This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application # 62/359,317 filed on July 7, 2016.

Background

Cosmetic application systems are used to store and apply cosmetic products. The application systems in combination with the cosmetic products are designed to deliver post application beauty benefits.

The cosmetics being stored often contain solvents or other components that may undergo changes with atmospheric exposure. These solvents and components allow for smooth and even flow of the cosmetic during application. Solvents evaporate upon application causing the cosmetic to bind to the target surface. A traditional cosmetic application system allows for undesired solvent evaporation within the cosmetic application system, prior to application. This undesired evaporation leads to decreased shelf-life, hardening of the cosmetic product and decreased performance.

The disclosed cosmetic application system provides the dual purpose of optimal delivery of the cosmetic product and reduced evaporation of solvents before application.

Summary This application is directed to an application system for applying cosmetic and other material comprising a container for storing a product, the container comprising a container lower section that includes an interior bottom surface of the container and is suitable for storing the product and a container neck section defining an opening with an inner surface and an outer surface. The application system also comprises a cap, an applicator and a fitment tube. When the container is closed, the cap attaches to the neck section of the container. The applicator is attached to the cap for dispensing product. The applicator comprises a stem with a defined length and an applicator element. The cap is attached to a proximal end of the stem. An applicator element is attached to the distal end of the stem. The applicator is inserted into the container through the fitment tube when the cap is attached to the container neck. The fitment tube has a fitment tube upper section and a fitment tube lower section. The fitment tube upper section comprises a hollow tube with open ends and a continuous and impermeable wall structure. The fitment tube upper section has a proximal end that is attached to the container neck section and a fitment tube upper section distal end that extends into the container lower section. The fitment tube upper section may be attached to the inner surface of the container neck section. The fitment tube lower section is attached to the distal end of the fitment tube upper section and extends further from the container neck than the fitment tube upper section.

In an embodiment of the application system, the largest dimension of the applicator element in any plane perpendicular to the length direction of the applicator may be smaller than the smallest opening diameter of the fitment tube in any plane perpendicular to the length direction of the applicator. This allows the applicator to be removed from the container without contact between the applicator element and either the fitment tube or the container.

In an embodiment of the application system, the fitment tube may include lower sections of the fitment tube ending in one, two, three or more legs. The legs may take a range of shapes including helical, curved or straight.

In another embodiment of the application system, the fitment tube lower section comprises a hollow tube extension of the upper section of the fitment tube. The tube may have holes or perforations in its sidewall or it may be continuous and impermeable.

Embodiments of the application system may have the fitment tube in contact with the interior bottom surface of the container or the fitment tube may be within 20% of the height of the container from the interior bottom surface of the container.

Embodiments of the application system include the applicator element being at least partially contained within the upper section of the fitment tube when the cap is secured to the container neck section. The applicator element may also be fully contained within the upper section of the fitment tube when the cap is secured to the container neck section.

Embodiments of the application system may comprise a container for storing a product, the container comprising a container lower section that includes an interior bottom surface of the container and is suitable for storing the product and a container neck section defining an opening with an inner surface and an outer surface. The application system also comprises a cap, an applicator and a fitment tube. When the container is closed, the cap attaches to the neck section of the container. The applicator is attached to the cap for dispensing product. The applicator comprises a stem with a defined length and an applicator element. The cap is attached to the proximal end of the stem. An applicator element is attached to the distal end of the stem. The applicator is inserted into the container through the fitment tube when the cap is attached to the container neck. The fitment tube has a fitment tube upper section. The fitment tube upper section comprises a hollow tube with open ends and a continuous and impermeable wall structure. The fitment tube upper section has a proximal end that is attached to the container neck section and a fitment tube upper section distal end that extends into the container lower section. The fitment tube upper section may be attached to the inner surface of the container neck section. The applicator element may be partially or fully contained within the fitment tube upper section when the cap is secured to the container neck section. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a section drawing of a container, an applicator, a cap and a fitment tube.

Figure 2 is a drawing of an applicator.

Figure 3 is a front view drawing of a fitment tube.

