 10E has end surface 11aE of applicator portion 11 protruding longitudinally beyond finger guide portion 15a, which is the end surface of non-applicator portion 15 (located on the upper side in FIG. 5(c)). Applicator 10D of Modification D can, for example, form a wider application line than applicator 10 of the present embodiment. Applicator 10D of Modification D can, for example, form a (wider) application line in an area including not only toe portion 220 but also a portion of the center of the nail.

[0073] 5(d), an applicator 10F of Modification F has the same basic structure as the applicator 10 of the present embodiment, but differs in that a bottom surface 27F of a slit portion 20F is formed by a part of a non-applicator portion 15F. The non-applicator portion 15F is formed so that an end surface 6F side opposite to the end surface 5 of the applicator 10F is thicker in the radial direction.

[0074] 5(e), applicator 10G of modification G is a modification that differs from applicator 10 of the present embodiment in that applicator portion 11G and non-applicator portion 15G are adhered to each other by adhesive portion 19. Applicator 10G is also a modification that differs from applicator 10 of the present embodiment in that slit portion 20G has a width that is narrower than the width of slit portion 20 of the present embodiment. In applicator 10G, bottom surface 27G of slit portion 20G is formed by the upper surface of adhesive portion 19. Adhesive portion 19 may be made of a material that is permeable to or impregnated with applicator liquid 110, or may be made of a material that is impermeable to or impregnated with applicator liquid 110.

[0075] 5(f), applicator 10H of Modification H is a modification that differs in that applicator surface 22H, which is the outer surface of applicator portion 11H, is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. Applicator 10H is a modification that differs in that the inner surface (applicator surface 22H) of slit portion 20H on the applicator portion 11H side is inclined so as to move away from non-applicator portion 15H toward end face 5H. Applicator 10H of Modification H can, for example, be more suitable for application to the tip end side of toe 220 than applicator member 10 of the present embodiment.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 1, the supply unit 60 is configured to be able to supply the application liquid 110 contained in the container 120 to the application unit 11 in response to an operation transmitted from the non-application unit 15. The supply unit 60 has a pressure receiving unit 61, a lid unit 63 that is connected to the pressure receiving unit 61 and moves integrally therewith, and a liquid absorbing unit 65 that absorbs the application liquid 110 from the liquid passage hole 122 of the storage unit 120 and can supply the application liquid 110 to the application unit 11.

[0077] The pressure receiving portion 61 is disposed between the applicator 10 (applicator portion 11, non-applicator portion 15) and the storage portion 120. In this embodiment, the pressure receiving portion 61 receives a pressure operation on the non-applicator portion 15. Specifically, the pressure receiving portion 61 is configured to be pressed by the non-applicator portion 15, which moves in response to the pressure operation, and move toward the storage portion 120. In a normal state, the pressure receiving portion 61 is held in a normal position (the position shown in FIG. 1 ) by a liquid absorbing portion 65 made of a sponge material or the like, but is moved to a supply position on the storage portion 120 side by movement of the non-applicator portion 15. When the pressure receiving portion 61 is moved to the supply position, the lid portion 63 is also moved from a closed position, which will be described later, to an open position.

[0078] The lid portion 63 moves integrally with the connected pressure receiving portion 61. The lid portion 63 is connected to the pressure receiving portion 61 by a connecting portion 62 inserted into a through-hole formed in the liquid absorbing portion 65. When the pressure receiving portion 61 is in the normal position, the lid portion 63 is in a closed position that blocks the liquid passage hole 122 of the storage portion 120, thereby restricting the flow of the coating liquid 110 contained in the storage portion 120 toward the liquid absorbing portion 65. When the pressure receiving portion 61 is in the supply position, the lid portion 63 is in an open position that does not block the liquid passage hole 122 of the storage portion 120. As a result, the coating liquid 110 contained in the storage portion 120 is supplied to the liquid absorbing portion 65 through the liquid passage hole 122.

