U.S. patent application number 14/681636 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-13 for lip/skin applicator device with rotatable feature.
The applicant listed for this patent is BLISTEX INC.. Invention is credited to Kelly SANBORN, Michael WOJCIK.
Application Number | 20160295993 14/681636 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55759927 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160295993 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WOJCIK; Michael ; et
al. |
October 13, 2016 |
LIP/SKIN APPLICATOR DEVICE WITH ROTATABLE FEATURE
Abstract
A lip or skin applicator device includes a first housing portion
and a second housing portion rotatably connected to the first
housing portion. The second housing portion rotates about the first
housing portion such that, in the closed position, the product is
enclosed within the first housing portion and the second housing
portion, and in the open position, the product is exposed and the
first housing portion is at least partially housed within the
second housing portion. The lip or skin applicator device may
include an opening with a plurality of elongated protrusions into
which a portion of a product is inserted.
Inventors: |
WOJCIK; Michael; (Lemont,
IL) ; SANBORN; Kelly; (Naperville, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BLISTEX INC. |
Oak Brook |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55759927 |
Appl. No.: |
14/681636 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/22 20130101;
A45D 40/00 20130101; A45D 2040/225 20130101; A45D 40/26 20130101;
A45D 40/0068 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/00 20060101
A45D040/00 |
Claims
1. An applicator device comprising: a first housing portion to
which a product is attached; a second housing portion rotatably
connected to the first housing portion so as to allow the second
housing portion to rotate about the first housing portion between a
closed position and an open position, wherein: the second housing
portion rotates about the first housing portion such that, in the
closed position the product is enclosed within the first housing
portion and the second housing portion, and in the open position
the product is exposed and the first housing portion is at least
partially housed within the second housing portion.
2. The applicator device of claim 1, further comprising a first
pivot joint and a second pivot joint, the second housing portion
being rotatably connected to the first housing portion by way of
the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint.
3. The applicator device of claim 2, wherein: the first pivot joint
comprises a first male post formed on an inner surface of the
second housing portion and a first female socket formed within the
first housing portion, the first male post and the first female
socket being shaped such that the first male post fits within the
first female socket; and the second pivot joint comprises a second
male post formed on the inner surface of the second housing and a
second female socket formed within the first housing portion, the
second male post and the second female socket being shaped such
that the second male post fits within the first female socket,
wherein the first and second male posts are formed on opposing
sides of the second housing section and the first and second female
sockets are formed within opposing sides of the first housing
section, so as to allow the second housing portion to rotate about
the first housing portion.
4. The applicator device of claim 2, wherein: the first pivot joint
comprises a first male post formed on an outer surface of the first
housing portion and a first female opening extending through the
second housing portion, the first male post and the first female
opening being shaped such that the first male post fits within the
first female opening; and the second pivot joint comprises a second
male post formed on an outer surface of the first housing portion
and a second female opening extending through the second housing
portion, the second male post and the second female opening being
shaped such that the second male post fits within the second female
opening, wherein the first and second male posts are formed on
opposing sides of the first housing section and the first and
second female sockets are formed through opposing sides of the
second housing section, so as to allow the second housing portion
to rotate about the first housing portion.
5. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the first housing
portion has a substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape to which a lower
portion is cut off to form a bottom surface.
6. The applicator device of claim 5, wherein the bottom surface
projects inward from the lowermost point of the first housing
portion.
7. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the first housing
portion comprises an opening into which a portion of the product is
inserted, the opening having a plurality of elongated protrusions
protruding into the product.
8. The applicator device of claim 7, wherein the first housing
portion comprises: an outer wall; an inner wall surrounded by the
outer wall such that a groove is formed between the inner wall and
the outer wall, wherein the inner wall surrounds the opening into
which the product is inserted, and the elongated projections
project from the inner wall into the opening.
9. The applicator device of claim 8, wherein the outer wall has a
substantially oval cross-sectional shape, and the inner wall has a
substantially circular cross-sectional shape.
10. The applicator device of claim 8, wherein the first housing
portion further comprises an innermost wall formed within the inner
wall, wherein the height of the innermost wall is less than the
height of the inner wall such that the portion of the product
inserted into the inner wall rests on top of the innermost
wall.
11. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the applicator device
further comprises a clasp for holding the applicator device in the
closed position, wherein: the first housing portion includes a
first portion of the clasp formed on an outer surface thereon and
the second housing portion includes a second portion of the clasp
formed on an outer surface thereof, the first portion of the clasp
has at least one of a bump and a recess, and the second portion of
the clasp has the other of the bump and the recess, and when the
second housing portion is in the closed position, the bump is
within the recess.
12. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the first housing
portion includes a detent formed on an outer surface thereof, the
detent holding the first housing portion in place when in the open
position.
13. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein a top of the second
housing portion has an arcuate concave surface that projects
inward.
14. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the second housing
member has a substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape to which an upper
portion is cut-off to form a top surface.
15. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the product is a lip
balm.
16. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
housing portions are made of polypropylene.
17. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the lower housing
portion comprises at least one of a snap bead and a matching groove
that circumscribes the lower housing portion, and the upper housing
portion comprises the other of the snap bead and the matching
groove, wherein the snap bead fits within the matching groove.
18. An applicator device comprising: a first housing portion; a
product attached to the first housing portion; a second housing
portion connected to the first housing section; the first housing
portion comprising: an opening into which a portion of the product
is inserted, the opening having a plurality of elongated
protrusions protruding into the product.
19. The applicator device of claim 18, wherein the first housing
portion further comprises: an outermost wall; an inner wall
surrounded by the outermost wall such that a groove is formed
between the inner wall and the outermost wall, wherein the inner
wall surrounds the opening into which the product is inserted, and
the elongated protrusions project from the inner wall into the
opening.
20. The applicator device of claim 19, wherein the first housing
portion further comprises an innermost wall formed within the inner
wall, wherein the height of the innermost wall is less than the
height of the inner wall, and the portion of the product inserted
into the inner wall rests on top of the innermost wall.
21. The applicator device of claim 18, wherein the product has an
ovate shape.
22. A method of using an applicator device, the method comprising
the acts of: obtaining the applicator device comprising: a first
housing portion; a product attached to the first housing portion; a
second housing portion rotatably connected to the first housing
portion; rotating the second housing portion about the first
housing portion from a closed position to an open position;
pressing the product of the applicator device onto one or both lips
of a user to apply the product to the one or both lips.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator device for
dispensing a product. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a lip or skin applicator devices and associated methods
of using the devices that are especially adapted to apply a product
onto the epidermis of humans.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Skin care has long been recognized as an important factor in
our overall health and well-being. This is particularly true for
lips, whose exposed mucous membrane structure is different than
other skin. Lips do not have the same protective outer layer, or
stratum corneum, found in other skin; nor do lips have the same
complement of oil and sweat glands. Sweat glands add moisture to
skin, but the lips' only source of moisture is saliva inside the
mouth. Thus, harsh winter wind, cold, sun and dryness--indoors and
outdoors--make lips a vulnerable target for chapping.
[0003] Skin or lip care products are often applied as preventative
care. For example, lip balm is often applied to prevent chapped
lips. When applied prior to harsh winter wind, cold, sun and
dryness, lip balm has proven effective in providing protection to a
person's lips. Lip balm may also be used after a person's lips
become chapped to soothe the person's lips and prevent further
damage from occurring.
[0004] Skin or lip care products are typically packaged in
containers that are opened and closed by removing a cap or other
housing. These caps are often dropped. A dropped cap can become
contaminated, which can in turn cause contamination of the product
applied to the skin. The caps are also often lost, leaving the user
with an exposed product that can become contaminated in any number
of ways. In addition to contaminated, the exposed product could
become damaged and could also damage or soil other objects with
which it comes into contact, particularly in an enclosed
environment (such as a handbag). Further, if the skin or lip care
product is left uncovered key ingredients in the product can
degrade from exposure to the air and lose their efficacy.
