EP0256620A2 - Disposable manicure device - Google Patents
Disposable manicure device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0256620A2 EP0256620A2 EP87304277A EP87304277A EP0256620A2 EP 0256620 A2 EP0256620 A2 EP 0256620A2 EP 87304277 A EP87304277 A EP 87304277A EP 87304277 A EP87304277 A EP 87304277A EP 0256620 A2 EP0256620 A2 EP 0256620A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- polymer
- stick
- manicure
- substantially cylindrical
- swab
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Ceased
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D29/00—Manicuring or pedicuring implements
- A45D29/16—Cuticle sticks
Definitions
- the present invention is a disposable manicure device which can be used in the care of the nails.
- U.S. Patent No. 1,413,033 to E. W. Keyser illustrates a cuticle stick having a beveled wedge or chisel-like form at one end and a reduced neck portion at the other end having an annular channel or groove designed for the reception of the loose ends of fibers of a cotton wrapping or swab.
- the swab is intended to be dipped into a liquid cleansing solution adapted to be applied to the cuticle.
- the patentee, Keyser alluded to the prior use of a wad of absorbent cotton applied to the end of a stick in the form of a loose wrapping so as to be adapted to be dipped into a liquid cleansing solution for the cuticle.
- U.S. Patent No. 2,538,076 to M. R. Bates a manicuring device which contains, at one end, a manicure tip with provision made for placement of a cylindrical absorbent material in a hollow bore within the device for dispensing through an opening at the other end.
- the first implement is a swab product comprising an application stick having a cotton swab attached to one end thereof. This product is adapted to be dipped into an appropriate solution for application of a treatment solution to the cuticle.
- the present invention is a manicure device which comprises an applicator stick of substantially cylindrical shape which, at one end, has a substantially cylindrical, non-grooved shape underlying an adherent swab member formed of absorbent fibrous material and which, at its opposed end, merges with an integral manicure tip.
- the present invention in a preferred embodiment, is a disposable, low cost implement which combines a manicure implement and an absorbent swab into a single device. It preferably has a stick which is formed of a thermoplastic polymer/wood chip composite. The use of such a composite enables the manufacturer to prepare sticks of more uniform quality than might be possible with the use of natural wood.
- the use of a polymer/wood chip composite obviates potential problems in regard to splinters resulting from the use of a natural wood stick.
- the polymer/wood chip composite can also be engineered to have the desired stiffness and level of absorbency for the cleaning solution to give the desired level of utility and comfort. Hardwood sticks, as normally used, are sometimes too hard and do not have the desired absorbency characteristics.
- an applicator stick 11 of substantially cylindrical cross-section terminates at one end in an appropriate manicure tip 12 which can be used by the manicurist or user to appropriately manipulate the cuticle and which has its other end 13 covered with an appropriate absorbent swab tip 14 for absorbing a cuticle treatment solution.
- the swab tip 14 can comprise a suitable non-woven fibrous material such as cotton, and it is attached to the applicator stick 11, as best shown in FIG. 2, by conventional means for attaching swabs to applicator sticks in other products. Generally this is done by the use of adhesive.
- a stick 11 which contains a suitable amount of thermoplastic polymer
- such a stick can be passed over an apparatus which prejudicially melts the polymers. Fibers can then be directly bonded to the molten plastic.
- the composite plastic serves as its own hot melt adhesive.
- the swab tip 14 is conical in shape in a preferred embodiment. This form makes the swab tip especially useful for removing nail polish from the area of the cuticle.
- a solution of gum arabic e.g., at 2% solids
- This binder when dry, allows the swab to be used with such solvents as acetone, in treatment of the cuticle, without losing its shape.
- the applicator stick 11 in a preferred embodiment, is formed of a thermoplastic polymer, e.g. a polyolefin such as polypropylene, which is appropriately loaded with a cellulosic filler such as wood chips.
- a thermoplastic polymer e.g. a polyolefin such as polypropylene
- the polymer alone although having sufficient solvent resistance, is too flexible and is completely non-absorbent.
- Wood chips from such softwood species as pine or spruce are preferred because of their better absorbency over hardwood species such as walnut or oak. The more absorbent wood species will have some degree of absorbency towards the treatment solution, although it will be far less than the absorbency of the swab tip 14.
