U.S. patent application number 10/060234 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for device for applying a product.
Invention is credited to Gueret, Jean-Louis H..
Application Number | 20020114657 10/060234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8859508 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020114657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gueret, Jean-Louis H. |
August 22, 2002 |
Device for applying a product
Abstract
A device for applying a product may comprise a first portion and
a second portion moveable with respect to the first portion so as
to selectively place the device in one of a closed position and an
open position. The first portion and the second portion may define
a substantially closed reservoir when the device is in the closed
position. The device may further comprise an application member.
The application member may be at least partially compressible and
configured such that, when the device is in the closed position,
the application member is at least partially compressed inside the
substantially closed reservoir and, when the device is moved from
the closed position to the open position, the application member
becomes substantially uncompressed. The application member may be
configured so that when the application member is uncompressed, the
application member is capable of being loaded with substantially
all of an amount of product that the device is capable of
containing.
Inventors: |
Gueret, Jean-Louis H.;
(Paris, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas L. Irving
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW,
GARRETT & DUNNER, L.L.P.
1300 I Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20005-3315
US
|
Family ID: |
8859508 |
Appl. No.: |
10/060234 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/130 ;
401/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2200/1018 20130101;
A45D 34/04 20130101; A45D 40/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/130 ;
401/126 |
International
Class: |
A46B 011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 1, 2001 |
FR |
01 01373 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for applying a product, the device comprising: a first
portion; a second portion moveable with respect to the first
portion so as to selectively place the device in one of a closed
position and an open position, wherein the first portion and the
second portion define a substantially closed reservoir when the
device is in the closed position; and an application member, the
application member being at least partially compressible and
configured such that, when the device is in the closed position,
the application member is at least partially compressed inside the
substantially closed reservoir and, when the device is moved from
the closed position to the open position, the application member
becomes substantially uncompressed, wherein the application member
is configured so that when the application member is uncompressed,
the application member is capable of being loaded with
substantially all of an amount of product that the device is
capable of containing.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the application member is
attached to the second portion.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the application member is
attached to the second portion by at least one of bonding, welding
and clipping.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the application member comprises
a compressible porous material.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the application member is made of
at least one of an open-cell foam, a semi-open-cell foam, a felt,
and a frit.
6. The device of claim 4, wherein the application member is made
from a material chosen from polyurethanes, polyesters, polyethers,
polyvinyl chlorides, and ethylene vinyl acetates.
7. The device of claim 4, wherein the porous material is one of
hydrophilic and lipophilic.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the application member comprises
an additive capable of absorbing at least one of water and oil.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the application member comprises
a preservative.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first portion defines a
recess.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the substantially closed
reservoir comprises the recess and at least a part of the second
portion.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein the first portion comprises a
housing portion defining the recess.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises at
least one of a metallic material, a metalloplastic complex, and a
thermoplastic material.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the metallic material comprises
aluminum.
15. The device of claim 13, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, polyvinyl chlorides, polyacrylates, and
polyamides.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the first portion is made by one
of pressing, thermoforming, and injection molding.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the second portion is attached
to the first portion.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the second portion is one of
clipped, screwed, and hinged to the first portion.
19. The device of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a
lid.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein the lid is formed by molding a
thermoplastic material.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, polyvinyl chlorides, and polyamides.
22. The device of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a
film seal formed of at least one layer of at least one of a
thermoplastic material, a metallic material, and a metalloplastic
complex.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, and polyvinyl chlorides.
24. The device of claim 22, wherein the metallic material is chosen
from aluminums, aluminum alloys, and brasses.
25. The device of claim 22, wherein the application member is
attached to the second portion.
26. The device of claim 25, wherein the film seal has a flexibility
such that it is configured to deform with the application member
during application of product to a surface.
27. The device of claim 22, wherein the film seal is attached to
the first portion by one of hot bonding, cold bonding, and
welding.
28. The device of claim 22, wherein the film seal is attached to
the first portion by one of a line of welding and a line of
adhesive that substantially continuously surrounds the application
member.
29. The device of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second
portion each comprise a sheet.
30. The device of claim 29, wherein each sheet comprises at least
one layer made of at least one of a thermoplastic material, a
metallic material, and a metalloplastic complex.
31. The device of claim 30, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, and polyvinyl chlorides.
32. The device of claim 30, wherein the metallic material is chosen
from aluminums, aluminum alloys, and brasses.
33. The device of claim 29, wherein the sheets are superposed and
attached together along their respective peripheral regions.
34. The device of claim 33, wherein the sheets form a sachet.
35. The device of claim 33, wherein the device is placed in the
open position by separating the first portion and the second
portion from one another.
36. The device of claim 1, further comprising a product contained
in the device.
37. The device of claim 36, wherein the product is contained in the
substantially closed reservoir when the device is in the closed
position.
38. The device of claim 36, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
39. The device of claim 38, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
40. The device of claim 36, wherein the product is intended for
application to at least one of skin, hair, a fingernail, and a
toenail.
41. The device of claim 36, wherein the product comprises one of a
liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
42. An application system comprising: a plurality of the devices of
claim 1.
43. The system of claim 42, wherein the plurality of devices are
removably joined together.
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the plurality of devices are
joined together by at least one frangible portion.
45. The system of claim 42, wherein each of the plurality of
devices contains a product intended for application to a
surface.
46. The system of claim 45, wherein each of the plurality of
devices contains differing products.
47. The system of claim 45, wherein each of the plurality of
devices contains substantially the same product.
48. The system of claim 45, wherein the product is intended for
application to one of hair, skin, a fingernail, and a toenail.
49. The system of claim 45, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
50. The system of claim 49, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
51. The system of claim 45, wherein the product comprises one of a
liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
52. An application system comprising: the device of claim 1; and a
container configured to contain a product intended to be disposed
in the device.
53. The system of claim 52, wherein the container is configured to
contain an amount of product greater than the amount of product the
device is capable of containing.
54. The system of claim 52, wherein the device is removably
attachable to the container.
55. The system of claim 52, wherein the container contains the
product intended to be disposed in the device.
56. The system of claim 55, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
57. The system of claim 56, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
58. The system of claim 55, wherein the product is intended for
application to one of skin, hair, a fingernail, and a toenail.