[0079] The liquid absorbing part 65 is configured to be able to absorb the application liquid 110 from the liquid passage hole 122 of the storage part 120 and to supply the application liquid 110 to the application part 11. In this embodiment, the liquid absorbing part 65 also has the function of holding the pressure receiving part 61 and the lid part 63 in predetermined positions. The liquid absorbing part 65 absorbs and holds the coating liquid 110 supplied from the liquid passage hole 122 when the cover part 63 is moved to the open position by pressing the non-application part 15. The liquid absorbing part 65 is configured to be able to supply the held coating liquid 110 to the application part 11. The liquid absorbing part 65 may supply the coating liquid 110 by directly contacting the application part 11, or may indirectly supply the coating liquid 110 to the application part 11 via a liquid-absorbing supply member (not shown) arranged between the liquid absorbing part 65 and the application part 11.

[0080] 1, the storage section 120 that stores the application liquid 110 is housed in the main body 105 of the outer cylinder 100. The storage section 120 is configured to be able to supply the application liquid 110 to the application section 11 via the supply section 60 described above. The storage section 120 of this embodiment is unitized with the supply section 60. When the application liquid 110 runs out, it can be easily replaced as a whole. Furthermore, by replacing the storage section 120 before starting use, it is possible to use application liquids of different colors or properties.

[0081] 1, the outer cylinder 100 accommodates the application member 10, the accommodation portion 120, and the supply portion 60. The outer cylinder 100 has a tip portion 101 and a main body portion 105. The tip portion 101 holds the applicator 10. The tip portion 101 holds the applicator 10 by a plurality of holding portions 130 formed on the inner surface. The tip portion 101 holds the applicator 10 with the end surface 5 exposed to the outside. The tip portion 101 also holds the applicator 10 with the end portion on the end surface 5 side protruding from the end of the tip portion 101.

[0082] A method of using the applicator 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in Fig. 6, the applicator holds the applicator 1 at a predetermined angle and inserts the toe portion 220 into the slit portion 20. Because the opening 21 in the slit portion 20 has a curved shape, the toe portion 220 can be inserted smoothly.

[0083] As a result, when toe portion 220 is inserted, slit portion 20 deforms according to the size and shape of toe portion 220. Slit portion 20 (applicator portion 11) deforms so that applicator surface 22 comes into suitable face-to-face contact with the surface of toe portion 220. Specifically, it transforms from the normal state shown in FIG. 7(a) to the use state shown in FIG. 7(b) or FIG. 7(c).

[0084] FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the toe 220A of the index finger is inserted, and the slit portion 20 (applicator portion 11) is deformed to accommodate the shape of the wide toe 220A. FIG. 7(c) shows a state in which the toe 220B of the little finger is inserted, and the slit 20 (application part 11) deforms to accommodate the shape of the toe 220B, which is narrow and has a large degree of curvature. As described above, the applicator 1 is configured so that the slit section 20 (applicator section 11) can deform appropriately to accommodate toe sections of different sizes and shapes.

[0085] 6 and 8, the applicator brings the fingertip 201 into contact with the finger guide portion 15a. In this embodiment, the tip (outer edge) of the toe portion 220 does not come into contact with the bottom surface 27 of the slit portion 20.

[0086] Next, with the toe portion 220 inserted into the slit portion 20, the applicator moves the applicator 1 along the outer edge of the toe portion 220. This allows the applicator 1 to form a curved application line of a predetermined width on the toe portion 220. In this embodiment, the applicator 1 can form an application line over the entire surface of the toe portion 220.

[0087] Here, with reference to Figures 9(a) to (e), we will explain the operation (deformation) of the applicator member when the applicator inserts one end of the toe portion 220 into the slit portion 20 and moves the applicator 1 to the other end so as to rotate along the outer edge of the toe portion 220 (see Figure 8). First, when an applicator inserts one end of the toe portion 220 into one end 20a of the slit portion 20, the applicator member 10 changes from the normal state shown in Fig. 9(a) to the deformed state shown in Fig. 9(b). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9(b), the slit portion 20 (applicator portion 11) deforms so that the width of the one end 20a side increases. The slit portion 20 (applicator portion 11) deforms so that the application surface 22 comes into face-to-face contact with the surface of the toe portion 220 inserted into the one end 20a side.

