Applicator

Abstract

To provide an applicator having a slit part which is formed in an application member, making a toe part to be inserted, and which makes a coating liquid simply applied on the toe part with a prescribed width.SOLUTION: The applicator includes: an application member which is impregnated with a coating liquid; a slit part which is formed from the surface into the inside of the application member and which can be inserted by a toe part; and an application part which is formed on the inner surface of the slit part and which makes a coating liquid applicable to the surface and / or the rear face of the inserted toe part. In addition, the applicator is provided with a finger guide part arranged in a region which is near the opening of the slit part on the surface of the application member and which is brought into contact with a fingertip, with the toe part inserted in the slit part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator. More specifically, the present invention relates to an applicator for applying a coating liquid to the tip of a nail.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a French nail for applying a manicure (coating liquid) to the tip of a nail with a predetermined width, it has been difficult to apply the manicure with a constant width. In particular, it has been difficult to neatly apply the manicure to the tip of the nail with a constant width by oneself, and furthermore, it has been extremely difficult to neatly apply the manicure to the tip of the nail with a constant width using a hand that is not the dominant hand.

[0003] For example, when applying a manicure to the tip of a nail using a brush, it has been difficult to neatly apply the manicure with a constant width because the application line becomes distorted or the manicure spills out from the outer edge of the application line. In particular, since applying with a brush requires delicate movements, it has been extremely difficult to neatly apply the manicure to the tip of the nail with a constant width using a hand that is not the dominant hand.

[0004] Also, for example, when using masking tape, it is possible to apply a manicure to the tip of the nail with a constant width by sticking the masking tape to the nail, applying the manicure, and then peeling off the masking tape. However, there are problems such as the work being complicated and time-consuming, and the applied manicure peeling off when removing the masking tape.

[0005] On the other hand, for example, there has been proposed a nail art applicator having a nail guide portion for guiding the tip of a nail and a nail application portion that is continuously provided with this nail guide and has a flat surface for application on the surface, which is composed of a porous body or the like that absorbs and holds a liquid (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-204332 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the shape of the nail polish line is influenced by the shape of the outer edge of the nail tip, because the nail tip is brought into contact with the nail guide portion when applying the nail polish.

[0008] Furthermore, because the nail tip is pressed against the nail guide to apply the nail polish, it is not possible to adjust the width of the polish, resulting in problems such as the polish being either narrower or wider than the tip of the nail.

[0009] Furthermore, in French manicures, nail polish is sometimes applied not only to the surface of the nail tip but also to the underside, and there is a need for an applicator that can be used effectively in this case as well.

[0010] One objective of the present invention is to provide an applicator that has a slit portion into which a fingernail portion formed on the applicator can be inserted, and that can easily apply an applicator liquid to the fingernail portion in a constant width. Another objective of the present invention is to provide an applicator capable of applying an application solution to both sides of the toenail portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention relates to an applicator comprising: an applicator impregnated with an applicator liquid; a slit portion formed from the surface to the interior of the applicator liquid, into which a fingernail portion can be inserted; and an applicator portion formed on the inner surface of the slit portion, into which the applicator liquid can be applied to the surface and / or back surface of the inserted fingernail portion.

[0012] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the slit portion can guide the relative movement between the inserted fingertip portion and the applicator (applicator member).

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the applicator of the present invention further includes a finger guide portion positioned near the opening of the slit portion on the surface of the applicator member, in an area where the fingertip comes into contact with the fingertip when the fingertip portion is inserted into the slit portion, and capable of suppressing the permeation of the applicator liquid and preventing the applicator liquid from adhering to the contacting finger.

[0014] Furthermore, in the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the finger guide portion is positioned near the opening in the slit portion and along the direction in which the opening extends.

[0015] Furthermore, in the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the outer edge of the finger guide portion is arranged to overlap all or part of the outer edge of the opening of the slit portion.

[0016] Furthermore, in the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the finger guide portion contacts the fingertip and guides the movement of the applicator when the applicator is moved along the outer edge of the fingertip portion while the fingertip portion is inserted into the slit portion.

[0017] Furthermore, in the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the finger guide portion is a film-like member made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate, and is directly placed on the surface of the coating member.

[0018] Furthermore, the applicator of the present invention preferably further comprises a coating portion which covers all or part of the surface of the applicator member excluding the slit portion and is composed of a coating made of a material that does not allow the applicator liquid to penetrate, and the finger guide portion is preferably composed of a part of the coating portion.

[0019] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the applicator portion has a first applicator surface on the inner surface of the slit portion that contacts the surface of the fingertip portion inserted with the fingertip in contact with the finger guide portion to apply the applicator liquid.

[0020] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the coating portion further has a second coating surface that abuts against the back surface of the tip of the nail inserted in a state where the fingertip abuts against the finger guide portion, and is the inner surface of the slit portion on the side opposite to the first coating surface.

[0021] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the coating portion further has a coating surface coating portion that is disposed on the surface of the inner surface of the slit portion on the side opposite to the first coating surface and is formed of a film made of a material through which the coating liquid does not penetrate.

[0022] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the coating portion is configured to be able to apply the coating liquid to the front surface and / or the back surface of the tip of the nail by sandwiching the tip of the nail inserted by the first coating surface and the second coating surface.

[0023] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the coating member has a cylindrical shape and the slit portion is disposed at an end surface of the coating member.

[0024] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the shape of the slit portion is such that the opening is linear or curved, and the depth of the slit portion is the same at any position of the opening.

[0025] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the shape of the slit portion is such that the opening is linear or curved, and the depth of the slit portion is deeper on the central side and shallower on both ends in the direction in which the opening extends.

[0026] In the applicator of the present invention, it is preferable to have a plurality of slit portions.

[0027] In the applicator of the present invention, it is further preferable to have an outer cylinder portion that houses the applicator in a state where a part thereof is exposed, and the opening of the slit portion is arranged at an exposed portion that is the exposed part of the above-described applicator, and it is a pen-type applicator.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferable that the applicator or pen-type applicator of the present invention further includes a cap portion that can be attached to or detached from the applicator or pen-type applicator, and is capable of suppressing the evaporation of the coating liquid from the coating portion.

[0029] The present invention relates to a method for applying an application liquid to the tip of a toenail using the above-described applicator or a pen-type applicator, wherein the application liquid is applied to the toenail by moving the applicator along the outer edge of the toenail while the toenail is inserted into the slit.

[0030] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned applicator, comprising a slit forming step of forming a slit portion in an applicator raw material member having an applicator member impregnated with an applicator liquid and a coating portion made of a material that does not allow the applicator liquid to penetrate, wherein all or part of the surface of the applicator member impregnated with the applicator liquid is covered by the coating portion.

[0031] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a coating tool described above, further comprising a coating surface coating step, in which a coating portion is formed on the inner surface of the slit portion formed by the slit forming step, on the inner surface opposite to the first coating surface, and the coating surface coating step is formed on the inner surface opposite to the first coating surface, wherein the coating is made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate.

[0032] The present invention relates to a raw material for a coating tool used to manufacture the above-mentioned coating tool, comprising a coating member impregnated with a coating liquid and a coating portion composed of a film of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate, wherein the coating portion covers all or part of the surface of the coating member impregnated with the coating liquid.

