Patent Publication Number: US-11019909-B2

Title: Lip/skin applicator device with rotatable feature

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an applicator device for dispensing a product. More particularly, the present invention relates to 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 
     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&#39; 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. 
     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&#39;s lips. Lip balm may also be used after a person&#39;s lips become chapped to soothe the person&#39;s lips and prevent further damage from occurring. 
     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 contamination, 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. 
     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 leads to frustration on the part of the user. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
     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 fins extending radially towards a center of the opening and protruding into the product. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     In the following description of the invention, certain terminology is used for the purpose of reference only, and is not intend to be limiting. Terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below,” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “inwards” and “outward” refer to directions towards and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the component described. Terms such as “side”, “top”, “bottom,” “horizontal,” and “vertical,” describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology includes words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
     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) 
       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: 
         FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIGS. 1B-1D  are trimetric perspective views showing the embodiment in closed, partially open and fully open positions. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are a trimetric perspective view and a top view, respectively, showing an embodiment of the first housing portion of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 2C  is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of the first housing portion of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 2D  is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of  FIG. 2C .  FIG. 2E  is a side perspective view showing an embodiment of the first housing portion of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 2F  is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of  FIG. 2E . 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are a top view and a trimetric perspective view, respectively, showing an embodiment of the cover which attaches to the first housing portion of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 3C  is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of the cover which attaches to the first housing portion of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 3D  is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of  FIG. 3C .  FIG. 3E  is a side perspective view showing an embodiment of the cover which attaches to the first housing portion of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 3F  is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of  FIG. 3E . 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are a trimetric perspective view and a top view, respectively, showing an embodiment of the second housing portion of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 4C  is a side perspective view showing an embodiment of the second housing portion of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in  FIG. 4C .  FIG. 4E  is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of the second housing portion of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 4F  is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of  FIG. 4E . 
         FIG. 5A  is a top perspective view showing an embodiment of the first housing portion of the applicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of the applicator device in the closed position.  FIG. 6B  is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of the applicator device in a partially open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1D , 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 first housing portion  20 , and the first and second housing portions  20  and  60  are rotatably/pivotally connected. 
     The rotatable/pivotal connection of the first and second housing portions  20  and  60  allows the second housing portion  60  to rotate about the first housing portion  20  between an open position and a closed position, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1B-1D . When the first and second housing portions  20  and  60  are in the closed position ( FIG. 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 first and second housing portions  20  and  60  are in the open position ( FIG. 1D ), 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 second housing portion  60  is rotated about the first housing portion  20  so that the second housing portion  60  covers or houses at least a portion of the first housing portion  20 . 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. 
     The rotating motion of the second housing portion  60  may be accomplished by first and second pivot joints  12  and  14 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the first and second pivot joints  12  and  14  are formed on diametrically opposing portions of the first and second housing portions  20  and  60 . The applicator device  10  may also include a lever  16  for helping to open or close the applicator device, and an open position snap bead detent  42  for holding the device in the open position. 
     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 pivotal or rotatable connection of the first and second housing portions  20  and  60  of the applicator device  10  prevents these problems. The applicator device  10  can be opened by rotating the second 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 first and second housing portions  20  and  60  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. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2A-2F , which show the first housing portion  20  of an applicator device  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective and top views, respectively.  FIG. 2C  is a front perspective view.  FIG. 2D  is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in  FIG. 2C .  FIG. 2E  is a side perspective view.  FIG. 2F  is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of  FIG. 2E . 
     In an embodiment, the outermost surface of the first housing portion  20  may have a substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape when viewed from a side and the outline of the first housing portion  20  is an oval when viewed from above. The bottom  50  of the first housing portion  20  may be cut-off or flattened allowing the applicator device  10  to be set on a table or other surface without tipping. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2F , the bottom  50  of the first housing portion  20  is flat. In another embodiment, the bottom  50  of the first housing portion  20  may project inward from the lower-most point of the first housing portion  20 . 
     The first 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 first housing portion  20 . Furthermore, the first housing portion  20  may, for example, be formed of polypropylene. However, the first housing portion  20  is not limited to this material, and other plastics, thermoplastics or any other suitable material may be used in its place. 
     The substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape of the first 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 first housing portion  20  is not limited to a semi-ellipsoidal shape and may take another shape, such as semi-spherical. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-2F , the 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 . The width W 1  of the portion  92  of the product  90  inserted into the opening  22  may be equal or less than the width W 2  of the portion of the product  90  that is positioned over the uppermost surface of the first 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 . 
