U.S. patent application number 11/117346 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for digital applicator.
Invention is credited to Robert Petit.
Application Number | 20060243295 11/117346 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37233245 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060243295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Petit; Robert |
November 2, 2006 |
Digital applicator
Abstract
The applicator, typically an applicator of a cosmetic, includes
a) an attachment element (2) designed to be temporarily and
reversibly fixed to a finger (4) of a hand or end phalanx (40) of
the finger (4), and b) an application member (3) fixed to the the
temporary attachment element and chosen particularly as a function
of the nature of the cosmetic to be applied, so as to form a
digital applicator (1) of the cosmetic.
Inventors: |
Petit; Robert; (Cluny,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
745 SOUTH 23RD STREET
2ND FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
37233245 |
Appl. No.: |
11/117346 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/262
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/320 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26 |
Claims
1. Applicator, typically an applicator of a cosmetic, comprising a)
an attachment means (2) designed to be temporarily and reversibly
fixed to a finger (4) of a hand or end phalanx (40) of the finger
(4), and b) an application means (3) fixed to the said temporary
attachment means and chosen particularly as a function of the
nature of the said cosmetic to be applied, so as to form a digital
applicator (1) of the said cosmetic, and in which 1) the said
attachment means forms a single piece, typically a moulded plastic
part, 2) the said attachment means (2) forms a finger cap or sheath
(22) with a side opening (221) on part of its length so as to form
flexible edges or walls (220).
2. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said application
means (3) is a removable application means (30), so that the said
application means can be chosen not only as a function of the
nature of the said cosmetic, but also as a function particularly of
the fineness of the application, but without needing to change the
said attachment means (2).
3. Applicator according to claim 2 in which the said removable
application means (30) comprises an assembly means (31), typically
a standard end piece (310), that will cooperate with a
corresponding assembly means (23), typically a sleeve (230) fixed
to the said attachment means (2).
4. Applicator according to claim 3 in which the said assembly means
(23) and (31) typically comprise click fitting means (231, 311) for
manual changing of the said removable application means (30).
5. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said attachment
means (2) comprises or forms a front opening (25) typically at one
of its so-called "near" ends (20), into which the said finger end
phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said attachment means (2) by
an axial movement along an axial direction A, in the same way as a
thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is temporarily fixed to any
type of finger and typically to the end phalanx of the index finger
or the middle finger, its other so-called "far" end (21) being
fitted with the said application means (3), possibly by the
assembly means (23).
6. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said sheath (22)
has an upper recess (24) symbolically and typically in the form of
a nail, and typically towards its far end so as to make the nail
(41) of the said end phalanx (40) visible, and thus to guide a
person using the said applicator (1) on how to use the
applicator.
7. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said attachment
means (2) has a variable section and, typically includes flexible
tabs (222) at its near end (20) and a finger cap portion (223) at
its far end (21) so as to hold the said applicator (1) in place on
the said finger (4).
8. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said attachment
means (2) comprises (2) at least one element (27, 28) with two
branches forming a spring with a typically "U" shaped profile, the
said branches comprising at least ends that can be elastically
separated.
9. Applicator according to claim 8 in which the said element with
two branches is an element (27) in which the two branches (270) are
typically parallel to an axial plane, and in which the base (271)
is fixed to the said assembly means (23) or the said application
means (3), the two branches of the said "U" shaped element forming
a front opening (25) through which the said finger end phalanx can
be inserted by an axial movement along an axial direction A, like a
thimble that fits on a finger, so as to be temporarily fixed to any
type of finger and typically an end phalanx of a finger such as the
index finger or the middle finger, its other so-called "far" end
carrying the said application means.
10. Applicator according to claim 8 in which the said element with
two branches is an element (28) fixed to a support (29) carrying
the said attachment means (23) or the said application means (3) at
its far end (21), the two branches (280) of the said "U" shaped
element forming a side opening (26) and a front opening (25)
enabling reversible attachment of the said applicator on the said
finger, either through a lateral movement along the lateral
direction L typically by click fitting, or an axial movement along
the axial direction A, the two branches (280) typically being in a
plane perpendicular to the said axial direction A.
11. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said attachment
means (2) has a variable section, either as such over all or part
of its length, or following an axial or lateral stress so as to be
adapted to any finger diameter.
12. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said application
means (3) comprises a specific applicator (32) chosen as a function
of the nature of the said cosmetic and in order to apply it,
typically fixed to the said assembly means (31) or to the said
standard end piece (310), and typically chosen from an absorbent or
cellular material, or a brush with a determined section and
profile, typically with a circular and tapered section, so as to
have a small diameter end and thus enable precise application of
the said cosmetic.
13. Applicator according to claim 12 in which the said specific
applicator (32) has a predetermined suppleness or flexibility.
14. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said attachment
means (2) comprising the said assembly means (23) and typically the
said sleeve (230) or the said orifice (232) is typically a single
piece metal or plastic part.
15. Use of the applicator (1) according to claim 1 for application
of a cosmetic, including a sample of the said cosmetic, the said
cosmetic typically being in solid or semi-solid form such as a
powder or paste, and preferably a lipstick or eye shadow.
16. Applicator assembly comprising the said applicator (1)
according to claim 2 and a series of N removable application means
(30), typically differing in their section, profile, flexibility or
suppleness, where N typically varies from 2 to 6, in which each of
the removable application means includes the same assembly means
(31), typically the same standard end piece (310) designed to
cooperate with the assembly means (23), typically the sleeve (23)
of the attachment means (2).
17. Assembly according to claim 16, typically packaged in a
packaging, and comprising at least one cosmetic, the said
applicator and the said application means being adapted for
application of the said cosmetic.
18. Applicator according to claim 2 in which the said attachment
means (2) comprises or forms a front opening (25) typically at one
of its so-called "near" ends (20), into which the said finger end
phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said attachment means (2) by
an axial movement along an axial direction A, in the same way as a
thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is temporarily fixed to any
type of finger and typically to the end phalanx of the index finger
or the middle finger, its other so-called "far" end (21) being
fitted with the said application means (3), possibly by the
assembly means (23).
19. Applicator according to claim 3 in which the said attachment
means (2) comprises or forms a front opening (25) typically at one
of its so-called "near" ends (20), into which the said finger end
phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said attachment means (2) by
an axial movement along an axial direction A, in the same way as a
thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is temporarily fixed to any
type of finger and typically to the end phalanx of the index finger
or the middle finger, its other so-called "far" end (21) being
fitted with the said application means (3), possibly by the
assembly means (23).
20. Applicator according to claim 4 in which the said attachment
means (2) comprises or forms a front opening (25) typically at one
of its so-called "near" ends (20), into which the said finger end
phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said attachment means (2) by
an axial movement along an axial direction A, in the same way as a
thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is temporarily fixed to any
type of finger and typically to the end phalanx of the index finger
or the middle finger, its other so-called "far" end (21) being
fitted with the said application means (3), possibly by the
assembly means (23).
Description
DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the domain of cosmetic
applicators.
STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Cosmetics are packaged in packagings that comprise or form
an applicator chosen as a function of the nature of the cosmetic.
Thus, a lipstick tube forms a packaging and an applicator to the
extent that the user moves the tube herself to apply the upper end
of the lipstick contained in the tube to the lips.
[0003] For a powder compact, a powder puff is included in the
compact and is used as an applicator.
[0004] For a nail varnish, the cap of the flask is fitted with a
small brush that dips into the varnish and is used as an
applicator.
[0005] These are only a few examples that illustrate the general
case mentioned above.
PROBLEMS THAT ARISE
[0006] Firstly, as is clear with cosmetics and their applicators
according to the state of the art, a given applicator is usually
associated with a given cosmetic, which is an advantage and also a
constraint or limitation.
[0007] Imposing a given applicator also means imposing that every
user should use the same application means corresponding to
"average" needs, although different persons may have different
needs and preferences.
[0008] In particular, making an accurate application, that is
either precisely positioned or with a fine line, is difficult if
not impossible with a traditional applicator.
[0009] Furthermore, for cosmetics, there is a continuous need to
renew the product range, in other words to permanently offer new
products and services or new functions.
[0010] The invention is intended to solve these two problems.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to the invention, the applicator, typically an
applicator of a cosmetic, comprises a) an attachment means (2)
designed to be temporarily and reversibly fixed to a finger (4) of
a hand, and b) an application means (3) fixed to the said temporary
attachment means and chosen particularly as a function of the
nature of the said cosmetic to be applied, so as to form a digital
applicator (1) of the said cosmetic.