[0088] Next, the applicator rotates the applicator 1 from one end to the tip end along the outer edge of the toe portion 220, causing the applicator member 10 to change from the deformed state shown in Fig. 9(b) to the deformed state shown in Fig. 9(c). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9(c), the slit portion 20 (applicator portion 11) deforms to correspond to the shape of the toe portion 220. The slit portion 20 (applicator portion 11) deforms so that the application surface 22 comes into face-to-face contact with the entire surface of the toe portion 220.

[0089] Next, the applicator rotates the applicator 1 from the tip end side to the other end side along the outer edge of the toe portion 220, causing the applicator member 10 to change from the deformed state shown in Fig. 9(c) to the deformed state shown in Fig. 9(d). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9(d), the slit portion 20 (applicator portion 11) deforms so that the width of the other end 20b side increases. The slit portion 20 (applicator portion 11) deforms so that the application surface 22 comes into face-to-face contact with the surface of the toe portion 220 inserted into the other end 20b side.

[0090] Next, when the applicator pulls out the other end of the toe portion 220 from the other end 20b of the slit portion 20, the applicator member 10 changes from the deformed state of FIG. 9(d) to the normal state of FIG. 9(e). As described above, the applicator member 10 (applicator portion 11, slit portion 20) in the applicator 1 is configured to be deformable in response to the size, shape and movement of the toe portion 220 inserted into the slit portion 20, so that the applicator surface 22 maintains a state in which it is in face-to-face contact with the surface of the toe portion 220.

[0091] A method of using applicator 1J of modified example J will be described with reference to Figure 10. Applicator 1J is a modified example in which slit section 20J is shallower than slit section 20 of the present embodiment, and the end face of non-application section 15J (finger guide section 15Ja, not shown) is higher (protrudes in the longitudinal direction) than the end face of applicator section 11J. Applicator 1J is a modified example suitable for forming an application line with a narrow application area. First, the applicator inserts the toe portion 220 into the slit portion 20J of the applicator 1J. Because the opening 21 in the slit portion 20J has a curved shape, the toe portion 220 can be inserted smoothly.

[0092] Next, the applicator brings the fingertip 201 into contact with the finger guide portion 15a. In this state, the tip (outer edge) of the toe portion 220 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the slit portion 20J.

[0093] Next, with toe portion 220 inserted into slit portion 20J, the applicator moves applicator 1J so as to rotate along the outer edge of toe portion 220. This allows a curved application line of a predetermined width to be formed on toe portion 220. In this modified example, an application line of a predetermined width can be formed on the outer edge side of toe portion 220, rather than on the entire toe portion 220.

[0094] An applicator 1K of modified example K will be described with reference to Figure 11. Applicator 1K is a modified example that differs from applicator 1 of the present embodiment in that non-application portion 15K is configured integrally with outer cylinder portion 100K (tip portion 101K). Applicator 1K is an applicator in which non-application portion 15K and outer cylinder portion 100K can be formed integrally.

[0095] Furthermore, in applicator 1K of modification K, finger guide portion 15Ka, which is the end face of non-applicative portion 15K, and the end of outer cylinder portion 100K (tip end portion 101K) are formed to form the same continuous plane, which allows the area of ​​finger guide portion 15Ka to be increased. However, finger guide portion 15Ka, which is the end face of non-applicative portion 15K, and the end of outer cylinder portion 100K (tip end portion 101K) may not form the same plane, and for example, may have the same positional relationship as in applicator 1 of the present embodiment.

[0096] Furthermore, applicator 1K of modification K may have a separate member that operates supply unit 60K. Applicator 1K may be configured such that, by adjusting the positional relationship, shape, etc. of supply unit 60K, storage unit 120K, and outer cylinder unit 100K, pressing finger guide unit 15Ka moves all or part of non-applicant unit 15K and outer cylinder unit 100K to operate supply unit 60K.

