Abstract:
A makeup brush for use with a motorized handle has a substantially cylindrical body portion defining a first end, a second end, a blind bore formed in the first end, an outer wall that extends from the first end to the second end, and a coupling assembly formed at the second end that is configured for coupling the body portion to a motorized handle. An applicator is at least partially received in the blind bore and coupled therein. At least one finger grip is formed on the outer wall proximate to the first end and extends radially outward from the outer wall. The at least one finger grip is configured to enable a user to releasably couple the body portion adjacent a motorized handle without the user having to touch the applicator. In various embodiments, the blind bore has a solid bottom wall that separates the bore from the coupling assembly.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/955,817, entitled “Applicator Assembly” dated Jul. 31, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/677,861, filed Jul. 31, 2012, entitled “Applicator Assembly,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    People may desire easier and more effective ways to apply cosmetics. Accordingly there is a need for improved systems and methods to address these issues. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    A makeup brush for use with a motorized handle has a substantially cylindrical body portion defining a first end, a second end, a blind bore formed in the first end, an outer wall that extends from the first end to the second end, and a coupling assembly formed at the second end that is configured for coupling the body portion to a motorized handle. An applicator is at least partially received in the blind bore and coupled therein. At least one finger grip is formed on the outer wall proximate to the first end and extends radially outward from the outer wall. The at least one finger grip is configured to enable a user to releasably couple the body portion adjacent a motorized handle without the user having to touch the applicator. In various embodiments, the blind bore has a solid bottom wall that separates the bore from the coupling assembly. 
         [0004]    A makeup brush for use with a rotating motorized handle comprises (a) a body portion comprising (1) a first end having a recess formed therein; (2) a second end comprising a coupling assembly that is configured to releasably couple the body portion to a rotating motorized handle; and (3) an outer wall that extends between the first end and the second end; (b) a plurality of bristles at least partially received in the recess and coupled therein; and (4) at least one finger grip formed on the outer wall of the body portion. In various embodiments, the at least one finger grip is configured to allow a user to grasp the body portion without having to grasp the plurality of bristles when attaching or removing the body portion from a rotating motorized handle. 
         [0005]    In yet another embodiments, a makeup brush comprises (a) a body portion comprising (1) a first end having a recess formed therein, the recess comprising a bottom wall intermediate the first end and the second end; (2) a second end comprising a coupling assembly that is configured to releasably couple the body portion to a motorized handle where the bottom wall is solid and separates the recess from the coupling assembly; and (b) an applicator is at least partially received in the recess and coupled therein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Various embodiments of an applicator assembly are described below. In the course of this description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
           [0007]    FIGS.  1 A 1 - 1 B 12  show a first embodiment of an applicator cup for use with a makeup brush, or other suitable applicator, such as one of the makeup brushes that are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/087,212, entitled “Cosmetic Applicator Systems,” which was filed on Apr. 14, 2011, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. These figures show the applicator cup with various alternative attachment recesses and, in one embodiment, an attachment shaft. In these embodiments, the applicator cup includes no finger grip adjacent its upper portion. The various structural features of the applicator cup are described in greater detail below. 
           [0008]    FIGS.  2 A 1 - 2 B 12  show a second embodiment of an applicator cup with various alternative attachment recesses and, in one embodiment, an attachment shaft. In these embodiments, the applicator cup includes two small finger grips adjacent its upper portion that, in various embodiments, are dimensioned to allow a user to grasp the applicator cup without touching an applicator that is positioned adjacent the applicator cup. 
           [0009]    FIGS.  3 A 1 - 3 B 12  show a second embodiment of an applicator cup with various alternative attachment recesses and, in one embodiment, an attachment shaft. In these embodiments, the applicator cup includes a single finger grip that extends circumferentially around (e.g., partially or entirely circumferentially around) its upper portion. In various embodiments, this finger grip is dimensioned to allow a user to grasp the applicator cup without touching an applicator that is positioned adjacent the applicator cup. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 4A-4G  show exemplary handles for use with an applicator cup, such as the applicator cups shown in FIGS.  1 A 1 - 1 B 12 , FIGS.  2 A 1 - 2 B 12 , and FIGS.  3 A 1 - 3 B 12 . 