59. The system of claim 55, wherein the product comprises one of a
liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
60. A method for applying a product to a surface, the method
comprising: providing the device of claim 1, wherein the device
contains a product intended to be applied to a surface; moving the
device from the closed position to the open position; and placing
the application member in contact with the surface so as to apply
product loaded on the application member to the surface.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
63. The method of claim 60, wherein the product comprises one of a
liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
64. The method of claim 60, wherein the placing of the application
member in contact with the surface comprises placing the
application member in contact with one of hair, skin, a fingernail,
and a toenail.
65. The method of claim 60, wherein the placing of the application
member in contact with the surface comprises applying substantially
all of the product loaded on the application member to the
surface.
66. The method of claim 60, further comprising at least partially
filling the device with the product.
67. The method of claim 66, wherein the filling of the device with
the product is performed by other than a user of the device.
68. The method of claim 66, wherein the filling of the device with
the product is performed by the user of the device.
69. The method of claim 66, further comprising at least partially
refilling the device with product after the applying of the product
to the surface.
70. The device of claim 1, wherein the application member is at
least partially absorbent.
71. A device for applying a product, the device comprising: a first
portion comprising an impermeable surface; a second portion
moveable with respect to the first portion so as to selectively
place the device in one of a closed position and an open position,
wherein, in the closed position, the first portion and the second
portion define a substantially closed reservoir configured to
contain product intended for application to a surface; and an
application member attached to the second portion, the application
member being at least partially compressible and configured to be
in contact with the impermeable surface and at least partially
compressed inside the substantially closed reservoir when the
device is in the closed position.
72. The device of claim 71, wherein, when the device is moved from
the closed position to the open position, the application member
becomes substantially uncompressed.
73. The device of claim 71, wherein the application member is
configured to absorb at least some of the product the reservoir is
configured to contain.
74. The device of claim 73, wherein the application member is
configured to absorb substantially all of the product the reservoir
is configured to contain.
75. The device of claim 74, wherein the application member is
configured to absorb at least some of the product the reservoir is
configured to contain when the device is in the closed position,
and wherein the application member is further configured to absorb
substantially any remaining product in the reservoir when the
device is moved from the closed position to the open position.
76. The device of claim 75, wherein the application member is
configured to absorb the remaining product via expansion of the
application member from the at least partially compressed
configuration to a substantially uncompressed configuration.
77. The device of claim 71, wherein the application member is
attached to the second portion by at least one of bonding, welding
or clipping.
78. The device of claim 71, wherein the application member
comprises a compressible porous material.
79. The device of claim 78, wherein the application member is made
of at least one of an open-cell foam, a semi-open-cell foam, a
felt, and a frit.
80. The device of claim 78, wherein the application member is made
from a material chosen from polyurethanes, polyesters, polyethers,
polyvinyl chlorides, and ethylene vinyl acetates.
81. The device of claim 78, wherein the porous material is one of
hydrophilic and lipophilic.
82. The device of claim 71, wherein the application member
comprises an additive capable of absorbing at least one of water
and oil.
83. The device of claim 71, wherein the application member
comprises a preservative.
84. The device of claim 71, wherein the first portion defines a
recess.
85. The device of claim 84, wherein the substantially closed
reservoir comprises the recess and at least a part of the second
portion.
86. The device of claim 84, wherein the first portion comprises a
housing portion defining the recess.
87. The device of claim 71, wherein the first portion is made of at
least one of a metallic material, a metalloplastic complex, and a
thermoplastic material.
88. The device of claim 87, wherein the metallic material comprises
aluminum.
89. The device of claim 87, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, polyvinyl chlorides, polyacrylates, and
polyamides.
90. The device of claim 71, wherein the first portion is made by
one of pressing, thermoforming, and injection molding.
91. The device of claim 71, wherein the second portion is attached
to the first portion.
92. The device of claim 91, wherein the second portion is one of
clipped, screwed, and hinged to the first portion.
93. The device of claim 71, wherein the second portion comprises a
lid.
94. The device of claim 93, wherein the lid is formed by molding a
thermoplastic material.
95. The device of claim 94, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, polyvinyl chlorides, and polyamides.
96. The device of claim 71, wherein the second portion comprises a
film seal formed of at least one layer of at least one of a
thermoplastic material, a metallic material, and a metalloplastic
complex.
97. The device of claim 96, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, and polyvinyl chlorides.
98. The device of claim 96, wherein the metallic material is chosen
from aluminums, aluminum alloys, and brasses.
99. The device of claim 96, wherein the film seal has a flexibility
such that it is configured to deform with the application member
during application of product to a surface.
100. The device of claim 96, wherein the film seal is attached to
the first portion by one of hot bonding, cold bonding, and
welding.
101. The device of claim 96, wherein the film seal is attached to
the first portion by one of a line of welding and a line of
adhesive that substantially continuously surrounds the application
member.
102. The device of claim 71, wherein the first portion and the
second portion each comprise a sheet.
103. The device of claim 102, wherein each sheet comprises at least
one layer made of at least one of a thermoplastic material, a
metallic material, and a metalloplastic complex.
104. The device of claim 103, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, and polyvinyl chlorides.
105. The device of claim 104, wherein the metallic material is
chosen from aluminums, aluminum alloys, and brasses.
106. The device of claim 102, wherein the sheets are superposed and
attached together along their respective peripheral regions.
107. The device of claim 106, wherein the sheets form a sachet.
108. The device of claim 106, wherein the device is placed in the
open position by separating the first portion and the second
portion from one another.
109. The device of claim 71, further comprising a product contained
in the reservoir.
110. The device of claim 109, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
111. The device of claim 110, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
112. The device of claim 109, wherein the product is intended for
application to at least one of skin, hair, a fingernail, and a
toenail.
113. The device of claim 109, wherein the product comprises one of
a liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
114. An application system comprising: a plurality of the devices
of claim 71.
115. The system of claim 114, wherein the plurality of devices are
removably joined together.
116. The system of claim 115, wherein the plurality of devices are
joined together by at least one frangible portion.
117. The system of claim 114, wherein each of the plurality of
devices contains a product intended for application to a
surface.
