Flip lip applicator

An applicator and dispensing device adapted to enclose a solid product within a holder which is enclosed by an outer shell. The outer shell can rotate relative to the holder via a hinge and then push a support cup that contains the product along a channel and through an orifice in the holder, thus exposing the product for use.

INTRODUCTION

Embodiments described herein relate generally an applicator or a dispensing device, and more particularly, to an applicator or a dispensing device for a solid or semi-solid cosmetic, medical, topical or fragrance product. Examples include, but are not limited to, a lipstick, solid ointment, eye liner, solid fragrance, topical ointment, or insect repellent.

Common packaging for solid lipsticks and similar products currently on the market can be characterized by a few design groups. For instance, one common packaging design comprises a base containing a solid lipstick embedded in a built-in cup. The base is generally covered with a tightly fit cap that is removable for application. Though this packaging type is comparatively inexpensive, removal of the cap often damages the embedded lipstick.

A similar common packaging design comprises a lipstick base, a removable cap and a set of components that rotates the base to allow the product to emerge perpendicularly to the motion of rotation. This motion usually requires a user to set the cap aside and use two hands to rotate the base in two opposite directions. This packaging design is more expensive as it typically requires four or more components for assembly.

Yet another common packaging design comprises a lipstick base, a removable cap and a set of components that allows a user to laterally slide the product through an orifice in a lipstick holder. This mechanism, however, is difficult to control and adjust the amount of product that the user wishes to expose. A variation to this slide action utilizes a rack and pinion concept. A toothed rack is attached to the internal lipstick holder and a round wheel gear extends through the outside shell. The consumer rotates the gear with the thumb and through a complimentary set of gear teeth forces the internal holder to push the product in a lateral motion. This design, while allowing the consumer to use one hand to extend and retract the lipstick, still requires the user to remove the cap, and it is frequently difficult to use the slide or rotate the wheel.

Embodiments described herein provide an inexpensive applicator or a dispensing device that can be opened, adjusted and closed with one hand and without the need for removing a cap. In one or more embodiments, a product support such as a cup containing a solid or semi-solid product is enclosed within the cavity of an elongated holder made up of at least two opposing flat sides and two opposing exposed sides. The cavity and the holder share a common longitudinal axis. The cavity is exposed to the outside through an orifice at a top end of the holder. The holder contains a pair of slots that are parallel to the holder's longitudinal axis, and that penetrates and extends along its flat sides.

One embodiment provides an applicator comprising a body having a first top surface including an opening, a channel extending through the body away from the opening of the first top surface, and a first side and a second side including a first slot and a second slot respectively cut through the first and second sides; a cover having a second top surface, a first arm and a second arm extending away from the second top surface, and a first and second hinges installed on the first and second arms respectively; and a support cup having a side wall, an inner-body opening configured to receive a product, and a first and second recesses inscribed on opposite sides of the side wall; wherein the support cup is slidably fitted inside the channel of the body and the cover is hingedly coupled to the body via the first and second hinges of the cover; and wherein the first and second hinges protrude through the first and second slots of the body and engage with the first and second recesses of the support cup, respectively, and the cover and the support cup are slidable together in a longitudinal direction along the channel of the body.

In one embodiment, there is an outer shell that comprises a cover at an upper section, from which extend two flat arms comprising a lower section. A set of rotational hinges protrudes from the inner surface of the shell arms and though the holder slots. The hinge is connected to the cup via a pair of holes or recesses within the cup. In its closed position, the two arms of the shell cover the two sides of the holder and the shell cover is positioned over the holder's orifice.

One embodiment includes a peg and groove feature that restricts the holder to a rotational motion relative to the shell when the device is closed. The exposed sides of the holder are open to the outside. When a force is applied to the front of the holder, the holder and cup restrictedly swivels in a circular motion relative to the shell, with the hinges as the centers of rotation. When the shell is thus rotated, the shell's cover exposes the holder's orifice.

One embodiment includes an inbuilt set of shell guides the move through dedicated guide ways built into the holder that restrict the shell from moving along the holder's longitudinal axis until the shell rotates approximately 180 degrees relative to the holder. When the shell thus rotates to 180 degrees, the user pushes the shell towards the orifice and the shell's guides can move along the holder's guide ways, and in doing so push the cup and product through the holder orifice, thus presenting the product for use.

In one embodiment, there is a mechanical or magnetic closure that secures the shell cover to the holder when the device is in a closed position and prevents it from rotating until a desire force is exerted to the front of the holder.

One embodiment prevents the holder and shell from moving relative to each other along their shared longitudinal axis while the user applies the product. In this embodiment, the arms of the shell are sufficiently flexible such that the user can squeeze the arms together so that they engage with the holder's flat sides such that the components are held in place relative to one another.