           [0011]      FIGS. 5A-5H  is an illustration of a motorized brush support and a plurality of cosmetic brushes, according to a particular embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    Various embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various relevant embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
       Applicator Cup 
       [0013]    An applicator cup  100 ,  200  and  300  according to various embodiments are shown in FIGS.  1 A 1 - 1 B 12 ,  2 A 1 - 2 A 12  and  3 A 1 - 3 A 12 , respectively. As shown in these figures, the applicator cup  100 ,  200  and  300  may comprise a substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical), at least partially hollow, cup body portion  110 ,  210  and  310  that includes a side wall  115 ,  215 , and  315 , a top face  120 ,  220  and  320 , and a bottom face  130 ,  230  and  330 , respectively. In particular embodiments, the cup body portion  110 ,  210  and  310  may have a substantially circular (e.g., circular) cross section. The cup body portion  110 ,  210  and  310  may define, in various embodiments, an applicator-receiving recess  140 ,  240 , and  340  adjacent (e.g., extending through) the cup&#39;s top face  120 ,  220  and  320  and an attachment recess adjacent (e.g., extending through) the cup&#39;s bottom face  130 ,  230  and  330 , respectively. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS.  2 A 1 - 2 B 12 , the applicator cup  200  includes at least one finger grip  225 A- 225 G disposed adjacent the cup&#39;s top face  220 A- 220 G. The finger grip  225 A- 225 G may be, for example, a protrusion that extends outwardly from the cup body portion&#39;s outer surface. 
         [0014]    Cup 
         [0015]    As shown in FIG.  1 A 1 , the cup&#39;s body portion  110  may be substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) with a diameter between, for example, about 20 mm and about 40 mm. In particular embodiments, the cup&#39;s body portion  110  may have a diameter of about 29.4 mm. In various embodiments, the cup&#39;s body portion  110  may have a height between about 20 mm and about 40 mm. In particular embodiments, the cup&#39;s body portion  110  has a height of 31.8 mm. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A , the cup&#39;s body portion  110  defines a top  120  and bottom face  130  and defines a beveled edge on the outer circumference of the edge of the cup&#39;s bottom face  130 . In other embodiments, the cup&#39;s body portion  110  may define any other suitable edge (e.g., round or square) on the outer circumference of the edge of the cup&#39;s bottom face  130 . 
         [0016]    Applicator-Receiving Recess 
         [0017]    In the embodiments shown in FIGS.  1 A 1 ,  2 A 1  and  3 A 1 , the cup&#39;s body portion  110 ,  210  and  310  defines an applicator-receiving recess  140 ,  240 , and  340  that is substantially centered (e.g., centered) relative to the cup&#39;s top face  120 ,  220  and  320 . In the embodiments shown in these figures, the applicator-receiving recess  140 ,  240 , and  340  is substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) and has a diameter that is between about 15 mm and 39 mm. In particular embodiments, the applicator-receiving recess  140 ,  240 , and  340  has a diameter of about 28.1 mm. In certain embodiments, the applicator-receiving recess  140 ,  240 , and  340  has a diameter that is about 0.5 mm less than the cup&#39;s diameter. In the embodiments shown in these figures, the applicator-receiving recess  140 ,  240 , and  340  is between about 18 mm and 39 mm deep. In particular embodiments, the applicator-receiving recess  140 ,  240 , and  340  is about 24 mm deep. In other embodiments, the applicator-receiving recess  140 ,  240 , and  340  may be any depth suitable for housing an applicator. 
         [0018]    In various embodiments, the cup&#39;s body portion  110 ,  210  and  310  may be adapted to maintain an applicator at least substantially within (e.g., within) the respective applicator-receiving recess  140 ,  240 , and  340 . The applicator may, for example, comprise a brush, sponge, or any other suitable applicator for applying either a liquid or powder substance (e.g., such as cosmetics, makeup, lotion, sunblock, sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, cream, or any other appropriate substance). In various embodiments, an applicator may be adapted for applying substances in a plurality of forms (e.g., liquid, powder, or any other suitable form). In particular embodiments, the applicator is adapted to apply cosmetics or lotions while rotating. The applicator may, for example, be adapted to substantially maintain its shape and structure after repeated use. 