118. The system of claim 117, wherein each of the devices contains
a differing product.
119. The system of claim 117, wherein each of the devices contains
substantially the same product.
120. The system of claim 117, wherein the product is intended for
application to one of hair, skin, a fingernail, and a toenail.
121. The system of claim 117, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
122. The system of claim 121, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
123. The system of claim 117, wherein the product comprises one of
a liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
124. An application system comprising: the device of claim 71; and
a container configured to contain a product intended to be disposed
in the reservoir.
125. The system of claim 124, wherein the container is configured
to contain an amount of product greater than an amount of product
the reservoir is configured to contain.
126. The system of claim 124, wherein the device is removably
attachable to the container.
127. The system of claim 124, wherein the container contains the
product intended to be disposed in the reservoir.
128. The system of claim 127, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
129. The system of claim 128, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
130. The system of claim 127, wherein the product is intended for
application to one of skin, hair, a fingernail, and a toenail.
131. The system of claim 127, wherein the product comprises one of
a liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
132. A method for applying a product to a surface, the method
comprising: providing the device of claim 71 wherein the reservoir
contains a product intended to be applied to a surface; moving the
device from the closed position to the open position; and placing
the application member in contact with the surface so as to apply
at least some of the product to the surface.
133. The method of claim 132, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
134. The method of claim 133, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
135. The method of claim 132, wherein the product comprises one of
a liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
136. The method of claim 132, wherein the placing of the
application member in contact with the surface comprises placing
the application member in contact with one of hair, skin, a
fingernail, and a toenail.
137. The method of claim 132, wherein the placing of the
application member in contact with the surface comprises applying
substantially all of the product contained in the reservoir to the
surface.
138. The method of claim 132, wherein the moving of the device from
the closed position to the open position comprises expanding the
application member from the at least partially compressed
configuration to a substantially uncompressed configuration.
139. The method of claim 138, wherein the application member is
configured to absorb at least some of the product disposed in the
reservoir when the device is in the closed position, and wherein
the expanding of the application member permits the application
member to absorb substantially all of any remaining of product in
the reservoir.
140. The method of claim 132, further comprising at least partially
filling the reservoir with the product.
141. The method of claim 140, wherein the filling of the reservoir
with the product is performed by other than a user of the
device.
142. The method of claim 140, wherein the filling of the reservoir
with the product is performed by the user of the device.
143. The method of claim 140, further comprising at least partially
refilling the reservoir with product after the applying of the
product to the surface.
144. A device for applying a product, the device comprising: a
first portion comprising an impermeable surface; a second portion
moveable with respect to the first portion so as to selectively
place the device in one of a closed position and an open position,
wherein, in the closed position, the first portion and the second
portion define a substantially closed reservoir; an application
member attached to the second portion, the application member being
at least partially compressible and configured such that, when the
device is in the closed position, the application member is at
least partially compressed inside the substantially closed
reservoir, wherein the reservoir contains a layer of product
intended to be applied to a surface, the layer of product
contacting both the application member and the impermeable
surface.
145. The device of claim 144, wherein, when the device is moved
from the closed position to the open position, the application
member becomes substantially uncompressed.
146. The device of claim 144, wherein the application member is
configured to absorb at least some of the product contained in the
reservoir.
147. The device of claim 146, wherein the application member is
configured to absorb substantially all of the product contained in
the reservoir.
148. The device of claim 147, wherein the application member is
configured to absorb at least some of the product contained in the
reservoir when the device is in the closed position, and wherein
the application member is further configured to absorb
substantially any remaining product contained in the reservoir when
the device is moved from the closed position to the open
position.
149. The device of claim 148, wherein the application member is
configured to absorb the remaining product via expansion of the
application member from the at least partially compressed
configuration to a substantially uncompressed configuration.
150. The device of claim 144, wherein the application member is
attached to the second portion by at least one of bonding, welding,
and clipping.
151. The device of claim 144, wherein the application member
comprises a compressible porous material.
152. The device of claim 151, wherein the application member is
made of at least one of an open-cell foam, a semi-open-cell foam, a
felt, and a frit.
153. The device of claim 151, wherein the application member is
made from a material chosen from polyurethanes, polyesters,
polyethers, polyvinyl chlorides, and ethylene vinyl acetates.
154. The device of claim 151, wherein the porous material is one of
hydrophilic and lipophilic.
155. The device of claim 151, wherein the application member
comprises an additive capable of absorbing at least one of water
and oil.
156. The device of claim 151, wherein the application member
comprises a preservative.
157. The device of claim 151, wherein the first portion defines a
recess.
158. The device of claim 157, wherein the substantially closed
reservoir comprises the recess and at least a part of the second
portion.
159. The device of claim 157, wherein the first portion comprises a
housing portion defining the recess.
160. The device of claim 144, wherein the first portion is made of
at least one of a metallic material, a metalloplastic complex, and
a thermoplastic material.
161. The device of claim 160, wherein the metallic material
comprises aluminum.
162. The device of claim 160, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, polyvinyl chlorides, polyacrylates, and
polyamides.
163. The device of claim 144, wherein the first portion is made by
one of pressing, thermoforming, and injection molding.
164. The device of claim 144, wherein the second portion is
attached to the first portion.
165. The device of claim 164, wherein the second portion is one of
clipped, screwed, and hinged to the first portion.
166. The device of claim 144, wherein the second portion comprises
a lid.
167. The device of claim 166, wherein the lid is formed by molding
a thermoplastic material.
168. The device of claim 167, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, polyvinyl chlorides, and polyamides.
169. The device of claim 144, wherein the second portion comprises
a film seal formed of at least one layer of at least one of a
thermoplastic material, a metallic material, and a metalloplastic
complex.
170. The device of claim 169, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, and polyvinyl chlorides.
171. The device of claim 169, wherein the metallic material is
chosen from aluminums, aluminum alloys, and brasses.
172. The device of claim 169, wherein the film seal has a
flexibility such that it is configured to deform with the
application member during application of product to a surface.
173. The device of claim 169, wherein the film seal is attached to
the first portion by one of hot bonding, cold bonding, and
welding.
174. The device of claim 169, wherein the film seal is attached to
the first portion by one of a line of welding and a line of
adhesive that substantially continuously surrounds the application
member.