[0033] The present invention relates to an applicator comprising: an applicator impregnated with an applicator liquid; a slit portion formed on the surface of the applicator liquid extending from the surface to the interior; an applicator portion formed on the inner surface of the slit portion; and a finger guide portion positioned near the opening of the slit portion on the surface of the applicator liquid, capable of suppressing the permeation of the applicator liquid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the present invention, an applicator is provided that has a slit portion into which a fingernail portion formed on the applicator can be inserted, and that can easily apply an applicator liquid to the fingernail portion in a constant width. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an applicator capable of applying the coating liquid to both sides of the toe portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the applicator of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating the applicator of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates the applicator of the first embodiment, and (a) is a top view of the applicator, and (b) is a front view of the applicator. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates the manufacturing method of the applicator in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the method of using the applicator according to the first embodiment, and shows (a) the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (b) the coating state on the back side. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates a modified example of the applicator according to the first embodiment, and further illustrates modified examples (A) to (J). [Figure 7] This figure illustrates a modified example of the applicator according to the first embodiment, and further illustrates modified examples (K) to (O). [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the method of using the applicator in a modified example (B) of the first embodiment, and shows (a) the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (b) the coating state on the back side. [Figure 9]This figure illustrates the method of using the applicator in a modified example (C) of the first embodiment, and shows (a) the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (b) the coating state on the back side. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates a method of using the applicator in a modified example (E) of the first embodiment, and shows (a) the method of use, (b) the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (c) the coating state on the back side. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates the method of using the applicator in a modified example (J) of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates a second embodiment of the applicator, where (a) is a top view of the applicator and (b) is a front view of the applicator. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates the method for manufacturing the applicator in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates the method of using the applicator according to the second embodiment, and shows (a) the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (b) the coating state on the back side. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the applicator of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the method of using the applicator according to the third embodiment, and shows (a) the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (b) the coating state on the back side. [Figure 17] This figure illustrates a modified example of the applicator according to the third embodiment, and further illustrates modified examples (A) to (C). [Figure 18] This figure illustrates an example of the applicator according to the fourth embodiment, and illustrates examples (A) to (E). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] The following describes an application tool according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. The applicator in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the applicator in the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the applicator in the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the applicator in the first embodiment, where (a) is a top view of the applicator and (b) is a front view of the applicator. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the applicator in the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the method of using the applicator in the first embodiment, where (a) is the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (b) is the coating state on the back side. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating modified examples of the applicator in the first embodiment, illustrating modified examples (A) to (J). Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating modified examples of the applicator in the first embodiment, illustrating modified examples (K) to (O). Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the method of using the applicator in modified example (B) of the first embodiment, where (a) is the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (b) is the coating state on the back side. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the method of using the applicator in a modified example (C) of the first embodiment, illustrating (a) the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (b) the coating state on the back side. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the method of using the applicator in a modified example (E) of the first embodiment, illustrating (a) the method of use, (b) the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (c) the coating state on the back side. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the method of using the applicator in a modified example (J) of the first embodiment.

[0037] First, the applicator 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the applicator 1 includes an applicator 10, a slit portion 20 formed in the applicator 10, an applicator portion 21 formed on the inner surface of the slit portion 20, finger guide portions 35 and 36, and a coating portion 30 that covers the surface of the applicator 10 excluding the slit portion 20. In this embodiment, the finger guide portions 35 and 36 constitute a part of the coating portion 30.

[0038] The coated member 10 is a member impregnated with the coating liquid 11. In this embodiment, the coated member 10 is cylindrical in shape, but is not limited to this, and may be polygonal prism (tube), cone, pyramidal, cubic, spherical, or ellipsoidal in shape, for example.

[0039] The diameter of the coating member 10 (coating tool 1) is, for example, 5 to 15 mm, preferably 7 to 13 mm, and more preferably 8 to 11 mm, but is not particularly limited. It can be set appropriately depending on usability, appearance, and the inner diameter of the outer cylinder portion described later. Furthermore, the length of the coating member 10 (coating tool 1) is, for example, 1 to 10 cm, preferably 2 to 8 cm, and more preferably 2 to 5 cm, but is not particularly limited. It can be set appropriately depending on usability, appearance, usage (duration of use, disposable, etc.) and the length of the outer cylinder portion described later.

[0040] The coating member 10 is preferably one that impregnates and holds the coating liquid 11 by capillary force, for example. The coating member 10 is composed of, for example, a molded fibrous body (felt, synthetic fiber) or a synthetic resin body with a complex cross-sectional shape. In detail, the coating member 10 is, for example, a synthetic resin body such as a porous body having open cells, or a fibrous body such as a napped body or a flocked body, preferably a fiber bundle obtained by bundling various fibers and bonding them with a synthetic resin, and more preferably a fiber bundle with a porosity of 50% or more.

[0041] A slit portion 20 (opening 20a) is formed on the end face 5 of the coating member 10. The coating member 10 has a coating portion 21 formed on the inner surface of the slit portion 20, which is capable of applying the coating liquid 11 to the toe tip portion 220.

[0042] Furthermore, the coating member 10 is covered with a coating portion 30 made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid 11 to penetrate, except for the slit portion 20. In this embodiment, only the slit portion 20 (coating portion 21) of the coating member 10 is exposed to the outside space, while the other parts (excluding the coating portion) are not exposed to the outside space.

[0043] The coating liquid 11 is, for example, pigment ink, dye ink, paint, or nail polish. Pigment inks include, for example, oil-based pigment ink, water-based pigment ink, solvent-free pigment ink, gel-type pigment ink, and emulsion pigment ink. Dye inks include, for example, oil-based dye ink, water-based dye ink, solvent-free dye ink, gel-type dye ink, and emulsion dye ink. Paints include, for example, oil-based paint, water-based paint, solvent-free paint, lacquer, synthetic resin paint, and alcohol-based paint. Nail polish is included in the pigment ink, dye ink, and paint mentioned above, but for example, it is oil-based nail polish, water-based nail polish, or solvent-free nail polish. Nail polish may be a general nail polish made by coloring synthetic resins such as acrylic or nitrocellulose and dissolving them in an organic solvent, or it may be a water-based nail polish that does not contain organic solvents.

[0044] As described above, the coating liquid 11 is a pigment ink, dye ink, paint, or nail polish, preferably a pigment ink, dye ink, paint, or nail polish that does not contain organic solvents, and more preferably a water-based pigment ink, dye ink, paint, or nail polish. In this embodiment, a water-based pigment ink is used as the coating liquid 11. The color of the coating liquid 11 can be any color, such as white, red, or crimson, and it may be transparent or translucent. The coating liquid 11 may also contain pearl or glitter.

[0045] The slit portion 20 is formed from the surface to the interior of the coating member 10. The slit portion 20 is a slit into which the fingernail portion 220 can be inserted. In this embodiment, the slit portion 20 is formed from the end face 5 to the interior of the coating member 10. The slit portion can guide the relative movement between the inserted fingernail portion and the coating tool 1 (coating member). A coating portion 21 is formed in the slit portion 20. Here, the fingernail portion 220 is the tip portion of the nail 210, and is the portion that extends from the fingertip 205 of the finger 200.

[0046] In this embodiment, the shape of the slit portion 20 is such that the opening 20a is straight and the depth is the same at all positions of the opening 20a. However, the shape of the slit portion 20 is not limited to this, and for example, the opening 20a may be curved, and the opening 20a may be deeper towards the center and shallower towards both ends in the direction in which it extends.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slit portion 20 is formed to extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coating member 10, but is not limited to this, and may be formed to extend (be inclined) in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the coating member 10.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slit portion 20 is formed on the end face 5 of the coating member 10, but it is not limited to this and may be formed on other surfaces (for example, the side surface). The slit portion 20 can be formed on any desired surface regardless of the shape of the coating member 10.

[0049] Furthermore, although there is one slit portion 20 in this embodiment, it is not limited to this and may be multiple. Also, multiple slit portions 20 may be formed on the same surface of the coating member 10, or they may be formed on multiple surfaces.

[0050] The coating portion 21 is formed on the inner surface of the slit portion 20. The coating portion 21 is a coating portion capable of applying the coating liquid 11 to at least the surface of the inserted toe portion 220. In this embodiment, the coating portion 21 is a coating portion capable of applying the coating liquid 11 to the surface and / or back surface of the inserted toe portion 220. In this embodiment, the coating portion 21 is a coating portion capable of applying the coating liquid 11 to both the surface and back surface of the inserted toe portion 220.

[0051] The coating unit 21 has a coating surface 22 (first coating surface) capable of coating at least the surface side of the toenail portion 220. In this embodiment, the coating unit 21 has a coating surface 22 (first coating surface) capable of coating the surface side of the toenail portion 220, and a coating surface 24 (second coating surface) capable of coating the back side of the toenail portion 220. Here, the back side of the toenail portion 220 is the surface of the toenail portion 220 on the fingertip 205 side, and the surface of the toenail portion 220 is the surface opposite to the back side and is part of the surface of the nail 210.