[0005] Skin or lip care products are typically mounted to a portion
of the package in which they are housed. The products often become
loose or break during application of the product. This in turn
causes frustration on the part of the user.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect of the invention, an applicator device
includes a first housing portion to which a product is attached and
a second housing portion rotatably connected to the first housing
portion to allow the second housing portion to rotate about the
first housing portion between a closed position and an open
position. The second housing portion rotates about the first
housing portion such that, in the closed position, the product is
enclosed within the first housing portion and the second housing
portion, and in the open position, the product is exposed and the
first housing portion is at least partially housed within the
second housing portion.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, an applicator device
includes a first housing portion to which a product is attached and
a second housing portion connected to the first housing portion.
The first housing portion includes an opening into which a portion
of the product is inserted. The opening includes a plurality of
elongated protrusions which protrude into the product.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a method of using an
applicator device includes obtaining an applicator device that
includes a first housing portion; a product attached to the first
housing portion, and a second housing portion connected to the
first housing portion. The method includes rotating the second
housing portion about the first housing portion from a closed
position to an open position, and pressing the product of the
applicator device onto one or both lips of a user to apply the
product. When pressing the product onto one or both lips the user
may press the product onto both lips simultaneously.
[0009] Numerous other features and advantages of the present
invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art upon reading of the following detailed description of
presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of
the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompany
drawings. In this respect, before explaining embodiments of the
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of construction and
to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0010] Before undertaking the detailed description of the invention
below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain
words and phrases used throughout this patent document. Throughout
this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word
"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" or the
term "includes" or variations, thereof, or the term "having" or
variations, thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a
stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not
the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements
or integers. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art of reading
claimed inventions should understand that "a" and "an" each
generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality
unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. And that the term
"or" denotes "at least one of the items," but does not exclude a
plurality of items of the list.
[0011] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications
other than those specifically described. It is to be understood
that the invention includes all such variations and modification
which fall within its spirit and scope.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Non-Limiting Embodiments of the Disclosure
[0012] The invention will be better understood and aspects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following description thereof. Such description
makes reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIGS. 1A-1F are front and trimetric perspective views
showing an embodiment of the applicator device constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention in closed,
partially open and fully open positions.
[0014] FIGS. 2A-2C are top, bottom and trimetric perspective views
showing an embodiment of the lower (or first) housing portion of
the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention. FIG. 2D is a front perspective view
showing an embodiment of the lower (or first) housing portion of
the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention. FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken
along line A-A' in FIG. 2D. FIG. 2F is a side perspective view
showing an embodiment of the lower (or first) housing portion of
the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention. FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional view taken
along line B-B' of FIG. 2F.
[0015] FIGS. 3A-3C are top, bottom and trimetric perspective views
showing an embodiment of the upper (or second) housing portion of
the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention. FIG. 3D is a side perspective view
showing an embodiment of the upper (or second) housing portion of
the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention. FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view taken
along line A-A' in FIG. 3D. FIG. 3F is a back perspective view
showing an embodiment of the upper (or second) housing portion of
the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention. FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional view taken
along line B-B' of FIG. 3F.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of
the applicator device in the closed position constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 4B is
a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is
a side perspective view showing an embodiment of the applicator
device in the closed position constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional
view taken along line F-F' of FIG. 4C.
[0017] FIG. 5A is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of
the applicator device in the open position constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 5B is
a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G' of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is
a side perspective view showing an embodiment of the applicator
device in the open position constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional
view taken along line H-H' of FIG. 5C.
[0018] FIG. 6A is a trimetric perspective view for illustrating
first and second pivot joints according to another embodiment of
the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a side perspective view
showing the embodiment in the closed position. FIG. 6C is a
cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 6C.
[0019] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view for illustrating a snap
bead and seal ring configuration according to another embodiment of
the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken
along line A-A' of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C is a side perspective view
showing the embodiment of the applicator device. FIG. 7D is a
cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 7C. FIG. 7E is a
trimetric perspective view showing the embodiment of the applicator
device.
