JP2004033766A - Adhesive applicator fixable to fingertip - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an applicator for cosmetics which improves comfortableness and accuracy of application. <P>SOLUTION: A device (1) for applying a cosmetic substance comprises a receptacle (2) containing the substance (P) and the applicator (3) suitable for being received in or fixed to the receptacle. The applicator is provided with an adhesive surface suitable for fixing the applicator to the skin prior to the first use, and the circle (C) of an axis X circumscribing the applicator has a diameter greater than the maximum thickness (e<SB>max</SB>) of the applicator measured parallel to the axis X. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for applying substances, in particular cosmetics.
[0002]
Problems to be solved by the prior art and the invention
Many applicators have been proposed which have a handle made of, for example, a hard plastic material and a flexible application portion which is fixed to the handle in a non-detachable manner.
French Patent Application No. 2,432,287 discloses a make-up finger cot or "cot" that adheres to the tip of a finger. A medical applicator that includes a finger cot is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,045,073.
[0003]
U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,406 discloses an applicator sheet that adheres to the inner surface of a hand to apply lotion to the body.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,763,885 describes an abrasive foam impregnated with a toothpaste designed to be secured to a finger. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,794,774, 5,911,319 and 5,678,273 describe similar applicators.
There is a need for new applicators that can improve comfort and application accuracy.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention provides a cosmetic applicator having a receptacle containing a substance and an applicator adapted to be received in or secured to the receptacle. Prior to first use, the applicator is provided with an adhesive surface suitable for fixing the applicator to the skin, and the diameter of a circle circumscribing the applicator about the axis X is equal to the axis X. An apparatus is provided, characterized in that it is larger than the maximum thickness of the applicator measured in parallel.
The adhesive surface may be suitable for securing the applicator to the skin.
[0005]
Such an applicator can provide the user with a feel during application that cannot be obtained with a conventional applicator. This is because the applicator can be placed against the finger pad of a finger having a large number of nerve endings.
The present invention can provide application accuracy close to that seen when applied to the skin with a bare finger without any material applied. In contrast, an applicator can apply more substance than a bare finger, which increases application comfort.
[0006]
As an example, the radius of the circle about the axis X may be at least 2/3 of the maximum thickness of the applicator, or at least this maximum thickness.
By way of example, the maximum thickness of the applicator may be less than half the radius of the circumscribed circle, or less than 1/4 of the radius. Reducing the thickness improves the responsiveness of the applicator while it is in use.
In a feature of the invention, the applicator is of such a small size that it does not extend to the palm of the hand when the applicator is secured to the tip of a finger.
The applicator may be configured in such a way that its adhesive surface cannot be completely adhered to the finger pad of the first phalanx of the index finger, and thus the applicator in use Relative movement between the phalanges and the phalangeal medulla of the first phalange is possible to apply the substance. The stiffness of the applicator may be selected such that the entire adhesive surface does not stick to the finger pad.
[0007]
Such a degree of freedom in the relative movement of the applicator at the tip of the finger allows, for example, the applicator to conform to the shape of such a surface when moving in contact with the surface to which the substance is being applied. .
The compressibility of the applicator may be relatively important, for example. The average thickness of the applicator may be half, for example, if a weight of 10 kilograms (kg) is applied to the entire applicator.
According to the invention, prior to the first use, the applicator is not impregnated with the substance.
[0008]
In another aspect of the invention, the substance is a substance other than a toothpaste.
The applicator may have an application surface with flocking, woven or non-woven fabric.
The applicator may have a coating, which may be in the form of a woven fabric with a plurality of hooks or loops protruding from its surface.
The hook may be of any type, in particular the hook may be suitable for cooperating with a loop, the hook being for example in the form of a hook, a mushroom or an open loop. There should be.
[0009]
The coating may in particular be constituted by one or the other of the elements which are joined together by a Velcro® type fastener.