175. The device of claim 144, wherein the first portion and the
second portion each comprise a sheet.
176. The device of claim 175, wherein each sheet comprises at least
one layer made of at least one of a thermoplastic material, a
metallic material, and a metalloplastic complex.
177. The device of claim 176, wherein the thermoplastic material is
chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, and polyvinyl chlorides.
178. The device of claim 177, wherein the metallic material is
chosen from aluminums, aluminum alloys, and brasses.
179. The device of claim 175, wherein the sheets are superposed and
attached together along their respective peripheral regions.
180. The device of claim 179, wherein the sheets form a sachet.
181. The device of claim 179, wherein the device is placed in the
open position by separating the first portion and the second
portion from one another.
182. The device of claim 144, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
183. The device of claim 182, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
184. The device of claim 144, wherein the product is intended for
application to at least one of skin, hair, a fingernail, and a
toenail.
185. The device of claim 144, wherein the product comprises one of
a liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
186. An application system comprising: a plurality of the devices
of claim 144.
187. The system of claim 186, wherein the plurality of devices are
removably joined together.
188. The system of claim 187, wherein the plurality of devices are
joined together by at least one frangible portion.
189. The system of claim 186, wherein each of the devices contains
a differing product.
190. The system of claim 186, wherein each of the devices contains
substantially the same product.
191. The system of claim 186, wherein the product is intended for
application to one of hair, skin, a fingernail, and a toenail.
192. The system of claim 186, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
193. The system of claim 192, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
194. The system of claim 186, wherein the product comprises one of
a liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
195. An application system comprising: the device of claim 144; and
a container configured to contain a product intended to be disposed
in the reservoir.
196. The system of claim 195, wherein the container is configured
to contain an amount of product greater than an amount of product
the reservoir is configured to contain.
197. The system of claim 195, wherein the device is removably
attachable to the container.
198. The system of claim 195, wherein the container contains the
product intended to be disposed in the reservoir.
199. The system of claim 198, wherein the product is chosen from a
make-up product and a care product.
200. The system of claim 199, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
201. The system of claim 195, wherein the product is intended for
application to one of skin, hair, a fingernail, and a toenail.
202. The system of claim 195, wherein the product comprises one of
a liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
203. A method for applying a product to a surface, the method
comprising: providing the device of claim 144; moving the device
from the closed position to the open position; and placing the
application member in contact with the surface so as to apply
product to the surface.
204. The method of claim 203, wherein the product is chosen from a
makeup product and a care product.
205. The method of claim 204, wherein the product is a cosmetic
product.
206. The method of claim 203, wherein the product comprises one of
a liquid, a gel, a cream, and a powder.
207. The method of claim 203, wherein the placing of the
application member in contact with the surface comprises placing
the application member in contact with one of hair, skin, a
fingernail, and a toenail.
208. The method of claim 203, wherein the placing of the
application member in contact with the surface comprises applying
substantially all of the product disposed in the reservoir to the
surface.
209. The method of claim 203, wherein the moving of the device from
the closed position to the open position comprises expanding the
application member from the at least partially compressed
configuration to a substantially uncompressed configuration.
210. The method of claim 209, wherein the application member is
configured to absorb at least some of the product disposed in the
reservoir when the device is in the closed position, and wherein
the expanding of the application member permits the application
member to absorb substantially all of any remaining amount of
product in the reservoir.
211. The method of claim 203, further comprising at least partially
filling the reservoir with the product.
212. The method of claim 211, wherein the filling of the reservoir
with the product is performed by other than a user of the
device.
213. The method of claim 211, wherein the filling of the reservoir
with the product is performed by the user of the device.
214. The method of claim 211, further comprising at least partially
refilling the reservoir with product after the applying of the
product to the surface.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to devices for applying a
product to a surface. In one aspect, the invention relates to a
portable device for storing a relatively small amount of product
(e.g., a cosmetic product, such as a make-up product and/or a care
product) for example, intended for application.
[0002] In the field of cosmetics (which includes body care),
products may be packaged in single doses. Such single dose packages
may be used as samples intended to allow customers to test
products. Such packages also may be relatively easy to carry in a
handbag. In this way, a user may not have to carry around a larger
bottle or other container containing a relatively large amount of
product that may be bulky and not feasibly portable.
[0003] Tearable sachets containing liquids, creams, or the like,
that are used, for example, for samples, already exist. However,
opening such sachets may be difficult because the product tends to
come out of the sachet while one is tearing it in order to open it.
Furthermore, such packaging entails the use of the fingers to apply
the product, something which may not always be desirable because,
since this type of product may often be used outside of the
bathroom, there may not be a facility for washing the hands after
application.
[0004] Sachets containing wipes impregnated with liquid also exist.
Such sachets may be easier to use as they generally may be easier
to open given that the product is held in the wipe. However, the
fingers again may come in contact with the product during
application, for example, through holding the impregnated wipe.
[0005] It therefore may be desirable to produce a device for
storing and applying a product which does not have the
abovementioned drawbacks. For example, it may be desirable to
provide a device that may be relatively nonbulky and readily
portable.
[0006] It also may be desirable to provide a refillable device, for
packaging a product intended for application.
[0007] Yet another desirable aspect may be a device that may permit
the product to be applied in a practical way including, for
example, a device that may be easy to hold while also deforming
enough to make the product easy to apply while avoiding dirtying a
user's fingers.
[0008] It should be understood that the invention could be
practiced without performing one or more of the aspects described
above. Other aspects will become apparent from the detailed
description which follows. As embodied and broadly described
herein, the invention includes a device for applying a product that
may comprise a first portion and a second portion moveable with
respect to the first portion so as to selectively place the device
in one of a closed position and an open position. The first portion
and the second portion may define a substantially closed reservoir
when the device is in the closed position. The device may further
comprise an application member that may be at least partially
compressible and configured such that, when the device is in the
closed position, the application member is at least partially
compressed inside the substantially closed reservoir and, when the
device is moved from the closed position to the open position, the
application member becomes substantially uncompressed. The
application member may be configured so that when the application
member is uncompressed, the application member is capable of being
loaded with substantially all of an amount of product that the
device is capable of containing. In an exemplary embodiment, the
application member may be attached to the second portion.