[0052] The coating surface 22 (first coating surface) is an inner surface of the slit portion 20 that can be in contact with the surface of the fingertip portion 220 when the fingertip 205 is in contact with the first finger guide portion 35, which is a finger guide portion, and can apply the coating liquid.

[0053] The coating surface 24 (second coating surface) is the inner surface of the slit portion 20 that is opposite to the coating surface 22 (first coating surface). The coating surface 24 (second coating surface) is a coating surface that can apply the coating liquid 11 by contacting the back surface of the toenail portion 220, which is inserted with the fingertip 205 in contact with the first finger guide portion 35, which is a finger guide portion.

[0054] In this embodiment, the shapes of the coating surfaces 22 and 24 are planar, but are not limited to this, and may be curved, wavy, or have one or more protrusions. Furthermore, the distance between the coating surfaces 22 and 24 is not particularly limited, as long as it is a distance that allows the toenail portion 220 to be inserted. For example, the distance between the coating surfaces 22 and 24 is set to a distance that allows the coating liquid 11 to be applied to both the front and back surfaces of the toenail portion 220. For example, the distance between the coating surfaces 22 and 24 may be the distance at which the coating surfaces 22 and 24 are in surface contact when the toenail portion 220 is inserted.

[0055] In this embodiment, as will be described later, the second finger guide portion 36 also functions as a finger guide portion of the present invention, so it is also possible to make the coating surface 24 the first coating surface that coats the surface side of the toenail portion 220.

[0056] The coating section 21 is configured to apply the coating liquid 11 to the front and / or back surfaces of the inserted fingernail portion 220 by sandwiching the inserted fingernail portion 220 between the coating surface 22 (first coating surface) and the coating surface 24 (second coating surface). Since the coating section 21 sandwiches the inserted fingernail portion 220 between the coating surface 22 (first coating surface) and the coating surface 24 (second coating surface), it can suitably guide the movement of the applicator 1 and apply the coating liquid 11 to both the front and / or back surfaces of the fingernail portion 220. Since the coating section 21 sandwiches the inserted fingernail portion 220 between the coating surface 22 (first coating surface) and the coating surface 24 (second coating surface), the applicator 1 can be moved slowly and gradually, so that a desired line of coating liquid 11 can be easily formed on the fingernail portion 220. In this embodiment, the coating section 21 is configured to suitably apply the coating liquid 11 to both the front and back surfaces of the fingernail portion 220.

[0057] The finger guide portions 35 and 36 are positioned near the opening 20a of the slit portion 20 on the surface of the coating member 10. The finger guide portions 35 and 36 are positioned in the area where the fingertip 205 contacts when the fingertip portion 220 is inserted into the slit portion 20. The finger guide portions 35 and 36 are configured to suppress the permeation of the coating liquid 11 and prevent the coating liquid 11 from adhering to the contacting finger. In this embodiment, there are two finger guide portions 35 and 36.

[0058] In this embodiment, the finger guide portions 35 and 36 are positioned on the end face 5 of the coating member 10. The finger guide portions 35 and 36 are positioned near the opening 20a of the slit portion 20 on the surface of the coating member 10. The finger guide portions 35 and 36 are positioned in the area where the fingertip 205 makes contact when the toenail portion 220 is inserted into the slit portion 20. The finger guide portions 35 and 36 are positioned near the opening 20a in the slit portion 20, along the direction in which the opening 20a extends. The outer edges of the finger guide portions 35 and 36 are positioned to overlap all or part of the outer edge of the opening 20a of the slit portion 20. In this embodiment, the outer edges of the finger guide portions 35 and 36 are positioned to overlap all of the outer edge of the opening 20a of the slit portion 20.

[0059] The finger guide portions 35 and 36, when the fingertip portion 220 is inserted into the slit portion 20, contact the fingertip 205 and guide the movement of the applicator 1 when the applicator 1 is moved along the outer edge of the fingertip portion 220. The finger guide portions 35 and 36 guide the movement of the applicator 1 in the process of applying the coating liquid 11 to the fingertip portion 220. The finger guide portions 35 and 36 guide the movement of the applicator 1 from one end of the fingertip 205 to the other end of the applicator 1 in the process of applying the coating liquid 11 to the fingertip portion 220.

[0060] The finger guide portions 35 and 36 are film-like members made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate, and are directly placed on the surface of the coating member 10. In this embodiment, the finger guide portions 35 and 36 are part of the coating portion 30, which will be described later. The finger guide portions 35 and 36 are configured to suppress the permeation of the coating liquid 11 and prevent the coating liquid 11 from adhering to the finger 200 (fingertip 205) that is in contact with them. The finger guide portions 35 and 36 prevent the coating liquid 11 from adhering to the fingertip 205, which slides relative to the fingertip 205 while in contact with the finger guide portions 35 and 36 during the movement of the applicator 1 for applying the coating liquid 11 to the fingertip portion 220.

[0061] In this embodiment, the finger guide portions 35 and 36 are part of the coating portion 30, which will be described later, but are not limited to this. For example, they may be sheets or plate-shaped members made of resin or metal, which are directly placed on the surface of the coating member 10, a cured portion obtained by applying liquid resin to the coating member 10 and curing it, or an extended portion which is an extension of a part of the outer cylinder, which will be described later, and is placed on the surface of the coating member 10.

[0062] In this embodiment, the coating portion 30 covers all or part of the surface of the coating member 10 excluding the slit portion 20, and is composed of a coating made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid 11 to penetrate. In this embodiment, the coating portion 30 covers all of the surface of the coating member 10 excluding the slit portion 20, and is composed of a coating made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid 11 to penetrate. The coating portion 30 covers almost the entire surface of the coating member 10. The coating portion 30 does not cover only the slit portion 20, leaving it exposed to the external space. Here, the coating portion 30 is composed of a coating made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid 11 to penetrate, but the coating does not need to be of uniform thickness, nor does the surface need to be planar, and it is sufficient that it is formed so that a finger does not directly come into contact with the coating member 10 impregnated with the coating liquid 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the finger guide portions 35 and 36 are part of the coating portion 30, which will be described later.

[0063] The coating portion 30 is formed, for example, by applying a thermosetting resin or an ultraviolet-curable resin to the surface of the coating member 10 and curing it. In this case, as described later, the coating tool 1 can be suitably obtained by forming the coating portion 30 on the surface of the coating member 10 and then forming the slit portion 20.

[0064] The coating portion 30 can be formed by placing a sheet or plate-shaped member made of resin, metal, or the like on the entire surface of the coating member 10, in addition to the thermosetting resin or UV-curing resin mentioned above. The coating portion 30 can also be formed by attaching a vinyl sheet or a thin metal film to the entire surface, or by housing it in a bag made of a vinyl sheet or a thin metal film. Furthermore, the coating portion 30 may be formed by injection molding.

[0065] In this embodiment, the coating portion 30 exposes only the slit portion 20 (coating portion 21) to the outside space, while the other portions are not exposed to the outside space. This allows the applicator to directly hold the applicator 1 in their hand while applying the coating liquid 11 to the toenail portion 220.

[0066] Furthermore, the applicator 1 of this embodiment may be a disposable type, or it may be a type that can be used for a long period of time by refilling the coating solution 11. The coating solution 11 may be refilled, for example, by dropping the coating solution 11 onto the applicator 21, or by injecting the coating solution 11 with a syringe-type refiller.

[0067] Next, the manufacturing method of the applicator 1 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 4. First, in the coating liquid impregnation process ST10, the coating liquid is impregnated into the coating member raw material 15. This produces a coating member 10 impregnated with the coating liquid 11.

[0068] Next, in the coating process ST20, an ultraviolet-curable resin is applied to the entire surface of the coating member 10. Then, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the ultraviolet-curable resin applied to the surface of the coating member 10 to cure it. This forms a coating portion 30 that covers the entire surface of the coating member 10. This also produces a coating tool raw material member 17 having a coating member 10 impregnated with the coating liquid 11 and a coating portion 30 made of a material that the coating liquid 11 does not penetrate. Here, it is also possible to apply the ultraviolet-curable resin to only a part of the surface of the coating member 10. In this case, a coating tool raw material member 17 is produced in which a part of the coating member 10 is covered by the coating portion 30.