The applicator may consist of foam, in particular foam with open cells, semi-open cells or closed cells. In particular, the foam material should be polished to form a fluffy surface thereon.
The invention may consist of an elastomer, in particular an elastomeric foam.
[0010]
The applicator may include, for example, a layer of adhesive secured to the skin to provide, for example, some rigidity or flexibility to the applicator and / or to enhance the applicator's ability to absorb material; And a multi-layer structure having one or two or more intermediate layers as necessary. The stiffness of the applicator should be such that the entire adhesive surface is prevented from sticking to the finger pad of the finger, so that the applicator can change its orientation with the tip of the finger as described above. it can.
The applicator may be composed of a porous material that has been impregnated with at least one germicidal composition, for example, an antifungal agent, an antibacterial agent, or an ionic element. By way of example, the applicator may include at least one water absorbent.
[0011]
The applicator may have magnetic particles, for example, magnetic particles dispersed in a foam. Thus, the applicator can apply a magnetic field during application, thereby promoting microcirculation of blood.
The applicator may be manufactured flat as a large area sheet, and the applicator may be cut from such a sheet.
The applicator may have an application surface with at least two different surface conditions, for example, associated with the use of different materials, or with surface conditions resulting from the different surface treatments of the applicator. Good.
[0012]
The applicator may have a hypoallergenic adhesive.
The applicator may have an adhesive whose adhesion increases with temperature. For example, it is possible to use an adhesive having a low adhesiveness at 20 ° C. or lower and a stronger adhesiveness at 30 ° C.
Thus, the applicator can be easily separated from the receiving surface of the receptacle and nevertheless sticks well to the finger, so that the applicator can be used under good conditions.
[0013]
The adhesive may completely cover the face of the applicator opposite the face used to apply the substance. As an alternative, the adhesive may cover this surface, for example only partially, and the adhesive is provided in the form of strips or spots. The adhesive may occupy only the central area of the face of the applicator opposite the face used to apply the substance. The applicator may have an adhesive surface covered by a net that reduces its adhesion.
[0014]
In cross section in the thickness direction, the applicator may have a flat shape, the application surface and the adhesive surface of which are substantially parallel to each other.
In a cross-section in the thickness direction, the applicator may be of one side or two opposite sides having a bulging shape.
The surface used for the purpose of application preferably has an outwardly convex shape. The same is true for the surface used to be fixed to the finger. The convex shape is obtained by heat sealing the applicator around its perimeter, for example.
[0015]
When viewed in a front view, the applicator may be circular in shape, but this is optional. The applicator may optionally have a shape that results in axial symmetry. By way of example, the applicator may be generally triangular, pear-shaped, lens-shaped, water-drop-shaped, almond-shaped, heart-shaped or hollow ring-shaped. The applicator may have a recess when viewed from the front, in particular a recess located in the central region of the applicator.
[0016]
The applicator may be made of a washable, in particular washable material, and the adhesive is one that can withstand water.
The applicator may have an application surface of various colors, in particular a non-brown color.
Prior to first use, the applicator may have its adhesive surface covered with a removable protective film, for example a piece of silicone paper or polyethylene film.
The receiver may have at least one housing for receiving at least one applicator when not in use.
[0017]
In one example, the receptacle may be in the form of a case having a bottom and a lid that can be moved relative to the bottom, for example, by hinges.
The bottom may have at least one housing for containing a substance, for example, a dispersible substance, and at least one housing suitable for receiving at least one applicator.
The case may include a mirror.
The substance may be a powder, cream, gel or liquid. If the substance is viscous, the substance can be placed, for example, in a receptacle with a piston that can push the substance through at least one outlet orifice, the outlet orifice being located, for example, at the bottom of the housing. Provided.
[0018]
The receptacle may have a variable volume space for containing the substance, such space being deformable wall which, when grasped and squeezed by the user, helps to allow the substance to exit through at least one exit orifice. At least partially constitutes.