[0097] According to this embodiment (including the modified examples), the following effects are achieved. According to this embodiment, the applicator has an applicator section that can be impregnated with or is impregnated with the application liquid, a non-applicator section that abuts against the applicator section or is positioned facing it at a predetermined distance and does not allow the application liquid to be impregnated with or pass through it, a slit section that is positioned between the applicator section and the non-applicator section and into which a toe section can be inserted, and an application surface that is the outer surface of the applicator section that is positioned to form the inner surface of the slit section and that abuts against the surface of the inserted toe section to apply the application liquid. This allows an applicator to easily apply the application liquid to the toe section in a constant width by inserting the toe section into the slit section.

[0098] The slit can also guide the relative movement between the inserted toe and the applicator (applicator member), allowing the applicator to easily apply the application liquid to the toe with a constant width by moving the inserted toe and the applicator (applicator member) relative to each other, for example, by moving the applicator toward the outer edge of the toe.

[0099] The applicator further includes a finger guide portion disposed in a region where the fingertip abuts when the toe is inserted into the slit portion on the outer surface of the non-application portion. This allows the applicator to easily apply the application liquid to the toe with a constant width. For example, the applicator can easily form an application line with a constant width on the toe even when working with their non-dominant hand. This also allows the applicator to form an application line on the toe without adhering the application liquid to the fingertip.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the applicator is moved along the outer edge of the toe portion with the toe portion inserted into the slit portion, the finger guide portion contacts the fingertip and guides the movement of the applicator. This allows the applicator to easily apply the application liquid to the toe portion at a constant width. For example, even when working with the non-dominant hand, the applicator can easily form an application line at a constant width on the toe portion. Furthermore, this allows the applicator to form an application line on the toe portion without adhering the application liquid to the fingertip.

[0101] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator (applicator portion and non-applicator portion) is generally cylindrical and extends in the longitudinal direction (first direction), and the slit portion is located on the end face (end) in the longitudinal direction (first direction). The applicator further includes an outer tube portion that houses the applicator (applicator portion and non-applicator portion) with a portion exposed, and the opening of the slit portion is located in the portion exposed from the outer tube portion. This allows the toe portion to be easily applied with the application liquid at a constant width by inserting the toe portion into the slit portion. This also makes the applicator a pen-type applicator, improving application workability. This is a particularly suitable embodiment for applicators who are accustomed to pen-type applicators.

[0102] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the opening of the slit portion is curved so as to bulge toward the applicator portion, allowing the applicator to easily insert the toe of the nail into the slit portion. This simplifies the applicator operation, making it easier to apply the application liquid to the toe of the nail in a consistent width.

[0103] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator is configured to be able to apply the application liquid to the surface of the toe portion by sandwiching the inserted toe portion with the slit portion (between the application portion and the non-application portion). This allows the applicator to apply the application liquid to the surface of the toe portion, and since the inserted toe portion is sandwiched between the slit portion, it is configured to enable convenient application work. The applicator applies the application liquid by rotating the applicator along the outer edge of the toe portion, but because the toe portion is sandwiched between the slit portion, the applicator is less likely to shake, allowing for the formation of a clean application line. The slit portion (application portion, non-application portion, and application surface), together with the finger guide portion, functions to guide the movement of the applicator.

[0104] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator is configured so that the applicator portion is more flexible than the non-applicator portion. The applicator portion is adjusted so that it has greater elastic deformability (compression and expansion) than the non-applicator portion by adjusting the material, shape, and shape of the slit portion. The applicator portion is configured to have flexibility that allows it to deform in response to the size, shape, and movement of the toe portion inserted into the slit portion. This allows the applicator to insert the toe portion into the slit portion and preferably apply the application liquid to the toe portion with a constant width.

[0105] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator is configured such that when the applicator and the toe portion are moved relative to each other with the applicator portion inserted into the slit portion, the applicator is pressed against the surface of the toe portion and deformed, so that the applicator surface maintains a state in which it is in face-to-face contact with the surface of the toe portion. This allows the applicator to insert the toe portion into the slit portion and apply the application liquid to the toe portion in an appropriate manner with a constant width.