[0069] Next, in the slit forming step ST30, a slit portion 20 is formed in the applicator raw material member 17, on which the entire surface of the applicator member 10, which is impregnated with the coating liquid 11, is covered by the coating portion 30. This completes the production of the applicator 1. This manufacturing method is just one example of a method for manufacturing the applicator 1, and the applicator 1 can also be manufactured by other manufacturing methods.

[0070] Figure 5 illustrates how to use the applicator 1. In detail, the method of applying the coating liquid 11 to the toenail portion 220 using the applicator 1 will be described. First, the applicator inserts the fingertip portion 220 into the slit portion 20 of the applicator 1. Next, the applicator places their fingertip 205 against the finger guide portion 35.

[0071] Next, with the toe tip portion 220 inserted into the slit portion 20, the applicator moves the applicator 1 along the outer edge of the toe tip portion 220. This allows the coating liquid 11 to be applied to the toe tip portion 220 in a predetermined width. In this embodiment, the coating liquid 11 can be applied to both the front and back surfaces of the toe tip portion 220.

[0072] Figures 6 to 11 illustrate a modified example of the applicator according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 illustrates modified examples (A) to (J) of a single-slit applicator. Figure 7 illustrates modified examples (K) to (O) of a multiple-slit applicator. As shown in Figure 6, modified example (A) is a modified example in which the linear slit portion 20, when viewed from the end face 5 side, is formed so that it does not reach both ends, and the side is not open.

[0073] Modifications (B) and (C) are variations in which the slit portion 20 is curved when viewed from the end face 5 side, and the shape of the bottom surface of the slit portion 20 in the depth direction is curved when viewed from the side. Modification (B) has a deep slit portion 20, while modification (C) has a shallower slit portion 20 than modification (B). Furthermore, modification (B) is a modification in which the slit portion 20 is formed to reach both ends when viewed from the end face 5 side, with the side side being open, while modification (C) is a modification in which the slit portion 20 is formed so that it does not reach both ends when viewed from the end face 5 side, with the side side not being open.

[0074] Modification (D) is a modification in which the slit portion 20 is formed on the side surface 6, and the depth direction of the slit portion 20 intersects the longitudinal direction of the coated member.

[0075] Modifications (E) and (F) are modifications in which the end faces are formed at different positions (heights) on either side of the slit portion 20. Modification (E) is a modification having an end face 5 and an end face 5E that straddles the slit portion 20 and is positioned lower than end face 5. Similarly, modification (F) is a modification having an end face 5 and an end face 5F that straddles the slit portion 20 and is positioned lower than end face 5. Furthermore, modification (E) is a modification in which the slit portion 20 is formed to reach both ends when viewed from the end face 5 side and the side is open, while modification (F) is a modification in which the slit portion 20 is formed so that it does not reach both ends when viewed from the end face 5 side and the side is not open.

[0076] Modification (G) is a modification in which the end face 5E in modification (E) is curved. More specifically, modification (G) is a modification having an end face 5 and an end face 5G that sandwiches the slit portion 20, and is a curved end face 5G that is lower in position than the end face 5 and whose position becomes lower towards the end.

[0077] Modification (H) is a modification in which a linear slit portion 20 is formed on the end face 5, and the depth direction of the slit portion 20 intersects the longitudinal direction of the coated member.

[0078] Modification (I) is a modification in which a straight slit portion 20 is formed on the end face 5, and the end face 5 is curved.

[0079] Modification (J) is a modification in which the slit portion 20 is formed on the side surface 6 and the depth direction is parallel to the short side direction (radial direction) of the coating member. Modification (J) is a modification in which there is an end surface 5 and an end surface 5J that is lower in position than end surface 5, and the inner surface of the slit portion 20 is formed to be continuous with end surface 5J. Modification (J) is a modification in which, when viewed from the side, the structure of the end surface side of modification (E) is similar.

[0080] Next, as shown in Figure 7, modified examples (K) to (N) are modified examples in which two slit portions are formed parallel to each other on the end face 5, and modified example (O) is a modified example in which two slit portions are formed in a cross shape on the end face 5. Modification (K) is a modification in which the end face 5 is flat, a slit portion 20 is formed linearly in the center of the end face 5, and a linear slit portion 20K is formed parallel to the slit portion 20 on the outer edge. The lengths of the slit portion 20 and the slit portion 20K are different, making this modification usable depending on the type of finger.

[0081] Modification (L) is a modification of modification (K) in which the end face is multi-stage, and has an end face 5, an end face 5La that is positioned lower than end face 5 and is adjacent to end face 5 with the slit portion 20 in between, and an end face 5Lb that is positioned lower than end face 5L and is adjacent to end face 5La with the slit portion 20L in between. The depths of the slit portion 20 and the slit portion 20L are different, and this modification can be used according to the length of the toe portion.

[0082] Modification (M) is a modification of modification (L) in which a portion of the end face is inclined, and has end faces 5Ma and 5Mb that are inclined so that their position becomes lower as they move outward. This modification is usable according to the length of the toenail portion and the end faces 5Ma and 5Mb that function as finger guides are adapted to the shape of the fingertip.

[0083] Modification (N) is a modification of modification (M) in which the other parts of the end face are also inclined, and has an end face 5Nc that is inclined on the opposite side from end faces 5Na and 5Nb. End face 5Nc is inclined so that its position becomes lower as it is directed outward, opposite to end faces 5Na and 5Nb. This modification is usable according to the length of the toenail portion and the end faces 5Na and 5Nb, which function as finger guides, are adapted to the shape of the fingertip. Furthermore, by not forming a coating portion on end face 5Nc, a separate coating portion can be formed.

[0084] Modification (O) is a modification in which two slits are formed in a cross shape on the end face 5. The lengths of slit 20 and slit 20O are different, making this modification usable depending on the type of finger.

[0085] Figures 9 to 11 illustrate the method of use of a modified version of the applicator 1. In detail, the method of applying the coating liquid 11 to the toenail portion 220 using the modified applicator will be described. Figure 8 illustrates the method of using the modified application tool 1B (B). The application tool 1B is a modified version suitable for applying to the long toenail portion 220. First, the applicator inserts the claw portion 220 into the slit portion 20 of the applicator 1B. The applicator inserts the long claw portion 220 into the slit portion 20.

[0086] Next, the applicator places their fingertip 205 against the finger guide portion 35. For example, in this state, the tip (outer edge) of the fingernail portion 220 contacts the bottom surface of the slit portion 20.

[0087] Next, with the fingernail portion 220 inserted into the slit portion 20, the applicator moves the applicator 1B along the outer edge of the fingernail portion 220. Because the bottom surface of the slit portion 20 is curved, the applicator 1B moves in a smooth curved motion, forming a curved coating line of a predetermined width on the fingernail portion 220. Furthermore, the coating liquid 11 can be applied to both the front and back surfaces of the fingernail portion 220.

[0088] Figure 9 illustrates the method of using the modified application tool 1C (C). The application tool 1C is a modified version suitable for applying to the short toenail portion 220. First, the applicator inserts the claw portion 220 into the slit portion 20 of the applicator 1C. The applicator inserts the short claw portion 220 into the slit portion 20.

[0089] Next, the applicator places their fingertip 205 against the finger guide portion 35. For example, in this state, the tip (outer edge) of the fingernail portion 220 contacts the bottom surface of the slit portion 20.

[0090] Next, with the toe portion 220 inserted into the slit portion 20, the applicator moves the applicator 1C along the outer edge of the toe portion 220. Because the bottom surface of the slit portion 20 is curved, the applicator 1C moves in a smooth curved motion, forming a curved coating line of a predetermined width on the toe portion 220. Furthermore, the coating liquid 11 can be applied to both the front and back surfaces of the toe portion 220.

[0091] Additionally, the applicator 1C can be used to coat the long toe portion 220. In this case, a coating line of a predetermined width can be formed on the outer edge of the toe portion 220, rather than coating the entire toe portion 220.