     The first housing portion  20  may comprise an outer wall  26  and an inner wall  28 . The outer wall  26  of the first housing portion  20  is shaped like a basin. The inner wall  28  is formed within the outer wall  26  while leaving an open space  34  between the inner wall  28  and the outer wall  26 . The inner wall  28  creates the opening  22  in which the neck  92  is inserted. The outer wall  26  may have a substantially oval shape when viewed on top, and the inner wall  28  may have a substantially circular shape that surrounds the opening  22  when viewed on top. The inner wall  28  includes a plurality of fins  24  that extend radially from an inner surface of the inner wall  28  towards the center of the opening  22 . The fins  24  help to secure the product  90  to the first housing portion  20  and prevent unwanted movement of the product  90  after it is mounted to the first housing portion  20 . As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 d   , these fins  24  are preferably comprised of a plurality of inwardly down slanting structure. 
     The opening  22  may include a lower part and an upper part. The fins  24  may extend from the upper part to the lower part, or may exist only in the upper part. A post  30  may be formed in the lower part of the opening. The post  30  may be formed in the center of the opening (i.e., in the radial center of the fins  24 ) and extend from an inner lower surface of the first housing portion  20  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner lower surface. The uppermost surface  32  of the of the post  30  may provide a surface on which the product  90  sits. 
     In the upper part of the opening  22 , the fins  24  may extend to, but may not reach, the center of the opening from the inner surface of the inner wall  28 . In the lower part of the opening  22 , the fins  24  may extend to and be integrated with the post  30 . The fins  24  may have a constant thickness, as is shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D . Alternatively, the thickness of the fins  24  in the lower part of the opening  22  may be increased relative to their thicknesses in the upper part of the opening to provide additional surfaces on which the product  90  sits. 
     The inner wall  28  may also include an air vent  82 . The air vent  82  may be an elongated slit that extends from the upper part of the inner wall  28  to the lower part. The air vent  82  may have a different shape, such as a circle, positioned at the lower part of the of the inside wall  28 . The air vent  82  allows the neck  92  of the product  90  to sit in the opening  22 . 
     The thickness of the inner wall  28  may decrease near the top of inner wall  28  in order to create a decline. This decline may be flat or curved. As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the intersection of the neck  92  and the application portion  94  of the product  90  may be curved. The declined inner upper surface  76  corresponds to the curved intersection of the neck  92  and the application portion  94 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , in an embodiment, the first housing portion  20  may further comprise a cover  70  having an opening  72 , an upper surface  76 , and an attachment ring  78 . The cover  70  attaches to the first housing portion  20  and hides the open space  34  from view. The cover  70  includes an opening  72  that is in communication with the opening  22  created by the inner wall  28 . 
     The upper surface  76  of the cover  70  may include a flat outer upper surface  74  and a declined inner upper surface  76 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3D and 3F , the declined inner upper surface  76  declines from the flat outer upper surface  74  to the opening  72 . This decline may be a flat or curved decline. As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the intersection of the neck  92  and the application portion  94  of the product  90  may be curved. The declined inner upper surface  76  attaches to the top of the inner wall and, together with the decline in the top of the inner wall, forms a declining surface that corresponds to the curved intersection of the neck  92  and the application portion  94 . 
     The cover  70  may include a hole  79 . The hole  79  acts as a vent and provides a path for air in the open space  34  when the cover closes the open space  34  on the top of the first housing portion  20 . Thus, the small hole  79  allows the cover  70  to easily close the open space  34 . 
     The attachment ring  78  may be circular and may have a diameter that is slightly larger than that of the inner wall  28 . The attachment ring  78  may include one or more snap beads  84  formed on an inner surface of the attachment ring  78 . The one or more snap beads  84  may engage with one or more snap beads  85  formed on the outer surface of the inner wall  28  (see  FIG. 2A ), so that the attachment ring  78  snaps onto inner wall  28  via snap beads  84  and  85  on both the attachment ring and the inner wall  28 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the application portion  94  of the product  90  may rest above the upper surface of the cover  70  so that a lowermost surface of the application portion  94  is not in direct contact with the upper surface of the cover  70  when the applicator device  10  is not in use. When a user presses the product to his or her lips, the lowermost surface of the application portion may contact the upper surface of the cover  70 . 