[0020] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts
throughout the various figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1F, an embodiment of the
applicator device 10 is shown and generally designated by the
reference numeral 10. The applicator device 10 has a lower (or
first) housing portion 20 and an upper (or second) housing portion
60. The housing portions are referred to as an upper portion and a
lower portion for convenience only, and whether or not these
portions are on the top or bottom will depend on how the user
positions the device. A product 90, which may, for example, be a
lip balm, is attached to the lower housing portion 20, and the
upper and lower housing portions 60 and 20 are rotatably/pivotably
connected.
[0022] The rotatable/pivotable connection of the upper and lower
housing portions 60 and 20 allow the upper housing portion 60 to
rotate about the lower housing portion 20 between an open position
and a closed position, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1A-1F. When
the upper and lower housing portions 60 and 20 are in the closed
portion (FIGS. 1A and 1B), the product 90 is enclosed within the
applicator device 10 (i.e., within the top and bottom housing
portions 60 and 20). When the upper and lower housing portions 60
and 20 are in the open position (FIGS. 1E and 1F), the product 90
is exposed allowing a user of the applicator device 10 to apply the
product 90 to their skin. In the open position, the upper housing
portion 60 is rotated about the lower housing portion 10 so that
the upper housing portion covers or houses at least a portion of
the lower housing portion. Accordingly, the applicator device is a
convenient, easy to use device that remains as a single connected
entity regardless of whether it is in the open or closed
position.
[0023] The rotating motion of the upper housing portion 60 may be
accomplished by first and second pivot joints 12 and 14. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, the first and second pivot joints
12 and 14 are formed on diametrically opposing portions of the
upper and lower housing portions 60 and 20. The applicator device
10 may also include a clasp 16 for keeping the applicator device in
the closed position until the user desires to apply the product 90,
and a detent 42 for holding the device in the open position.
[0024] Typically, when a user desires to use a lip or skin
applicator the user must completely remove the cap from the
applicator before applying the product. This configuration is
problematic, as the cap may be dropped, contaminated or even lost
when removed. The pivotable or rotatable connection of the top and
bottom housing portions 60 and 20 of the applicator device 10
prevents these problems. The applicator device 10 can be opened by
rotating the top housing portion 60, and thus one does not need to
be concerned with dropping, contaminating or losing a part of the
applicator device 10 during application of a product 90. Further,
since the upper and lower housing portions 60 and 20 can be
maintained as a single connected entity regardless of whether the
applicator device 10 is opened or closed, a user always has access
to the means by which the device 10 is closed, making it easier to
keep the product 90 closed when it is not being used, thereby
preventing damage to the product and also preventing key
ingredients of the product 90 from degrading and losing their
efficacy.
[0025] Turning now to FIGS. 2A-2G, which show the lower (or first)
portion 20 of an applicator device 10 according to an embodiment of
the present invention. FIGS. 2A-2C are top, bottom and perspective
views. FIG. 2D is a front perspective view. FIG. 2E is a
cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in FIG. 2D. FIG. 2F is a
side perspective view. FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional view taken
along line B-B' of FIG. 2F.
[0026] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2G, the outermost
surface of the lower (or first) housing portion 20 has a
substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape and the outline of the lower
housing portion 20 is an oval when viewed from above. The bottom 50
of the lower housing portion 20 is cut-off or flattened allowing
the applicator device 10 to be set on a table or other surface
without tipping. The bottom 50 of the lower housing portion 20 may
also project inward from the lower-most point of the lower housing
portion 20 allowing the device 10 to be gripped more easily by a
user. The lower housing portion 20 may, for example, be forming by
an injection molding process. However, it should be understood that
other processes known in the art may also be used to form the lower
housing portion 20. Furthermore, the lower housing portion 20 may,
for example, be formed of polypropylene. However, the lower housing
portion 20 is not limited to this material, and other plastics,
thermoplastics or any other suitable material may be used in its
place.
[0027] The substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape of the lower
housing portion 20 advantageously allows a person grip and open the
applicator device 10 in a convenient manner. However, it should be
understood that the lower housing portion 20 is not limited to a
semi-ellipsoidal shape and may take another shape, such as
semi-spherical.