         [0019]    The applicator may include a brush comprising bristles of any suitable length (e.g., between about 10 mm and about 80 mm). The bristles may be made of any suitable material (e.g., natural or synthetic material). 
         [0020]    Attachment Recess 
         [0021]    As shown in FIGS.  1 A 1 - 1 B 12 , the cup&#39;s body portion  110 B- 110 F may define one or more attachment recesses (e.g., attachment recesses  150 B- 150 F, respectively) that are suitable for use in attaching the applicator cup  110 B- 110 F to a handle when the cup&#39;s body portion  110 B- 110 F is attached to the handle. The handle may, for example, be a motorized handle or any other handle suitable for use in applying cosmetics. Referring briefly to  FIG. 4A-4C , an exemplary handle  400  and an exemplary motorized handle  450  are shown. 
         [0022]    As may be understood from FIGS.  1 A 1 - 1 B 12 , the attachment recess  150 B- 150 F may be defined adjacent the cup&#39;s respective bottom face  130 B- 130 F. The attachment recess  150 B- 150 F may be sized to receive a corresponding portion (e.g., a rotating portion) of a motorized handle when the applicator cup  100 A- 100 F is attached to the motorized handle. In various embodiments, the engagement between this portion of the motorized handle and the applicator cup  100 A- 100 F causes the applicator cup  100 A- 100 F to rotate when the motorized handle&#39;s rotating portion rotates. In particular embodiments, the applicator cup  100 A- 100 F may define an attachment recess that is between about 2 mm deep and about 14 mm deep. 
         [0023]    FIGS.  1 A 1 - 1 B 11  show various embodiments of the applicator cup  100 A- 100 G having different attachment recess configurations  150 B- 150 F. These exemplary embodiments are described more fully below: 
         [0024]    No Attachment Recess 
         [0025]    In particular embodiments, the applicator cup  110  may define no attachment recess (See applicator cup  110 A in FIGS.  1 A 1 ,  1 A 2 ,  1 A 5  and  1 A 8 ). In such embodiments, the applicator cup  110  may be adapted to be attached to a brush without the use of an attachment recess. 
         [0026]    Figure Eight 
         [0027]    The brush cup  100 B shown in FIGS.  1 A 3 ,  1 A 6  and  1 A 9  defines an attachment recess  150 B that is substantially centered (e.g., centered) adjacent the cup&#39;s bottom face  130 B, and that has a profile that includes two at least partially overlapping circles. 
         [0028]    Multi-Hole 
         [0029]    The brush cup  100 C shown in FIGS.  1 A 4 ,  1 A 7  and  1 A 10  defines four attachment recesses  150 C whose profiles are substantially circular (e.g., circular). The attachment recesses  150 C are defined in an outer portion of the cup&#39;s bottom face  130 C. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the cup  110 C defines the four attachment recesses  150 C that are substantially evenly-spaced (e.g., evenly-spaced) about a circle having a radius that is substantially centered (e.g., centered) on the cup&#39;s bottom face  130 C. In other embodiments, the cup  110 C may define any other suitable plurality of attachment recesses (e.g., two, three, etc.). 
         [0030]    Multi-Sided 
         [0031]    The brush cup  100 D shown in FIGS.  1 B 1 ,  1 B 5  and  1 B 9  defines an attachment recess  150 D that is substantially centered (e.g., centered) adjacent the cup&#39;s bottom face  130 D, and that has a profile that is substantially octagonal (e.g., octagonal). In various embodiments, the cup  110 D may define an attachment recess that is substantially centered (e.g., centered) adjacent the cup&#39;s bottom face  130 D. In this embodiment, the profile of the attachment recess is that of a shape with any suitable number of sides (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, etc.) 
         [0032]    Cross 
         [0033]    The brush cup  100 E shown in FIGS.  1 B 2 ,  1 B 6  and  1 B 10  defines two attachment recesses  150 E that are substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular) and substantially perpendicular (e.g., perpendicular) to one another (e.g., so that the recesses  150 E cooperate to form a cross). In this embodiment, the two attachment recesses are each substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) to a radius of the cup&#39;s bottom face  130 E. 