Figure 4 is a side view drawing of the fitment tube of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a drawing of a fitment tube and a container.

Figure 6 is a drawing of a fitment tube fitted into a container with an attached cap and applicator.

Figure 7 is a drawing of a fitment tube fitted into a container with an attached cap and applicator.

Figure 8 is a drawing of an applicator element, the interior bottom section of a container, the lower section of a fitment tube and of the distal end of the upper portion of a fitment tube. Figure 9 is a section view drawing of the applicator and the fitment tube in Figure 8 at section I in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a drawing of an applicator element, the interior bottom section of a container, the lower section of a fitment tube and of the distal end of the upper portion of a fitment tube.

Figure 11 is a section view drawing of the applicator and the fitment tube in Figure 10 at section I in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a drawing of an applicator element, the interior bottom section of a container, the lower section of a fitment tube and of the distal end of the upper portion of a fitment tube.

Figure 13 is a section drawing of the applicator element and the fitment tube in Figure 12 at section I in figure 12.

Figure 14 is a drawing of an applicator element, the interior bottom section of the container, the lower section of a fitment tube and of the distal end of the upper portion of a fitment tube.

Figure 15 is a section drawing of the applicator element and the fitment tube in Figure 14 at section I in figure 14. Figure 16 is a drawing of a fitment tube.

Figure 17 is a drawing of a fitment tube of Figure 16 fitted into a container. Detailed Description

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the 95 invention, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner in describing the product designs, compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention and how to make and use them. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a 100 term is elaborated or discussed herein. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention is not limited to the examples presented.

This application is directed to an application system for applying cosmetic and other material comprising a container for storing a product, the container comprising a container lower section that includes an interior bottom surface of

105 the container and is suitable for storing the product and a container neck section defining an opening with an inner surface and an outer surface. The application system also comprises a cap, an applicator and a fitment tube. When the container is closed, the cap attaches to the neck section of the container. The applicator is attached to the cap for dispensing product. The applicator comprises a stem with a defined length and an applicator element. The cap is attached to a proximal end of the stem. An applicator element is attached to the distal end of the stem. The

110 applicator is inserted into the container through the fitment tube when the cap is attached to the container neck. The fitment tube has a fitment tube upper section and a fitment tube lower section. The fitment tube upper section comprises a hollow tube with open ends and a continuous and impermeable wall structure. The fitment tube upper section has a proximal end that is attached to the container neck section and a fitment tube upper section distal end that extends into the container lower section. The fitment tube upper section may be attached to the inner surface of

115 the container neck section. The fitment tube lower section is attached to the distal end of the fitment tube upper section and extends further from the container neck than the fitment tube upper section.

The application system is suitable for storing liquid cosmetic products (40). These products include but are not limited to nail polishes, mascaras, nail treatments, eyeliners and lip glosses. Additionally, the application system and container may be used for products outside the cosmetic field. Examples of products include but are not limited 120 to correction fluid, touch up paints and touch up varnishes. This specification uses the terms product and cosmetic product interchangeably. It is understood that the applicator system of this invention can be used for a wide range of product types and is not limited to cosmetic products.

A fitment tube (1) in Figure 1 is part of a cosmetic application system which additionally comprises a container (10), a cap (30) and an applicator (20). The fitment tube is fixed to the container. As shown in Figure 1, the fitment 125 tube (1) extends from the upper neck section of the container (11) to the interior bottom surface (12) of the Application System wife Fitment Tube

This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application # 62/359,317 filed on July ?, 2016.

Backgrouad Cosmetic a licatioii systems, are used t store and apply cosmetic products. The application systems in combination with the cosmetic products are designed to deliver post application beauty benefits.

The cosmetics being stored often contain solvents o.r other components that may undergo ^' changes with atmospheric exposure; These solvents and components allow for smooth and even flo of the cosmetic dutirsg lica ion. Solvents evapomte upon appiic ion eaosing the eosnietie to bind to the target surface. A. traditional, cosmetic application system: allows for undesired solvent evapora tion: within the- cosmetic application system, prior to application. This undesired evaporation leads to decreased shelf-life, hardening of the cosmetic product and decreased performance. The disclosed cosmetic application system provides the dual purpose of optimal delivery of the cosmetic produc t and redneed evaporation of solvents before application.