[0009] In another aspect, a device for applying a product may
comprise a first portion comprising an impermeable surface and a
second portion moveable with respect to the first portion so as to
selectively place the device in one of a closed position and an
open position. In the closed position, the first portion and the
second portion may define a substantially closed reservoir
configured to contain product intended for application to a
surface. The device may further comprise an application member
attached to the second portion. The application member may be at
least partially compressible and configured to be in contact with
the impermeable surface and at least partially compressed inside
the substantially closed reservoir when the device is in the closed
position.
[0010] According to yet another aspect, a device for applying a
product may comprise a first portion comprising an impermeable
surface and a second portion moveable with respect to the first
portion so as to selectively place the device in one of a closed
position and an open position. In the closed position, the first
portion and the second portion may define a substantially closed
reservoir. The device may further comprise an application member
attached to the second portion. The application member may be at
least partially compressible and configured such that, when the
device is in the closed position, the application member is at
least partially compressed inside the substantially closed
reservoir. The reservoir may contain a layer of product intended to
be applied to a surface and the layer of product may contact both
the application member and the impermeable surface.
[0011] The term "impermeable surface" as used herein includes
surfaces that are configured such that they do not permit flow of
product to pass therethrough, even temporarily. For example, a
surface that includes a valve that temporarily opens to permit flow
therethrough would not, as used in the context of this application,
constitute an impermeable surface. In another example, a surface
having one or more openings passing therethrough to permit flow of
product would not be an impermeable surface.
[0012] The term "layer of product" as used broadly herein may
include product in a variety of forms, such as liquid, semi-liquid,
pasty, semi-solid, and solid, for example. Moreover, it may include
more than one substance either mixed together or a plurality of
immiscible substances. The term also is intended to include product
in the form of beads contacting one another.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the application member may be
configured to absorb at least some (e.g., all or a portion) of the
product the reservoir is configured to contain. In yet another
exemplary embodiment, the application member may be configured to
absorb substantially all of the product the reservoir is configured
to contain. The application member also may be configured to absorb
at least some of the product the reservoir is configured to contain
when the device is in the closed position, and may be further
configured to absorb substantially any remaining product in the
reservoir when the device is moved from the closed position to the
open position. For example, the application member may be
configured to absorb the remaining product via expansion of the
application member from the at least partially compressed
configuration to a substantially uncompressed configuration.
[0014] The application member may be attached to the second portion
by at least one of bonding, welding and clipping. It is possible,
for example, to bond the applicator onto the second part using an
adhesive composition or by melting material, or alternatively to
weld it firmly, by ultrasound, or by high frequency welding. In an
exemplary embodiment, the application member may comprise a
compressible porous material. For example, the application member
may be made of at least one of an open-cell foam, a semi-open-cell
foam, a felt, and a frit. The application member may be made from a
material chosen from polyurethanes, polyesters, polyethers,
polyvinyl chlorides, and ethylene vinyl acetates. It is also
possible to use an applicator consisting of several different
materials, particularly a stack of foams of different natures
and/or different densities. The application member also may be
flocked. The application member may also be made of a material
capable of absorbing the product, for example of cotton, and may be
covered with a film of elastomer at least partially perforated to
allow the product to pass.
[0015] The porous material may be hydrophilic, lipophilic, or the
like. According to another exemplary embodiment, the application
member may comprise an additive capable of absorbing at least one
of water and oil. A silica or an alginate may, for example, be
chosen. In this way, the application member may be saturated with
product without this product tending to run out of the application
member. It thus may be possible to dispense with additional means
on either the first portion or the second portion for sealing the
device and controlling the rate at which the product leaves during
application. The applicator may also contain preservatives which
preserve the product present inside it. The application member also
may comprise a preservative. The application member also may be at
least partially absorbent.
[0016] The first portion may define a recess, and the substantially
closed reservoir may comprise the recess and at least a part of the
second portion. The first portion may comprise a housing portion
defining the recess.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion may comprise
at least one of a metallic material, a metalloplastic complex, and
a thermoplastic material. The metallic material may comprise
aluminum, for example. The thermoplastic material may be chosen
from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene terephthalates,
polyvinyl chlorides, polyacrylates, and polyamides, for
example.
[0018] The first portion may be made by one of pressing,
thermoforming, and injection molding.
[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment, the second
portion may be attached to the first portion. For example, the
second portion may be clipped, screwed, and/or hinged to the first
portion. The second portion may comprise a lid. The lid may be
formed by molding a thermoplastic material, for example. The
thermoplastic material may be chosen from polyethylenes,
polypropylenes, polyethylene terephthalates, polyvinyl chlorides,
and polyamides.
[0020] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second portion may
comprise a film seal formed of at least one layer of at least one
of a thermoplastic material, a metallic material, and a
metalloplastic complex. As an example, the thermoplastic material
may be chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene
terephthalates, and polyvinyl chlorides. The metallic material may
be chosen from aluminums, aluminum alloys, and brasses. The film
seal may have a flexibility such that it is configured to deform
with the application member during application of product to a
surface. Such a configuration may make the application of the
product easier regardless of the area of the body (e.g., face) to
which the user applies the product.
[0021] The film seal may be attached to the first portion by one of
hot bonding, cold bonding, and welding. The bonding may be done
using an adhesive composition, or by melting material. The welding
may be thermal, ultrasonic or high frequency welding. To open such
a device, the two welded or bonded parts may easily be detached by
tearing, for example by peeling or alternatively by tearing an end
off. The two parts may be completely detached or may remain
partially attached, for example along a film hinge, after tearing.
A device such as this may have an opening/closure system that may
be relatively simple and economical to produce. The opening of the
device according to an exemplary embodiment including the film seal
may be irreversible, that is to say permanent, for example. In this
way, a device may be intended, for example, for a single use.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the film seal may be attached to
the first portion by one of a line of welding and a line of
adhesive that substantially continuously surrounds the application
member. The device may thus be enclosed in a perfectly sealed way
so as to correctly preserve the product present in the application
member. This may allow it to be carried around without any risk of
the product running out of the device.