The receptacle may have a cover that protects the applicator when not in use.
Prior to use, the applicator may be located on the strip. Such a strip may be relatively long and serve to support a plurality of applicators prior to use, such strip being wound, for example, in a dispenser.
[0019]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for applying cosmetics, alone or in combination with the above, comprising a receptacle containing cosmetics, and an applicator having a multilayer structure, wherein the applicator comprises a receptacle. An applicator configured to be received within or secured to a receptacle, wherein the applicator is provided with an adhesive surface prior to first use.
The circle about the axis X circumscribing the applicator (encircling the applicator) may have a diameter greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator measured parallel to axis X.
The multilayer structure may have at least two layers of different hardness, for example, a flexible layer located adjacent to the application surface and a rigid layer located adjacent to the adhesive surface.
[0020]
The rigid layer may facilitate handling of the applicator, for example, to prevent the entire adhesive surface from sticking to the finger during use.
The multilayer structure may for example comprise at least two layers of foam, in particular two layers of foam having different hardnesses.
The invention also provides, as another feature, in a device for applying cosmetics, alone or in combination with the above, a receptacle containing a substance, and an applicator removably secured to the receptacle. An apparatus is provided wherein the applicator is not in contact with the substance contained in the receptacle.
The applicator has an adhesive surface that can be secured near a part of the receptacle different from the substance housing, for example a lid or a housing containing the substance.
[0021]
The circle circumscribing the applicator about axis X may have a diameter greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator measured parallel to axis X.
In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive surface can be attached to the user's finger after being removed from the receptacle and, if necessary, reattached to the receptacle after use. The invention also provides, as another feature, a device for applying at least one of at least two different cosmetic products, alone or in combination with the above, in a receptacle containing at least two substances, An applicator adapted to be received in the vessel or secured to the receptacle, wherein the applicator is provided with an adhesive surface prior to first use.
[0022]
The diameter of the circle circumscribing the applicator about axis X may be greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator measured parallel to axis X.
The invention also provides, as another feature, in a device for applying cosmetics, alone or in combination with the above, a receptacle containing a substance and adapted to be received in or fixed to the receptacle. At least two applicators, wherein the applicator is provided with an adhesive surface prior to first use.
The diameter of the circle circumscribing the applicator about axis X may be greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator measured parallel to axis X.
[0023]
The present invention also provides, as another feature, in a device for applying cosmetics, alone or in combination with the above, a receptacle containing a cake of material and being received in or secured to the receptacle. An applicator suitable for use with a device, wherein the applicator is provided with an adhesive surface prior to first use.
The diameter of the circle circumscribing the applicator about axis X may be greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator measured parallel to axis X.
The invention also provides, as another feature, in a device for applying cosmetics, alone or in combination with the above, a receptacle containing a substance and adapted to be received in or fixed to the receptacle. An applicator, wherein the applicator is of a non-circular shape and the applicator is provided with an adhesive surface prior to first use.
[0024]
The diameter of the circle circumscribing the applicator about axis X may be greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator measured parallel to axis X.
The present invention also provides, in another aspect, a dispenser, alone or in combination with the above, for dispensing at least one applicator that has not been impregnated with toothpaste prior to first use, wherein the applicator comprises A dispenser characterized in that it has an adhesive surface before use.
The diameter of the circle circumscribing the applicator about axis X may be greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator measured parallel to axis X.
[0025]
The invention also relates to a method of applying a substance, in particular a cosmetic, to the skin, hair, lips or nails, in particular facial skin, wherein an adhesive-applied applicator is fixed to at least one fingertip. A step, wherein the applicator has a portion to which the substance is applied, the portion extending at least partially over a finger pad of a first phalanx of a finger, and the applicator extending to a palm. Rather, the above method provides a method, further comprising applying the substance to the skin, hair, lips, or nails by contacting the application portion with an area of interest.
A single applicator may be secured to one finger, especially the index finger.