This application is directed to art application system for applying cosmetic and other material comprising a container for storing a product, the container comprising a container lower section thai includes an interior bottom surface of the container and is suitable for storing the product and a container neck section defining an opening with an inner surface and an outer surface. The application system als comprises a cap, as applicator and a fitment tube. When the container is closed, the cap attaches to the »eck section of the container. The applicator is attached to the cap for dispensing product. The applicator comprises a stem with a defined length and an applicator element. The cap is attached to a proximal end. of the stem. As applicator element is attached to the distal end of the stem. The applicator is inserted into the container through the fitment tube when the cap is attached to the container neck. The fitment tube has a fitment tube upper section and a fitment tube lower section. The fitment tube upper section comprises a hollow tube with open ends and a continuous and impermeable wall structure, The fitment tube upper section has a proximal -end t ai i s attached to the container neck section and a fitment tube upper section distal end that extends into die container lower section. The .fitment tabe upper section may be attached to the inner surface of the container neck section. The fitment tube lower section is attached to he distal end of the .fitment tube upper section and extends further from the container neck than the fitment tube upper section- In an embodiment of the application system, the largest dimension of the applicator element in any piane perpendicular to the length direction of the applicator may be smaller than the smallest opening diameter of the fitment tube i any plane perpendicular to the length direction of the applicator. This allows the applicator to be removed from the container without contact between the applicator element and either the fitment tube or the container.

In an embodiment of the; application system, the fitment tube may include lower ^" sections of the fUmesiittbe ending in . one, two, three or more legs. The legs may ta¾e a range of shapes including helical, curved or straight.

In another embodiment of the application system, the fitmem tiihe l wer section comprises a hollow tube extension of die upper section of the fitment tube. The tube may have holes or perforations in its sidewall or it may be continuous and impermeable.

Embodiments of the application system may have th -fit ent tube in ^■' contact with the interior bottom surface of the container or the fitment ta.be may be within 20% of the height of the container from the interior bottom surface of the container, Embodiments of the application system include the applicator element being at least partiaiiy contained within the -upper -section of the fitment tube when the cap Is secured to the container neck section. The applicator element ma lso be fully contained within th tippe section of the fitment tube when the cap is secured to the container neck section.

Embodiments of the application system may comprise a container for storing a product, the container comprising a container lower section that includes an. interior bottom surface of the container and is suitable for storing the product and a container neck section defining an opening with an inner surface and an outer surface. The application system also comprises a cap, an applicator and a fitment tube. When the container is closed, the cap attaches to the seek section ofthe eoniidnef. The applicator is attached to the cap for dispensing- roduct: The applicator comprises a stem with a defined length and an applicator el m nt- The cap is attached io the proximal end of the stem. An applicator element is attached to the distal end of the stem. The applicator is inserted into Ihe container through the fitment tube when, the cap is attached to the container neck. The fitment tube has a fitment tube upper section. The fitment tube upper section comprises a hollow tube with open ends and a continuous and impermeable wall structure. The .fitment tube upper section has a proximal end that is attached to the container neck section and a fitment tube upper section distal end that extends into the container lower section. The fitment tube upper section may be attached to the inner surface of the container neck section. The applicator element may be partially or folly contained within, the fitment tube upper sec on when the cap is secured to the container neck section.

^' . Brief ^' Description of the . ra ja Figure 1 is & section drawing of a container, an applicator, a cap and a fitment tube. Figure 2 is a drawing of an applicator. Figure 3 is a fron t view drawing of a fitment robe, Figure 4 is a side view drawing of the fitment tube- of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a drawing of a fitment tube and a container.

Figure 6 is a drawing of a fitment tube fitted into a container with an attached cap and applicator.

Figure 7 is a drawing of a fitment tube fitted into a container with an attached cap and: applicator.

Figure 8 is a drawing of an applicator element,- the interior bottom section of container, the lower section of a fitment tube and of the distal end of the tipper portion of a fitment tube.