- Hardwood flours or nutshell flours do not provide the desired level of fibrous reinforcement and contribute too much hardness.
- the mixing can be performed in a high intensity mixer, ribbon blender or a V-type blender.
- the resulting mixture can be compounded at 375°-425°F in a twin screw or single screw extruder, preferably with venting to remove moisture. This operation can yield dry pellets which, if extruded at 350°-425°F through a suitable die, can be used to make rod-like applicator sticks.
- compositions tested were:
Abstract
Description
- The present invention is a disposable manicure device which can be used in the care of the nails.
- U.S. Patent No. 1,413,033 to E. W. Keyser illustrates a cuticle stick having a beveled wedge or chisel-like form at one end and a reduced neck portion at the other end having an annular channel or groove designed for the reception of the loose ends of fibers of a cotton wrapping or swab. The swab is intended to be dipped into a liquid cleansing solution adapted to be applied to the cuticle. In discussing his invention, the patentee, Keyser, alluded to the prior use of a wad of absorbent cotton applied to the end of a stick in the form of a loose wrapping so as to be adapted to be dipped into a liquid cleansing solution for the cuticle. In such products he indicated that the wrapping often slipped from the stick and became lost in the bottle into which it was dipped. The Keyser patent does not indicate whether or not such a prior cuticle stick also contained an integral manicure implement at the end of the stick remote from the end carrying the absorbent wad.
- More recently, in U.S. Patent No. 2,538,076 to M. R. Bates a manicuring device is described which contains, at one end, a manicure tip with provision made for placement of a cylindrical absorbent material in a hollow bore within the device for dispensing through an opening at the other end.
- Even more recently than either of the two aforementioned patents, it has been common practice for persons in the manicure art to utilize two separate implements to fulfill the need satisfied by the Keyser and Bates devices. The first implement is a swab product comprising an application stick having a cotton swab attached to one end thereof. This product is adapted to be dipped into an appropriate solution for application of a treatment solution to the cuticle. A second, separate implement, formed of natural wood, had an appropriate manicure implement tip which would allow for appropriate manipulation of the cuticle by the user.
- The present invention is a manicure device which comprises an applicator stick of substantially cylindrical shape which, at one end, has a substantially cylindrical, non-grooved shape underlying an adherent swab member formed of absorbent fibrous material and which, at its opposed end, merges with an integral manicure tip. The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, is a disposable, low cost implement which combines a manicure implement and an absorbent swab into a single device. It preferably has a stick which is formed of a thermoplastic polymer/wood chip composite. The use of such a composite enables the manufacturer to prepare sticks of more uniform quality than might be possible with the use of natural wood. The use of a polymer/wood chip composite obviates potential problems in regard to splinters resulting from the use of a natural wood stick. The polymer/wood chip composite can also be engineered to have the desired stiffness and level of absorbency for the cleaning solution to give the desired level of utility and comfort. Hardwood sticks, as normally used, are sometimes too hard and do not have the desired absorbency characteristics.
- The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the Drawings which form a portion of the present specification wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the manicure device of the present invention; and
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device illustrating the swab tip and manicure implement constructions, respectively, of the device of the present invention.