     The basin shaped outer wall  26 , the inner wall  28  and the cover  70  create a structurally sound compartment for the product  90  that is light weight and saves on material. Because of this structure, the first 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 fins  24  and post  30  support the product  90  and prevent it from moving around. 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate another embodiment of the product support structure of the first housing portion  20 . Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5B , the opening  22  may instead include a plurality of splines/elongated protrusions  124 . When the neck  92  of the product  90  is inserted into the opening  22 , the protrusions  124  protrude within the neck  92 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the outer wall  26  is relatively thick, and the inner wall  28  is formed within the outer wall  26  so as to create a groove  134  between the inner wall  28  and the outer wall  26 . The splines/elongated protrusions  124  are formed on the inner surface of the inner wall  28 , and the splines/elongated protrusions  124  project into the opening  22 . A resting surface for the product  90  may be formed by either decreasing the width of the inner wall or forming an additional innermost wall  130  within the inner wall  28  that has a height less than the inner wall  28 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , a first female socket  36  and a second female socket  38  are formed on diametrically opposing portions of the first housing portion  20 . The first and second female sockets  36  and  38  are each formed within the outer surface of the outer wall  26 . The first and second female sockets  36  and  38  may be formed to pass partially through the outer wall  26  or entirely through the outer wall  26 . 
     Preferably, the first and second female sockets  36  and  38  are formed near the top of the first housing portion  20  along the short axis y (see  FIG. 2A ). Placing the first and second female sockets  36  and  38  along the short axis y is advantageous for opening and closing the applicator device  10  and handling the applicator device  10 . 
     A lever  16  may be formed on the front of the first housing portion  20 . The lever  16  may be an integrally formed part of the first housing portion (i.e. a single mold), or may be a separate part that is mounted to the first housing portion  20 . The lever  16  may be used to help open or close the applicator device when rotating the second housing portion between the open and closed positions. In an alternative embodiment, the lever  16  may be replaced by a clasp  116  (see  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) A first portion  140  of the clasp  116  is formed on the front of the first housing portion  20 , and a second portion  166  of the clasp  116  is formed on the front of the second housing portion. The first portion  140  of the clasp  116  may have a bump  156  or recess  158  that slides or fits into a recess  158  or bump  156  formed in a second portion  166  of the clasp  116 . 
     The bottom housing portion  20  may also include a snap groove  44  that circumscribes the first housing portion  20  at or near the uppermost part of the first housing portion  20 . A snap bead  68  formed on the second housing portion  60  fits within the snap groove  44  of the first housing portion  20 . Together with the snap bead  68 , the snap groove  44  provides some seal integrity when the applicator device  10  is closed to protect the product in a more air tight environment. The snap groove  44  also helps to ensure that the applicator device  10  stays closed when in the closed position. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the snap groove  44  may be provided on the second housing portion  60  rather than the bottom housing portion  20 . In turn, the snap bead  68  is provided on the bottom housing portion  20  rather than the second housing portion  60  (See  FIG. 5 ). In this embodiment, the snap groove  44  circumscribes the inner space of the second housing portion at or near the lowermost part of the second housing portion  60 . The snap bead  68  is then formed at or near the uppermost part of the first housing portion  20 . Similar to the previous embodiment, the snap bead  68  fits within the snap groove  44  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. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the first housing portion  20  may further comprise an open position snap bead detent  42 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the detent  42  is a groove formed in the front of the first housing portion  20 . The snap bead  68  in the second housing portion  60  fits within detent  42  when the applicator device  10  is in the open position, so that the applicator device  10  remains in the open position until a user asserts sufficient force. In an alternative embodiment, the detent  42  may be a protrusion that fits within the snap groove  44 , when the second housing portion  60  includes a snap groove  44  instead of the snap bead  68 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4A to 4F , which show the second housing portion  60  of an applicator device  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are a perspective view and a top view, respectively.  FIG. 4C  is a side perspective view.  FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in  FIG. 4C .  FIG. 4E  is a back perspective view.  FIG. 4F  is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of  FIG. 4E . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A-4F , the outermost surface of the second housing portion  60  has a substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape, and the outline of the second housing portion  60  is an oval when viewed from above. The top  80  of the second 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 second housing portion  60 . 
     In an embodiment, the underside of the second housing portion, (i.e., the uppermost portion of the inside surface of the second housing portion  60 ) may have a guide  54 , which follows the contour of the product  90  (see  FIGS. 1A, 4D and 4F ). The guide  54  prevents the product  90  from falling out during, for example, shipment. 
     The substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape of the second 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 second housing portion  60  is not limited to a semi-ellipsoidal shape and may take another shape, such as semi-spherical. 
     The second 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 first housing portion  20  when the applicator device  10  is in the open position. The second housing portion  60  may, for example, be formed by an injection molding process. However, it should be understood that other processes known in the art may also be used to form the second housing portion  60 . The second housing portion  60  may, for example, be formed of polypropylene. However, the second housing is not limited to this material and other plastics, thermoplastics or another suitable material may be used in its place. 
     The second housing portion  60  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 . 
     The first and second male posts  62  and  64  project outward from an inner surface of the second housing portion  60  and are positioned to allow the second housing portion  60  to rotate about the first housing portion  20 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A-4F , the first and second male posts  62  and  64  are formed on diametrically opposing portions of the second housing portion  60  near the bottom of the second housing portion  60 . Further, the first and second male posts  62  and  64  are formed along the short axis y (see  FIG. 4A ). The first and second male posts  62  and  64  may be integrally formed parts of the second housing portion  60 , or may be separate parts mounted to the second housing portion  60 . 
     In an embodiment, the first and second male posts  62  and  64  may also have hollow interiors as can be seen in  FIGS. 4D and 4F . The hollow interiors are advantageous over solid interiors, as they are easier/faster to mold, and sink marks on the exterior of the second housing portion  60  are less visible. 
     The first and second male posts  62  and  64  may also include a plurality of ribs. For example, each of the first and second male posts  62  and  64  may include four ribs. The ribs are formed on the outer surface of the male posts  62  and  64  (i.e., the surface of the male posts  62  and  64  facing the female socket  36  and  38  when the male posts  62  and  64  are inserted into the female sockets  36  and  38 ), so that the ribs add a small amount of drag as the second housing portion  60  rotates about the first housing portion  20 . 
     The second housing portion  60  may also include a snap bead  68  formed on the inner surface of second housing portion  60 . The snap bead  68  circumscribes the inner space of the second housing portion  60  and matches the shape of the snap groove  44 . As noted above, the combination of the snap bead  68  and the snap groove  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. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the neck  92  of the product  90  is inserted into the opening  22  of the first housing portion  20 , and the fins  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 first 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. 
     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  may rest over, but not touch, the upper surface of the cover  70 . The outermost surface of the application portion  94  of the product may have an arcuate shape. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the application portion  94  has a semi-ellipsoidal shape. However, the application portion  94  may take other shapes, such as semi-spherical shape. 
     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 first and second housing members  20  and  60  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. 
     The second housing portion  60  is connected to the first housing portion  20  by way of the first and second pivot joints  12  and  14 . The first male post  62  of the second housing portion  60  is inserted into the first female socket  36  of the first housing portion  20  to form the first pivot joint  12 . Similarly, the second male post  64  of the second housing portion  60  is inserted into the second female socket  38  of the first housing portion  20  to form the second pivot joint  14 . The first and second pivot joints  12 ,  14  provide the means by which the second housing portion  60  rotates about the first housing portion  20  between the open and closed positions. 
     The lever  16  helps a user open or close the applicator device  10 . Lever  16  may also restrict the rotation of the second housing portion  60  to one direction. For example, rotation of the second housing portion  60  in the direction towards the lever  16  is restricted, since the lever  16  abuts against the edge of the second housing portion  60  when the applicator device is in the closed position (see  FIG. 1A ). 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2F , the lever  16  extends along most if not all of the front of the applicator device  16 . However, the lever  16  is not limited to this shape, and may, for example, occupy a smaller space on the front of the applicator device  10 . 
     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 first housing member  20  and first and second male posts  62  and  64  projecting from the second housing portion  60 . However, in another embodiment, the pivot joints may be reversed, with male posts projecting from the first housing member  20  and female openings formed within the second housing member  60 . 
     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. 1A-1D , is obtained. The applicator device has a first housing portion  20  onto which a skin-care product  90  is mounted and a second housing portion  60  that rotates about the first housing portion  20 . 
     Upon sufficient force from the user, the second 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 lever  16  may be used to open the applicator device  10 . In another example, a user may place a finger on the concave arcuate shape of the top  80  of the second housing portion  60  and apply force to the top  80  of the second housing portion  60  sufficient to open the applicator device  10 . As another example, the semi-ellipsoid shape of the first and second housing portions  20  and  60  allow a user to grip and open the applicator device with one hand. In this example, a user can place a thumb on either the concave arcuate top  80  of the second housing member  60  or on the bottom  50  of the first housing member  20  while wrapping one or more fingers around the other portion. Upon applying sufficient force with the thumb, the user can then open the applicator device  10 . 
     Upon opening the applicator device, the product  90  is applied to a user&#39;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. Upon application of the product  90 , the applicator device  10  may be returned to its closed position. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 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. 
     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. 
     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.