[0092] Figure 10 illustrates the method of using the modified application tool 1E (E). The application tool 1E is a modified example that can form a thick application line on the nail 210 that extends beyond the nail tip 220. First, the applicator inserts the fingertip portion 220 into the slit portion 20 of the applicator 1E.

[0093] Next, the applicator places their fingertip 205 against the finger guide portion 35. For example, in this state, the coating surface 22 contacts the area on the surface side of the nail 210 that extends beyond the tip portion 220 (including the tip portion and extending from the tip portion towards the base of the nail).

[0094] Next, with the fingernail portion 220 inserted into the slit portion 20, the applicator moves the applicator 1E along the outer edge of the fingernail portion 220. This allows for the formation of a wider coating line on the fingernail portion 220 than in the embodiments and modifications described above. A wide coating line can be formed that extends beyond the fingernail portion 220. Furthermore, the coating liquid 11 can be applied to both the front and back surfaces of the fingernail portion 220.

[0095] Figure 11 illustrates the method of using the modified application tool 1J (J). Similar to the application tool 1E described above, the application tool 1J is a modified version that can form a thick application line on the nail 210 that extends beyond the nail tip 220. First, the applicator inserts the claw portion 220 into the slit portion 20 of the applicator 1J.

[0096] Next, the applicator places their fingertip 205 against the finger guide portion 35. For example, in this state, the coating surface 22 contacts the area on the surface side of the nail 210 that extends beyond the tip portion 220 (including the tip portion and extending from the tip portion towards the base of the nail).

[0097] Next, with the toe portion 220 inserted into the slit portion 20, the applicator moves the applicator 1J along the outer edge of the toe portion 220. This allows for the formation of a wider coating line on the toe portion 220 than in the above-described embodiment and modification, similar to modification (E). A wide coating line can be formed that extends beyond the toe portion 220. Furthermore, the coating liquid 11 can be applied to both the front and back surfaces of the toe portion 220.

[0098] This embodiment provides the following effects. According to this embodiment, the applicator includes an applicator impregnated with an applicator liquid, a slit portion formed from the surface to the interior of the applicator liquid, into which a fingernail portion can be inserted, and an applicator portion formed on the inner surface of the slit portion, into which the applicator liquid can be applied to the surface and / or back surface of the inserted fingernail portion. As a result, the applicator can easily apply the applicator liquid to the fingernail portion in a consistent width by inserting the fingernail portion into the slit portion.

[0099] Furthermore, the slit portion can guide the relative movement between the inserted toe portion and the applicator (applicator). This allows the applicator to easily apply the coating liquid to the toe portion in a consistent width by moving the inserted toe portion and the applicator (applicator) relative to each other, for example, by moving the applicator in the direction of the outer edge of the toe portion.

[0100] Furthermore, the applicator has a finger guide portion positioned in the area where the fingertip makes contact when the fingertip portion is inserted into the slit portion, which can suppress the permeation of the coating liquid and prevent the coating liquid from adhering to the contacting finger. As a result, the applicator can easily apply the coating liquid to the fingertip portion in a consistent width. For example, even if the applicator is working with their non-dominant hand, they can easily form a coating line of a consistent width on the fingertip portion. Moreover, the applicator is configured to form a coating line on the fingertip portion without the coating liquid adhering to the fingertip.

[0101] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the finger guide portion is positioned near the opening in the slit portion, along the direction in which the opening extends. This allows the applicator to bring the fingertip into suitable contact with the finger guide portion, while also preventing the application liquid from adhering to the fingertip.

[0102] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the outer edge of the finger guide portion is positioned to overlap all or part of the outer edge of the opening of the slit portion. This effectively prevents the applicator from getting the application liquid on the fingertip.

[0103] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the fingertip portion is inserted into the slit portion and the applicator is moved along the outer edge of the fingertip portion, the finger guide portion contacts the fingertip and guides the movement of the applicator. This allows the applicator to easily apply the coating liquid to the fingertip portion in a consistent width. For example, even if the applicator is working with their non-dominant hand, they can easily form a coating line of a consistent width on the fingertip portion. Moreover, the applicator is configured to form a coating line on the fingertip portion without the coating liquid adhering to the fingertip.

[0104] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the finger guide portion is a film-like member made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate, and is directly placed on the surface of the coating member. As a result, the applicator is configured to form an application line on the fingertip without the coating liquid adhering to the fingertip. Moreover, because the finger guide portion is film-like, it can be inserted into the slit portion all the way to the base of the fingertip, allowing for the formation of a more suitable application line.

[0105] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator further comprises a coating portion that covers the surface of the applicator excluding the slit portion and is composed of a coating made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate. This allows the applicator to perform the application work by holding the applicator directly in their hand. In addition, this allows the applicator to make fine adjustments to the application area. Furthermore, since the surface of the applicator is coated, no container is required, and it can be made smaller. In addition, it can be carried directly into a bag or pouch. The applicator of this embodiment is small and prevents the coating liquid from sticking to it, so it has excellent storage and portability.

[0106] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the finger guide portion is composed of a part of the coating portion. As a result, the applicator has excellent manufacturability. According to this embodiment, the applicator is, for example, an applicator raw material member having an applicator member impregnated with an applicator liquid and a coating portion composed of a film of a material that does not allow the applicator liquid to penetrate, and is manufactured by forming a slit portion in the applicator raw material member in which the entire surface of the applicator member impregnated with the applicator liquid is covered by the coating portion. The applicator is easy to manufacture and has excellent manufacturability.

[0107] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator has a first application surface on the inner surface of the slit portion that contacts the surface of the toenail portion inserted with the fingertip in contact with the finger guide portion to apply the coating liquid. As a result, the applicator can apply the coating liquid to the surface of the toenail portion.

[0108] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator has a second applicator surface, which is on the inner surface of the slit portion opposite to the first applicator surface, and which contacts the back surface of the toenail portion inserted with the fingertip in contact with the finger guide portion to apply the applicator liquid. As a result, the applicator can apply the applicator liquid to the back surface of the toenail portion.

[0109] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the application section is configured to apply the coating liquid to the surface and / or back surface of the inserted fingertip by sandwiching the fingertip between the first and second application surfaces. As a result, the application tool is configured to apply the coating liquid to the surface, back, or both sides of the fingertip, and because the fingertip is sandwiched by the slit, the application work can be performed efficiently. The application worker applies the coating liquid by moving the application tool along the outer edge of the fingertip, but because the fingertip is sandwiched in the slit, the application tool is less likely to wobble, and a clean application line can be formed. The slit (application section, first application surface, and second application surface), together with the finger guide, has the function of guiding the movement of the application tool.

[0110] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the shape of the slit portion is such that the opening is either straight or curved, and the depth of the slit portion is the same at all positions of the opening. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the shape of the slit portion is such that the opening is either straight or curved, and the depth of the slit portion is deeper towards the center and shallower towards both ends in the direction in which the opening extends. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator has multiple slit portions. As a result, the applicator has a variety of variations. The applicator is configured so that the shape and depth of the slit portion, the shape of the end face, the shape of the finger guide portion, etc. can be set according to the length and shape of the fingertip portion, the shape of the application line to be formed, and the ability to handle multiple types of nails and for ease of use.

[0111] Next, the applicator in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the applicator in the second embodiment, and (a) is a top view of the applicator and (b) is a front view of the applicator. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the applicator in the second embodiment. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the method of using the applicator in the second embodiment, and (a) is a diagram illustrating the method of use and the coating state on the front side and (b) is a diagram illustrating the coating state on the back side. Note that the same configurations as in the first embodiment will not be explained, and the different configurations will be described. For configurations that are not explained, refer to the explanation in the first embodiment described above.

[0112] As shown in Figure 12, the applicator 100 of the second embodiment differs from the applicator of the first embodiment in that it has an applicator surface coating portion 24A. Specifically, the coating portion 120 of the applicator 100 is located on the inner surface of the slit portion 20 opposite to the coating surface 22 (first coating surface), and further comprises a coating portion 24A made of a material that prevents the coating liquid 11 from penetrating. In this embodiment, the coating portion 120 is located on the surface of the coating surface 24 (second coating surface), and further comprises a coating portion 24A made of a material that prevents the coating liquid 11 from penetrating. Here, in this embodiment, since the coating surface 24 (second coating surface) is covered by the coating portion 24A, it is not possible to apply the coating liquid 11 to the toe portion 220. The coating surface 24 (second coating surface) is the surface that functions as a coating surface when the coating portion 24A is absent, and is a structurally common part with other embodiments, and the same name is used in relation to the flow of explanation in other embodiments.