It is preferred for the holes or recesses in the cup to align with the slots in the holder during assembly so that the shell's hinge can engage with the shell's hinges. A preferred method to prevent the cup from rotating relative to the holder during assembly is to design the cup and holder cavity with non-circular cross-sectional shapes such as a square or an oval.

One embodiment is such that the shell hinge engages the cup on only one side of the applicator.

One embodiment comprises a product container platform that holds the product by a set of support columns or a stake that embeds into the product. The product may also be embedded in a foam applicator.

A preferred method to fill the applicator with product is to fully assemble the applicator and insert the product into the cup when the cup is positioned close to the orifice of the holder.

One embodiment comprises a sealing closure comprising a roof and a tube, inserted into the holder such that the tube surrounds the product, engages the outer rim of the cup, and seals the product against the outside environment.

One embodiment comprises a two-piece unit comprising an outer shell and a holder that is connected to the cup via a set of living hinges. As the shell rotates relative to the cup and holder, the hinges distort to allow the rotation.

Exemplary material for manufacturing one embodiment comprises a plastic such as ABS or PE. Parts may also be selectively constructed of a metal such as aluminum, a composite, or paper. A two-piece embodiment requires the holder and cup to consist of a flexible material such as polypropylene.

One or more embodiments provide the advantage of a device capable of dispensing a product using a low cost package while limiting exposure of the product to the environment when it is not in use.

One or more embodiments provide the advantage of a very low cost sampler dispensing device.

One or more embodiments provide the advantage of a device that presents a novel method to enclose and dispense product, which is aesthetically pleasing, and whose design offers large flat surface areas for package decoration.

One or more embodiments provide the advantage of a device that allows the user to dispense product using only one hand.

One or more embodiments provide the advantage of a container that may be filled with a product in an efficient manner.

One or more embodiments may contain a solid, semisolid, or foam embedded lipstick. The device may also contain a solid perfume, topical ointments, eye and face makeup, as well as non-cosmetic applications as topical cleaners, glues, and wax as typically used repair furniture surfaces.

One or more embodiments provide an applicator comprising a body having a first top surface including a top opening, a bottom surface including a bottom opening and a pair of slits, a channel extending from the top opening to the bottom opening, and a first side and a second side including a first slot and a second slot respectively cut through the first and second sides rising from edges defined by the first and second sides and the bottom surface; and a cover having a second top surface, a first arm and a second arm extending away from the second top surface, and a platform connected to the cover via one or more living hinges; wherein the platform is slidably inserted into the channel of the body via the bottom opening and is configured to receive a product using a stake protruding from the platform; and wherein the cover is hingedly coupled to the platform and the body via the living hinges and is slidable in a longitudinal direction along the channel via the first and second slots of the body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECT EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments relate to an applicator or a dispensing device adapted to enclose a solid or semi-solid cosmetic, medical, topical, or fragrance product including, but not limited to, a lipstick, solid ointment, eye liner, solid fragrance, topical ointment, or insect repellant.

Referring now toFIG. 1, an applicator device100, according to an embodiment, comprises an outer shell200, a holder300, a product400and a support cup500. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the outer shell200connects to the holder300via a first hinge224aand a second hinge224b(hidden inFIG. 1, described in more detail below) such that the outer shell200and the holder300can rotate relative to one another around an axis through the hinges.

The applicator device100as shown inFIG. 1is configured to package and dispense the product400(e.g., a solid lipstick). The device is, of course, not restricted to this application and, in fact can be configured and dimensioned to contain any number of solid, semi-solid, or liquid products including skin care products, foam encapsulated liquids, or fragrances.

Referring now toFIGS. 2A-2D, components that are generalized inFIG. 1are described in greater detail.

FIG. 2Ashows the outer shell200comprising a cover210having a topside212and an underside214. The outer shell200further comprises a first arm220aand a second arm220bextending perpendicularly from the underside214of the cover210and a front opening230and a back opening240. Lengths of the first arm220aand the second arm220bextend sufficiently to enclose the holder300in a manner to be described below. The first and second arms respectively comprise a first interior222aand a second interior222b. These interiors may be designed with relatively flat surfaces.

FIG. 2Ashows an S-S′ axis that extends through the cover210in a direction parallel to the front and back openings and the first and second arms. At the far ends of the respective first and second interiors222aand222b, a first hinge224aand second hinge224bextends perpendicularly from the first and second interiors. The hinges are constructed at an approximate midpoint between the front opening230and the back opening240. The overall configuration of the outer shell200as described above allows the holder300to rotate out of the outer shell200via the front opening230and the back opening240, which are correspondingly dimensioned.

FIG. 2Bshows the holder300comprising a top surface310with an orifice312that leads into a channel314for inserting a product. The holder300has a first side320a, a second side320b, a front side330and a back side340. A first slot322aand a second slot322bare cut through the walls of the respective first and second sides. The length of the holder300, the length of the channel314and the lengths of the first and second slots322aand322b, run parallel to an R-R′ axis and extend approximately to a bottom surface350.