Figure 9 is a section view drawing of the applicator and. the fitment tube in Figure 8 at section I in Figure 8. 85 Figure. 10 is a .drawing of an applicator element, the interior bottom, section of a container, the lower section of a fitment tube and of the distal end of the upper portion of a fitment tube.

Figure 1 1 is a section view drawing of the applicator and the fitment tube in Figure 10 at section 1 in Figure 10,

Figure 12 is a drawing of an applicator element, the interior bottom section of a container, so the lower section of a fitment tube and of the distal end of the tipper portion of a fitmen t tube.

Figure .13 is a section drawing of the applicator element and the fitment tube in Figure 12 at section I in figure 12,

Figure 14 is a drawing of an applicator element, the interior bottom section of the ^' container, the l wer section ofi ^' fttoeni tube and of the distal end. of the upper portlotioFa fitment tube,,

95 Figure 15 is a section drawing of the applicator element a d the fitment tribe in Figure 34 at section I in ^' figur 1 .

Figure 16 is a drawing of a fitment tube.

Figure 17 is a drawing of a fitment tube of Figure 16 fitted into a container. loo The terms used in this specification generally hav their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the invention, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional _. guidance to the practitioner in describing the product designs, .compounds, .compositions, and method of the invention, and. how to make and use them. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the

105 same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and

synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. The use of examples anywhere in ibis specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of no any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention is not limited to the examples presented. This application is directed to an application system tor applying cosmetic aad other material comprising & container for storing a product, the contains comprising a container lower section that includes an interior bottom surface of the container and is suitable for storing the product nd a container neck section defining an opening with an inner surface and an outer us surface. The application system also comprises a cap, an applicator and. a fitment tube.

When the container is closed, the cap attaches to the neck section of t he container. The applicator is attached to the cap lor dispensing product. The applicator comprises a stem with a defined length and an applicator element The cap is attached to a proximal end of the stem. An applicator element is attached to the distal end of the stem. The applicator is

120 inserted into the container through the fitment tube when the cap is attached to the container neck. The fitment tube has a fitment tube upper section and a fitment tube lower section. The fitment tube tipper section comprises a hollow tube with open ends and a continuous and impermeable wall structure. The fitment tube upper section has a proximal end that is attached to the container neck section and a fitmen tube upper section distal end that extends

125 into the container lower section. The fitment tube upper section may he attached to the inner surface of the container neck section. The fitment tube lower section is attached to the distal end of the fitment tube upper section and extends further from the container neck man the fitment tube upper section.

The application system is suitable for storing liquid cosmetic products (40). These products 130 include but are not limited to nail polishes, mascaras, nail treatments, eyeliners and lip

glosses. Additionally, the application system and container may be used for products outside the cosmetic field.. Examples of products include but are not limited to correction fluid, touch up paints and touch up varnishes. This specification uses the terms product, and cosmetic product interchangea ly. It is understood that the applicator system of this invention can he 135 used for a wide range of product types and is not limited to cosmetic products.

A fitment tube ( 1) in Figure 1 is part of a cosmetic application system which additionally comprises a container (10), a cap (30) and an applicator (20). The fitment tube is fixed to the container. As shown in. Figure 1 , the fitment tube (I ) extends from the upper neck section of the container (11) to the interior bottom surface (12) of the container. The fitment tube may 140 full contact the inside bottom surface of the container, partially contact, the inside bottom surface of the container, or hover above the bottom surface of the container without making contact. The cap (30) and applicator (20) are designed ^' to be fixed, to the■ container (10). during product storage and removed for cosmetic application. The applicator (20) is inserted into the 145 container ( 10) through the fitment tube ( 1 ).

A product (40) is stored in the container. When solvents aad¼ water are present in the product, some evaporation will occur and vapors will, form in the headspace (41). Presence of the fitment tube prevents the vapors in the headspace from exiting the container, limiting evaporation of the product and extending the useful life of the product. Each of the

150 components including the fitment lube is described in the following paragraphs.