         [0034]    Serpentine 
         [0035]    In the embodiment  100 F shown in FIGS.  1 B 3 ,  1 B 7  and  1 B 11 , the cup  110 F defines an attachment recess  150 F that is substantially S-shaped (e.g., S-shaped). 
         [0036]    Shaft 
         [0037]    In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment  100 G shown in FIGS.  1 B 4 ,  1 B 8  and  1 B 12 , the cup  110 G comprises an attachment shaft  150 G (rather than an attachment recess). In the embodiment shown in this figure, the attachment shaft  150 G extends substantially perpendicularly (e.g., perpendicularly) from and is substantially centered relative to the cup&#39;s bottom face  130 G. In the embodiment  100 G shown in this figure, the attachment shaft  150 G has a profile that is substantially octagonal (e.g., octagonal) and that extends about 7 mm from the cup&#39;s bottom surface. In other embodiments, the attachment shaft  150 G may extend between about 3 mm and about 15 mm from the cup&#39;s bottom surface. 
         [0038]    In various embodiments, the attachment shaft  150 G may have any other suitable profile. 
         [0039]    For example, the attachment shaft  150 G may have a profile that is similar to any of the profiles of the attachment recesses described above (e.g., figure eight, multi-hole, multi-sided, cross, or serpentine). 
         [0040]    Finger grip 
         [0041]    In various embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS.  2 A 1 - 2 B 12 , the cup&#39; body portion  210 A- 210 G may comprise at least one finger  225 A- 225 G grip that extends radially outward from the cup&#39;s outer surface. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the cup&#39;s body portion  210 A- 210 G comprises two finger grips  225 A- 225 G that are disposed on opposing faces adjacent the cup&#39;s upper portion  220 A- 220 G. In various embodiments, the finger grips  225 A- 225 G may have a width (between the portion of the finger grip that engages the rest of the cup, and the outer portion that a user would engage when using the finger grip to lift the cup) between about 5 mm and 15 mm. In particular embodiments, the finger grips  225 A- 225 G may have a width of about 7 mm. In various embodiments, the finger grips  225 A- 225 G have a height of between about 4 mm and about 15 mm. In particular embodiments, the finger grips  225 A- 225 G have a height of about 9.6 mm. 
         [0042]    It should be understood that finger grips  225 A- 225 G may, for example, have any width and height suitable for allowing a user to grip the applicator cup&#39;s body portion  210 A- 210 G using the finger grips  225 A- 225 G (e.g., by squeezing their thumb and index finger against the respective finger grips in order to lift or move the cup). In particular embodiments, the finger grips  225 A- 225 G may be of a suitable size and shape to maintain the user&#39;s fingers spaced apart from the applicator when handling the applicator cup. 
         [0043]    In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS.  3 A 1 - 3 B 12 , the applicator cup body portions  310 A- 310 G may comprise a finger grip  325 A- 325 G that extends along substantially the entire circumference of the cup&#39;s outer surface. In the embodiment shown in these figures, the finger grip  325 A- 325 G is disposed adjacent the cup&#39;s upper portion  320 A- 320 G. 
         [0044]    In various embodiments, the finger grips may be adapted to allow a user to insert the applicator cup  200 A- 200 G or  300 A- 300 G into, or remove it from, a motorized handle substantially without touching the applicator so that a lower portion  322  of the finger grip is adjacent the motorized handle ( FIG. 4A-4G ). In particular embodiments, the applicator cup  210 A- 210 G is configured to enable a user to use the applicator cup  210 A- 210 G in conjunction with the motorized handle to apply cosmetics. In various embodiments, the applicator cup  210 A- 210 G is configured to rotate at a speed of between about 92 and about 489 revolutions per minute when used in conjunction with the motorized handle. In particular embodiments, the motorized handle may be configured to apply a torque of between about 6 and about 34 ounce inches. In various embodiments, the motorized handle may be configured to enable the user to adjust the speed of the motorized handle&#39;s motor. In other embodiments, the motorized handle may be configured to enable a user to adjust a torque that the motorized handle applies to the applicator cup  210 A- 210 G when the applicator cup  210 A- 210 G is being used in conjunction with the motorized handle. 
         [0045]    In particular embodiments, the finger grips  225 A- 225 G may be adapted to allow the user to move, install, uninstall, and/or otherwise use the applicator cup  200 A- 200 G substantially without touching any of the substance that is to be applied with the applicator (e.g., makeup, lotion, liquid foundation, powder foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, or any other substance that may be applied with the applicator). In various embodiments, the applicator may be adapted for longer use as a result of avoiding exposure to contaminants (e.g., oils) on the user&#39;s hands. 
       Exemplary Use 
       [0046]    The applicator cup described above may be utilized as part of a method of applying any of a plurality of cosmetics or other substances to a user&#39;s skin. The user may first select an applicator assembly that includes: (1) an applicator cup; and (2) an applicator that is installed in the applicator cup, so that the applicator extends beyond the end of the applicator cup&#39;s top face. The applicator may be, for example, a particular brush or sponge that is suitable for applying the particular cosmetic, or other substance to the user&#39;s skin. Suitable substances include both powder or liquid substances, for example, lotion, liquid foundation, powder foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, or any other suitable substance. The user may then pick up the applicator assembly by lifting it via the finger grips on the sides of the applicator cup. 
         [0047]    Next, the user may attach the applicator assembly, attachment recess side first, to a suitable handle. The handle may, for example, be a motorized handle or any other handle suitable for applying cosmetics or other substances (e.g., a non-motorized handle). The handle may define a substantially circular (e.g., circular) recess with a diameter that is sufficiently large to allow the applicator assembly to be easily inserted into the recess and to rotate within the recess, and that is sufficiently small to allow the applicator assembly to fit snuggly within the recess once inserted. While inserting the cup into the handle&#39;s recess, the user may align the cup&#39;s attachment recess(es) with the handle&#39;s corresponding attachment protrusion(s). In particular embodiments, when the applicator assembly is installed on the handle, the attachment protrusion(s) may extend from the handle into the handle&#39;s recess(es). In various embodiments, such as in the case of a makeup brush assembly that includes a motorized handle, the attachment protrusions may be adapted to rotate about an axis, which may, for example, be substantially centered (e.g., centered) within and run substantially perpendicular to (e.g., perpendicular to) the handle&#39;s recess. An example of a suitable handle for use with the applicator assembly is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/087,212, entitled “Cosmetic Applicator Systems,” which was filed on Apr. 14, 2011, and which—as noted above—is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5A-5H , a motorized brush support (such as the motorized handle  450  discussed above with reference to  FIG. 4A-4G ) may be compatible with a set of cosmetic brushes  520  for applying a cosmetic to a surface area such as the face. The motorized brush support  450 , as shown, includes a base portion (in this case, a handle  510 ), a head assembly  530  and a coupling assembly  532 . The coupling assembly  532  may extend away from the head assembly  530 , as shown, or it may be integrated within the head assembly  530 . In some embodiments, each of the cosmetic brushes  520 A- 520 G may include a connector  522 A- 522 G, respectively, for attaching to or otherwise engaging with the coupling assembly  532 . The connector  522 A- 522 G may extend below the base of a brush, as shown, or it may be integrated within the base of the brush. The connector  522 A- 522 G may include any type of connector or fastening mechanism that fits or otherwise engages with the coupling assembly  532 . Any of a variety of combinations of connectors  522 A- 522 G and coupling assemblies  532  known to those skilled in the art may be used. 
         [0049]    Any of a variety of cosmetic brushes (such as one or more specialty makeup brushes) may be collected in a set  520  for use with any particular application. In an exemplary embodiment, the set of cosmetic brushes  520 , as illustrated, may include one or more of the following brush types: a Liquidator Brush  520 A, a Powder Foundation Brush  520 B, an Under-Eye Concealer Brush  520 C, an Upper Eyelid Shadow Brush  520 D, a Blush Blaster Brush  520 E, a Disco Shine Brush  520 F, and a Bronzer Brush  520 G. 
