US20090095316A1

US20090095316A1 - Portable package and applicator for compositions

Info

Publication number: US20090095316A1
Application number: US11/974,372
Authority: US
Inventors: Carolyn T. Gensch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-11
Filing date: 2007-10-11
Publication date: 2009-04-16

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a cover and applicators is provided. In some instances, wells embossed in the cover near the applicator ends of the applicators are provided. Unit doses are provided. Each unit dose is either attached to an applicator end of a different applicator or, in embodiments having wells, individually located in wells. The unit doses comprise at least a dose of a first product and a dose of a second product. A base is attached to the cover. The applicators are placed edge to edge with their sides respectively in the same planes and the gripping end of each applicator is frangibly attached to the base so as to be enclosed by and between the sides of the cover and so as to be integral with the cover. The cover may be opened out like a book and the applicators may be individually broken off the base.

Description

1. INTRODUCTION

The present invention relates to a package comprising a cover, applicators frangibly attached to the cover, and a unit dose of a product such as a cosmetic, fragrance, pharmaceutical, or first aid product attached to each of the applicators. In one embodiment, the package is constructed in the form of a matchbook comprising (i) the cover and (ii) a row of applicators that are frangibly attached to a common base that is attached to or part of the cover, where each applicator is pre-loaded with a unit dose of a product on the end of the applicator opposite from the common base.
In one embodiment, the applicators are all pre-loaded with the same type of product (e.g., lipstick) or shade of product (e.g., brown eyeshadow). In another embodiment, the applicators are pre-loaded with different types of product (e.g., lipstick and eyeshadow) or shades of product (e.g., red and pink lipstick). In this way, several shades or types of products may be consolidated into one substantially flat, lightweight, convenient, and portable package, thereby reducing the overall bulk, weight, or number of packages that a user must transport.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cosmetics, and other products sold in multi-use containers, have typically been made available to sample in department stores and specialty stores, such as cosmetic stores. The conventional method by which such products are sampled is by inserting a finger, cotton swab, or sponge into a full-sized sample jar where the product may have been sitting for a period of time and where dirt and bacteria may have accumulated. Once opened, the exposed product may be affected by any number of environmental factors including air and light, or contaminants such as oil, dirt and bacteria. Such exposure may result in a change in the color, consistency, or smell of the product, thereby resulting in a sample that is no longer representative, or is less representative over time, of the product that is being offered for sale.
Similar drawbacks exist when such full-sized products are taken home after purchase by a customer. Furthermore, additional drawbacks emerge when a customer attempts to travel or transport these full-sized products. Many full-sized product packages are bulky, fragile or heavy, and do not hold more than one type or shade of product. For example, most lipstick containers are cylindrical and many are constructed with metal parts. When a cosmetic user desires to carry, transport, or travel with cosmetics, these qualities are not ideal and may not comply with various travel restrictions imposed by airlines or other regulatory bodies. Flat, light, non-metal, unit dose, and single use designs are often preferable in such situations. To the extent that single dose cosmetics presently exist, most are not packaged in a way that allows for easy or precise application of the cosmetic. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a sanitary, single-unit or multiple single-unit dose cosmetic package with a convenient, pre-loaded detachable applicator, which may serve as a sample or may be used as a means for consolidated transport of a variety of cosmetics in one convenient package.
Moreover, to date, there are very few methods available to market effectively a cosmetic in a sanitary and visually alluring single dose unit for inclusion in, for example, a magazine insert or mailer. Further, to the extent that such methods exist, most do not provide an integrated cosmetic applicator, so that a potential customer seeking to apply the sample must either stick a finger into the sample and then apply the cosmetic, or contact the sample directly to the body part on which the cosmetic is to be applied. Such methods are neither sanitary nor convenient, nor do they allow for immediate and precise application of the cosmetic product.
Effective sampling methods are also lacking at points of sale where a sales representative may not be present, such as supermarkets and drug store chains. The consumer is left to open a manufacturer sealed full-sized package to test the product. This common practice results in damaged packaging, a broken sanitary seal and, after contact with lips or other contaminating agents from the customer, a tainted or contaminated product. Further, the opened package is no longer an attractive purchase for a subsequent customer and the item is consequently returned to the manufacturer by the retailer for a credit.
In addition to cosmetics, a similar need in the art exists for consolidated and convenient packaging for fragrance, pharmaceutical, tooth whitening, cleaning, and first aid products.

3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A package comprising a cover, a row of disposable applicators frangibly attached to the cover, and a plurality of unit doses of one or more products, such as cosmetics, is provided. In one embodiment, the package is constructed in the form of a matchbook comprising i) a cover and ii) a row of cosmetic applicators that are frangibly attached to a common base that is catch engaged or otherwise attached to or part of the cover element, where each cosmetic applicator is pre-loaded with a unit dose of a product (e.g., cosmetic) on the end of the applicator opposite from the common base. In some embodiments, the row of applicators are placed edge to edge with their sides respectively in the same planes and where a gripping end of each applicator is frangibly attached to the common base, so that the row of applicators are enclosed by and between the sides of the cover and so that the row of applicators are integral with the cover, whereby the cover may be opened out like a book and any one of the applicators may be torn or broken off the base. In some of the embodiments, some or all of the applicators are separated by structures that support the cover when the package is closed and thereby protect the applicators, and/or any pre-loaded cosmetic, from mechanical damage during, for example, transport in a purse. These structures may be hollow or solid, and may be in the form of bars or other projections perpendicular to the plane of the cover element 116. The structures are preferably of a height taller than the height of the complete package and may be constructed of a material that is the same as or different from the cover.
In another embodiment, the applicators are not pre-loaded with product, but the package comprises one or more wells that contain a unit dose of product. In such embodiments, the package comprises a plurality of applicators and a plurality of wells, each well being designed to hold a unit dose of a product. In one embodiment, the package contains one cosmetic applicator for every unit dose of cosmetic. In one embodiment, the wells are formed by embossing or debossing the cover element to form one or more wells that each hold one or more unit doses of cosmetic. In such embodiments, the cover element may in turn be covered by an outer cover element to conceal the embossments or debossments.
A protective plastic film may be used to protect the pre-loaded product (e.g., cosmetic) from evaporation or damage during transport and until use. The protective film may cover each pre-loaded dose of product individually or there may be a liftable plastic cover that spans all of the pre-loaded doses. In such instances, the liftable plastic cover may take any form, including the forms depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Some embodiments of the present application provide an inexpensive, compact, sanitary, unit dose of one or more cosmetics, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, or first-aid products pre-loaded on removable, disposable applicators, and contained within a substantially flat, lightweight, and protective package, thereby allowing a consumer to sample or transport the products while reducing the overall bulk, weight, or number of packages that the user must transport.
Another advantage of such a package is the ease with which several unit doses of different product (e.g. cosmetics) may be combined into one package either by the manufacturer or by the customer. Accordingly, in some embodiments, multiples of such pre-loaded applicators are provided as a plurality of unit doses that may be manufactured in the form of a roll. The roll may be contained within a sealed package. This roll is suitable for sale to consumers in the retail setting. In such instances, the user may then mix and match different products (e.g., cosmetics) simply by detaching a pre-measured length of a first type of single dose, pre-loaded cosmetic applicators from the roll, and staggering, overlaying, or adjoining a pre-measured length of a second type of single dose pre-loaded applicators. The base of the applicators 108 may then be catch engaged or otherwise attached to the cover 101 by any suitable means.
The inventive devices provide an inexpensive, compact, sanitary unit dose package of a cosmetic, fragrance, pharmaceutical, or first-aid product, which can be distributed as a handout, placed in a mailer or magazine, or made available as a sample at a point of sale in a discount retail or drug store.
The inventive devices provide a disposable, sanitary, single unit dose package that may be used as a sample, which lessens or completely eliminates the chance of contracting an infection or disease from the product.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present invention may more readily be understood there will now be described merely by way of example, and not by way of limitation, several embodiments shown in the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a complete multi-unit single dose package, in an open configuration, in which a matchbook-like package comprising a cover, a row of applicators frangibly attached either to a common base that is attached to the cover or directly to the cover, and an optically transparent covering in open position is provided.

FIG. 2 illustrates a complete multi-unit single dose package, in an open configuration, in which a matchbook-like package comprising a cover, a row of applicators frangibly attached to a common base that is attached to the cover or directly to the cover itself, and a clam-shell optically transparent covering in open position is provided.

FIG. 3 illustrates the complete multi-unit single dose package of FIG. 2, in an open configuration, in which a matchbook-like package comprising a cover, a row of detachable applicators, and a clam-shell optically transparent covering in closed position is provided.

FIGS. 4A-4C, 5, and 6 illustrate rows of individually detachable applicators with paddle tip (FIG. 4A), round tip (FIG. 4B), square tip (FIG. 4C), brush tip (FIG. 5), and staggered tips (FIG. 6). Such applicators may be integrated into the multi-unit single dose embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, or may be produced singly, for standalone use in single dose packages.

FIG. 7 illustrates a single sample embodiment containing one applicator and a single well debossment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a package containing wells pre-loaded with product, such as a cosmetic, without a row of detachable applicators. Detachable applicators may be added later to the package.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, one aspect of the instant disclosure is a package 100 comprising a cover element 101, one or more disposable applicators 104 attached to the cover 101, where each applicator 104 is loaded with a unit dose of a product. In one embodiment, the product is a cosmetic and the cosmetic is pre-applied to the applicator 104 so that the cosmetic and applicator 104 function as a single, pre-loaded unit, an applicator and cosmetic in one. Each applicator 104 may be pre-loaded with enough cosmetic for one or two applications. As used herein, the term single dose refers to enough dosage of a product (e.g., a cosmetic, fragrance, pharmaceutical, etc.) for between one and five applications. The package 100 may be constructed in the form of a matchbook comprising (i) a cover 101 and (ii) a row of applicators 104 that are preferably frangibly attached to a common base 108 that is attached to or part of the cover 101, where each applicator 104 is pre-loaded with a unit dose of a product (e.g., cosmetic) on the end of the applicator 106 opposite from the common base 108. In some embodiments, the row of applicators comprises two or more applicators 104, five or more applicators 104, ten or more applicators 104, or between 2 and 50 applicators 104.
Referring to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, the applicators 104 are not pre-loaded with a unit dose, but rather the package 100 comprises one or more wells 118 that each contain at least a unit dose of product. In such embodiments, the package 100 comprises a plurality of applicators 104 and a plurality of wells 118 with each well being designed to hold a unit dose of a product. In some embodiments, the package 100 contains one applicator 104 for every unit dose of product, such that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the applicators 104 and the wells 118. In one embodiment, the package 100 resembles a matchbook with the wells 118 being formed by embossing or debossing the cover element to form a well 118 that holds one or more unit doses of product. In such embodiments, the product may be loaded directly onto a paper based substrate in the debossed well below where the applicator tip 106 lays. The paper-based substrate may be coated with a waterproof layer or a material that facilitates release of the product. In some embodiments, there are two or more applicators 104, five or more applicators 104, ten or more applicators 104, or between 2 and 50 applicators 104 in the package and, correspondingly, two or more wells 118, five or more wells 118, ten or more wells 118, or between 2 and 50 wells 118 in the package.
In one embodiment, the well 118 of the package serves as a mold for the product. For example, the well 118 may be filled by pouring liquefied product, for example, a cosmetic, in the hot or cold state into the well, where it then sets. In another embodiment, the product is screen printed over the applicator tip 104B or the well 118. In another embodiment, the applicator 104 is dipped into the product and then dried.
The invention may be used as a single sample. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the package comprises a single disposable applicator 104 and a single unit dose of product. See e.g., FIG. 7. The package may also comprise an applicator. In one embodiment, the applicator is pre-loaded with a unit dose of product. In one embodiment, one end of the applicator 104 is pre-loaded with a unit dose of product and the opposite end of the applicator is attached to the cover element 117 of the package 100. The single sample may be manufactured as a roll of multiple samples such that a single sample is perforated or otherwise detachable from the other of the samples on the roll. Alternatively, multiple samples may be detached from the roll.
The invention may also be used to transport multiple unit doses. Accordingly, in another embodiment, the package comprises a plurality of unit doses of one or more products, where each unit dose in the plurality of unit doses is on an applicator 104 in a plurality of disposable applicators housed in a cover element 116. In an embodiment, the package 100 contains one applicator for every unit dose of product. In one embodiment, one end of the applicator 104 is pre-loaded with the unit dose of product and the opposite end is attached to the cover element 102 of the package 100.
Referring, for example, to FIG. 2, when the package 100 comprises a plurality of applicators 104, each of the applicators 104 is connected to the common base 108 by the end 104A of the applicator 104 that comprises a member for gripping, whereas the opposite end of the applicator 104 comprising a means for holding a product.
Products that may be used in package 100 include any health or beauty product known in the art including but not limited to cosmetics, fragrances, pharmaceuticals and first aid products. Cosmetics that may be used in the context of the invention include any cosmetic known in the art including, but not limited to, lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, liquid make-up, concealer (cover up), powder, cream, lotion, eyeliner, glitter, tooth whitening and cleaning products, and fragrance. Cleaning products that may be packaged in this way include cleaning products that may be applied or used with individual applicators, such as keyboard cleaning products. In one embodiment, the cosmetic is a product that is capable of liquefying at temperatures above room temperature, such as a lipstick. In another embodiment, the cosmetic is a product that is paste-based, such as blush or eyeshadow, which may be poured in a cold state, and later solidifies after being allowed to set for a sufficient amount of time.
In another embodiment, the package 100 comprises a plurality of shades of the same type of cosmetic, for instance, two or more different shades of lipstick. In another embodiment, the package 100 comprises a plurality of different types of cosmetics, for instance, a lipstick and an eyeshadow. In one embodiment of the invention, the package 100 is in the form of a matchbook that comprises different shades or types of cosmetics. For example, half of the applicators 104 may be pre-loaded with a first cosmetic and half the applicators 104 may be pre-loaded with a second cosmetic. The applicators 104 pre-loaded with the first cosmetic may be consecutive or alternating in the row with the applicators pre-loaded with the second cosmetic. In one embodiment, the first cosmetic is selected from the group consisting of lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, liquid make-up, concealer (cover up), powder, cream, lotion, eyeliner, and glitter; and the second cosmetic is different from the first cosmetic and is selected from the group consisting of lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, liquid make-up, concealer (cover up), powder, cream, lotion, eyeliner, glitter. For example, in one embodiment, the package 100 contains lipstick and eyeshadow, where every second unit dose of cosmetic is lipstick and the balance of the package 100 is eyeshadow.
In one embodiment, the package 100 is refillable with pre-loaded applicators 104. In this way, the user may mix and match cosmetics of different types into a single consolidated package, refilling the applicators as needed.
The applicator tip 106 of applicators 104 that hold a unit does of product may be constructed of any material known in the art including, but not limited to, foam, cotton, or bristles. The applicator tip 106 may be in any shape known in the art including but not limited to paddle-shaped (see FIG. 4A), round (see FIG. 4B), and square (FIG. 4C). One of skill in the art may select the material and shape of the applicator tip 106 based on the particular cosmetic to be used. For instance, if the cosmetic to be applied is a cosmetic that may be applied by a brush, then the applicator contained within in the cosmetic package of the invention may be a brush. The applicator 104 applicator tip 106 may be angled or straight.
The applicators 104 may be constructed according to any methods known in the art. In one embodiment, the applicators 104 are in the form of strips that attach to a common base 108 and in another embodiment the applicators 104 are die-cut to any desired shape and attached to the common base 108. In one embodiment, an adhesive is printed on a portion of a substrate that will form an applicator tip 106 onto which a unit dose of product is applied. Fibers such as cotton, nylon, or acrylic are introduced into a chamber and, by electrostatic assist, the fibers are flocked to the substrate. Using flocking, the fabric fibers can be applied in a chosen register or pattern to form the applicator tip 106 and or the entire applicator 104. The applicator 104 is then die cut to the desired shape while still being attached to the package 100.
The applicators 104 may be shaped so as to improve the ability of the product (e.g., cosmetic) to stay on the applicator 104. In one embodiment, the applicator 104 is constructed such that the surface is rough, for example, by using flocking or an open-cell foam. In another embodiment, the applicator 104 is equipped with a holding means, made in the form of a loop, hook, or adaptor piece. In some embodiments, this holding means is on the gripping end 104B of the applicator 104.
The applicators 104 may also be manufactured in a roll form to be marketed at a point of sale in a discount or a drug store retailer. Such samples are perforated at either end thereby enabling the consumer to remove one sample easily from another by tearing off a single unit or multiple units. For example, the applicators 104 may be manufactured in a rollable strip of 100 or more samples, separated by perforations every 1 to 10 applicators. These applicator segments can be separated from the remainder of the strip and handed to a customer for demonstration or inserted by the manufacturer or end user into a protective cover element designed to hold the applicators 104.
The pre-loaded applicators 104 may be manufactured by placing the applicator 104 into a formed well where the product, in heated liquid form, is filled into the well, the applicator end is inserted, and the product is then cooled to form a hardened product at the tip 106 of the applicator 104. If the product is in a liquid form that does not set in a mold when transferred from hot to cold, a foam or sponge tip may be placed on the tip 106 of the applicator 104 and the foam tipped applicator wand will follow the same process and be inserted into the mold where the unit dose product will be fully absorbed by the tip.
The applicators 104 or wells 118 may alternatively be pre-loaded with a fragrance. Any method known in the art for creating fragrance samplers may be used in such instances. In one embodiment, a mixture of polymeric dispersion of polymer, co-polymer, plasticizer, fragrance oil and a suitable fragrance solvent, such as ethyl alcohol, is formed and pre-loaded onto an applicator 104 or well of the package 100. The fragrance mixture is rapidly dried and then sealed with a film overlay that attaches to an adhesive printed on the applicator 104 or the cover element 102 surrounding each applicator well.
Depending on the particular product, a pre-loaded well or applicator 104 may be protected from the air and microorganisms. In one embodiment, a protective overlay is laminated over the tip 106 of the pre-loaded applicator 104 or well. The protective overlay may be constructed by forming a perimeter adhesive and laying down a protective overlay that will cover the product. The protective overlay may be made of any material known in the art and may be selected based on the type of product to be pre-loaded into the well or the applicator 104.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, the applicators 104 are covered with an optional protective covering 102. The optional protective covering can be made with any material known in the art including, but not limited to, plastics and thin films. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1, the protective covering 102 is in the form of a planar sheet that attached to base 108. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the protective covering 102 includes a clam-shaped depression 120 to accommodate and to protect the tips 106 of applicators 104. In one embodiment not illustrated, each unit dose of product is separately covered by a protective covering. In another embodiment, illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 3, all of the unit doses are covered by a single, liftable, clam-shaped, protective covering 102. The protective covering 102 may be clear or opaque. In one embodiment, the protective covering 102 and/or the cover 101 is printed with the color or name of the type of the product (e.g., cosmetic) loaded onto a corresponding tip 106 of an applicator 104 or well.
The sealed multiple unit dose packaging may be placed inside a second, aesthetically attractive package for marketing purposes. The additional packaging may be disposable or constructed in a manner that is meant to be refillable. The finished cosmetic package may go through a sealing process that removes the air from the packaging to ensure freshness and to ensure that the cosmetic will not evaporate while in transit or while on display shelves.
The cover 101 may be made of any suitable material known in the art. It is desirable to reduce the number and weight of cosmetic packages that are carried around by a user. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the cover 101, the protective covering 102, applicators 104 and or base 108 are made of a stiff, yet lightweight material such as cardboard, plastic, or heavy weight paper or the like that is of sufficient construction to resist deformation and crushing forces typically encountered in transport. In some embodiments, the cover 101, each applicator 104, the protective covering 102, and/or the common base 108 is made of paper, cardboard, plastic, or another malleable material.
The closure mechanism 112 on the covering 101 may be comprised of Velcro, snap or other implement to lock the top of the package down. Alternatively, the covering 101 may be closed by simply slipping the top cover under a tab 114, as with a book of matches. In one embodiment, the cover 101 may comprise a tab whose width is less than that of the cover, which tab slips into a slit on the base or other portion of the cover so as to close the package.
One of the faces of the cover 101 may be fitted with a mirror or other reflective surface, allowing the user to monitor application of the product to the face or other body part.
The application is also directed to a method of constructing the foregoing cosmetic packages. The foregoing cosmetic packages and methods of making such packages may be applied to produce single unit doses of products such as, but not limited to, fragrance, pharmaceutical, and/or first-aid products.
All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
Many modifications and variations of this application can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only, and the application is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

i) a cover;

ii) a plurality of applicators, wherein each applicator in the plurality of applicators comprises a gripping end and an applicator end;

iii) a plurality of unit doses, wherein each unit dose in the plurality of unit doses is a unit dose of a product selected from a plurality of products, and wherein the plurality of unit doses comprises at least (a) a unit dose of a first product in the plurality of products and (b) a unit dose of a second product in the plurality of products; and

iv) a base attached to the cover;

wherein

each applicator in the plurality of applicators and the plurality of unit doses are contained within the cover; and

the gripping end of each applicator in the plurality of applicators is frangibly attached to the base.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first product is a cosmetic.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cosmetic is selected from the group consisting of lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, liquid make-up, concealer, powder, cream, lotion, eyeliner, and glitter.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of applicators are arranged in one or more rows and wherein each applicator in the plurality of applicators is frangibly attached to said base.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the first product is selected from the group consisting of lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, liquid make-up, concealer, powder, cream, lotion, eyeliner, and glitter; and

the second product is different from the first product and is selected from the group consisting of lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, liquid make-up, concealer, powder, cream, lotion, eyeliner, and glitter.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an optically transparent, liftable protective covering that covers the plurality of applicators.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the protective covering includes a clam-shaped depression for protecting the applicator end of each applicator in the plurality of applicators.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the first product is a first shade of a lipstick, a lip gloss, a lip liner, an eyeshadow, a blush, a bronzer, a liquid make-up, a powder, an eyeliner, or a glitter; and

the second product is a second shade of the first product.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of applicators are placed edge to edge with their sides respectively in the same planes and wherein the gripping end of each applicator in the plurality of applicators is frangibly attached to the base, so as to be enclosed by and between the sides of the cover and so as to be integral with said cover, whereby the cover may be opened out like a book and any one of said applicators may be torn or broken off the base.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a mirror is attached to an exterior side of the cover.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is made of plastic, cardboard or paper.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator end of an applicator in the plurality of applicators has a paddle tip.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator end of an applicator in the plurality of applicators has a round tip.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator end of an applicator in the plurality of applicators has a square tip.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator end of an applicator in the plurality of applicators has a brush tip.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator ends of the plurality of applicators are staggered within the cover.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of applicators consists of five or more applicators.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of applicators consists of ten or more applicators.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first product is a pharmaceutical.

20. An apparatus comprising:

i) a cover;

iii) a plurality of wells embossed in said cover near the applicator ends of the plurality of applicators;

iv) a plurality of unit doses, wherein each unit dose in the plurality of unit doses is a unit dose of a product selected from a plurality of products, and wherein the plurality of unit doses comprises at least (a) a unit dose of a first product in the plurality of products and (b) a unit dose of a second product in the plurality of products, and wherein each unit dose in the plurality of unit doses is in a different well in the plurality of wells; and

iv) a base attached to the cover;

wherein the plurality of applicators are placed edge to edge with their sides respectively in the same planes and wherein the gripping end of each applicator is frangibly attached to the base, so as to be enclosed by and between the sides of the cover and so as to be integral with said cover, whereby the cover may be opened out like a book and any one of said applicators may be torn or broken off the base.

21. An apparatus comprising:

i) a cover;

ii) an applicator, wherein the applicator comprises a gripping end and an applicator end;

iii) a unit dose of a product selected from a plurality of products; and

iv) a base attached to the cover;

wherein

the applicator and unit dose of product are contained within the cover; and

the gripping end of the applicator is frangibly attached to the base.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the product is a cosmetic.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the cosmetic is selected from the group consisting of lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, liquid make-up, concealer, powder, cream, lotion, eyeliner, and glitter.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the cover is made of plastic, cardboard or paper.

25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the applicator end of the applicator is selected from the group consisting of a paddle tip, a round tip, a square tip and a brush tip.