[0106] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator has a storage section that stores the application liquid and a supply section that can supply the application liquid stored in the storage section to the application section. This allows the applicator to be used for a long period of time. Furthermore, since the applicator can preferably retain the application liquid in the application section, it can more preferably apply the application liquid to the toe part in a constant width.

[0107] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator is configured such that the non-application portion is arranged so as to be able to transmit an external operation to the supply portion, and the supply portion is able to supply the application liquid contained therein to the application portion in response to the operation transmitted from the non-application portion. As a result, the applicator can supply the application liquid to the application portion by the applicator pressing the non-application portion (finger guide portion). The applicator is configured so that, for example, the application portion can be supplied with the application liquid by a simple operation during application work. As a result, the applicator further improves application workability.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the non-application portion of the applicator may be connected to or fixed to the outer tube portion (tip portion). This allows the non-application portion of the applicator to be molded integrally with the outer tube portion, resulting in excellent manufacturability. Furthermore, the applicator can be formed so that the finger guide portion, which is the end face of the non-application portion, and the end of the outer tube portion (tip portion) form a continuous, flush surface. This allows the area of ​​the finger guide portion 15Ka to be increased. This allows the applicator to more easily apply the application liquid to the toe of the nail in a consistent width.

[0109] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, there is one slit portion, but this is not limitative and there may be a plurality of slit portions.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opposing outer peripheries of the opening of the slit portion have substantially the same shape, but this is not limited thereto and may have outer peripheries with different degrees of curvature. In other words, the opposing inner surfaces of the slit portion may have different curved shapes. In other words, the outer surface (applied surface) of the applicator portion that constitutes the inner surface of the slit portion and the outer surface of the non-applied portion that constitutes the inner surface of the slit portion may have different curved shapes. These shapes can be adjusted as appropriate from the perspective of applicability to the toe.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end surface of the applicator portion is flat, but is not limited thereto and may be curved. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, in a side view of the applicator 1L from the non-applicator portion 15L side, the outer edge of the end surface of the applicator portion 11L may be formed so as to have a curved shape with a protruding center. In this case, the groove in the center of the slit portion is deep and shallower at the end, corresponding to the shape of the toe, and the applicator liquid can be suitably applied to the toe. Furthermore, in FIG. 12, the non-applicator portion 15L is disposed so as to protrude 1 to 5 mm from the outer tube portion 100L, and the applicator portion 11L is disposed so as to protrude a further 0 to 15 mm from the non-applicator portion 15L. The applicator member 10 (applicator portion 11) is housed and disposed so as to protrude 0 to 20 mm from the outer tube portion 100.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end surface of the non-application portion is formed as a flat surface parallel to the short-side direction (radial direction, horizontal direction in each drawing) of the non-application portion. However, this is not limited thereto. For example, the end surface may be formed as a curved surface or a combination of multiple flat surfaces with different inclination angles relative to the short-side direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the end surface of the non-application portion 15 (finger guide portion 15a) may be configured to include a curved surface or a flat surface that slopes toward the other end (downward in FIG. 13) as it approaches the application portion 11L side (slit side). In other words, a portion of the finger guide portion 15aL on the application portion 11L side (slit side) may be sloped downward in a side view (LL cross section). In this case, the finger guide portion 15aL has a shape corresponding to the shape of the fingertip to be contacted. When the fingertip is in contact with the finger guide portion 15aL, the surface of the toe portion is positioned parallel to the application surface, allowing the surface of the toe portion to be in close contact with the application surface. This allows the applicator to suitably apply the application liquid to the toe portion.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the non-application portion may have one or more grooves formed on its outer surface. The multiple grooves may be formed along the longitudinal direction of the non-application portion, along the lateral direction (circumferential direction), or so as to intersect with the longitudinal or lateral directions. The one or more grooves are formed to be capable of holding the application liquid. The grooves are formed to be capable of holding the application liquid to be supplied to the application portion. In this case, the applicator (application member) forms an application line on the toe portion using the application liquid held in the grooves. The grooves are formed to hold the application liquid by utilizing capillary action and to be capable of adjusting the application time in the applicator (application portion).

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the external operation on the non-application portion is not limited to a pressing operation, but is not particularly limited to, for example, a pulling operation, a sliding operation, a rotating operation, a twisting operation, etc., as long as the operation is one that the supply portion is set to be able to accept.

[0115] The above-mentioned applicator may further include a cap portion that is detachable from the applicator and that is capable of suppressing evaporation of the application liquid from the applicator portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 applicator 5 End face 10 Coating material 11 Application section 15 Non-coated area 15a Finger guide part 20 Slit section 21 Opening 22 Coating surface 60 Supply section 100 outer cylinder 101 Tip 110 Coating liquid 120 Storage unit 220 Toe

Claims

1. a deformable application part that can be impregnated with a coating liquid or that is impregnated with the coating liquid; a non-coated portion that is disposed in contact with the coated portion or facing the coated portion at a predetermined distance, and that does not allow the coating liquid to be impregnated or to pass through; an outer tubular portion extending in a first direction, the outer tubular portion accommodating the application portion and the non-application portion in a state in which a portion of the application portion and the non-application portion are exposed, and restricting movement of the application portion and the non-application portion in a direction intersecting the first direction; a slit portion formed by the application portion and the non-application portion, the opening of which is located in a portion exposed from the outer tube portion, into which a toe portion can be inserted, and which is deformable so that the width of the slit portion changes with deformation of the application portion, the movement of which is restricted by the outer tube portion, corresponding to the size, shape, and movement of the inserted toe portion; an outer surface of the applicator part that is arranged to form an inner surface of the slit part, and an application surface that can come into contact with the surface of the inserted toe part to apply the application liquid; a planar finger guide portion that is disposed in an area where a fingertip comes into contact when a toe portion is inserted into the slit portion on the outer surface of the non-application portion, When the applicator is moved along the outer edge of the toe portion with the toe portion inserted into the slit portion, the slit portion sandwiches the inserted tip portion between its inner surfaces to suppress shaking of the applicator; The finger guide portion guides the movement of the applicator while being in contact with the fingertip. Applicator.

2. The coated portion is more flexible than the non-coated portion. The applicator according to claim 1 .

3. The slit portion is The relative movement between the inserted tip and the applicator can be guided. The applicator according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the application portion and the non-application portion have a generally cylindrical shape extending in the first direction, The opening of the slit portion is disposed at an end portion in the first direction. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the application surface, which is an inner surface of the slit portion facing the application portion, is a concave curved surface, an inner surface of the slit portion on the non-application portion side is a convex curved surface, The opening of the slit portion has a curved shape defined by the concave curved surface and the convex curved surface. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The application unit is When the tip of the nail is inserted into the slit, the applicator and the tip of the nail are moved relative to each other, and the applicator is pressed against the surface of the tip of the nail and deformed, so that the applicator surface remains in face-to-face contact with the surface of the tip of the nail. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The non-application portion is connected or fixed to the inside of the outer cylindrical portion. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. a storage section that stores a coating liquid; a supply unit capable of supplying the coating liquid contained in the container unit to the coating unit; The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the non-application section is configured to be movable toward the supply section by an external pressing operation, the supply unit includes a pressure receiving unit, a lid unit connected to the pressure receiving unit and moving integrally therewith, and a liquid absorbing unit that absorbs the application liquid from the liquid passage hole of the storage unit and is capable of supplying the application liquid to the application unit, The pressure receiving unit is the non-application portion is disposed between the non-application portion and the storage portion, and is configured to be pressed by the non-application portion, which moves in response to a pressing operation, and to be movable toward the storage portion; The lid portion is The pressure receiving portion is configured to be movable integrally with the pressure receiving portion from a closed position where the liquid passage hole is blocked to an open position where the liquid passage hole is not blocked, The liquid absorbing portion is When the cover portion is in the open position, the cover portion is configured to absorb the coating liquid from the liquid passage hole and supply the coating liquid to the coating portion. The applicator according to claim 8.

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