FIG. 2Cshows the product400, in this case being a cylindrically shaped lipstick bullet with a slanted top surface designed for easy application to the lips. This product shape and form is merely an example of a standard lipstick shape found in the market place and the embodiments can package and dispense any number of product shapes and sizes and is not limited to any one shape as long as the product can be inserted and contained within the channel314of the holder300.

FIG. 2Dshows the support cup500which in this case is a circular cup surrounded by a side wall510, a top opening520and a bottom platform530. A first recess512aand a second recess51bare inscribed into the opposing sides of the side wall510, with respective opening shapes and dimensions such that the outer shell's first and second hinges224aand224bcan be inserted within and rotate relative to the support cup500. The cross-sectional shape of the support cup500is such that it can be linearly inserted through the orifice312and move along the channel314of the holder300. Though the support cup500inFIG. 2Dis presented as a circular cup, it will be shown below that there are other suitable configurations for the support cup500.

With regard to the components as shown and described in reference toFIGS. 2A-2D,FIGS. 3A-3Dillustrate how the four components of the embodiment may be fit together.

FIGS. 3A-3Dalso show a preferred (but not required) order in which to assemble these components.

FIG. 3Ashows the assembly of the support cup500with the holder300. The support cup500is inserted into the orifice312and into the channel314with the top opening520of the support cup500facing upward such that the first recess512ais aligned with the holder's first slot322aand the second recess512b(hidden from view) is also aligned with the holder's second slot322b(also hidden from view). The first and second recesses are visible through the first and second slots, respectively, after the assembly. The support cup500can move freely through the channel314along the axis R-R′.

FIG. 3Bshows how the outer shell200may be assembled to the holder300and the support cup500. In particular,FIG. 3Bshows the outer shell200, the holder300, and the support cup500at the moment of the assembly. The first and second recesses512aand512b, which have been aligned with the holder's first and second slots322aand322b, respectively, are also aligned with the first and second hinges224aand224bof the outer shell200. Though it is not show in this figure, it should be assumed that the cup second recess420bis aligned with the holder second slot214bof the holder. Furthermore, the present embodiment reveals a holder top surface210and a shell cover110that are designed to be angled to secure the device when it is in a closed position. This detail will be explained further inFIGS. 6A-6D. As shown withFIG. 3B, the width of the holder300as defined by the perpendicular distance between the holder's first side320aand the holder's second side320bis equal to or slightly less than the perpendicular distance between the first interior222aand the second interior222bof the respective first and second arms of the outer shell200. Moreover, the lengths of the first and second arms220aand220bof the outer shell200are such that they substantially cover the height of the holder's first and second sides. Lastly, the outer shell's front opening230and the back opening240are such that the holder300can be easily positioned between the outer shell's first and second arms.

In order to allow insertion of the outer shell's first and second hinges through the holder's slots such that they may engage with the support cup's recesses, the outer shell's arms may need to be flexed outwards to accommodate the protrusion lengths of the hinges and then return to their original shape. Thus, the outer shell's first and second arms may be composed of a suitably flexible material to allow such flexing but with a material memory such that the flexing will not permanently distort the shape of the outer shell.

FIG. 3Cillustrates a cutaway view shown at an oblique angle to the other three views.FIG. 3Cillustrates in detail how the first hinge224ais inserted through the first slot322aand engages with the first recess512a. Though hidden fromFIG. 3C, the second hinge224bis similarly and simultaneously inserted through the second slot322band engages with the second recess512b.

An exemplary design of the first and second hinges224aand224bis a cylindrical shape whose length is defined as the amount of protrusion from the first and second interiors of the respective arms and whose diameter is defined such that the hinges can easily fit through the holder's slots and engage with the support cup's recesses. The corresponding support cup's recesses may likewise have cylindrical shape and have diameters that are approximately equal to those of the hinges. Furthermore, the length of the hinges are such that they can fully engage the support cup's recesses having protruded through the respective thicknesses of the holder's first and second sides. This design allows any force applied to the outer shell's hinges to directly translate into a corresponding movement of the support cup along the holder's channel314in a manner that will be detailed later.

FIG. 3Dshows the outer shell's hinges having fully engaged with the support cup's recesses. Once fully engaged, the support cup is positioned proximal to the top surface310of the holder300such that the support cup500is accessible through the holder's orifice312. The product400is shown being inserted into the support cup500.

The sequence for assembly of these foregoing components within the scope of the embodiments is not limited to that shown with respect toFIGS. 3A-3D. For example, the product400and the support cup500may be preassembled before the support cup500is inserted into the holder300or the outer shell200may first be assembled to the holder300before inserting the support cup500into the holder300.