[0026]
Alternatively, two applicators may be fixed to the tip of a finger, the two applicators having different shapes and / or surface states, for example. In another variation, a single applicator may be secured to two fingers held side by side, for example, the tip of the index and middle fingers.
In one example, an applicator can be used to make up the cheekbones, eyelids, or lips.
The applicator is placed on the finger pad of the first phalange in a state where the applicator is able to move about the various axes relative to the finger pad of the first phalange by "swirling" in contact with the convex surface of the finger. It should have been done.
[0027]
The applicator can be secured behind the finger pad of the first phalanx by an adhesive provided on the applicator prior to first use. The adhesive surface of the applicator may be covered by a removable protective film that the user removes before bringing the adhesive surface into contact with the finger.
After use, the applicator can be attached to the surface of the receiver, for example, a mirror, lid or the bottom of a housing provided to receive the applicator. In one example, the housing may be located at the bottom of the case.
[0028]
The applicator may be of a single use, or the applicator may be reusable several times, and the adhesive is selected to maintain its adhesion between uses. You.
The surface of the receiver that receives the applicator when not in use may include undulations, such as stripes or protrusions arranged in an array, to reduce the adhesion of the applicator, or to attach such a surface. It may be coated with an inhibitor or may be subjected to an anti-adhesion treatment. This makes it easier, for example, to release the applicator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention can be better understood with reference to the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a device 1 having a receptacle in the form of a case and having an applicator 3 for applying a substance P, for example a dispersible substance, for example a foundation makeup or eyeshadow.
The case has a bottom 4 and a lid 5 hinged to the bottom and provided with a catch.
The bottom 4 has, in its central region, a housing containing the substance P.
The lid 5 has a mirror 6 on its inner surface, and the applicator 3 can be attached to this mirror 6.
[0030]
Referring to FIG. 2, the applicator 3 has a part 7 used for applying a substance, the part 7 having an application surface 8 on one side and an adhesive side on the other side. Layer 9. The adhesive should be long-lasting, water-resistant and hypoallergenic, which is more effective than on the skin or the surface of the receptacle to which it is attached when the applicator is not in use. The application part 7 can adhere more firmly.
The adhesive 9 can be adhered to the skin and is preferably an acrylic, vinyl or cellulose resin based food grade adhesive.
The adhesive 9 may be of a hot melt type, may be applied in a high temperature state or may be applied by mixing with a solvent, and then the solvent is removed by heating.
[0031]
In the illustrated example, the application surface 8 has a flocking portion 10.
The flocked portion 10 may be made of, for example, a nylon (Nylon.RTM.) Bristle having a size of, for example, 4 denier and a length of, for example, 1 mm. It is good to fix with an agent.
In FIG. 1, the applicator 3 is shown fixed to the mirror 6.
Prior to the first use, the adhesive layer 9 may be covered with a removable protective film 11, which protects the tongue 12 projecting beyond the application part 7 in order to make the film easier to remove. Good to have. For example, the protective film 11 may be made of silicone paper, polyethylene, or polyester film.
The device 1 may be marketed with the applicator 3 already fixed to the receptacle or covered with a protective film 11.
[0032]
The applicator 3 is not attached to the mirror 3 for use, or if the applicator is not fixed to the mirror 6 and has a protective film 11, the film is removed.
Next, when the applicator 3 is fixed to, for example, the finger pad of the distal phalanx of the index finger, the user can take the substance P as shown in FIG.
In the example shown, it can be observed that the adhesive surface 9 contacts the skin of the finger only in the central region thereof. Thus, an annular gap 13 remains created between the finger pad and the adhesive layer 9, so that the applicator 3 applies a number of axes to the finger as shown in FIG. Can rotate around. This pivoting is also useful when removing material from a cake with a convex surface, as shown in FIG.
[0033]
After application, the applicator 3 may be pulled away from the finger and attached back to the applicator receiving surface of the receiver 2, for example, the mirror 6.
The applicator 3 is, in front view, circular in shape and may be of substantially constant thickness e, for example less than half the radius of the applicator, and thus: The applicator is given a flat shape.
When the case is closed, the applicator 3 can optionally contact the substance P.
Of course, the applicator 3 may be of a different shape, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0034]
By way of example, the applicator 3 may include a bulging, for example outwardly convex, application surface 8, as shown in FIG. This swollen shape is obtained, for example, as a result of the thickness of the applicator being reduced by deformation of the application part 7, for example by heat sealing, at its periphery, for example by thermal deformation.
For example, the maximum thickness e located on the axis of symmetry of the applicator _max May be smaller than the diameter of the circle circumscribing (surrounding) the applicator, for example, this maximum thickness may be less than half the radius of the circumscribed circle.
The applicator may also be lens-shaped in axial cross-section, as shown in FIG. 7, with the thickness decreasing away from the central axis.
The applicator 3 may also include a central recess 15 as shown in FIG. Such recesses may help, for example, to make the applicator more flexible.
[0035]
In the above example, the application portion 7 may be, for example, an open or closed cell foam, a felt or any other cellular or fibrous structure, or a superposition thereof, and the application portion 7 may be It should be more or less porous.
As shown in FIG. 9, a cover 15 of the type provided with Velcro® fasteners may cover or constitute the application part 7. In this figure, the covering 15 has a layer 16 of woven fabric and hooks 17 projecting from the surface of the layer 16. The hooks 17 may be of any type that can cooperate with a closed loop, for example they may be hook-shaped, mushroom-shaped, or they may be open loops.
[0036]
The application part 7 may also consist of, or consist of, a film, as shown in FIG. 10, the film possibly being of relatively small thickness. It is preferable to cover the surface of the film serving as the application surface with the flocked portion 10, but this is optional.
The applicator 3, when viewed in a front view, may have a shape other than, for example, a circle, the purpose of which is to apply the substance more easily or more accurately to a given part of the face, for example, the eyelids or lips. To be able to do it.
[0037]
11 to 15 are front views of various examples of particularly conceivable shapes.
The applicator 3 may have at least one projection 20 as shown in FIG. The circle 3 circumscribing the applicator has, for example, a radius r equal to twice the maximum thickness of the applicator, measured parallel to an axis extending through the center of the circle and perpendicular to the plane of FIG. .
As shown in FIG. 12, the applicator 3 is in the shape of a shield, and may be generally triangular, and the application surface 8 may be covered with, for example, a woven fabric 21.
FIG. 13 shows an applicator that is generally pear-shaped and has a generally triangular projection 22.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 14, the application surface of the applicator 3 may have at least two regions 8a and 8b having different surface conditions, and these surface conditions are applied to, for example, a surface used for application. Or different surface treatments, or these surface conditions may be due to the use of different materials or coverings that make up the application portion.
By way of example, the regions 8a, 8b may differ from each other, inter alia, in the following respects: porosity, roughness, substances present on the surface, wettability, magnetism, color.
FIG. 15 shows that the applicator 3 preferably has a through opening 23.
[0039]
The adhesive layer 9 may be present on the applicator, for example in the form of a film, which film may cover the entire surface of the application portion 7 opposite the application surface 8. On the surface used to secure the applicator to the skin, in the form of spots 24 arranged on an array as shown in FIG. 16 and in a selective orientation as shown in FIG. 18 or the adhesive may occupy only the central region 26 of the surface, as shown in FIG.
The adhesive 9 may also be present in the form of concentric rings 70, as shown in FIG. 19, which vary in thickness in the example shown around them. This provides a selective orientation to avoid sticking to the applicator.
The adhesive may be applied by printing.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the adhesive layer 9 may be covered with, for example, a net 27, so that the adhesive strength can be reduced.
[0040]
The application part may have a multilayer structure. Various examples of the multilayer structure will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 21, the application part 7 is constituted by a flocked part 10 on one side, which constitutes the application surface, and the opposite side is made of, for example, a plastic film, for example, a polyurethane or polyester film. A first layer 28 covered with a coated second layer 29, for example a polyurethane foam, on which an adhesive layer 9 is applied.
In the modification shown in FIG. 22, two surfaces of the second layer 29 may be covered with two adhesive layers 9, respectively. The second layer 29 is in this case applied to the first layer 28.
[0041]
In another example, as shown in FIG. 23, the application portion 7 has two foam layers 30, 31 having different structures, for example, an open-cell foam layer and a one-density layer having, for example, closed cells or thin cells. It may have a high layer. The two layers may exhibit different flexibility from each other.
As shown in FIG. 24, the application portion 7 does not need to have a flocked portion, and is made of, for example, an open-cell foam (foam material) polished to form a fluffy surface 32. Is also good.
The applicator receiving surface of the receiver, i.e., the surface to be attached when the applicator is not in use, may be provided with irregularities without departing from the scope of the invention, e.g. A projection 34 may be provided as shown in FIG. 25 to reduce the adhesion of the applicator and allow the user to easily pull the applicator apart and secure it to the tip of a finger.
[0042]
FIG. 26 shows a modified embodiment in which the receptacle is in the form of a case having a hinged lid 5 with a bottom 4 and a mirror 6, as in the embodiment of FIG. In this example, the bottom 4 has a plurality of housings 40, 41, 42 for receiving different substances. A housing 43 for receiving the applicator 3 is provided in the bottom part 4 beside the housings 40-42.
In the modification shown in FIG. 27, the bottom part 4 has only the housings 40 and 41. Instead of the housing 43 in the example of FIG. 26, a large housing 45 suitable for receiving a plurality of applicators 3, for example three as shown, is used in FIG.
As a matter of course, according to the present invention, a case having another shape can be formed.
[0043]
FIG. 28 shows an example of a case where the housing 46 is formed on the bottom 4 to receive a plurality of applicators 3 which may have very varied shapes and textures as shown. The user can select a particular applicator, for example, as a function of the area to be formed.
FIG. 29 shows that when the applicator 3 is to be attached to the lid 5, a corresponding housing 48 may be formed on the bottom 4. The substance P placed in the receiver may be a liquid.
[0044]
For example, FIG. 30 shows a receptacle in the form of a container 50 containing a liquid P. The neck of the container comprises, for example, an endpiece 51 comprising at least one orifice 52 for delivering liquid, which delivery may be by squeezing the wall of the container 50 if compressible, or upside down the container. It can be done by doing.
By way of example, when the applicator 3 is not in use, it may be fixed to the closure capsule 52 of the receptacle, and in some cases protected from the outside by a removable cap 54, which is transparent and transparent. There should be.
[0045]
The substance P may be viscous and is extrudable by the piston 60 cooperating with a screw 61 driven by a knurled foil 62 as shown in FIG.
By way of example, when not in use, the applicator 3 can be secured to an applicator receiving surface of a receiver constituted, for example, by the inner surface of a lid 64 hinged to the foil 62.
In another aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 32, the applicator 3 is provided on a support strip 66 prior to first use. The strip may be wound inside the dispenser 67.
[0046]
Without departing from the scope of the invention, a single applicator 3 can be attached to the tip of two adjacent fingers, as shown in FIG. 33, or different surface conditions and / or different shapes 34 may be applied to the tip of a single finger as shown in FIG. 34, or two applicators of different shapes and / or different surface states as shown in FIG. May be attached to two fingers, for example, two consecutive fingers.
Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described above, but its various features can be combined with one another.
[0047]
Throughout this specification, with respect to the number of members, the term "comprises a least of" refers to "comprises at least of" unless otherwise specified. Should be understood as synonymous with
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows the applicator of the device of FIG. 1 alone.
3 shows the applicator of FIG. 2 with the adhesive surface covered with a removable protective film.
FIG. 4 shows an applicator attached to the end of a finger while picking up a substance.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the applicator in a state used for applying makeup.
FIG. 6 is a schematic axial section showing another possible shape of the applicator.
FIG. 7 is a schematic axial section showing another possible shape of the applicator.
FIG. 8 is a schematic axial section showing another possible shape of the applicator.
FIG. 9 is a schematic axial sectional view showing an example of an applicator provided with a cover having a plurality of hooks.
FIG. 10 is a schematic axial sectional view showing an example of an applicator that has been subjected to flocking.
FIG. 11 is a front view showing one of the possible shapes, especially for the applicator.
FIG. 12 is a front view showing another possible configuration, especially for an applicator.
FIG. 13 is a front view showing another possible shape, especially for an applicator.
FIG. 14 is a front view showing another possible shape, especially for an applicator.
FIG. 15 is a front view showing another possible configuration, especially for an applicator.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of how the adhesive can be distributed on the face on the opposite side as viewed from the application surface.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of how the adhesive can be distributed on the face on the opposite side as viewed from the application surface.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of how the adhesive can be distributed on the face on the opposite side as viewed from the application surface.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of how the adhesive can be distributed on the face on the opposite side as viewed from the application surface.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which a net is provided on the bonding surface.
FIG. 21 is a schematic axial sectional view showing one multilayer structure of the applicator.
FIG. 22 is a schematic axial sectional view showing another multilayer structure of the applicator.
FIG. 23 is a schematic axial sectional view showing another multilayer structure of the applicator.
FIG. 24 is a schematic axial sectional view showing another multilayer structure of the applicator.
FIG. 25 is a schematic sectional view showing undulations formed on a substance receiving surface of an applicator.
FIG. 26 is a view showing an example of a device in which a receiver is in the form of a case.
FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of a case.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing another form of the case.
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing another form of the case.
FIG. 30 illustrates an embodiment where the substance is a liquid and is contained within a container.
FIG. 31 illustrates another embodiment where the substance is a gel.
FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing an applicator dispenser for dispensing an applicator provided on a support strip.
FIG. 33 shows one applicator positioned on a fingertip in two contact states.
FIG. 34 shows two applicators secured to the same finger.
FIG. 35 shows two applicators secured to two fingers of the same hand, respectively.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Cosmetic applicator
2 receiver
3 applicator
5 Lid
6 mirror
7 Application part
8 Coating surface
9 Adhesive layer
11 Protective film
13 annular gap
P substance

Claims (45)

An apparatus (1) for applying cosmetics comprises a receptacle (2) containing a substance (P) and an applicator (3) adapted to be received in or fixed to the receptacle. The applicator, before first use, is provided with an adhesive surface suitable for fixing the applicator to the skin, and the diameter of a circle (C) circumscribing the applicator, centered on axis X, is A device characterized by being greater than the maximum thickness (e _max ) of the applicator measured parallel to X. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the circle of axis X has a radius that is greater than or equal to 2/3 of the maximum thickness ( _emax ). 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the maximum thickness (e _max ) of the applicator is less than half the radius of the circumscribed circle (C). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the applicator is of a size so small that it does not extend to the palm of the hand when the applicator is secured to the tip of a finger. 5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive surface of the applicator is configured in such a manner that it cannot completely adhere to the finger pad of the first phalanx of the index finger. The device of claim 1. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator is not impregnated with the substance to be applied before the first use. 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the substance is not a toothpaste. The applicator has an application surface (8) consisting of a flocking, a woven or nonwoven fabric, in particular a woven fabric supporting a plurality of projecting hooks (17) or loops. 8. The device according to any one of 7 above. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator is made of foam. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the foam is polished to form a fluffy surface thereon. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator is made of an elastomer. The applicator is of a multilayer structure having a layer (9) of an adhesive to be fixed to the skin, a layer (28; 30) constituting the application surface and at least one intermediate layer (29; 31). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator comprises a porous material impregnated with at least one germicidal composition. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator comprises magnetic particles, in particular magnetic particles dispersed in a foam. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator comprises an application surface having at least two regions (8a, 8b) of different surface states. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the adhesive is hypoallergenic. 17. The adhesive layer according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer extends over the entire surface of the applicator opposite to the surface used to apply the substance. The appliance according to the above. An adhesive layer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive layer covers a part of the face of the applicator opposite the surface used for applying the substance. Appliances. 19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the adhesive surface comprises a strip (25) or a spot (24) of adhesive. 20. The adhesive layer according to claim 18, wherein the adhesive layer extends only over a central area of the face of the applicator opposite the face used for applying the substance. The described instrument. 21. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator has a net (27) covering the adhesive surface. 22. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the cross section in the thickness direction has a flat shape with an adhesive surface substantially parallel to the surface used for the application purpose. The device of claim 1. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the applicator has a cross section in a thickness direction in which at least one side of a surface used for bonding purpose is convex. 24. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator is heat sealed around its periphery. 25. The device according to claim 1, wherein the applicator has a non-circular shape when viewed in a front view. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the applicator is generally triangular, pear-shaped, lens-shaped, water-drop-shaped, almond-shaped, heart-shaped, or hollow ring-shaped when viewed in a front view. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator has a recess (23), viewed in a front view, in particular a recess located in the central region of the applicator. . Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator is made of a washable, in particular washable material. 29. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive surface is covered with a removable protective film (12) prior to first use. 30. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle has at least one housing (43; 45; 46; 48) for receiving at least one applicator when not in use. The appliance according to the above. 31. The device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is in the form of a case having a bottom (4) and a lid (5) movable relative to the bottom. 32. The device according to claim 31, wherein the bottom has at least one housing containing the substance (P). 31. The device according to claim 30, wherein the lid (5) comprises a mirror (6). 30. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle has a piston (60) through which material can be pushed through at least one outlet orifice. 35. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle has a deformable wall (50). 36. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle has a protective cap (54) that protects the applicator (3) when not in use. 37. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator is located on a strip (66) serving as a support for the plurality of applicators prior to use. When not in use, the surface of the receiver that receives the applicator is provided with undulations (34) that reduce the applicator's adhesion, for example, stripes or protrusions disposed on the array, or with an anti-adhesion material. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the device is coated or subjected to an anti-adhesion treatment. A method of applying a substance, in particular a cosmetic, to skin, hair, lips or nails, in particular facial skin, wherein an applicator (3) with an adhesive (9) is fixed to at least one fingertip. The applicator has a part (7) for applying a substance, said part extending at least in part on the finger pad of the first phalanx of the finger, and the applicator comprising Not extending, the method further comprising applying the substance to the skin, hair, lips or nails by contacting the application portion with the relevant area. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the applicator is used to make up the cheekbones, eyelids, or lips. 41. The applicator is positioned on the phalanx of the first phalange such that it is movable about the various axes relative to the flank of the first phalanx. The described method. 40. The adhesive surface of the applicator (9) is covered with a removable protective film (12), and the user removes the protective film before bringing the adhesive surface into contact with a finger. 42. The method according to any one of -41. After use, the applicator is attached to the applicator receiving surface of the receiver, in particular the mirror (6), the lid (5) or the bottom of the housing (43; 45, 46) provided for receiving the applicator. 43. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 42. 44. The method as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 43, wherein the applicator is used on multiple occasions and the adhesive is selected in such a way as to maintain its adhesion on an occasional basis. the method of. An applicator for applying cosmetics, comprising: a receptacle containing cosmetics; and an applicator having a multilayer structure, wherein the applicator is configured to be received in or fixed to the receptacle. Is a device having an adhesive surface prior to first use.

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