US2399463A - Holder and applicator for cosmetic liquids and the like - Google Patents

Description

LQE'H 3Q, R94@ F1 W BRYANT 23999463 HOLDER AND APPLICATOR FOR COSMETIG LIQUIDS AND THE LIKE Filed Dec. 2, 1945 t JNVENTOR FREDERICK W BEY/W13' y @,W/Wwwww/ .g 5 Z 7 7 0 3M Patented Apr. 30, 1946 HOLDER AND APPLICATOR FOR COSMETIC LIQUIDS AND THE LIKE Frederick W. Bryant, Hanover, N. J.

Application December 2, 1943, Serial No. 512,644

6 Claims.

The invention relates to means for carrying and applying cosmetic liquids to cuticle and nails or to apparel in the case of perfume7 and for like uses, as well as others.

It is an important aim of the invention to present a means for carrying and applying such liquids which is to be entirely free from liability of spillage of the liquid, and in which the liquidcarrying means is s coordinated with a cuticle treating point or instrument that free liquid may be deposited upon cuticle, nails, and the like immediately at the point of application oi the instrument.

A further important attainment oi the invention is to present a novel conformation o'f the instrument in its cuticle-treating point with the liquid-carrying means, to the end of facilitating the application of liquids and to enable them to be properly applied in a free condition immediate ly at the point of the instrument.

Another important aim of the invention is to present a novel material for taking up and holding liquids of the kind involved, so as to be free from the objection involved by the use of ordinary parts, or by devices dependent upon suction eiects, whether operating like fountain pen sacks, or piston action.

It is an important aim of the invention to provide a holder and a coordinated sponge material of high adsorption capacity, to the end that the device will be automatic in refilling operation by merely presenting an end of the article in a container of the required liquid for immediate filling within a few seconds.

It is an important object of the invention to obviate the need for any mechanical devices for effecting the utilization of the invention, as squeezers, springs, or other mechanical parts and to enable the complete embodiment of the invention by the simple provision of a barrel-like member which will serve at the same time as a handle, with one end shaped to function as the cuticle working instrument. Afurther important aim of the invention is to enable the production of the entire article from plastics, the production of the holder or case parts involving production practice corresponding to that in the formation of fountain pen barrels and caps.

Additional objects, advantages and features of invention reside in the construction, arrangement and combination of parts involved in the embodiment of the invention, as will be more readily understood from the following description and accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is an elevational view of an implement embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view thereof, with the parts assembled in closed position.

Figure 3 is an exploded view oi the parts with the barrel and cap in section.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary. view of the point element of the instrument, and the sponge material in empty condition.

Figure 5 is a similar view showing the nature of the sponge when saturated and its relation to the barrel in that position.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional View taken on the line 6--6 of Figure 3 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to the drawing, there is illustrated a combined barrel container and handle element Ii), of cylindrical form, a forward part oi which is restricted to form a short neck portion II through which a correspondingly reduced passage I2 extends forwardly from the larger inner barrel portion, the outer end portion of the instrument being tapered in a generally conical form to a point I3 forming a cuticle working instrument IQ off ogival form. One side of this instrument, however, is cut away or formed as a recess extending from the passage I2 for the major portion of the length of the instrument I4 to the neck I I, as indicated at I5, in Figures 2 to 5 inelusive. The instrument I4 as indicated is 0f a generally circular form at its base, and partly circular toward its point, and the recess I5 is preferably formed in such manner that, as shown in Figure 6, sharp edges are formed at each side of the instrument, at the junction of the ogival portion with the surface of the recessed part I5,

thus providing sharp scraping edges IS at each side of the instrument, extending convergently to the point I3. In this manner the point portion of the instrument is formed with' one at side, the passage I2 being disposed slightly toward that side of the instrument at which the recess I5 is formed, so as to afford a thick body of material in the outer part of the instrument beside the passage-way I2, so that the point I3 may be located exactly on the axis ofthe barrel portion I0, as shown, and with adequate material to give it the desired strength for the function intended. While it is not absolutely essential for this point to be on the axis of the barrel, it makes for greater eiiiciency in the use of the appliance, by manicurists or lay-users alike, and it does have the advantage of aording a better working edge at I6, on each side adjacent the point by locating the point on the axis of the barrel.

At th'e same time that the hat surface is provided on the inner side of the point with the sharp edges I6 at each side, the point still is so shaped as to present a rounded side portion I8 opposite the ilat face I9. The uses and advantages of the instrument I4 as thus presented will be readily appreciated and understood by those versed in the art, as well as the lay users.

Incident to the restriction of the base of th'e instrument I4 to form the neck II, a shoulder 20 is provided, and a top closure 2| is shown, having an open inner end adapted to t snugly upon the neck portion I I and abut against the shoulder 20, its external diameter being the same as that of the barrel IQ. The cap at its outer part is reduced in diameter to such size as expedient and desirable for the uses indicated, and to permit it to enclose the instrument I4 anda sponge carrier to be described. The cap may be either frictionally or threadedly engaged upon the neck portion I I, as found desirable. The base end of the barrel has the inner cylindrical chamber portion extended flush therethrough and a closure plug 22 is engaged in the open end of the chamber, as shown, either frictionally or threadedly, or otherwise. The plug 22 is formed with an air-vent passage 23 axially therethrough, lfor a function to be subsequently explained. Engaged in the barrel, and extended outwardly through the neck and through the opening of the passage I2 to the recessed side of the point I4, there is a liquid carrier element 25, preferably a synthetic sponge material of cellular structure, of a material having a high value of adsorption. A material of this nature is available on the market, produced by the Dupont de Nemours Company, of Wilmington, Delaware, under the name of cellulose Acetate Sponge, which is peculiarly active in taking up acrious solutions, as well as others, and has been found highly effective in my device. This material initially or when dry, as shaped for use in my device, is of generally cylindrical form, and of a diameter to lie loosely in the barrel, portion, with a clearance therearound, substantially in the proportion shown in Figure 4, although the measurements indicated are not exact, and do not require to conform to strict limits. It is believed preferable that the liquid carrier should initially nt in the passage I2 with just a slight clearance, if any, and it has been my practice to form the passage I2 so that it will t close, but not tightly, upon the sponge element in its dry state. The forward end of the liquid carrier 25, by which I designate the sponge material, is rounded, as shown in several sectional views, and projects Slightly from the recessed base I of the instrument I4, and stops short of the point I3 a short distance. Its length is such as to stop short of the plug 22 a distance, especially when dry. When the sponge element or carrier 25 is saturated with cosmetic liquid, it expands into a snug t with the inner surfaces of the instrument I4, and its length increases to some extent, while the forward rounded end portion is caused to protrude slightly further from the open end of the passage I2 at the recessed side of the instrument I4.

Incident to the expansion of the carrier 25 when saturated, that portion which extends through the neck I I and passage I 2 become fitted tightly in the passage, so that longitudinal slippage of the carrier in the instrument I4 is prevented, and in addition, a novel function in the application of the liquid from the device is attained, by which liquid may be repeatedly extruded from the protruding portion 2B, so as to flow freely upon subjacent surfaces, by the mere pressure of the protruding portion 26 upon such surfaces. rIhe cellular structure of the material 25 and its capillary action are such that even when liquid contained therein is nearly exhausted, it nevertheless, distributes itself uniformly throughout the mass of the material 25, and by the applicating methods indicated, free liquid may be caused to pass from the protruding portion 26. This is due to the fact that when relieved of pressure, liquid tends to move into the protruded part 2S until there is a uniform distribution of the whole amount of liquid carried by the material 25 throughout its length, including the portion 26. However, due to the restriction and slight contraction of the portion extending through `the neck II, when quick pressure is applied upon the part 26, the impedance of the ow inwardly through the passage I 2 and compacted portion of the material 25, leaves a path of lesser resistance toward the surfaces of the extruded part 2.6, from which the liquid. finds more ready passage by discharge from the material 25, so that this liquid thus freed may flow upon the surfaces to which the instrument is applied.

The instrument having been assembled as described, with the dry material 25 in place, in order to use the article the cap 2| is removed, and the point portion of the instrument inserted into a receptacle containing the liquid which it is desired to carry in the instrument. By reason of the nature of the material 25, liquid is quickly taken up, the sponge material expanding until it fills the barrel I!) in the manner illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 5. In this action, the passage 23 performs an important function, in freeing air from the chamber within the barrel, so that the capillary action of the material will not be retarded by compression of air within the chamber.

It will be noted that the cap 2| is also provided with a duct passage 21 at its tip, which is of advantage in case a friction t of the cap is utilized to hold it on the neck I I, but longitudinal movement of the' cap will not then operate to dispense liquid in either` direction through the protruded part 2S. Also, differences in temperatures, expansion and contraction of air in the cap will not tend to cause movement of liquids in the carrier materials.

In order to use the instrument I4 upon cuticle, the cuticle to be treated may be moistened by pressure of the protruded part 2t thereupon, and the cuticle may then bc scraped or otherwise manipulated by the edges I6 of the part ,I8 of the instrument I4. However, in many cases it is necessary to effect a flowing application of liquid to enable more extensive removal of cuticle, and for cleaning under finger-nails and the like, and in such event, by inserting the recessed portion I 4 over the nger, and pressing the protruded part 26 downwardly thereupon, a greater quantity of the liquid will be caused to extrude from the portion 26 and flow upon the nger surfaces under the instrument. The instrument may then be turned se that its rounded portion is presented against the linger, and the free liquid previously applied may then be worked into the cuticle and in the crevices around the nails and thereunder, the point portion and edges I6 being used at the proper time to remove the loosened cuticle. The rounded portion of the point may then be used to push the cuticle back from the base of the nails and the instrument otherwise usedA in accordance with practices well understood in manicure,

While I have disclosed my invention with great particularity, in the best form known to me at this time, it is, nevertheless, to be understood that changes in construction, arrangement and combination of parts, proportions of the parts and shape', together with substitution of materials and equivalents, mechanical and otherwise, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, except as more specically indicatedV in the'appended claims, wherein I claim: l. Ari article of the character described comtion of liquids, said passage through the instru',-v ment from the handle being of reduced diameter whereby to partly restrict the capillary material,V

said material being protruded from the side of p the instrument for the applicative use described.`

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the capil-"' lary material is a body initially adapted to lie loosely Within the space in the handle, said pas-'1 sage through theinstrument being of small size to iit more closely on the material, and said material being of a nature to expand by adsorption of liquids, being protruded from the side of the',

instrument at the extremity of said passage, for

the purposes described.

3. An article of the character described comv prising a substantially cylindrical tubular body' having a restricted instrument of generally ogival form, a passage being formed therethrough iromj the tubular body portion curved toward one side of the instrument, whereby to afford a portion of material closely adjacent the axis of the tubular body, one side of the point portion being recessed, and a capillary material engaged in the tubular body extended through said passage and exposed at the recessed side of the point portion for the purposes described.

4. An article of the character described comprising a tubular handle portion having areduced ogival point, a passage being formed through the point portion in communication with saidgtubular part and curved toward one side of the point portion and opening therethrough, for the purposes described, a capillary material tted in said passage, and adapted to expand by adsorption of liquids within the tubular body portion, and closure means for each end of the article.

5. An instrument of the character described comprising a tubular handle portion, a restricted neck portion extended from one end thereof longitudinally and a point portion outwardly jthereof of generally ogival form, a passage beingl formed in the point portion from the tubular part first named curved toward one side of the point portion, whereby to form a thickened partf'adjacent the axis of the tubular part, said point lportion being recessed at the side toward which said passage is curved, said recess being formed with surfaces intersecting the ogival surfaces of the point portion at an acute angle to form scraping edges, and a point portion flat on one side and rounded on the other, substantially as describedQ v 6. An article of the character described cornprising a handle element having a passage therethrough, said passage having an interior shoulder inwardly of one end thereof and a capillary material in said passage and protruding beyond said end for applicative use, said capillary material initially adapted to lie loosely within the passage, but expandable upon adsorption of liquids, said shoulder retarding a back flow of liquid under surface pressure.

FREDERICK W. BRYANT.

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