Referring now toFIGS. 4A-4E, a preferred sequence employed in opening the applicator device100and accessing the product400is illustrated. Each of theFIGS. 4A-4Eshows an isometric illustration of a sequential segment and a corresponding two-dimensional side view of the same sequential segment.

FIG. 4Ashows a closed position of the applicator device100. The upper isometric illustration shows how the outer shell200completely covers and protects the product400within the holder300. The lower two-dimensional side view shows the applicator device100in the same closed position and how the product400is positioned in the support cup500. For sake of clarity, the product400and the support cup500are depicted in dashed lines.

FIG. 4Bshows the outer shell200rotating relative to the holder300about the axis defined by the first hinge224aand second hinge224band the orifice312of the holder300is exposed. The direction of rotation is such that the outer shell's back opening240moves away from the back side340of the holder300. It will be shown below in detail with respect toFIGS. 6A-6Dhow the outer shell200is prevented from rotating in a direction such that the outer shell's back opening240and holder's back side340approach each other.

FIG. 4Cshows the applicator device100after the outer shell200and the holder300have rotated 180 degrees relative to each other, from their original positions. The holder300is now ready to be moved longitudinally relative to the outer shell200along the R-R′ axis. As was shown inFIG. 3Cdescribing the assembly of the applicator device, the outer shell's hinges224aand224bprotrude through the holder's first slot322aand second slot322band are engaged with the first and second recesses of the support cup500. Thereafter, the product is ready to be propelled by the support cup500and the outer shell200through the holder's channel314and along the holder's first and second slots and in a direction parallel to the R-R′ axis.

FIG. 4Dshows the applicator device100after the outer shell200and the support cup500have begun to move simultaneously along the channel314in the direction indicated by the arrow.

Finally,FIG. 4Eshows the applicator device100in a fully open position. The product400is fully exposed and ready to be applied. It should be understood that a normal use of the product400does not require it to be completely open; rather, a user may be able to access and use the product400even if it is only partially exposed.

Referring now toFIGS. 5A-5E, a preferred sequence employed in closing the applicator device100is illustrated. The sequence illustrated inFIGS. 5A-5Eshows the same components and parts as illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4Ebut in a sequentially reversed order.

FIG. 5Ashows the applicator device100in a fully open position.FIGS. 5B and 5Cshow the outer shell200, whose hinges are engaged with the support cup's recesses, pulling the product-filled support cup away from the orifice312and into the channel314in the direction indicated by the arrow.FIG. 5Dshows the outer shell200rotating relative to the holder300and product-filled support cup toward a closed position. Finally,FIG. 5Eshows the applicator device100in a closed position, identical to what is shown inFIG. 4A. The outer shell200is prevented from rotating further by virtue of the angular designs of the holder's top surface310and the outer shell's cover210as will be detailed in reference toFIGS. 6A-6D.

Referring now toFIGS. 6A-6D, a set of side cross-sectional views that emphasizes the angular orientations of the top portions of the outer shell200and the holder300is illustrated.

FIG. 6Ashows the angular offset Q of the outer shell's cover210relative to the outer shell's longitudinal axis S-S′.FIG. 6Bshows the angular offset P of the holder's top surface310relative to the holder's longitudinal axis R-R′.FIG. 6Cshows the applicator device100as the outer shell200rotates about the outer shell's hinges224aand224band as the outer shell cover's underside214is about to fully close over the holder's top surface310. The angular offsets Q and P should be dimensioned such that when the outer shell200is almost closed as illustrated inFIG. 6C, an edge360defined between the top surface310and the back side340of the holder300does not interfere with the outer shell cover's underside214. The outer shell's back opening240rotates into the holder's back side340until the outer shell200is forced to make a full stop as the outer shell cover's underside214comes in contact with the holder's top surface310. It is the contact between these two surfaces that prevents the outer shell200from rotating further. The axes R-R′ and S-S′ incidentally approximately coincide when the applicator device100is in this position.

Referring now toFIGS. 7A-7C, a set of views of the applicator device100incorporating a peg and groove mechanism that prevents the holder from moving laterally relative to the outer shell when the applicator device is in a closed position, is illustrated.

FIG. 7Ashows an isometric drawing of the holder300oriented such that the front side330can be viewed.FIG. 7Afurther shows a groove370of a given depth inscribed in the form of a circular arc, into the holder's first side320a. An end of the arc starts from the holder's back side340and extends toward and eventually terminates at the first slot322a.

FIG. 7Bshows an isometric drawing of the outer shell200oriented such that the back opening240can be viewed. The outer shell comprises a peg270of a given height protruding from the first interior222aof the outer shell's first arm220a. In this illustration, the peg270is depicted as having a cylindrical shape. The height of the peg270is such that it engages with the holder's groove370and moves through the groove370unobstructed. The peg270may be formed into other general shapes as long as it can engage with and move through the groove370unobstructed. This groove and peg mechanism is constructed at a location such that when the outer shell200is rotated toward the holder300as the applicator device100approaches a closed position, the peg270will engage with the groove370at the holder's back side340.