The container has a lower sectio (J 3) to contain the product (40) and an upper neck, section of the container (11) for insertion and removal of the product, insertion and removal of the applicator (20) and fastening of the cap (30) for storage and transit. The lower section may take any number of shapes for aesthetic appeal including bu t not limited to rounded bulbous 15S shapes or flat sided triangular, rectangular or other muHisided shapes. The neck section may be threaded, to enable the cap and applicator to fit securely and sea! the contents .from the external envifoument The container has a height which is defined by the vertical distance between the lowest point on the interior bottom surface of the container (12) and the highest, point oo the upper neck section of the container (1 ! . ). iso The container can be made of any material thai does not i n t eract with the stored product.

Examples include but are not limited to glass, ceramic materials, polyester, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, nylon, polyetherimide, poiyacrylimtrile, polyvinyl chloride and pelyetlierketone. The container may also be made of copolyesters .including but not. limited to PET, PCTG, PCTA, and PETG. The book "Modem Polyesters: Chemist]")-' and

165 Technology of Polyesters and Co-Polyesters", Wiley ISBN 0-471-49856-4, is incorporated by reference in this document. The container may be made of copolymers of the above or other resins such as DuPoni Syrlyn®, Eastman Tritan® and Exxon Optemaf

The applicator (20) in Figure 2 includes a stem (21) having an applicator distal end (22) and an applicator proximal end (23). The stem may be made from materials including but not 170 limited to polymers, glasses and metals. The stem may also be made of low density

polyethylene, polyoxyroetbylene, polypropylene or twisted metal wires. A wide range of polymers may be used. A applicator element (24) is attached to the distal end of tire stem. The applicator element may take any number of forms including but not limited to a brush, a giass bulb, a m tal bulb, a foam element, a wheel or a Hocked -element Alternatively the ITS applicator l ment may be integral with the stem. A single piece molded, stem and bristles would be an example of this integrated approach. The applicator element is designed to pick up a desired amount of product from the container for application by the consumer.

The proximal end of the stem has a f t ing or handle (25) for attachment to the cap . The attachment between applicator handle and cap is typically permanent and can be

ISO accomplished by any numbe of means including but not limited to a press fit a glued or a threaded connection. The cap and applicator stem may also be produced as one piece so that the handle is not needed. figures _{. .} d 4 contain front and side views of a fitment tube.. The fitment tube (1) lias an upper section (2) comprising a hollow tube which is open on both ends and has a continuous 185 and impermeable wall structure. The fitment tube may also include a lower section (3) having an open structure to allow product to contact the appStcaior element. The upper section of the fitment tube is figures 3 and 4 has a uniform Inner and outer diameter along the length. The upper section ^' of the fitment tube is not limited to uniform diameters.

The upper section of the fitment tube has a fitment tube proximal end (?) and the distal end of 190 the upper section of the fitment tube (6). The upper portion of the fitment tube may comprise elements including but not limited to barbs, an annular raised, ring or a lip (4). These features are incorporated to provide anchorage between the fitment tube and the container. As shown in Figure 5. barbs, an annular ring, or a lip provide close contact between the top of the proximal end of the fitment tube (7) and the inside facing surface (14) of the upper neck of 195 the container to further preven escape of evaporating solvent from the headspace. in addition to the means depicted in Figure 5. multiple alternate approaches can.be used to affix the fitment tube to the neck of the container as a durable or permanent attachment for prevention of solven evaporation from the headspace.

Alternative versions of the fitment tube ^' .may use adhesives, known, by one of skill in the art, 200 to obtain a seal between the upper section of the fitment tube and the container, la the case of both a container and a fitment tube made of polymeric material, a welding process, known by one of skill in the a t, may also be used to seal the upper section of the fitment tube to the container. Figure 6 contains an embodiment of the fitment: tube deluding an alternate approach to

205 securing the fitment tube (75) to tire container (10). The lower section of she fiiment tube (3) may take any number of forms within the scope of ihe current disclosure. The container includes an annular ring (77) extending radially outward from tiie uppermost end of the neck of the container (11), The fitment tube (75) includes a coupling section (79) comprising a cup shaped region extending outboard of the upper section of the fitment tube. The coupling 210 section includes an. in ward feeing bead (8 I) on the inner surface of the cup shaped section.