[0023] The first portion and the second portion may each comprise a
sheet. Each sheet may comprise at least one layer made of at least
one of a thermoplastic material, a metallic material, and a
metalloplastic complex. The thermoplastic material may be chosen
from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylene terephthalates,
and polyvinyl chlorides, for example. The metallic material may be
chosen from aluminums, aluminum alloys, and brasses, for example.
In an exemplary embodiment, the sheets may be superposed and
attached together along their respective peripheral regions. The
sheets may form a sachet. The device may be placed in the open
position by separating the first portion and the second portion
from one another. The two sheets may be formed of the same material
or of differing materials.
[0024] A product may be contained in the device. For example, the
product may be contained in the substantially closed reservoir when
the device is in the closed position. The product may be chosen
from a make-up product and a care product. As an example, the
product may be a cosmetic product. The product may be intended for
application to at least one of skin, hair, a fingernail, and a
toenail. The product may comprise one of a liquid, a gel, a cream,
and a powder.
[0025] According to another aspect, an application system comprises
a plurality of any of the devices discussed above. The plurality of
devices may be removably joined together. For example, they may be
joined together by at least one frangible portion. Such an
embodiment may permit the user to have several doses of product
with their packaging and applicator device. These doses may be
separated so that only the desired number of doses need be carried
around.
[0026] Each of the plurality of devices may contain a product
intended for application to a surface. Each of the plurality of
devices may either contain differing products or substantially the
same product.
[0027] According to yet another aspect, an application system
comprises any of the devices discussed above and a container
configured to contain a product intended to be disposed in the
device. The container may be configured to contain an amount of
product greater than the amount of product the device is capable of
containing. Such a system may permit a user to have a reserve of
product in the container that can be kept, for example in the
bathroom, and to have a device for containing a relatively small
dose of product and for applying it that can be taken away for the
weekend, or other relatively short time period, for example.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the device may be removably
attachable to the container. The container may contain the product
to be disposed in the device.
[0029] Yet another aspect includes a method for applying a product
to a surface comprising providing any of the devices described
herein, with the device containing a product intended to be applied
to a surface. The method may further comprise moving the device
from the closed position to the open position and placing the
application member in contact with the surface so as to apply
product to the surface.
[0030] The term "providing" is used broadly, and refers to, but is
not limited to, making available for use, giving, supplying,
obtaining, getting a hold of, acquiring, purchasing, selling,
distributing, possessing, making ready for use, and/or placing in a
position ready for use.
[0031] The placing of the application member in contact with the
surface may comprise placing the application member in contact with
one of hair, skin, a fingernail, and a toenail. In an exemplary
embodiment, the placing of the application member in contact with
the surface may comprise applying substantially all of the product
loaded on the application member to the surface.
[0032] The method may further comprise at least partially filling
the device with the product. The filling of the device with the
product may be performed by other than a user of the device.
Alternatively, the filling of the device with the product may be
performed by the user of the device. The method also may comprise
at least partially refilling the device with product after the
applying of the product to the surface.
[0033] Having opened any of the devices described above, the user
may apply the product by holding the part of the packaging device
that is secured to the applicator without his or her fingers being
in contact with the applicator, and potentially without the product
dirtying the fingers.
[0034] Because the application member of the devices described
above may be able both to contain practically all the product
packaged in the device and to apply it, the bulk of the device may
be limited by using a single element that fulfils two functions. An
additional reservoir of product may not be needed. In addition, as
the device may contain a relatively small amount of product, namely
an amount of product allowing for example between one to five
applications, use may be made of a small applicator so that a
device may be produced that may have minimal bulk and may be
readily portable.
[0035] Moreover, when the device is opened, relaxation (i.e.,
expansion) of the application member may take in substantially any
remaining product present in the reservoir and substantially all of
the product may therefore be loaded on the application, for example
impregnated in the application member, so as to potentially
minimize the risk of product running out of the device. The product
may be pumped out mechanically and/or by capillarity and may, for
example, lie in pores of the application member.
[0036] It is conceivable for additional accessories, for example a
small mirror, or the like, to be arranged in device, for example,
in the first portion near the housing portion.
[0037] Besides the structural and procedural arrangements set forth
above, the invention could include a number of other arrangements,
such as those explained hereinafter. It is to be understood that
both the foregoing description and the following description are
exemplary.
[0038] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate
exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain certain principles. In the
drawings,
[0039] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a device for applying a product according to an aspect of the
invention;
[0040] FIG. 1B is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the
device of FIG. 1A being filled with product from a container
according to an aspect of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 1C is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the
device of FIG. 1B shown in a closed position;
[0042] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a system for applying a product according to an aspect of the
invention;
[0043] FIG. 2B is another perspective view of the system of FIG.
2A;
[0044] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of yet another exemplary
embodiment of a system for applying a product according to an
aspect of the invention;
[0045] FIG. 2D is a view of the device of FIG. 2C in use for
applying product to skin;
[0046] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of yet another exemplary
embodiment of a device for applying a product according to an
aspect of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 3B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a stage
for making the device of FIG. 3A;
[0048] FIG. 3C is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of another
stage for making the device of FIG. 3A;
[0049] FIG. 3D is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of yet
another stage for making the device of FIG. 3A;
[0050] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another
exemplary embodiment of a device for applying product according to
an aspect of the invention; and
[0051] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
system for applying a product according to an aspect of the
invention.
[0052] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to
the same or like parts, and the same reference numbers with
alphabetical suffixes are used to refer to similar parts.
[0053] FIGS. 1A to 1C depict a device for storing a product to be
applied to a surface according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention. The product may be a make-up product, a care product,
and/or any other type of cosmetic product, for example. The device
10 may comprise a first portion 20 in the form of a base, for
example. The first portion 20 may comprise a housing portion 21.
The housing portion 21 may delimit an recess 22. A second portion
30, in the form of a lid, for example, may cover the recess 22 and
seal it closed. In this manner, the lid 30 and housing portion 21
may define a substantially closed reservoir 50. The container 20
and the lid 30 may be connected via hinge 11. The hinge 11 may be
of any type, such as, for example a film hinge, as shown. Two
mutually cooperating clasp members 12, 13 may be provided
respectively on the lid 30 and the base 20. These clasp members 12,
13 may, on the one hand, keep the device 10 in a closed position
and, on the other hand, allow the device 10 to be opened so as to
permit access to the recess 22. The device 10 also may comprise an
accessory, such as a mirror disposed on one of the base 20 and the
lid 30.