- The present invention can be understood by reference to FIG. 1 in the Drawings wherein an applicator stick 11 of substantially cylindrical cross-section terminates at one end in an
appropriate manicure tip 12 which can be used by the manicurist or user to appropriately manipulate the cuticle and which has itsother end 13 covered with an appropriateabsorbent swab tip 14 for absorbing a cuticle treatment solution. Theswab tip 14 can comprise a suitable non-woven fibrous material such as cotton, and it is attached to the applicator stick 11, as best shown in FIG. 2, by conventional means for attaching swabs to applicator sticks in other products. Generally this is done by the use of adhesive. However, if a stick 11 is used which contains a suitable amount of thermoplastic polymer, such a stick can be passed over an apparatus which prejudicially melts the polymers. Fibers can then be directly bonded to the molten plastic. Essentially, the composite plastic serves as its own hot melt adhesive. - The
swab tip 14 is conical in shape in a preferred embodiment. This form makes the swab tip especially useful for removing nail polish from the area of the cuticle. A solution of gum arabic (e.g., at 2% solids) can be used during the swab forming process as a binder. This binder, when dry, allows the swab to be used with such solvents as acetone, in treatment of the cuticle, without losing its shape. - The applicator stick 11, in a preferred embodiment, is formed of a thermoplastic polymer, e.g. a polyolefin such as polypropylene, which is appropriately loaded with a cellulosic filler such as wood chips. The polymer alone, although having sufficient solvent resistance, is too flexible and is completely non-absorbent. Wood chips from such softwood species as pine or spruce are preferred because of their better absorbency over hardwood species such as walnut or oak. The more absorbent wood species will have some degree of absorbency towards the treatment solution, although it will be far less than the absorbency of the
swab tip 14. In a preferred embodiment, the wood composite can be made by mixing together 60 parts by weight of a homopolymer of propylene (melt index = 2.5, in granular form), 40 parts by weight of coarse fibrous softwood flour (150 mesh) and small amounts of appropriate lubricant, stabilizer, and pigment (e.g., white pigment) additives. Hardwood flours or nutshell flours do not provide the desired level of fibrous reinforcement and contribute too much hardness. The mixing can be performed in a high intensity mixer, ribbon blender or a V-type blender. The resulting mixture can be compounded at 375°-425°F in a twin screw or single screw extruder, preferably with venting to remove moisture. This operation can yield dry pellets which, if extruded at 350°-425°F through a suitable die, can be used to make rod-like applicator sticks. - The following Examples are provided to exemplify certain embodiments of the present invention.
- Sticks were extruded on a 0.75 inch laboratory extruder at the conditions described before. The 3.18 mm diameter sticks were tested on a Tinius-Olsten stiffness tester using a 5.08 cm span. This tester bends the stick to various angles and provides the bending moment at each desired angle.
-
-
- The above data illustrate that softwood filler in polypropylene exhibits the best balance of stiffness (as illustrated by the breaking moment data) without brittleness (break).
Claims (7)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US86365786A | 1986-05-15 | 1986-05-15 | |
US863657 | 1986-05-15 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0256620A2 true EP0256620A2 (en) | 1988-02-24 |
EP0256620A3 EP0256620A3 (en) | 1989-12-13 |
Family
ID=25341515
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP87304277A Ceased EP0256620A3 (en) | 1986-05-15 | 1987-05-14 | Disposable manicure device |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0256620A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS62270105A (en) |
KR (1) | KR870010824A (en) |
AU (1) | AU598541B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR8702163A (en) |
CA (1) | CA1301013C (en) |
PT (1) | PT84864B (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA872361B (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE8907317U1 (en) * | 1989-06-15 | 1989-08-17 | Georg Karl Geka-Brush Gmbh, 8809 Bechhofen, De | |
GB2325156A (en) * | 1997-05-14 | 1998-11-18 | Nicola Perkins | Device for removing cosmetics |
GB2430878A (en) * | 2005-10-07 | 2007-04-11 | Michelle O'kane | Device for cleaning fingernails |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB191303590A (en) * | 1913-02-11 | 1913-06-12 | Simon Schocken | Improvements in the Manufacture of Nail-cleaning Appliances. |
US1413033A (en) * | 1921-04-06 | 1922-04-18 | Earl W Keyser | Cuticle stick |
US2705009A (en) * | 1951-11-29 | 1955-03-29 | Johnson & Johnson | Impregnated tip |
FR2168625A5 (en) * | 1972-01-18 | 1973-08-31 | Oreal | |
FR2343462A1 (en) * | 1976-03-11 | 1977-10-07 | Goella Laboratoires | Applicator stick for infant body care - has bulbous wad and laminar head at opposed stick ends |
EP0158543A1 (en) * | 1984-03-05 | 1985-10-16 | Marcel Collin | Hygiene implement for body cavities, especially for the auditory canal |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2538076A (en) * | 1946-03-07 | 1951-01-16 | Mildred R Bates | Manicuring device |
-
1987
- 1987-03-19 CA CA000532399A patent/CA1301013C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-03-30 KR KR870002934A patent/KR870010824A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1987-04-01 ZA ZA872361A patent/ZA872361B/en unknown
- 1987-04-30 BR BR8702163A patent/BR8702163A/en unknown
- 1987-05-12 AU AU72743/87A patent/AU598541B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1987-05-13 PT PT84864A patent/PT84864B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1987-05-14 JP JP62116016A patent/JPS62270105A/en active Pending
- 1987-05-14 EP EP87304277A patent/EP0256620A3/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB191303590A (en) * | 1913-02-11 | 1913-06-12 | Simon Schocken | Improvements in the Manufacture of Nail-cleaning Appliances. |
US1413033A (en) * | 1921-04-06 | 1922-04-18 | Earl W Keyser | Cuticle stick |
US2705009A (en) * | 1951-11-29 | 1955-03-29 | Johnson & Johnson | Impregnated tip |
FR2168625A5 (en) * | 1972-01-18 | 1973-08-31 | Oreal | |
FR2343462A1 (en) * | 1976-03-11 | 1977-10-07 | Goella Laboratoires | Applicator stick for infant body care - has bulbous wad and laminar head at opposed stick ends |
EP0158543A1 (en) * | 1984-03-05 | 1985-10-16 | Marcel Collin | Hygiene implement for body cavities, especially for the auditory canal |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE8907317U1 (en) * | 1989-06-15 | 1989-08-17 | Georg Karl Geka-Brush Gmbh, 8809 Bechhofen, De | |
GB2325156A (en) * | 1997-05-14 | 1998-11-18 | Nicola Perkins | Device for removing cosmetics |
GB2325156B (en) * | 1997-05-14 | 2001-01-10 | Nicola Perkins | Equipment for the removal of cosmetics |
GB2430878A (en) * | 2005-10-07 | 2007-04-11 | Michelle O'kane | Device for cleaning fingernails |
GB2430878B (en) * | 2005-10-07 | 2007-09-12 | Michelle O'kane | Cleaning device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR870010824A (en) | 1987-12-18 |
CA1301013C (en) | 1992-05-19 |
PT84864B (en) | 1990-02-08 |
AU598541B2 (en) | 1990-06-28 |
PT84864A (en) | 1987-06-01 |
JPS62270105A (en) | 1987-11-24 |
BR8702163A (en) | 1988-02-09 |
EP0256620A3 (en) | 1989-12-13 |
ZA872361B (en) | 1987-11-25 |
AU7274387A (en) | 1987-11-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5044383A (en) | Disposable manicure device | |
US4767398A (en) | Swab applicator comprising a flock swab tip | |
EP1647204B1 (en) | Storing and applying device | |
US6428234B1 (en) | Adhesive applicator tips with improved flow properties | |
DE4447152B4 (en) | Absorbent mixture containing a microfiber | |
US6592281B2 (en) | Adhesive applicator tips with improved flow properties | |
US4973181A (en) | Cosmetic applicator | |
US4935001A (en) | Swab | |
EP1382730A1 (en) | Cosmetic cotton pad | |
DE1927746A1 (en) | Packaging for sterilized items | |
US4622985A (en) | Applicator tip and cosmetic applicator provided therewith | |
EP0256620A2 (en) | Disposable manicure device | |
EP0754438A1 (en) | Interdental wedge | |
US9555153B2 (en) | Cotton bud | |
RU2004119055A (en) | TAMPON, IN PARTICULAR FOR FEMALE HYGIENE | |
US20150291779A1 (en) | Cotton bud | |
WO2004105630A3 (en) | Dental applicator with high material holding capacity | |
US5707236A (en) | Selectively sorbent article and method for use in dental applications | |
CN1192760C (en) | Flask for medicinal preparations | |
KR102375724B1 (en) | Applicator for applying cosmetics to keratin materials | |
CA2505615C (en) | Multi-sectional applicator | |
EP1470809A2 (en) | Device for applying a liquid to skin | |
AU2003272555B2 (en) | Multi-sectional applicator | |
CN117883316A (en) | Environment-friendly structure containing natural fiber and regenerated fiber and cosmetic comprising same | |
WO2004022018A1 (en) | Dentifrice and method for production thereof, tooth surface cleaning tool, and tooth cleaning set comprising them |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19880808 |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL |
|
RHK1 | Main classification (correction) |
Ipc: A45D 29/16 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19910305 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN REFUSED |
|
18R | Application refused |
Effective date: 19930101 |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: BLASIUS, WILLIAM GEORGE Inventor name: SILBERBERG, JOSEPH Inventor name: ALESSIO, GERALD ROBERT |