When the fitment tube in placed into the container, it is pushed into place so thai the inward facing bead (81) snaps over tiie annular ring (77) and the fitment tube is thus irremovabiy attached io ihe container. A small amount of interference forms a seal between the fitment tube and the container to prevent solvent evaporation from the headspace (41) to the external 215 atmosphere through any gap between the neck section of the container and the fiiment tube.

In Figure 6 the fitment tube- is attached to both the inner and outer su faces: of the container neck section (11 ),

Figure 7 contain an embodiment of the iltnient tube including an alternate approach to securing the fiiment tube (83) to the seek section of the container (11), The lower section of

220 the fitment tube (3) may take any number of forms within the scope of the current disclosure.

The fitment tube (83) includes a coupling section (85) comprising a. cup shaped regio extending outward o f the upper section of the fi tment tube. The inner facing surface (87) of the outer wall of the cup shaped region is threaded so that the fitment tube ca be connected by rotation to the threads on the outer surface of the container neck. In addition, ihe outer

225 facing surface (89) of the cu shaped region is threaded so that the cap (30) can be removably attached to the fitment tube. The connection between the fitment tithe and the container may use locking threads, adhesive? or other means to insure that when the cap (30) is removed and replaced on the container over multiple usages, the fitment tube remains securely attached to the neck section of the container (.11 ). Caps of the type used in this disclosure typically use

230 right handed threads. The connection between bottle and fitment tube may use left handed threads to avoid inadvertent removal of the fitment tube. The connection between the fitment tube and the neck section of the container is designed to prev ent escape of vapors from the headspace (41 ) to the external atmosphere through any gap between the neck section of the container and the fitment tube. In Figure 7 the fitment tube is attached to both the inner and

235 ou ter surfaces of the container neck section ( i I), The fitment tube is designed to allow easy insertion -and -removal of ¾e ^' applicator irora tlie container. The combination of fitment tube, cap and applicator may be designed, so the fitment tube is tightened into the container when the cap is screwed into place. The barbs help secure a right; fit of the fitment tube in the container.

240 The fitment tube can be made of a range of materials including but not limited to polymers, metais and glasses. Suitable polymers include but are not limited to polyester, polypropylene, polyoxymeihyiene (POM), Po!yacryloiiitrile, low density polyethylene, high density

polyethylene, n lon, polyvinyl chloride, peiyeiherimide, and Polyeiherkeione, A wide range of copolymers may be used including but not limited to Dupont Surfynf ^; , Eastman Tritan®

245 and Exxon OptemafX in addition compounded mixtures of polymers and thermoplastic

elastomers such as those marketed by GLS Corporation may be used. Selection of the material based on attributes such as resistaace to product components, ability to deform for insertion, holding in the bottle without risk of fracture, and other features recognized by one of skill in the art

250 The fitment tube also incl udes a lower section (3). figure 8 contains an enlarged image of a lower section of the fitment tube (3), the distal end of the upper section of the fitment, tube {()), the applicator element (24) and the interior bottom surface (1.2) of the container. The lower section of the fitment tube extends from the distal end of the upper section of the fitment tube {€} to at or near the interior bottom surface (1.2) of the container. The lower

255 section of the fitment tube serves a number of purposes; including aiding anchorage of the fitment tube in the container. The lower section of the fitment tube minimizes escape of solvent from the headspace when the product level in the container is below the distal end of the upper section of the fitment tube (6). Rather than having a continuous wall structure, the lower section may have an open structure to permit fluid flow from the region of the

260 container out side of the fitment tube to the applicator element and the interior of the fitment tube.

The lower section, of the. fitmen t tube can be designed to contact the bottom .surface of the container interior and undergo axial compression. An axial compression force transmitted over the entire length of the fitment tube will produce a sealing pressure between the upper 2S5 section of the fitment tube and the inner surface of the neck. This force will aid anchorage of the tube and further prevent escape of vapors from the headspace. The lower-section of he fitment tube may have a wide ran e of designs ^' that suit its purpose. A number of these designs are discussed in the following paragraphs. These designs are meant to be non-limiting of ihe range of configurations which can deliver the benefits

270 described herein.