The groove's arc is such that its radial center coincides with the center of rotation of the outer shell200relative to the holder300. Though this embodiment assumes the holder300comprising a groove and the outer shell200comprising a peg, in an alternative embodiment, the peg can be located on the holder's first side and the groove inscribed into the outer shell's first arm's first interior.

Even further, although only one set of peg and groove mechanism is described heretofore, a second or even multiple sets of the peg and groove mechanism may be incorporated into an applicator in order to further secure the holder to the outer shell. For instance, a peg can be located on both the first interior and second interior of the outer shell and a groove can be located on both the first side and second side of the holder.

FIGS. 7C-7Eillustrates cross-sectional views of a set of three sequential segments describing how in closing the applicator device100, the peg270engages with the groove370and secures the applicator device100in its closed position. The three sequence segments each shows the holder300, the outer shell200and a dashed outline of the support cup500within the holder300.

First,7C shows the outer shell200closing against the holder300. The first hinge224ais engaged with the support cup's first recess512aand the support cup is at the bottom of the holder's channel314. The peg270has not yet reached the location where it contacts the groove370. The outer shell200is rotating about the center of rotation as defined by the outer shell's hinges224aand224b.

Second,7D shows the same rotating outer shell200as it moves closer to the holder300. Here, the peg270has entered the groove370. The radial dimension of the groove370is approximately the same as the radial movement that the peg270travels relative to the center of rotation.

Lastly,7E shows the applicator device100in a closed position. The peg270has moved along the groove370and arrived at a contact point380. At this point, the peg270prevents the outer shell200from moving longitudinally upwards relative to the holder300. The angular design as described in6a-6dprevents the shell from rotating further toward the holder front. Therefore, the shell is locked in place and is restricted to movement in the direction toward its back opening.

Referring now toFIGS. 8A-9E, a further embodiment incorporating a guide and guideway that prevents the outer shell from moving longitudinally relative to the holder is illustrated. The guide and guideway system prevents the holder300from rotating relative to the outer shell200after the hinges move longitudinally along the first and second slots322aand332b. In this embodiment, the applicator device100is more stable when opening and using the applicator device100.

FIG. 8Ashows an isometric drawing of the holder300oriented such that the front side330can be viewed. The holder's first side320ais inscribed with a guideway390that runs parallel to and borders either side of the first slot322a. The longitudinal length of the guideway390approximately extends from the holder's bottom surface350to a first slot top324a. The depth of the guideway does not exceed the thickness of the wall forming the holder's first side320a. The guideway390is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion392of the guideway390is of a width U and length T. The lower portion394of the guideway390is proximal to the holder's bottom surface350and has a width V and length W. The width V is greater than the width U.

FIG. 8Bshows an isometric drawing of the outer shell200oriented such that the back opening240can be viewed. From the outer shell's first interior222aprotrudes a guide290surrounding the first hinge224ahaving a width X and length Y. The protruding height of the guide290is less than that of the hinge224abut sufficient such that when the outer shell200and the holder300are assembled, the guide290can engage with the upper portion and lower portion of the guideway390.

As will be detailed in reference toFIGS. 9A-9E, the guide290is dimensioned such that it can rotate around the axis of the hinges while the support cup500is proximal to the holder's bottom surface350and within the lower portion area defined by width V and length W. The length Y of the guide is dimensioned to be greater than the width U of the upper portion. The width X of the guide is dimensioned to be less than or equal to the width U of the upper portion. Therefore, the guide290limits rotation of the outer shell200relative to the holder300when the guide290is located within the lower portion394. It further limits the guide290's longitudinal movement when the guide290is located in the upper portion392.

FIGS. 9A-9Eillustrate the interaction between the guide290and the guideway390. InFIGS. 9A-9E, the outer shell200is depicted as transparent in order to clearly show the interaction of the guide290within the guideway390. In these drawings, the bold solid lines depict the position of the outer shell's outer boundaries and the outer shell's cover210, the position of the guide290and the position of the first hinge224a. The thin solid lines depict the holder's outer boundaries, the first slot322a, and the guideway390. The dashed line shows the position of the outer borders of the support cup500.

InFIG. 9A, the applicator device100is in a fully closed position. The support cup500is proximal to the holder's bottom surface350and connected to the outer shell200via the hinges224aand224bas described hitherto. The guide290is completely contained within the volume of the lower portion and has a width X and length Y. As was described above in reference toFIGS. 7A-7C, incorporation of the peg270and the groove370prevents the outer shell200from moving in a longitudinal direction relative to the holder300while in the closed position.