[0028] The lower (or first) housing portion 20 provides the
platform on which the product 90 is mounted and secured. An opening
22 is provided within the first housing portion 20, and a portion
92 of the product 90 is provided within this opening 22. Referring
to FIG. 4B, the width W1 of the portion 92 of the product 90
inserted into the opening 22 is less than the width W2 of the
portion of the product 90 that rests on the uppermost surface of
the lower housing portion 20. The portion 92 of the product 90
inserted into the opening 22 will hereinafter be referred to as the
neck 92, and the remaining portion of the product is referred to as
the application portion 94.
[0029] Returning to FIGS. 2A-2G, the opening 22 includes a
plurality of splines/elongated protrusions 24. When the neck 92 of
the product 90 is inserted into the opening 22, the protrusions 22
protrude within the neck 92. These protrusions help to secure the
product 90 to the lower housing portion 20 and prevent unwanted
movement of the product 90 after it is mounted to the lower housing
portion 20.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2G, the outer wall 26 of
the lower housing portion 20 is shaped like a basin. An inner wall
28 is formed within the outer wall 26 so as to create a groove 34
between the inner wall 28 and the outer wall 26. The inner wall 28
creates an opening 22 in which the neck 92 is inserted. Referring
to FIG. 2A, the outer wall 26 may have a substantially oval
cross-sectional shape, and the inner wall 28 may have a
substantially circular shape that surrounds the opening 22. The
splines/elongated protrusions 24 are formed on the inner surface of
the inner wall 28, and the splines/elongated protrusions 24 project
into the opening 22.
[0031] The lower housing portion 20 may also include an innermost
wall 30 that surrounds a second opening 32. The innermost wall 30
may also be substantially circular. The inner wall 28 surrounds the
innermost wall 30, and the height of the innermost wall 30 is less
than the height of the inner wall 28. The width of the neck 92 is
greater than the diameter of the innermost wall 30 (see, e.g., FIG.
4B). Therefore, the neck 92 rests on top of the innermost wall 30
when the neck 92 is inserted into the opening 22, and the innermost
wall 30 provides support and stabilization for the product 90.
[0032] The basin shaped outer wall 26, the inner wall 28, and the
innermost wall 30 create a structurally sound compartment for the
product 90 that is light weight and saves on material. Because of
this structure, the lower housing portion 20 does not have to be
made of solid plastic. Instead, the inner wall 28 provides the
opening 22 into which the product 90 is inserted, and the innermost
wall 30 provides support for the product 90. However, it should be
understood that alternatives are possible. For example, the second
opening 32 can be created by reducing the width of the opening 22
once the depth of opening 22 is equal to the height of the neck 92.
In this case, the innermost wall 30 is not necessary.
[0033] A first female socket 36 and a second female socket 38 are
formed on diametrically opposing portions of the lower housing
portion 20. The first and second female sockets 36 and 38 are each
formed within the outer surface of the outer wall 26. Preferably,
the first and second female sockets 36 and 38 are formed near the
top 52 of the lower housing portion 20 along the short axis y (see
FIG. 2C) where the width of the bottom housing portion 20 is
smallest. Placing the first and second female sockets 36 along the
short axis y is advantageous for opening and closing the applicator
device 10 and handling the applicator device 10.
[0034] A first portion 40 of the clasp 16 is formed on the front of
the lower housing portion 20. The first portion 40 may be an
integrally formed part of the lower housing portion 20, or may be a
separate part that is mounted to the lower housing portion 20. The
clasp 16 helps to keep the applicator device 10 closed when the
applicator device 10 is in the closed position. To do so, the first
portion 40 of the clasp 16 may have a bump that slides into a
recess formed in a second portion 66 of the clasp 16, as will be
described in greater detail below. Of course, the first portion 40
of the clasp 16 may instead have a recess into which a bump of the
second portion 66 fits.
[0035] A detent 42 may be formed on the lower housing portion below
the clasp 16. The detent 42 may be an integrally formed part of the
lower housing portion 20, or may be a separate part that is mounted
to the lower housing portion 20. When the applicator device is
rotated to the open position, the lip of the upper housing portion
60 opposite to the clasp 16 swings around and over the detent 42
(See FIG. 5B). The detent 42 then holds the upper portion 60 in the
open position until the user rotates the upper housing portion 60
with sufficient force back to the closed position. When the device
is in the open position, the detent 42 may fit within a matching
groove 68 formed within the upper housing portion 60 in order to
hold the upper housing portion 60 in the open position.