[0113] The coating portion 24A of the coated surface is a film made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid 11 to penetrate the surface of the coating surface 24 (second coating surface), which is the inner surface of the slit portion 20 opposite to the coating surface 22 (first coating surface). Therefore, in the applicator 100, the coating surface 24 (second coating surface) is configured so that the back surface of the fingernail portion 220 cannot be coated with the coating liquid 11. In other words, the applicator 100 of this embodiment is configured to form a coating line only on the surface side of the fingernail portion 220.

[0114] Next, the manufacturing method for the applicator 100 of the second embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 13. The manufacturing method for the applicator 100 of this embodiment differs from the manufacturing method for the applicator 1 of the first embodiment in that it further includes an applicator surface coating step for forming the applicator surface coating portion 24A. First, in the coating liquid impregnation process ST110, the coating liquid is impregnated into the coating member raw material 15. This produces a coating member 10 impregnated with the coating liquid 11.

[0115] Next, in the coating process ST120, an ultraviolet-curable resin is applied to the entire surface of the coating member 10. Then, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the ultraviolet-curable resin applied to the surface of the coating member 10 to cure it. This forms a coating portion 30 that covers the entire surface of the coating member 10. As a result, a coating tool raw material member 17 is manufactured having a coating member 10 impregnated with the coating liquid 11 and a coating portion 30 made of a material that the coating liquid 11 does not penetrate.

[0116] Next, in the slit forming step ST130, a slit portion 20 is formed in the coating tool raw material member 17, on which the entire surface of the coating member 10, which is impregnated with the coating liquid 11, is covered by the coating portion 30.

[0117] Next, in the coating process ST140, a coating portion 24A is formed on the inner surface of the slit portion 20 formed in the slit formation process ST130, on the surface opposite to the coated surface 22 (first coated surface). In other words, in the coating process ST140, a coating portion 24A is formed on the surface of the coated surface 24 (second coated surface), which is the inner surface of the slit portion 20 formed in the slit formation process ST130. For example, an ultraviolet-curable resin is applied to the surface of the coated surface 24 (second coated surface). Then, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the ultraviolet-curable resin applied to the surface of the coated surface 24 to cure it. This forms a coating portion 24A that covers the surface of the coated surface 24. More specifically, a coating portion 24A is formed on the surface of the coated surface 24, which is a film made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid 11 to penetrate. This allows for the manufacture of the applicator 100 according to the second embodiment. This manufacturing method is just one example of a method for manufacturing the applicator 100, and the applicator 100 can also be manufactured by other manufacturing methods.

[0118] Figure 14 illustrates how to use the applicator 100. In detail, the method of applying the coating liquid 11 to the toenail portion 220 using the applicator 100 will be described. First, the applicator inserts the fingertip portion 220 into the slit portion 20 of the applicator 100.

[0119] Next, the applicator places their fingertip 205 against the finger guide portion 35. For example, in this state, the surface of the fingertip portion 220 is in contact with the coating surface 22, and the back surface of the fingertip portion 220 is in contact with the coating portion 24A of the coating surface. The back surface of the fingertip portion 220 is not in contact with the coating surface 24 (second coating surface).

[0120] Next, with the toe portion 220 inserted into the slit portion 20, the applicator moves the applicator 100 along the outer edge of the toe portion 220. This allows a coating line of a predetermined width to be formed only on the surface of the toe portion 220. In this embodiment, the coating liquid 11 can be applied only to the surface of the toe portion 220, and not to the back surface.

[0121] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved. According to this embodiment, the coating portion further includes a coating portion which is positioned on the surface of the second coating surface and is composed of a coating made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate. As a result, the applicator can form a coating line only on the surface side of the fingertip portion.

[0122] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the applicator is manufactured by forming a coating portion on the surface of the second coating surface, which is the inner surface of the slit portion formed by the slit forming process. The applicator is manufactured by forming a coating portion on the surface of the second coating surface, which is a coating made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate. Thus, the applicator of the second embodiment can be manufactured by forming a coating portion on the surface of the second coating surface after manufacturing the applicator of the first embodiment. Also, thus, the applicator of the second embodiment can be manufactured by adding a coating surface formation process to the manufacturing line of the applicator of the first embodiment. The applicator of the second embodiment can be manufactured using the same manufacturing line (common up to the slit forming process) as the applicator of the first embodiment.

[0123] Next, the applicator in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the applicator in the third embodiment. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the method of use of the applicator in the third embodiment, illustrating (a) the method of use and the coating state on the front side, and (b) the coating state on the back side. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating modified versions of the applicator in the third embodiment, illustrating modified versions (A) to (C). Note that the same configurations as in the first or second embodiment will not be described, and only the different configurations will be described. For configurations that are not described, refer to the descriptions in the first or second embodiment above.

[0124] As shown in Figure 15, the applicator 110 of the third embodiment differs from the applicator described above in that it has an outer cylinder portion 300 that houses the applicator of the first or second embodiment. The applicator 110 of this embodiment is a pen-type applicator that can be used as a pen-type applicator. Specifically, the pen-type applicator 110 of this embodiment further includes an outer cylinder portion 300 that houses the applicator 1(100) of the first or second embodiment with a portion exposed. The opening 20a of the slit portion 20 and the finger guide portion 35 are located on the exposed portion 105, which is the exposed part of the applicator 1(100). Here, the exposed portion 150 may be one in which only the end face is exposed from the outer cylinder portion 300, or it may be one in which a certain portion including the end face is exposed.

[0125] The outer cylinder portion 300 has a housing portion 310 for housing the applicator 1 (100) and a gripping portion 320 for gripping by the applicator. The housing section 310 is a cylindrical part that houses the applicator 1 (100) with a portion of it exposed. The housing section 310 holds the applicator 1 (100) with a plurality of holding parts 315 arranged on its inner surface.

[0126] The gripping portion 320 is the part that the applicator holds. The applicator grips the gripping portion 320 to perform the applicating work. Part of the applicator 1(100) may be housed inside the gripping portion 320.

[0127] As described above, the applicator 1(100) is housed in the outer cylinder 300 with a portion of the end face 5 side exposed to the outside. In the applicator 1(100), the parts necessary for the applicator work are exposed. The opening 20a of the slit portion 20 and the finger guide portion 35 are located in the exposed portion 105 of the applicator 1(100).

[0128] Next, Figure 16 will illustrate how to use the pen-type applicator 110. In detail, the application method for applying the coating liquid 11 to the toenail tip 220 using the applicator 110 will be described. First, the applicator grasps the gripping portion 320 of the outer cylinder portion 300 and inserts the fingertip portion 220 into the slit portion 20 of the applicator 1.

[0129] Next, the applicator places their fingertip 205 against the finger guide portion 35. Next, with the fingernail portion 220 inserted into the slit portion 20, the applicator moves the applicator 1 housed in the outer cylinder portion 300 along the outer edge of the fingernail portion 220. This allows an applicator line of a predetermined width to be formed on the fingernail portion 220. In this embodiment, the applicator liquid 11 can be applied to both the front and back surfaces of the fingernail portion 220.

[0130] Figure 17 illustrates a modified version of the applicator according to the first embodiment. Figure 17 shows examples of modified versions (A) to (C) of the applicator 110. As shown in Figure 17, modified example (A) is a modified example in which the tip side of the housing portion 310 of the outer cylinder portion 300 is formed in an inclined shape. In the pen-type applicator 110A, the tip of the housing portion 310 has an annular inclined surface 314 that extends radially outward toward the gripping portion 320. This reduces the area that fingers come into contact with during the application process, improving work efficiency during the application process.

[0131] Furthermore, modified example (B) is a modified example in which the applicator 1E of modified example (E) in the first embodiment is housed in the outer cylinder portion 300, and the housing portion 310 in the outer cylinder portion 300 is a modified example in which the shape corresponds to the end face shape of the applicator 1. In the pen-type applicator 110B, the tip of the housing portion 310 has two stages, having a first stage portion 316 corresponding to the finger guide portion 36 and a second stage portion 317 corresponding to the finger guide portion 35.

[0132] Furthermore, modified example (C) is a modified example in which the thin-walled portion 119 having the coating surface 22 protrudes from the outer cylinder portion 300, and the housing portion 310 in the outer cylinder portion 300 is shaped to cause the thin-walled portion 119 having the coating surface 22 to protrude to the outside. In the pen-type applicator 110C, the applicator 1P has a thin-walled portion 119 which is the part having the coating surface 22. The tip of the housing portion 310 has two stages, a flat portion 318 corresponding to the finger guide portion 35 and an inclined portion 319 that causes the thin-walled portion 119 to protrude. As a result, during the application process, the thin-walled portion 119 deforms slightly in accordance with the shape of the fingertip portion 220, so the pen-type applicator 110C has excellent application workability.

[0133] In addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, this embodiment provides the following effects. According to this embodiment, the applicator further comprises an outer cylinder portion that houses the applicators of the first and second embodiments with a portion of them exposed. The opening of the slit portion and the finger guide portion are located on the exposed portion, which is the exposed part of the applicator of the first and second embodiments. As a result, the pen-type applicator 110 of this embodiment can be used as a pen-type applicator. This is a suitable configuration for applicators who are accustomed to pen-type applicators. Furthermore, with this configuration, applicators can obtain a usability that is suitable for them by adjusting the position in which they hold the grip portion.

[0134] Next, the applicator in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the applicator in the fourth embodiment, and illustrates examples (A) to (E). Note that the same configurations as in the first to third embodiments will not be explained, and only the different configurations will be described. For configurations not explained, refer to the explanations in the first to third embodiments described above.

[0135] As shown in Figure 18, the applicator of the fourth embodiment differs from the applicator of the third embodiment in that the outer cylinder portion has a thin wall. The applicator of this embodiment is a pen-type applicator that can be used as a pen-type applicator. Specifically, the pen-type applicators 520A to E of this embodiment have a thin-walled outer cylinder portion 400 that houses the applicator 1(100) of the first or second embodiment with a portion of it exposed. The opening 20a of the slit portion 20 and the finger guide portion 35 are located on the exposed portion of the applicator 1(100).

[0136] The outer cylinder portion 400 is a thin-walled portion having a hollow section for housing the applicator 1 (100). The outer cylinder portion 400 is made of, for example, a straw-shaped member. The outer cylinder portion 400 has a hollow section that houses and holds the applicator 1 (100). The outer cylinder portion 400 houses and holds the applicator 1 (100) at one end of the hollow section, and the other end is sealed. Here, the outer cylinder portion may have one or more ventilation holes to suppress the effects of changes in the volume of gas in the hollow section (expansion, contraction).

[0137] The outer cylinder portion 400 may hold the applicator 1 (100) by bringing the inner surface of the hollow portion into close contact with the outer surface of the applicator 1 (100), or it may be fixed by applying adhesive to the outer circumference or outer surface of the end face of the applicator 1 (100) and bonding them together.

[0138] The length of the outer cylinder portion 400 is, for example, 3 to 15 cm, preferably 5 to 12 cm, and more preferably 6 to 10 cm, but is not particularly limited. The length of the outer cylinder portion 400 can be set as appropriate depending on usability and appearance. The inner diameter of the outer cylinder portion 400 can be set in the same way as the diameter of the applicator 1(100). The inner diameter of the outer cylinder portion 400 is, for example, 5 to 15 mm, preferably 7 to 13 mm, and more preferably 8 to 11 mm, but is not particularly limited. It can be set appropriately depending on the diameter and holding method of the applicator 1(100).

[0139] As shown in Figure 18, the pen-type applicator 520 of embodiment (A) comprises an applicator 1(100) according to the first or second embodiment, and a thin-walled outer cylinder portion 400 that houses the applicator 1(100) with a portion of it exposed. In this embodiment, only the end face of the applicator 1(100) is exposed to the external space. The applicator 1(100) is housed in the hollow portion of the outer cylinder portion 400, with the opening of the slit portion 20 and the finger guide portion 35 exposed at one end. The other end of the outer cylinder portion 400 is sealed, for example, by crimping or heat sealing.

[0140] Example (B) is an example in which the outer cylinder portion 400 is shorter than in Example (A). The other configurations are the same as in Example (A). The pen-type applicator 520B is a pen-type applicator with a short length, which is excellent in terms of storage and other factors.

[0141] Example (C) is an example in which the end face and a portion of the applicator 1 (100) in Example (A) are exposed to the outside. In the pen-type applicator 520C, the positional restriction of the claw portion 220 at the end of the outer cylinder portion 400 is performed below the end face (behind the opening of the slit portion 20), so that the claw portion 220 can be inserted deeper into the slit portion 20 than in the pen-type applicator 520A, and the degree of inclination of the claw portion 220 with respect to the depth direction of the slit portion 20 can be increased. As a result, the pen-type applicator 520C has excellent usability.

[0142] Embodiment (D) is an example in which a fixing member 410 is housed in the outer cylinder portion 400 in Embodiment (A). The pen-type applicator 520D has a fixing member 410 housed in the other end of the hollow portion of the outer cylinder portion 400. In this embodiment, the fixing member 410 contacts the applicator 1 (100) and restricts its movement. Furthermore, the fixing member 410 is positioned to reduce (eliminate) the space within the hollow portion of the outer cylinder portion 400, thereby suppressing the effects of changes in the volume of the internal gas.

[0143] Example (E) is an example in which the fixing member in Example (D) is a thin-walled cylindrical member (for example, a straw-shaped member made of resin) similar to the outer cylinder portion 400. The pen-type applicator 520E has a fixing member 411 that is housed and positioned on the other end side of the hollow portion of the outer cylinder portion 400. The fixing member 411 is a cylindrical member with a smaller diameter and shorter length than the outer cylinder portion 400, and is housed and positioned in the hollow portion of the outer cylinder portion 400 in a double-tube-like manner. Furthermore, the other ends of the outer cylinder portion 400 and the fixing member 411 are integrally sealed, for example, by crimping or heat sealing. In this embodiment, the fixing member 411 abuts against the applicator 1 (100) and restricts the movement of the applicator 1 (100). In addition, the fixing member 411 is positioned to adjust the space within the hollow portion of the outer cylinder portion 400 and suppress the influence of volume changes of the internal gas. Here, as described above, the outer cylinder portion 400 and / or the fixing member 411 may have one or more ventilation holes to suppress the effects of changes in the volume of gas in the hollow portion (expansion, contraction).

[0144] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments, the following effects are achieved. According to this embodiment, the pen-type applicator can be used as a pen-type applicator. This embodiment is suitable for applicators who are accustomed to using pen-type applicators. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pen-type applicator can be manufactured using a thin-film outer cylinder member having a hollow section, thus reducing product costs. In addition, the pen-type applicator of this embodiment can be manufactured simply by inserting the applicator (applicator member, applicator raw material member) into a straw-shaped outer cylinder and fixing it with adhesive, thus simplifying manufacturing and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0145] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc., that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, a finger guide portion is formed on the coating member, but the invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration without a finger guide portion may also be used. In this configuration, the slit portion guides the relative movement between the inserted fingertip and the coating tool. The slit portion mainly guides the movement of the fingertip portion in the outer edge direction of the coating tool. The slit portion also guides the relative movement between the fingertip portion and the coating tool so as to suppress the separation of the fingertip portion from the first coating surface.

[0146] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the coating portion is formed on the entire surface of the coated member, but it is not limited to this, and may be formed on a part of the surface of the coated member. For example, it may be formed only on the end face where the slit portion is formed, or only on the portion exposed from the outer cylinder. Furthermore, the coated portion can be formed by coating the surface of the coating member with a curable resin or the like, or, as mentioned above, by injection molding. Also, for example, the finger guide portion, the coated portion, and the outer cylinder portion can be integrally formed by injection molding. When molded in this way, for example, the film thickness of the portion corresponding to the finger guide portion and the coated portion can be made thinner, and the film thickness of the portion corresponding to the outer cylinder portion can be made thicker.