[0054] A foam application member 40 may be fixed to the interior
wall of the lid 30, such as on to the wall designed to face the
base 20, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example. The foam
application member 40 may comprise a block of foam which, for
example, has the shape of a hemisphere having a diameter ranging
from approximately 2 mm to approximately 30 mm, and/or from
approximately 3 mm to approximately 20 mm, and/or from
approximately 4 mm to approximately 50 mm. Its height in an
uncompressed position may range from approximately 2 mm to
approximately 30 mm.
[0055] The housing portion 21 may have a shape that more or less
complements that of the application member 40. In an exemplary
embodiment, the volume of the recess 22 defined by the housing 21
may be slightly smaller than the volume of the application member
40 when the foam is not compressed so that, when the device 10 is
in the closed position, the foam is slightly compressed inside the
recess 22, as can be seen in FIG. 1C. An annular wall 23 of the
housing portion 21 may form a sealing neck 24 with the lid 30.
[0056] That is, an annular wall 31 may also be provided on the lid
30 around the application member 40 so that it is lodged in a neck
24 surrounding the annular wall 23 when the device 10 is in the
closed position. The height of the annular wall 31 may be less than
the height of the foam application member 40 when the device 10 is
in the open position. This may permit the foam application member
40 to be placed in contact with the surface to which product is to
be applied. The lid 30 may extend around the application member 40
so as to form a region 32 for a user to hold. This may allow the
user to hold the device 10 in the open position without the user's
fingers coming in contact with the product. The region 32 for
holding may have an area that is large enough that it can be
grasped by the user without being so large that the device formed
would be too bulky.
[0057] When the device 10 is being manufactured, the base 20 and
lid 30 may be formed first by injection molding. The film hinge 11
may be obtained for example, via a region of decreased thickness.
The foam application member 40 may then be fixed to the lid 30 by
bonding, for example, so as to obtain the structure depicted in
FIG. 1A. The product is then introduced into the opening 22, as
illustrated in FIG. 1B. In an exemplary embodiment, an amount of
product corresponding to about five applications, for example, is
introduced. The lid 30 may then be closed so that the foam
application member 40 comes into contact with the product present
in the recess 22 of the housing portion 21. The product may then be
at least partially absorbed by the foam application member 40. The
dose of product introduced may be such that it does not completely
saturate the application member 40, but saturates about 90%
thereof, for example. For example, a layer of product may be formed
between the application member 40 and the impermeable surface of
the housing portion 21 that defines the recess 22. (Alternatively
or in addition, the application member 40 may contact that
impermeable surface regardless of the amount of product.) In the
closed position, the application member 40 may be slightly
compressed in the substantially closed reservoir 50, as can be seen
in FIG. 1C.
[0058] To use the device 10 to apply product, the user may open the
lid 30, which may cause the foam application member to relax and
expand. If any product remains in the bottom of the recess 22, it
may be pumped out by the expansion of the foam at the time of
opening the device. Practically all the product contained in the
device 10 may therefore be loaded on (i.e., carried by) the
application member 40. The user can then apply the product by
holding the device 10, for example, by the region 32, and placing
the application member 40 in contact with the surface to which the
product is to be applied. Having used the application member 40 for
a first time, the user may, if he or she so wishes, refill the
device 10 with product. Specifically, after one use, product can be
reintroduced into the recess 22, the lid 30 can be closed again so
that the device 10 can be carried around, and product can be
applied again by opening the device 10 and placing the application
member 40 in contact with a surface. In an exemplary embodiment, a
mark (not shown) may be provided in the housing portion 21 in order
to indicate how much product to introduce into the housing portion
21.
[0059] It may be possible for the product to be introduced into the
device by the user, before carrying it around, rather than at the
time of manufacture. In that case, product may be introduced in the
same way as it was when it was introduced during manufacture, but
instead it will be introduced by the user.
[0060] The product may be a cream, a gel, a liquid, a paste, a
solid, a semi-solid, or any other product form intended for direct
application to a surface. Further, provision may also be made for
the application member to contain a first product and for a second
product contained in an independent container to be picked up prior
to application. For example, the application member may contain
water, or other suitable substance, and the user may pick up on the
application member a product, for example, a friable product, such
as a foundation, an eye shadow, etc. contained in a separate
case.
[0061] FIGS. 2A to 2D depict an exemplary embodiment of a system
comprising a device 10a similar to the one which has just been
described in accordance with FIGS. 1A to 1C and a container 100a.
The base 20a and the lid 30a of the device 10a may have a shape
that differs slightly from the one described earlier. For example,
they may be connected by a hinge 11a with an attached hinge pin,
rather than the film hinge of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.
1A-1C. The application member 40a may be substantially identical to
the one described earlier.
[0062] The container 100a may, for example, be a bottle containing
a relatively large volume of product, for example about 500 ml of a
cosmetic product. The device 10a may be removably fixed to the
bottle 100a, for example, being housed in a recess 110 provided in
the side wall of the bottle 100a, as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
The device 10a may be removed from the bottle to allow it to be
carried around. Alternatively, the device 10a may be clipped onto
the bottom of the bottle, rather than the side.
[0063] To use the system, the user may remove the device 10a from
the bottle 100a and, when the device 10a contains no product, the
user may fill it by emptying out the product from the bottle 100a.
The user may fill part of the housing portion 21a defining the
recess (FIG. 2C) with a quantity of product defined, for example,
by marks, not depicted, provided in the housing portion 21a. The
application member 40a may then be impregnated at least partially
when the device 10a is in the closed position. Here again, if some
product remains in the bottom of the housing portion 21a, it may be
pumped out by the foam application member 40a when the device 10a
is opened. Alternatively (or in addition), the user may impregnate
the application member 40a with product directly from the bottle
100a. The user can then apply the product, for example, to her face
or other body part, holding the device 10a and bringing the
application member 40a into contact with a surface, such as, for
example, the face, as is shown in FIG. 2D. If desired, the device
10a may be filled several times to allow several uses.
[0064] FIGS. 3A to 3D depict a device for applying a product
according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The
device 10b may comprise a first portion 20b, that may be made of a
sheet of semi-rigid thermoplastic material, for example. The first
portion 20b may form a housing portion 21b delimiting a recess 22b.
As an example, the housing portion 21b may be formed by a depressed
region of the sheet forming the first portion 20b. A second portion
in the form of a peelable film seal 30b may be provided to seal the
recess 22b closed so as to define a substantially closed reservoir
50b. The film seal 30b may be, for example, a sheet of a
metalloplastic complex, such as for example, a polyethylene
terephthalate, polyethylene, aluminum, polyethylene complex.
[0065] A foam application member 40b, similar to the one described
previously with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, may be attached to the
interior face of the film seal 30b. For example, the application
member 40b may be fixedly attached to the face designed to face the
housing portion 21b.
[0066] The recess 22b formed by the housing portion 21b may have a
shape that substantially complements that of the application member
40b. The foam application member 40b may be housed in the housing
portion 21b so as to be in contact with the interior wall of the
housing portion 21b. The volume defined by the housing portion 21b
may be slightly smaller than the volume of the application member
40b when the application member 40b is not compressed. In this
manner, in the closed position, the foam application member 40b may
be slightly compressed inside the housing portion 21b, as shown in
FIG. 3C.
[0067] The application member 40b may be welded to the film seal
30b. A region of the film seal 30b may remain uncovered by the
application member 40b so as to form a region 32b for holding the
device 10. The region 32b for holding may have an area large enough
to permit a user to grasp it, while not being so big that the
resulting device formed is too bulky.
[0068] The film seal 30b may have an area slightly greater than the
area of the sheet 20b so that it may be grasped with ease and may
allow relatively easy opening of the device 10b.
[0069] To form the device 10b of FIG. 3A, the sheet 20b and the
film seal 30b may first be formed separately. A product, such as a
cosmetic product, for example, may be introduced into the housing
portion 21b, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. The application member 40b
may then be placed on top (FIG. 3C). The foam applicator 40b may
become impregnated with some of the product. The film seal 30b may
then be welded via welds 60b onto the sheet 20b (FIG. 3D), for
example by fill welding, substantially all around the application
member 40b. This may permit a substantially perfect sealing of the
device 10b. The application member 40b also may be welded onto the
film seal 30b, as shown in FIG. 3D, for example. When the
application member 40b is welded, it may be slightly compressed so
that substantially all the product is soaked into the application
member 40b. The application member 40b also could be welded onto
the film seal 30b prior to it being placed in the housing portion
21b containing the product. In this case, the film seal may then be
welded onto the sheet 20b.
[0070] To use the device 10b of FIGS. 3D, the user removes the film
seal 30b to which the application member 40b is attached, while the
application member 40b is loaded with at least substantially all
the product. The user may then apply the product to a surface by
holding the film seal 30b by the region 32b and contacting the
loaded application member 40b with the surface. The flexibility of
the film seal 30b may allow for relatively convenient and gentle
application of the product. As an example, the opening of the
device 10b may be irreversible, i.e., the device 10b may be
suitable for only a single use.
[0071] According to a yet another exemplary embodiment depicted in
FIG. 4, a device 10c for applying a product is substantially in the
form of a sachet formed by two sheets 20c and 30c which are
practically identical. Each sheet 20c, 30c may comprise, for
example, a layer of metallic material and a layer of thermoplastic
material. The two sheets may be superposed and welded together
around their respective peripheral regions to form a sachet
delimiting a substantially closed reservoir 50c.
[0072] An application member 40c, like the ones described
previously, may be welded onto the interior wall of one of the
sheets and may be compressed slightly inside the substantially
closed reservoir 50c when the two sheets 20c, 30c are welded
together. According to this embodiment, the application member may
be loaded with product after it has been welded onto a first sheet
and after the second sheet is welded onto the first.
[0073] In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2D,
3A-3D, and 4, the application member is depicted as having a
substantially circular cross-section. The application member also
could have a cross-section of a different shape, for example a
square, rectangular, triangular, oval, teardrop, or other similar
shape, without going beyond the scope of the present invention. It
may also have an oblong shape. Likewise, the device as a whole may
have a square, rectangular, triangular, circular, oval, teardrop,
or similar cross-section.
[0074] FIG. 5 depicts yet another exemplary embodiment of the
invention whereby there is a system formed of a number of
applicator devices. The system may comprise, for example, a sheet
200 of thermoplastic material, in which a number of housing
portions 210 are produced by thermoforming. A film seal 300
similar, for example, to the one described for the exemplary
embodiment of FIGS. 3A to 3D, may cover the entire sheet so as to
seal the housing portions 210 closed. The film seal 300 may be
thermally welded to the sheet around each housing. Application
members (not shown) may be welded onto the film seal 300 and may be
housed in the housing portions 210.
[0075] The base sheet 200 may be pre-cut along lines 400 of
pre-cutting, arranged around each housing portion 210 so that each
housing portion 210 with its corresponding application member and
sealed closed by part of the film seal 300, can be separated from
the remainder of the sheet. The lines of pre-cutting 400 may be
obtained at the time of molding or may be produced after molding
using an appropriate tool. This exemplary embodiment may be
manufactured in the way indicated with reference to FIGS.
3B-3D.
[0076] In an alternative, the system may comprise several sachets
like the one described in accordance with FIG. 4.
[0077] The devices have been described as containing a care,
make-up, and/or other cosmetic products, and being used for
application of the same. However, in its broadest aspects, the
present invention could be used to store and dispense many other
types of substances intended for application to a surface,
including, for example, shoe and furniture polishes. Furthermore,
sizes and shapes of various structural parts and materials used to
make these parts are illustrative and exemplary only and one of
ordinary skill in the art would recognize that these materials and
sizes can be changed as necessary to produce different effects or
desired characteristics of the dispensing assembly.
[0078] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the structure and
methodology. Thus, it should be understood that the invention is
not limited to the examples discussed in the specification. Rather,
the present invention is intended to cover modifications and
variations.
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