[0036] The bottom housing portion 20 may also include a snap bead
44 that circumscribes the lower housing portion 20 at or near the
uppermost part of the lower housing portion 20. The snap bead 44
acts as seal ring that goes around the entirety of the lower
housing portion 20 and fits within a matching groove 68 in the
upper housing portion 60 of the applicator device 10. The snap bead
44 provides some seal integrity when the applicator device 10 is
closed to protect the product in a more air tight environment. The
snap bead 44 also helps to ensure that the applicator device 10
stays closed when in the closed position.
[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the snap bead 44 may be
provided on the upper housing portion 60 rather than the bottom
housing portion 20. In turn, the matching groove 68 is provided on
the bottom housing portion 20 rather than the upper housing portion
60. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7E, in this embodiment, the snap bead 44
(which is the protruding male part) is moved to the inner surface
of the upper housing portion 60, and the snap bead 44 projects from
this inner surface. The snap bead 44 circumscribes the inner space
of the upper housing portion at or near the lowermost part of the
upper housing portion 60. The matching groove 68 is then formed at
or near the uppermost part of the lower housing portion 20. Similar
to the previous embodiment, the snap bead 44 fits within the
matching groove 68 to help ensure that the applicator device 10
stays closed and to provide some seal integrity when the applicator
device 10 is closed to protect the product in a more air tight
environment.
[0038] Turning now to FIGS. 3A to 3G, which show the upper (or
second) housing portion 60 of an applicator device 10 according to
an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3A-3C are top, bottom
and trimetric perspective views. FIG. 3D is a side perspective
view. FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in
FIG. 3D. FIG. 3F is a back perspective view. FIG. 3G is a
cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 3F.
[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3G, the outermost
surface of the upper (or second) housing portion 60 has a
substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape, and the outline of the upper
housing portion is an oval when viewed from above. The top 80 of
the upper housing portion 60 is cut-off or flattened. The top 80
may have an arcuate concave shape that projects inward. The arcuate
concave shape of the top 80 allows a user to better grip the
applicator device 10, and may also be used to open the applicator
device 10 by, for example, placing a finger or another part of the
hand on the arcuate concave surface of the top 60 of the upper
housing portion 60.
[0040] The substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape of the upper
housing portion 60 advantageously allows a person to grip and open
the applicator device 10 in a convenient manner. However, it should
be understood that the upper housing portion 60 is not limited to a
semi-ellipsoidal shape and may take another shape, such as
semi-spherical.
[0041] The upper housing portion 60 is manufactured as a shell with
sufficient space to house the product 90 when the applicator device
10 is in the closed position, and to house part or all of the lower
housing portion 20 when the applicator device 10 is in the open
position. The upper housing portion 60 may, for example, be forming
by an injection molding process. However, it should be understood
that other processes known in the art may also be used to form the
upper housing portion 60. The upper housing portion 60 may, for
example, be formed of polypropylene. However, the upper housing is
not limited to this material and other plastics, thermoplastics or
another suitable material may be used in its place.
[0042] The upper housing portion includes a first male post 62 and
a second male post 64. The first male post 62 and the second male
post 64 engage the first female socket 36 and the second female
socket 38, respectively, to form the first pivot joint 12 and the
second pivot joint 14. The first and second male posts 62 and 64
may have, for example, a circular shape. In such a case, the first
and second female sockets 36 and 38 have complementary circular
shapes, with the first and second female sockets 36 and 38 having a
slightly larger diameter than that of the first and second male
posts 62 and 64, so that the first and second male posts 62 and 64
can fit within the first and second female sockets 36 and 38.