FIG. 9Bshows the outer shell200rotating away from the holder300. As mentioned previously, the lower portion394of the guideway390as defined by the width V and length W, allows the guide290to rotate within its confined space. The outer shell's peg270is completely disengaged from the holder's groove370.

FIG. 9Cshows the outer shell200after it has rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to the holder300. Because the length Y of the guide290is greater than the width U of the upper portion392of the guideway390, it cannot move longitudinally along the guideway's upper portion392.

FIG. 9Dshows the outer shell200having rotated 180 degrees relative the holder300. Now, since the width X is less than the width U, the guide290is able to fit into the guideway390and able to propel the support cup500through the holder's channel314.FIG. 9Eshows the position of the support cup500after it has propelled some distance upward through the holder's channel314.

Though the foregoing description of this feature is illustrated with only one guideway390proximal to the holder's first slot322aand a guide290proximal to the first hinge224a, the applicator device100can be alternatively designed such that there is a second guideway and a second guide proximal respectively to the holder second slot322band to the second hinge224b. Such an addition would further stabilize the applicator device100during use.

FIGS. 10A-11Bshow yet another embodiment comprising a closure that further stabilizes the applicator device100when it is in a closed position. Though there are different designs of closures that may be employed, what is shown in reference toFIGS. 10A-11Bis a simple mechanical snap mechanism.

FIG. 10Ashows an isometric view of a closure female section295positioned in the underside214of the outer shell200proximal to the back opening240.FIG. 10Aalso shows a closure male section395on the top surface310of the holder300proximal to the back side340. InFIG. 10A, the outer shell200is rotating relative to the holder300towards a closed position.FIG. 10Bshows a partial cross-sectional detailed view of the relevant area demonstrating the closure female section295about to engage with the closure male section395.FIG. 11Ashows the applicator device100in a fully closed position with the closure sections completely engaged.FIG. 11Bshows a partial cross-sectional detailed view of the relevant area demonstrating the engaged closure sections.

Referring now toFIGS. 12A-12D, a set of cross-sectional views further describes the applicator device100when pressure is exerted on either side of outer shell's first and second arms.

FIG. 12Ais a front view of the outer shell200demonstrating the bending angles of the first arm220aand the second arm220bwhen pressure is exerted in directions symbolized by the shown pair of arrows. The angles a° and −a° represent the respective angle by which the first and second arms distort upon compressive force.

FIG. 12Bshows the fully assembled applicator device100where the outer shell200has rotated 180 degrees with respect to the holder300. The view inFIG. 12Bis directed toward the front of the outer shell200and the holder300has not yet propelled the product400forward.

FIG. 12Cshows the outer shell200having pushed the product partially through the orifice312of the holder300. Pressure is exerted in the directions demonstrated by the arrows which in turn causes the arms' interiors to compress against the first and second sides of the holder300. These compressive forces, as shown by the arrows inFIGS. 12C and 12Dwould usually be exerted by the user's fingers as the product is applied and by virtue of friction between the outer shell's arms against the holder's first and second sides, prevent the holder300from sliding longitudinally relative to the outer shell200.

FIGS. 13A-13Ddemonstrate the same feature as illustrated inFIGS. 12A-12D, except that a set of notches296are built into one or both sides of the outer shell's arms and a set of protrusions396are built into the first and second sides of the holder300to assist the relevant compressive forces in stabilizing the applicator100. It is to be noted that there are various designs for notches and protrusion mechanism that can be employed to achieve this result.

Illustrated inFIG. 13Ais an isometric view of the applicator device100with a set of notches296on either side of the first and second interiors and a set of protrusions396extending from the holder's first and second sides.

The applicator device100as shown inFIG. 13Bcorresponds to what is shown inFIG. 12Cbut the holder's built-in protrusions396have engaged with the notches296built on the arms of the outer shell200. As pressure is applied in the direction of the arrows, the arms compress against the holder and stabilize the applicator device100. It is also shown inFIG. 13Bthat the holder's protrusions396can engage with the notches296at various locations longitudinally along the arms' interiors. Therefore, the holder's longitudinal position can be adjusted relative to the outer shell200.

FIG. 13Cshows a partial cutaway and magnified detail of the area comprising the engagement of the notch and the protrusion.

FIG. 13Dcorresponds toFIG. 12Bbut with the holder300having protrusions396and the outer shell having notches296. The arrow indicates the position where the notches engage with the protrusions as compressive pressure is applied.

It is apparent from descriptions as shown inFIGS. 13A-13Dthat the addition of this feature accentuates the efficacy of the compressive forces between the arms of the outer shell200and the holder300. Though this embodiment shows the notches built within the arms' interiors and the protrusions built on the holder's first and second side, it is obvious that the protrusions can be built on the arms' interiors and the notches built along the holder's sides. Furthermore, circular indentations can be substituted for notches; this latter design option as well as other configurations could be preferred to improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the applicator device.