         [0050]    The Liquidator Brush  520 A may be used to apply and distribute a liquid or cream foundation. The Powder Foundation Brush  520 B may be used to apply and distribute a powder foundation or base. The Under-Eye Concealer Brush  520 C may be used to apply and distribute a concealer compound under the eyes and other areas, as desired. The Upper Eyelid Shadow Brush  520 D may be used to apply and distribute a shadow compound to the upper eyelids. The Blush Blaster Brush  520 E may be used to apply and distribute a blush compound to the “S zone” or cheeks and other areas, as desired. The Disco Shine Brush  520 F may be used to apply and distribute a decorative compound such as a colored powder or glitter to any area. The Bronzer Brush  520 G may be used to apply and distribute a bronzing compound to any area. In use, any of the set of brushes  520  may be used to apply, distribute, and blend any of these compounds to any area of the face. 
         [0051]    The cosmetic brushes in a set  520  may include any number of different brush types. A brush may include a base, a collection of bristles, and a ferrule or other component for holding the bristles to the base. The bristles may be made of natural animal hair, synthetic fibers, or a blend. The base of the brush, in some embodiments, may be made of different materials, in various colors. The brush may include one or more words or indicia correlated to a particular manufacturer, product name, trademark, business, or social cause. The set of brushes  520  may be color coded or otherwise grouped by a visible feature that indicates to the user each brush&#39;s intended use and/or its association with a particular set of brushes. Each cosmetic brush may be characterized by its particular features; for example, its overall size and shape, the shape of its base, the ferrule type, the bristle composition (natural, synthetic or blend, for example), the bristle length, the bristle color, the shape of each bristle end (rounded or blunt, smooth or rough, for example), the overall shape made by all the bristles together (fan-shaped, cone-shaped, flat, rounded, pointed, and the like), the bristle spacing and density (measured, for example, in bristles per square inch) and the bristle stiffness (from rigid bristles like a toothbrush, to bristles as limp as cotton thread). For example, in the context of face makeup, a first cosmetic brush (such as The Liquidator Brush  520 A illustrated in  FIG. 5B ) may be relatively large in size, flat across the end of the bristles, and relatively rigid in stiffness. A second cosmetic brush (such as The Upper Eyelid Shadow Brush  520 D illustrated in  FIG. 5E ) may be relatively small in size, rounded in shape across the end, and softer in stiffness. 
         [0052]    The user may then apply makeup using the handle and applicator cup assembly by, for example, placing cosmetic on the applicator, activating the motorized handle, and applying cosmetic to the desired area of the body using the rotating applicator). When the user wishes to apply makeup using a different applicator, the user may simply detach the current applicator assembly from the handle, attach a new applicator assembly to the handle, and proceed as described above. 
       Other Suitable Uses 
       [0053]    Stand-Alone Applicator Cup 
         [0054]    In particular embodiments, an applicator cup such as the applicator cup described above may be utilized as a stand-alone applicator (e.g., may be suitable for applying a substance without attaching the applicator cup and applicator to a separate handle). In such embodiments, a user may apply a substance (e.g., makeup, cosmetic, lotion, cream, or other suitable substance) by installing an appropriate applicator in the applicator cup, and applying the substance by gripping the applicator cup (e.g., using their fingers). 
         [0055]    Applicator Cup Combined with Recess-Free Handle 
         [0056]    In particular embodiments, the applicator cup is adapted for use with a suitable handle that does not define a recess for accepting the applicator cup. In such embodiments, the applicator cup may be adapted to attach to an end of the handle such that the applicator cup is at least partially exposed (e.g., fully exposed) when attached to the handle. 
         [0057]    Upright Storage 
         [0058]    In particular embodiments, the applicator cup is adapted to stand substantially upright (e.g., upright) on its bottom face when placed, for example, on a flat support surface (e.g., a counter, table, or other suitable surface). In such embodiments, an applicator installed in the applicator cup may sit upright within the applicator cup&#39;s applicator-receiving recess when the applicator cup is standing on its bottom face. In particular embodiments, placing the applicator cup in a position in which the applicator cup is standing on its bottom face may at least substantially (e.g., substantially) protect the integrity of the installed applicator (e.g., by allowing the applicator to stand in a rested, upright position in which the applicator does not come into contact with the support surface (e.g., as the applicator would if it were rested, for example, on its side)). 
       Conclusion 
       [0059]    Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the invention may take form in a variety of different mechanical and operational configurations. As a particular example, in certain embodiments, the applicator cup may be sufficiently thick to allow a user to grip the cup substantially without touching the applicator. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.