[0043] The first and second male posts 62 and 64 project outward
from an inner surface of the upper housing portion 60 and are
positioned to allow the upper housing portion 60 to rotate about
the lower housing portion 20. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
3A-3G, the first and second male posts 62 and 64 are formed on
diametrically opposing portions of the upper housing portion 60
near the bottom of the upper portion 60. Further, the first and
second male posts 62 and 64 are formed along the short axis y (see
FIG. 3C) where the width of the upper housing portion 60 is
smallest. The first and second male posts 62 and 64 may be
integrally formed parts of the upper housing portion 60, or may be
separate parts mounted to the upper housing portion 60. The first
and second male posts 62 and 64 may also have hollow interiors as
can be seen in FIG. 3E.
[0044] A second portion 66 of the clasp 16 is formed on the front
of the upper housing portion 60. The second portion 66 may be an
integrally formed part of the upper housing portion 60, or may be a
separate part that is mounted to the upper housing portion 60. In
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3G, the second portion 66 has a
recess into which the protrusion of the first housing portion fits.
Of course, the second portion 66 of the clasp 16 may instead have a
bump that fits into a recess.
[0045] The upper housing portion 60 may also include a matching
groove 68 formed within the inner surface of upper housing portion
60. The matching groove 68 circumscribes the inner space of the
upper housing portion 60 and matches the shape of the snap bead 44.
As noted above, the combination of the matching groove 68 and snap
bead 44 provides some seal integrity when the applicator device 10
is closed to protect the product in a more air tight environment,
and helps to ensure that the applicator device 10 stays closed when
in the closed position.
[0046] Turning now to FIGS. 4A-5D, which show an embodiment of the
applicator device 10 in its closed and open positions. FIGS. 4A-4D
are perspective and cross-sectional views showing an embodiment of
the applicator device 10 in the closed position, and FIGS. 5A-5D
are perspective and cross-section views showing an embodiment of
the applicator device 10 in the open position.
[0047] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-5D, the neck 92 of the
product 90 is inserted into the opening 22 of the lower housing
portion 20, and the splines/elongated protrusions 24 project into
the neck 92. In one aspect of the invention, the product 90 is
manufacturing using a molding process. In the molding process, a
liquefied product is poured into a mold and is then cooled so that
the product solidifies. Preferably, the product 90 is molded to the
correct shape and inserted into the opening 22 of the lower housing
portion 20. However, the product may alternatively be cut into its
desired shape after it is molded. It should be understood that the
manner of manufacturing the product 90 is not limited to this
process, and those of ordinary skill in the art can envision
alternative processes for creating the product 90 including, for
example, a hot pour process.
[0048] In addition to the neck 92, the product 90 includes an
application portion 94 that is exposed when the applicator device
10 is in the open position. The application portion 94 rests on the
top 52 of the lower housing portion 10. The outermost surface of
the application portion 94 of the product may have an arcuate
shape. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the application
portion 94 has an ovate or semi-ellipsoidal shape. The ovate or
semi-ellipsoidal shape of the application portion 94 is preferable
as it is best for the application of the product 90 to a user's
lips. However, the application portion 94 may take other shapes,
such as semi-spherical. The width W2 of the bottom of the
application portion 94 resting on the top 52 of the lower housing
portion 10 is large enough such that the product 90 covers the
groove 34 formed between the outer wall 26 and the inner wall
28.
[0049] In an embodiment, the application portion 94 of the product
90 is sized and shaped such that a user can apply the product 90 to
the upper lip and lower lip simultaneously. In turn, the upper and
lower housing members 60 and 20 are manufactured to have a size
that is sufficient to accommodate a product 90 capable of being
applied to both the upper and lower lips simultaneously.
[0050] The upper housing portion 60 is connected to the lower
housing portion 20 by way of the first and second pivot joints 12
and 14. The first male post 62 of the upper housing portion 60 is
inserted into the first female socket 36 of the lower housing
portion 20 to form the first pivot joint 12. Similarly, the second
male post 64 of the upper housing portion 60 is inserted into the
second female socket 38 of the lower housing portion 20 to form the
second pivot joint 14. The first and second pivot joints 12, 14
provide the means by which the upper housing portion 60 rotates
about the lower housing portion 20 between the open and closed
positions.