FIGS. 14A-14Bshow isometric views showing assembly of the holder300and the support cup500components of the applicator device100. When the support cup500is circularly shaped, the support cup can rotate freely within the channel314of the holder300and make it difficult to align the support cup's first and second recesses with the holder's first and second slots. Accordingly, an oval shaped support cup and a corresponding oval orifice on the holder can provide an improved structure. In particular, any non-circularly shaped support cup can be designed such that the support cup's recesses naturally align with the corresponding slots during assembly.

FIG. 14Ashows a support cup500whose profile is oval shaped. The holder's corresponding orifice312is similarly oval shaped such that the support cup500can fit through the orifice and move through the holder's channel without rotation. The support cup's first recess512ais conveniently aligned to the holder's first slot322a.FIG. 14Bshows the oval shaped support cup500inserted within the holder300and the first recess512avisible through the first slot322asuch that the first hinge224acan engage with it.

Alternatively,FIGS. 15A-15Bshow isometric views of the assembly of the holder300and the support cup500where a square shape is used for the support cup500and a corresponding square orifice and channel are provided on the holder300. As shown inFIGS. 13A-13B, the non-circular profile makes it easier to orient the first recess512awith the holder's first slot322a. It is obvious fromFIGS. 14A-15Bthat any non-circularly shaped support cup profile would allow easier orientation of the support cup recesses to the holder's slots during the assembly process.

Referring now toFIGS. 16A-18, various methods to hold the product400within the support cup500of the applicator device100are illustrated. Instead of inserting a solid product into a support cup, a wax or semi-solid product can be pierced with a stake530protruding from a top platform522as shown inFIGS. 16A-16B. The top platform522replaces the top opening520where the solid product was previously inserted and the side wall510continues to comprise the first recess512aand the second recess512bsuch that the outer shell's hinges can engage with the support cup.

Alternatively, the solid product can be wedged between a set of pillars540protruding from the platform522as shown inFIGS. 17A-17B. Even further, another method of containing the product within or on the support cup500would be to glue a foam applicator410or other reticulated material to the surface of the top platform522and embed the surface with liquid product. It is obvious that other vehicles for containing product may be incorporated into the applicator device100, choice of which would depend on application and type of product.

Referring now toFIGS. 19A-19B, isometric views of a seal600are illustrated.FIG. 19Ais a top isometric view of the seal600showing a seal cover610and a seal tube620.FIG. 19Bis a bottom isometric view of the seal600showing a tube cavity630constructed within the seal tube620.

Referring now to the sealing feature of the applicator device,FIG. 20Ashows an exploded view of relevant components of the applicator and their mutual relationships. The seal tube620is inserted around the exterior of the support cup500and through the orifice312and into the holder's channel314. The product400simultaneously fits into the tube cavity630. InFIG. 20A, the outer shell200is not shown.

FIG. 20Bshows how the seal600is fitted over the holder300and the seal tube620fits through the orifice312forming an orifice-tube sealing feature. The orifice-tube seal is dimensioned such that there are no gaps through which air can travel. The outer shell200is shown in this figure, having rotated 180 degrees relative to the holder300.

FIG. 20Cis a cross-sectional view formed by a plane cutting midway between the first and second sides of the holder300and revealing the relationship between the critical components of a sealed applicator device. The outside hatched component is the holder300. Inserted within the holder300is the seal tube620as described inFIG. 20B. The lower portion of the seal tube620is dimensioned such that the outer surface of the support cup's side wall510fills within the tube cavity630and a support cup-tube seal631is formed between the support cup500and the seal600. The height of the tube cavity630is such that the product400can fit within its confines and the seal tube620can engage with the support cup's side wall510when the seal600is completely inserted within the channel314of the holder300and the seal cover610lays directly on top of the holder's top surface310. Assuming the components contain no perforations other than those described hitherto, the product400is now completely sealed within the confines of the support cup500and the seal600.

FIG. 20Dis an isometric drawing of the closed and sealed applicator device with the outer shell cover210rotated over the seal cover610. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the arms of the outer shell will be dimensioned slightly longer than in previously described embodiments in order to accommodate the added thickness of the seal cover610when the applicator device is completely closed.

Referring now to another embodiment,FIG. 21Ais an isometric view showing an outer shell700and a platform760of an exemplary two-piece applicator device. Similar to the outer shell200shown inFIG. 2A, this outer shell700consists of a cover710that is angled relative to its longitudinal axis. It has a first arm720aand a second arm720b, a first interior722aand a second interior722b, an underside712of the cover710, a first base730aand a second base730bof the respective arms and a front opening740and a back opening750. The first hinge224aand second hinge224bprotrusions shown inFIG. 2Aare replaced by living hinges702which connect to both sides of the platform760.