The lower section of the fitment tube in Figure 8- comprises two helically wound legs (151), (152). The legs extend from the distal end (6) of ihe upper section of the fitment tube to the interior bottom surface of the container (12). The lower section of the fitment tube also comprises a circular base (154) which can. help stabilize the fitment tube in the container. 275 The dashed, line (153) delineates where the applicator element lies within the upper seciion of the fitment tube.

It often will be desirable to have little or no contact between the applicator element and the fitment tube during removal of the applicator. This will result in little- distorbance of ihe product on the applicator element Fjpre 9 is a section view of ihe applicator element (24),

280 the upper seciion ^' of the fitment tube (2) and legs of the lower section of the fitment tube

(151), (152). The section view is defined by plane I in Figure 8. The hollow opening of the upper section of the fitment tube (2) and the space between the legs are larger than ihe largest dimension of the applicator element (24) i any plane perpendicular to the length of the applicator. The fitment tube may also be applied to applications where the applicator element

2-85 purposely contacts the fitment tube to .control product loading:. Applicator systems for

applying mascara often comprise a wiper which serves this function.

Figur J O contains an enlarged view of the lower section of a fitment tube (3) along with the distal end. (6) of the upper section of the fitment tube, the applicator element (24) and the interior bottom surface of the container (12). Note that the upper section of the fitment tube

290 can be similar to that shown in Figtrres 3 through 7. In this version of the lower section of the fitment tube, the legs (156, 157) include curvature in the plane of the image and a notch ( 158). Other versions of the lower sections may include straight legs, Any number of legs may be used as long they allow sufficient exposure, of ^' the applicator element to the product, The dashed line (1 3) delineates where the appitcator element lies within the upper section of

295 the fitment tube.

Fig¾j¾ii is seciion view of the applicator element (24), th upper section of the fitment tube (2) and legs of ihe lower section of the fitment tube ( 156), ( 157), looking upward from, plane ί la Figure The hollow opening o f ik . upper section of (he fitnien t iube (2) and the space between the legs are larger than the largest dimension of the applicator dement (24) in any 300 plane perpendicular to the length of the applicator.

F gure 12 contains an enlarged view of -the lower section of a fitment iu.be (3) along with the distal end (6) of she upper section of ihe fitment tube, the applicator element (24) and the interior bottom surface of the container (12). The lower section of this fitment tube (3) is a tubular structure (166) with a series of holes or perforations (167) to allow adequate exposure

305 of the applicator element to the product. Note that the upper section of the fitment tube

remains the same as shown in Figures 3 through 7, The dashed line (153) delineates where the applicator element lies within the upper and lower sections of the fitment tube. Any number of or siz s of holes or perforations can be used as determined by one skilled in the art to deliver the performance benefits discussed herein. Alternative hole or perforation shapes

310 may also be used including but not limited io silts, ovals, triangles and rectangles.

A titbttiat ^' i tment tube .such as that in Figure Ί 2 ^" may also be constructed ..without holes or perforations so that the lower section of the fitment tube will be identical to the upper section of the fitment tube. In this case there will be some space between the lower section of the fitment tube and the interior bottom surface oft.be container (12) so that product freely flows Sis to the applicator element (24) from the region of the container outside the applicator element.

The distance betwee the lower section of the .fitment tube and the interior bottom surface of the container will typically be less than 20% of the height of the container.

Figure J 3 is sectio view of the applicator element (24) and the tabular structure (1 6) of the lower section of the fitment tube looking upward from plane ί in Figure 12. The hollow 320 opening of the upper section of the fitment tube and the lower section of the fitaeui tube are- larger than the largest dimension of the applicator element (24) in a plane perpendicular to the length of the applicator.