[0012] This combination of means solves the problems that arise to
the extent that the applicator according to the invention is
significantly different from known applicators, and also to the
extent that it corresponds to a completely different product from
known product ranges and considering the inherent design of this
applicator, enables the user to make many different choices, so
that the variety of needs that arise when applying cosmetics can be
satisfied in practice.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate a first embodiment of digital
applicators (1) according to the invention including a temporary
attachment means (2) in the form of a sheath or finger cap (22),
the finger (4) being inserted by an axial movement represented by a
double arrow in thick lines A corresponding to the axial direction
of the digital applicator (1).
[0014] A double arrow with a dashed line represents the elastic
part E of the temporary attachment means that can separate
elastically so that the digital applicator (1) can be temporarily
and reversibly assembled on the end of the finger.
[0015] FIGS. 1 to 5 show a vertical dashed line denoted (5) forming
a separation plane, with temporary attachment means (2) to the left
of this line, and the application means (3) to the right of this
line.
[0016] FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are top views of the same type of
digital applicator (1), with a sheath (22) becoming increasingly
open in the progress from FIG. 1 to FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 3a shows an enlarged axial sectional view of the
portion in FIG. 3 related to reversible cooperation of the
application means (3) and the temporary attachment means (2),
typically by click fitting.
[0018] FIGS. 3b and 3c are axial sections that illustrate the shape
and fineness of different specific applicators (32) with a pointed
tip in the case of FIG. 3b and a rounded tip in the case of FIG.
3c.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top view showing another embodiment of an
applicator (1) comprising a support (28) supporting the said sleeve
(23) and fixed to a "U" shaped element (28) forming a spring fixed
perpendicular to the support (28) as illustrated in FIG. 5a
corresponding to a section C-C in FIG. 5 perpendicular to the axial
direction of the applicator (1).
[0020] The applicator (1) according to this embodiment may be fixed
to the finger either by axial displacement as illustrated in FIG.
5, or by lateral displacement as illustrated in FIG. 5a.
[0021] FIG. 6 shows an axial section representing the end of a
finger, for example the index finger, with symbolic mention of two
typical ways of temporarily attaching the applicator (1): either by
axial displacement A of the applicator (1), or by lateral
displacement L with respect to the end phalanx of the finger
assumed to be fixed.
[0022] FIGS. 7 and 8 relate to another embodiment of an applicator
(1) comprising a "U" shaped element forming a spring (27).
[0023] FIG. 7 is an axial section corresponding to a variant of an
applicator (1) in which the two branches (270) of the "U" shaped
element are parallel, these branches comprising one end with a
curved edge (272), the sleeve (23) being fixed to the base of the
"U" shaped element (271).
[0024] FIG. 8, similar to FIG. 7, corresponds to another variant
applicator (1) in which the two branches (270) are not parallel so
as to facilitate insertion of the end phalanx of the finger. In
this variant, the sleeve (230) in FIG. 7 has been replaced by an
orifice (232) slightly offset from the base (271) of the "U" shaped
element, this orifice acting as a female element for click fitting
of a male element (312) of the application means.
[0025] FIG. 7a corresponds to a section perpendicular to the axial
direction of applicators (1) along the vertical dashed line in
FIGS. 7 and 8, to illustrate the curvature of branches (270)
typically adapted to the curvature of the end phalanx of the
finger.
[0026] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged axial view illustrating typical
cooperation by click fitting between the sleeve (23) of the
temporary attachment means (2) and the end piece (31) of the
removable application means (30).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] According to the invention, the said application means (3)
may be a removable application means (30) so that the said
application means can be chosen not only as a function of the
nature of the said cosmetic, but also as a function particularly of
the fineness of the application, but without needing to change the
said attachment means (2).
[0028] It is an advantageous embodiment of the invention, which
makes it possible to use the same attachment means (2) and to
change the application means (3) depending on the needs.
[0029] However, cases arise in which it is preferable to have a
series of applicators (1) depending on needs, each comprising a
specific application means that may or may not be removable, either
because this corresponds to a required presentation, or because it
is easier to use, or because there is a risk of the fingers getting
dirty every time that the application means (3) is replaced.