FIG. 21Bshows a partial isometric magnified view of the platform760. The platform760is connected to the outer shell's first and second interiors by virtue of a pair of living hinges702. Each living hinge is comprised of three sections: a relatively flat platform connector762which is attached to the platform760, an outer shell connector766which is attached to the outer shell arm's interiors and a bridge764which connects the platform connector762to the outer shell connector. The living hinges702are relatively flat compared to the height of the platform760and have an overall profile shape similar to an hourglass, with the narrow section of the hourglass being the bridge764. The living hinges702can twist at the thinnest section being the bridge764. On one flat side of the platform is a stake768that is designed to pierce and hold a product after filling.

FIG. 21Cis an isometric top view of a holder800andFIG. 21Dis an isometric bottom view of the same holder800. Similar to the holder300as shown inFIG. 2B, there is a top surface810, an orifice812, a channel814, a first slot822aand a second slot822b, a front side830, a back side840, and a first side820aand a second side820b. The bottom view clearly shows a bottom surface850, a bottom opening852and two slits854positioned on opposite sides of the bottom opening852. It will be shown inFIGS. 24-25how the two slits extend into the first and second slots to allow assembly of the outer shell700to the holder800.

FIGS. 22A-22Bshow cross-sectional front views of the exemplary two-piece applicator device illustrating how the product400is contained therein. The top sections of the drawings show the cross-sections of the holder800. The drawings are cut longitudinally through the center of the first and second sides of the holder800revealing the first slot822aand the second slot822b, the orifice812, the bottom opening852, and the holder's channel814. The bottom portions of the drawings show the cross-sections of the outer shell700fully rotated to an open position and the platform760and the stake768facing in an upward direction. The living hinges702extend through the first and second slots and connect to the outer shell700.

Referring now toFIGS. 23A-23F, a sequence of isometric drawings of an exemplary two-piece applicator in various positions as it progresses from a completely closed position to an open position is illustrated. In each of theFIGS. 23A-23Fis shown a corresponding isometric magnified detail of a platform portion of the applicator and its rotation relative to living hinges. For purpose of clarity, a holder is shown to be transparent so that the position of the platform and product can be clearly viewed.

FIG. 23Ashows the applicator device in a closed position. For example, the holder800, the product400and the platform760are completely covered by the outer shell700. The platform760ofFIG. 23Ais shown immediately below, including the platform connectors762, the bridges764and the outer shell connectors766all facing in an upward direction. The stake768is shown to be perpendicular to the platform's upper surface.

FIG. 23Bshows the applicator device as the holder800begins to rotate relative to the outer shell700. The platform760and the stake768ofFIG. 23Brotate about the bridges764of the living hinges702and relative to the outer shell connectors766. The flat side of the outer shell connectors766remain facing in an upward direction as indicated by the pair of arrows, while the flat surfaces of the other components face in a different angular direction. The outer shell connectors766do not move relative to the outer shell700.

FIGS. 23C-23Eshow the holder800, the product400and the platform760continue to rotate relative to the outer shell700until the applicator device is in a completely open position. The lower magnified isometric drawings ofFIGS. 23C-23Eshow the respective position of the platform760, the platform connectors762and the stake768as they continue to rotate about the bridges764and relative to the outer shell connectors766.

FIG. 23Fshows the outer shell700push the platform760and propel the product400along the holder's channel814and through the holder's orifice812. Because the design incorporates living hinges, the outer shell must be constructed out of a flexible material such as polypropylene.

Referring now toFIGS. 24A-24B, top and bottom isometric views of the holder800of the two-piece applicator device illustrating how it can be opened to allow insertion and assembly of the outer shell700, is shown.

FIG. 24Ashows the bottom surface850of the holder800facing upwards to reveal the pair of slits854and the bottom opening852. The holder800is pulled open in the directions of the opposing arrows so that the slits form an entrance for the outer shell700into the first slot822aand the second slot822b.FIG. 24Bshows the same view with the pair of slits854reclosed. It is assumed that the slits854may be sealed together either mechanically using, for example, a tongue and groove pair, adhesive, or sonic or thermal sealing. As with the outer shell700, the material of the holder800must be constructed out of a flexible material such as polypropylene.

FIGS. 25A-25Eshow a sequence of isometric drawing segments of the two-piece applicator device as the outer shell700and the platform760are assembled to the holder800. The holder800is shown with the bottom opening850facing upwards and the holder800is stretched open at in the direction of the arrows separating the holder800into two at the slits854. The open slits lead into the respective slots and are open sufficiently wide to allow insertion of the living hinges702and the platform760as shown inFIG. 25B.FIG. 25Cshows the holder's slits854now sealed together, the living hinges702completely inserted within the respective slots and the platform760within the channel814.FIG. 25Dshows the outer shell700rotating relative to the holder800toward a closed position. Finally,FIG. 25Eshows the two-piece applicator device in a completely closed position.

Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.