Figure 14 contains an expanded image of the lower section of a fitment tube (3) along with the distal end (6) of the upper section of the fitment tube, the ap licator element (24) and the 325 interi r bottom surface of the container (12). The lower section of this fitment tube is an extension of the upper section of the lube where the bottom of the tube has one or more slot shaped openings (170) to allow exposure of the applicator element to the product. The dashed line (172) delineates where the applicator element lies within the uppe section of the fitment tu.be. T he lower section of the fitment tune (3) of Figure i4 is not .contact with the0 interior bottom section of -the container. The upper section of the fitment tube may be

secured to the neck of the container as depicted in. Figures 5, 6 or 7 of this application and as described in this application. Those skilled in the art may also devise other methods of affixing the fitment tube to the neck of (he container.

The lower section of the fitment tube ( 3) may include one or more slot shaped openings (170}S similar to those in Figure 14. Most preferably the fitment tube of Figure 14 will include 1, 2, 3 or 4 slots but may also include more than 4 slots. The width of each slot is defined in the circumferential direction of the fitment tube and may vary from being equal to the wall thickness of the fitment tube to being wide enough to encompass one half of the

circumference of the lower section of the fitment tube. The height of the slot is defined0 along the length direction of the fitment lube and may be as short as the wall thickness of the fitment tube and ma as long a half the length of the fitment tube.

Figure 15 is a section view of the applicator element .(24) and the low¾r section of the fitment tube (3) looking upward from plane I in Figur 12. The hollow opening of the upper section of the fitment tube and the lower section of the fitment tube are larger than the largest

5 dimension of the applicator element (24) in a plane perpendicular to the length of the

applicator.

The fitment tube can be produced by processes including but not limited to polymer injection, molding, metal injection molding, _, conventional machining and 3 dimensional printing. The uppe and lower section, of the fitment tube- may be produced as one part or. may be produced0 as multiple parts and bonded by means including but not limited to snap fitting, screwed connection or adhesi e bonding as is known in the art

A set of cosmetic .application systems as described in this: application were subjected to testing to demonstrate the benefit: of the■ fitment tube. A first set of samples was produced with the fitment tube depicted in Figure _. 16. in this embodiment, (2) is the upper section of5 t he fitment tube and (3) is the lower section of the fitment tube. The lower sec tion of the fitment tube includes slots (170) similar to those in Figures 14 and 5. Figure 17 is a sketch of the fitment tube of Figure 1 inserted in. a container ( 1.0) as used in the experiment. The cap (3) and applicator (24) used in the experiment were as depicted in Figure 1. A set of these application systems were filled with a solvent containing nail polish product and the - ! 7-

3S0 integrate cap and applicators were secured to UK container neck. The amount of nail polish was chosen so that after securing of the cap and applicator the container lower section was filled to about three quarters of its height. A second set of nail polish containers were similarly filled with an identical nail polish product with the exception that the second set did not have a lament tube inserted.

365 All bottles were stored at typical room conditions for one week. After one week each bottle was weighed with the cap and applicator secured to the bottle. The resulting weight s referred to as W _3- The caps and applicators were then removed from the containers for 15 minutes. Care was taken, to insure no nail polish on the applicator structure dripped or was by any mode removed from the applicator. After the S 5 minute open period die cap and

370 applicator were again secured to the bottle. Each bottle was weighed again with the cap and applicator secured to the bottle. The resulting weight is referred to as W¾. The above procedure was repeated after an additional 1, 2 and 3 weeks of storage. The weight loss for each open period on each bottle was calculated as the difference between the weight before the 1.5 minute open period and the weight after the 15 minute open period (W* - W _¾ ).

375 The table below compares the weight loss in the containers with and without fitment tubes.

Each value is au average of five measurements.

The foregoing illustrated embodiments are provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of thee application, system of this invention a are not intended to be limiting:. To the contrary, the principles of the present isvention.are intended to encompass an and all changes, alterations and/or substitutions wi thin the spirit and scope of the claims, drawings and specification. For example, any features of any of the application systems in Figures 1 -J8-koyg 17 may be incorporated bio■■any of the oilier application systems in Figures 1 through 17 without deviating from the scope of the present tavetrtioa.