[0147] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the finger guide portion, coating portion, and coated surface coating portion are formed by applying a coating agent such as an ultraviolet-curable resin to the surface of the coating member, but are not limited to this, and may be formed by melting and solidifying the surface of the coating member. One or more of the finger guide portion, coating portion, and coated surface coating portion can also be formed by melting the surface of the coating member, which is made of a synthetic resin material, by heating it. Alternatively, the coating member can be housed and arranged in an outer cylinder portion, etc., while its surface is melted by heating, etc. In this case, one or more of the finger guide portion, coating portion, and coated surface coating portion can be formed and the coating member can be fixed to the outer cylinder portion.

[0148] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the outer cylinder portion holds the applicator by a plurality of holding portions arranged on its inner surface, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as described above, the applicator may be held by the inner surface of the outer cylinder portion and the outer surface of the applicator being in close contact, or the space between the inner surface of the outer cylinder portion and the outer surface of the applicator may be fixed with an adhesive or the like, or the applicator and the outer cylinder portion may be fixed by utilizing a finger guide portion or a part of the coating portion (for example, by applying a coating agent to the applicator (applicating member) and the end of the outer cylinder portion during formation).

[0149] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the outer cylinder is mainly a hollow member having an elongated hollow section, but it is not limited to this, and the shape and structure are not particularly limited as long as it has a housing section for housing an applicator impregnated with the coating liquid. For example, it may be cubic in shape with a housing section, spherical, curved, or a shape designed to be easy to hold.

[0150] Furthermore, the above-mentioned applicator (including a pen-type applicator) may have a cap portion that can be attached to or detached from the applicator, which is capable of suppressing the evaporation of the coating liquid from the applicator portion. This is preferable because it can suppress the evaporation of components of the coating liquid from the applicator portion exposed to the external space.

[0151] Furthermore, the applicator in the above-described embodiment is not limited to the manufacturing method described above, but can be manufactured by various methods. For example, a manufacturing method for producing the applicator of the first embodiment can be exemplified, which includes a coating step of forming a coating portion on the surface of an applicator, a slit step of forming a slit portion in the applicator on which the coating portion has been formed, and a coating liquid impregnation step of impregnating the applicator with a coating liquid after the slit step.

[0152] For example, a manufacturing method for producing the applicator of the second embodiment can be exemplified by including a slit forming step of forming a slit portion in an applicator; a coating step of forming a coating portion and an applicator coating portion on the surface of the applicator with the slit portion and in the slit portion; a coating removal step of removing (e.g., by cutting) one of the applicator coating portions formed on the slit portion (inner surface); and an applicator liquid impregnation step of impregnating the applicator with an applicator liquid after the coating removal step.

[0153] Furthermore, as an example of a manufacturing method for a pen-type applicator according to the third or fourth embodiment, the manufacturing method can include: a housing step of housing the applicator in the outer cylinder; a coating step of forming a coating portion on the surface of the exposed portion (e.g., the end face) of the applicator that is exposed from the outer cylinder (which may also serve as a finger guide portion forming step); a slit step of forming a slit portion on the exposed portion (e.g., the end face) of the applicator on which the coating portion has been formed; and a coating liquid impregnation step of impregnating the applicator with a coating liquid after the slit step. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0154] 1. Applicator 5 End face 7 Side view 10 Coating Member 11. Application solution 20 Slit section 20a opening 21 Coating area 22. Coating surface (first coating surface) 24. Coated surface (second coated surface) 30 Coating section 35 Finger guide section 200 fingers 205 Fingertips 210 claws 220 Toe area 300 Outer cylinder part 310 Storage Unit

Claims

1. A coated member impregnated with the coating solution, The coating member has a slit portion formed from the surface to the interior, into which the toe tip portion can be inserted, and which sandwiches the inserted toe tip portion with the inner surface, An application portion formed on the inner surface of the slit portion, capable of applying the coating liquid to the surface and / or back surface of the inserted toe portion, An applicator comprising: a planar finger guide portion positioned near the opening of the slit portion on the surface of the coating member, in an area where the fingertip contacts the surface when the fingertip portion is inserted into the slit portion, which can suppress the permeation of the coating liquid and prevent the coating liquid from adhering to the contacting finger; When the fingertip portion is inserted into the slit portion and the fingertip is in contact with the finger guide portion, and the applicator is moved along the shape of the fingertip, The aforementioned slit portion clamps the inserted fingertip portion with its inner surface to suppress vibration of the applicator, The aforementioned finger guide portion guides the movement of the applicator by sliding relative to the fingertip while in contact with the fingertip. Applicator.

2. The aforementioned slit portion is It is possible to guide the relative movement between the inserted fingertip portion and the applicator. The applicator according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned finger guide portion is Near the opening in the slit portion, arranged along the direction in which the opening extends. The applicator according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The outer edge of the aforementioned finger guide portion is It is positioned so as to overlap all or part of the outer edge of the opening of the slit portion. The applicator according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned finger guide portion is The coating member is a film-like member made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate, and is directly placed on the surface of the coating member. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The coating portion further comprises a coating portion that covers all or part of the surface of the coating member excluding the slit portion, and is composed of a coating made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate, The aforementioned finger guide portion is It is composed of a part of the aforementioned coating portion. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The coating portion is The inner surface of the slit portion has a first application surface that contacts the surface of the fingertip portion inserted with the fingertip in contact with the finger guide portion to apply the coating liquid. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The coating portion is The slit portion further includes a second coating surface, which is the inner surface of the slit portion opposite to the first coating surface, and which contacts the back surface of the fingertip portion inserted with the fingertip in contact with the finger guide portion to apply the coating liquid. The applicator according to claim 7.

9. The coating portion is The coating portion further comprises a coating made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate, which is located on the inner surface of the slit portion opposite to the first coating surface. The applicator according to claim 7.

10. The coating portion is The device is configured to apply the coating liquid to the surface and / or back surface of the toenail portion, by sandwiching the inserted toenail portion between the first and second coating surfaces. The applicator according to claim 8.

11. The coating member is It has a cylindrical shape, The aforementioned slit portion is Displaced on the end face of the coating member The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The shape of the aforementioned slit portion is, The opening is either straight or curved. The depth of the slit portion is the same at all positions within the opening. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The shape of the aforementioned slit portion is, The opening is either straight or curved. The depth of the slit portion is deeper towards the center and shallower towards both ends in the direction in which the opening extends. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. Having multiple slits The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The invention further comprises an outer cylinder portion that houses the applicator described in any one of claims 1 to 14 with a portion of it exposed, The opening of the slit portion is located in the exposed portion of the applicator. Pen-type applicator.

16. The device further comprises a cap portion that can suppress evaporation of the coating liquid from the coating portion and is detachable from the applicator. The applicator or pen-type applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A method for applying an application liquid to a toenail using an applicator or pen-type applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the application liquid is applied to the toenail by moving the applicator along the outer edge of the toenail while the toenail is inserted into the slit portion. Application method.

18. A method for manufacturing an applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, A coating tool raw material member having a coating member impregnated with a coating liquid and a coating portion made of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate, wherein the coating portion covers all or part of the surface of the coating member impregnated with the coating liquid, and the coating tool raw material member includes a slit forming step of forming a slit portion. Method for manufacturing an applicator.

19. A method for manufacturing an applicator according to claim 9, A coating tool raw material member having a coating member impregnated with a coating liquid and a coating portion composed of a film of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate, wherein the coating portion covers all or part of the surface of the coating member impregnated with the coating liquid, and the coating tool raw material member includes a slit forming step of forming a slit portion, A step of forming the coated surface portion on the inner surface of the slit portion formed by the slit forming step, on the inner surface opposite to the first coated surface, further comprising a coated surface coating step of forming a film of a material that does not allow the coating liquid to penetrate the inner surface opposite to the first coated surface. Method for manufacturing an applicator.

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