[0030] Advantageously, and as illustrated particularly in FIGS. 3a
and 8, the said removable application means (30) may comprise an
assembly means (31), typically a standard end piece (310), or
possibly a male element (312) that will cooperate with a
corresponding assembly means (23), typically a sleeve (230) or
possibly an orifice forming a female element (232), fixed to the
said attachment means (2). The assembly means (23) and (31) may
typically comprise click fitting means (231, 311) for manual
changing of the said removable application means (30).
[0031] In FIGS. 3a, 7 and 8, the letter "F" diagrammatically
represents the relative displacement of attachment means (2) and
application means (3) in the case of a removable application means
(30).
[0032] FIGS. 8 and 9 are typical illustrations of cooperation of
click fitting assembly means (23) and (31).
[0033] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the said
attachment means (2) may comprise or form a front opening (25)
typically at one of its so-called "near" ends (20), into which the
said finger end phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said
attachment means (2) by an axial movement along an axial direction
A, in the same way as a thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is
temporarily fixed to any type of finger and typically to the end
phalanx of the index finger or the middle finger, its other
so-called "far" end (21) being fitted with the said application
means (3), possibly by the assembly means (23) or by the said
sleeve (230).
[0034] This embodiment is illustrated particularly in FIGS. 1 to
4.
[0035] According to one variant of this embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1 to 4, the said attachment means (2) may form a finger cap
or sheath (22) typically with a side opening (221) on part of its
length so as to form flexible edges or walls (220).
[0036] However, the variant in which the sheath does not include a
side opening forms part of the invention but is not illustrated as
such in a Figure. It would correspond to an applicator like that
illustrated in FIG. 3, but without a side opening (221).
[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the said sheath (22) may
have an upper recess (24) symbolically and typically in the form of
a nail, and typically towards its far end so as to make the nail
(41) of the said end phalanx (40) visible, and thus to guide a
person using the said applicator (1) on how to use the
applicator.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the said attachment means
(2) may have a variable section and as illustrated in FIG. 4,
typically include flexible tabs (222) at its near end (20) and a
finger cap portion (223) at its far end (21) so as to hold the said
applicator (1) in place on the said finger (4).
[0039] The invention also includes the case of finger caps (2) with
a constant, and typically circular or oval section.
[0040] According to the invention, the said attachment means may
comprise (2) at least one element (27, 28) with two branches
forming a spring with a typically "U" shaped profile, the said
branches comprising at least ends that can be elastically
separated.
[0041] According to another embodiment of an applicator (1)
illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 8, the said element with two branches may
be an element (27) in which the two branches (270) are typically
parallel to an axial plane, and in which the base (271) is fixed to
the said assembly means (23) or the said application means (3), the
two branches of the said "U" shaped element forming a front opening
(25) through which the said finger end phalanx can be inserted by
an axial movement along an axial direction A, like a thimble that
fits on a finger, so as to be temporarily fixed to any type of
finger and typically an end phalanx of a finger such as the index
finger or the middle finger, its other so-called "far" end carrying
the said application means.
[0042] According to another embodiment of the applicator (1)
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5a, the said element with two branches
may be an element (28) fixed to a support (29) carrying the said
sleeve (230) or the said application means (3) at its far end (21),
the two branches (280) of the said "U" shaped element forming a
side opening (26) and a front opening (25) enabling reversible
attachment of the said applicator on the said finger, either
through a lateral movement along the lateral direction L typically
by click fitting, or an axial movement along the axial direction A,
the two branches (280) typically being in a plane perpendicular to
the said axial direction A.
[0043] Regardless of the embodiment of the invention, the said
attachment means (2) may have a variable section, either as such
over all or part of its length, if the attachment means (2) does
not include elastic elements or spring effect elements, and
corresponds to a "thimble" type sheath, or following an axial or
lateral stress as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5a, 7 and 7a by the
letter E associated with a double arrow to diagrammatically show
the elasticity and spacing of the attachment means (2),
particularly when the finger passes into the attachment means (2)
so as to be adapted to any finger diameter, such that during its
temporary attachment onto the finger, the applicator (1) does not
squeeze the finger which would be unpleasant for the user, while
remaining fixed to the finger so that the finger and the applicator
(1) move in unison.
[0044] According to the invention, the said application means (3)
may comprise a specific applicator (32) chosen as a function of the
nature of the said cosmetic and in order to apply it, typically
fixed to the said assembly means (31) or to the said standard end
piece (310), and typically chosen from an absorbent or cellular
material, or a brush with a determined section and profile,
typically with a circular and tapered section, so as to have a
small diameter end and thus enable precise application of the said
cosmetic.
[0045] Furthermore, the said specific applicator (32) may have a
predetermined suppleness or flexibility.
[0046] In general, for a given cosmetic, the materials and the
arrangement of these materials used to form specific applicators
(32) according to the invention, may be the same as those used in
traditional applicators.
[0047] Advantageously, the said attachment means (2) comprising the
said sleeve, may typically be a single piece metal or plastic part.
It is particularly advantageous economically if the said attachment
means (2) is a moulded single piece plastic part.
[0048] Another purpose of the invention consists of using the
applicator (1) for application of a cosmetic, the said cosmetic
typically being in solid or semi-solid form such as a powder or
paste, and preferably a lipstick or eye shadow.
[0049] The said applicator (1) can also be used in association with
a cosmetic sample.
[0050] Another purpose consists of an applicator assembly including
the said applicator (1) according to the invention and a series of
N removable application means (30), typically differing in their
section, profile, flexibility or suppleness, where N typically
varies from 2 to 6, in which each of the removable application
means includes the same assembly means (31) or standard end piece
(310) designed to cooperate with the sleeve (23) of the attachment
means (2).
[0051] This applicator assembly, typically packaged in a packaging
or a compact, may comprise at least one cosmetic, the said
applicator and the said application means being adapted for
application of the said cosmetic.
[0052] In particular, the said applicator assembly may form a
support for different applicators (1) or for the different
application means (3), typically so that the specific applicator
(32) can be changed without any risk of the hands getting
dirty.
EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0053] FIGS. 1 to 9 correspond to embodiments of a digital
applicator (1), or variant embodiments according to the
invention.
[0054] The attachment means (2) of the applicator (1) according to
FIGS. 1 to 4, 7 and 8 were obtained in a single piece by moulding a
plastic material.
[0055] The attachment means (2) of the applicator (1) according to
FIGS. 5 and 5a were obtained by moulding a plastic support (29) on
the upper part of an open ring made of metal or plastic, forming a
"U" shaped element (28).
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0056] Firstly, digital applicators (1) according to the invention
provide a compact and economic solution to the problem of the
diverse natures of applicators necessary to satisfy a wide variety
of user needs, particularly when these persons are travelling or
are in the office, in other words they are not in the bathroom.
[0057] Thus, considering the low cost and size of applicators (1)
according to the invention, and since it is possible to associate a
large number of application means with a single attachment means,
the invention makes it possible to market applicator assemblies,
typically with at least two possibilities:
[0058] any marketed applicator assembly may comprise a number N of
removable application means (30) or possibly applicators (1) that
cover "standard" needs of users,
[0059] or, it would be possible for an applicator assembly to be
marketed including a number N of removable application means (30)
or possibly applicators (1), to be chosen among a number N'>N
such that each user can compose an applicator assembly perfectly
suited to her needs, whenever necessary.
[0060] Furthermore, as will be obvious from the above description,
the invention enables a radical renewal of new products offered on
the market, which is essential for cosmetics. Furthermore, the
invention provides a means of making a large number of embodiments
or variants, so as to personalize applicators if required.
TABLE-US-00001 List of marks Digital applicator 1 Axial direction
10 Attachment means 2 "Near" end 20 "Far" end 21 Sheath or finger
cap 22 Flexible edges or walls 220 Side opening 221 Flexible tab
222 Portion of sheath 223 Assembly means cooperating with 31 23
Sleeve cooperating with 31 230 Click fitting means 231 Orifice or
female element cooperating with 312 232 Upper recess 24 Front
opening for axial fixing A 25 Side opening for side fixing L 26 "U"
shaped element for axial fixing A 27 Branch of the "U" 270 Base of
the "U" 271 Curved edge of the branch 272 "U" shaped element for
side fixing L 28 Branch of the "U" 280 Base of the "U" 281 Curved
edge of the branch 282 Support for element 28 29 Application means
3 Removable application means 30 Assembly means cooperating with 23
31 Standard end piece cooperating with 23 310 Click fitting means
311 Male element cooperating with 232 312 Specific applicator 32
Finger 4 End phalanx 40 Nail 41 Separation plane between 2 and 3
5
* * * * *