[0051] When in the closed position, clasp 16 helps to keep the
applicator device 10 closed when the device 10 is in the closed
position. The clasp 16 includes first and second portions 40 and 66
formed on the front of the lower housing portion 20 and the upper
housing portion 60, respectively. Clasp 16 also restricts the
rotation of the upper housing portion 60 to one direction. For
example, a user may open the applicator device 10 by moving the
second portion 66 of the clasp 16 upward and away from the first
portion 40 of the clasp 16 on the lower housing portion 20.
Movement in the opposite direction is restricted, since the first
portion of the clasp 40 abuts against the edge of the upper housing
portion 60 when the applicator device is in the closed position
(see FIG. 4A).
[0052] The clasp 16 is sized and shaped to allow a user to open the
applicator device by forcing the first portion 40 of the clasp and
the second portion 66 of the clasp in opposing directions. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-5D, the clasp extends along most if
not all of the front of the applicator device 16. However, the
clasp 16 is not limited to this shape, and may, for example, occupy
a smaller space on the front of the applicator device, as shown in
FIG. 6A.
[0053] One of the first and second portions 40, 66 has a bump and
the other has a recess into which the bump fits. When in the open
position, the lip of the upper housing portion 60 opposite to the
clasp 12 swings around and over the detent 42 (see FIG. 5B). The
detent 42 then holds the upper housing portion 60 in the open
position.
[0054] The snap bead 44 also helps to ensure that the applicator
device stays closed when in the closed position. The snap bead 44
goes around the entirety of the lower housing portion 20 and fits
within a matching groove 68 in the upper housing portion 60 of the
applicator device 10. The snap bead 44 provides some seal integrity
when the applicator device 10 is closed to protect the product in a
more air tight environment.
[0055] In the embodiments discussed above, the first and second
pivot joints 12 and 14 are formed by a combination of first and
second female sockets 36 and 38 formed within the lower housing
member 20 and first and second male posts 62 and 64 projecting from
the upper housing portion 60. However in another embodiment, the
pivot joints may be reversed, with male posts projecting from the
lower housing member 20 and female openings formed within the upper
housing member 60. This configuration is shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. This
configuration could be considered less desirable as is creates an
external seam that could accumulate dirt.
[0056] The following is a method of using an applicator device 10
according to an embodiment of the invention. As an initial step, an
applicator device 10, such as the embodiment of the applicator
device 10 shown in FIGS. 4A-5B, is obtained. The applicator device
has a lower housing portion 20 onto which a skin-care product 90 is
mounted and an upper housing portion 60 that rotates about the
lower housing portion 20.
[0057] Upon sufficient force from the user, the upper housing
portion 60 is moved from the closed position to the open position.
This may be accomplished in a number of different ways. In one
example, the clasp 16 is used to open the applicator device 10. In
this example, the first portion 40 of the clasp and the second
portion 66 of the clasp are pushed in opposing directions. In
another example, a user may place a finger on the concave arcuate
shape of the top 80 of the upper housing portion 60 and apply force
to the top 80 of the upper housing portion 60 sufficient to open
the applicator device 10. As another example, the semi-ellipsoid
shape of the upper and lower housing portions 60, 20 allow a user
to grip and open the applicator device with one hand. In this
example, a user can place a thumb on the concave arcuate top 80 of
the upper housing member 60 while wrapping one or more fingers
around the lower housing portion 20. Upon applying sufficient force
with the thumb, the user can then open the applicator device
10.
[0058] Upon opening the applicator device, the product 90 is
applied to a user's lips and/or skin. The product 90 may be sized
and shaped to allow a user to apply the product 90 to both of the
lips simultaneously. As noted above, an ovate shape is particularly
useful for application to a user's lips. However, the product may
take other shapes, such as semi-spherical. Upon application of the
product 90, the applicator device 10 may be returned to its closed
position.
[0059] While certain embodiments of the applicator device have been
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it
should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are
possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. The invention also includes all of the steps, features,
compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this
specification, individually or collectively, and any and all
combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.
[0060] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0061] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms or phraseology,
to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and
essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The
abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the
application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to
be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
[0062] These together with other aspects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty that characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific aspects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and description matter in which there are
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0063] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *