Device for applying cosmetic applications

The invention relates to a device for applying cosmetic applications. The invention also relates to a top structure for use in such a device. The invention further relates to a base structure for use in such a device.

Cosmetic masses or applications, such as for instance shaving cream and body lotions, are generally applied onto the hand of a user from a supply container, whereafter the products are spread over a body surface with the hand. A drawback hereof is that residues of the cosmetic products remain adhered to the hand, which is generally undesirable from a practical viewpoint. Only a part of the cosmetic application removed from the supply container can moreover be usefully applied, since a part of the cosmetic application will usually remain on the hand. The applying of cosmetic applications via a shaving brush instead of using a hand has the advantage that the hand of the user does not come into contact with the application, which is generally advantageous, particularly from a practical viewpoint The use of a conventional shaving brush to apply the cosmetic application nevertheless also has multiple drawbacks. A significant drawback of the use of the conventional shaving brush is that the shaving brush is generally relatively difficult to clean after use. With a shaving brush it is furthermore not possible, or hardly so, to apply the cosmetic application relatively uniformly on the body surface, whereby parts of the body surface to be covered are generally provided with too little or too much cosmetic application. In addition, it can occur that the shaving brush causes skin irritation, and in particular allergy, since the generally stiff, thin bristles of the shaving brush can damage the skin relatively easily. Another drawback of such a method is that at least two accessories are required; a supply container for containing a cosmetic application and a brush for applying the cosmetic application to a body surface.

The invention has for its object to provide an integrated device for holding cosmetic applications and applying thereof in relatively user-friendly manner.

The invention provides for this purpose a device of the type stated in the preamble, comprising: a base structure provided with at least one supply container for a cosmetic application, and a top structure coupled to the base structure and provided with at least

one passage opening for the cosmetic application for the purpose of applying the cosmetic application to a body surface, which top structure is at least partly manufactured from a substantially flexible material, wherein a contact side of the top structure remote from the base structure has a substantially closed form, and wherein the top structure is adapted to spread the cosmetic application over the body surface. Because the device is adapted both to hold and to apply and spread the cosmetic application, a user can apply the cosmetic application in relatively efficient manner, without physical contact between the cosmetic application and the user being necessary. This is generally advantageous for the user, particularly from a practical and hygienic viewpoint. The loss of cosmetic application, resulting from the application remaining behind as residue on the hand of a user, can in this manner also be prevented or at least significantly reduced. Another important advantage of the device according to the invention is that the use of an extra accessory (such as for instance a shaving brush) to apply the cosmetic application becomes unnecessary. According to the present invention the cosmetic application can after all be applied to and distributed over the body surface in user-friendly manner by the substantially flexible top structure provided with the substantially closed contact side. Skin irritation resulting from damage to the body surface can be prevented, or at least be countered, by means of the use of a flexible top structure. The top structure, or at least a part thereof directed at the body surface, will generally be manufactured from an elastomer, preferably a hypo-allergenic elastomer. The top structure, or at least a substantially closed part thereof directed at the body surface, is preferably manufactured as one whole and thus constructed integrally so as to be able to prevent sharp seams or other sharp parts which could cause skin irritations. The contact side of the top structure, i.e. the side of the top structure directed at the body surface has - with the exception of the at least one passage opening - a

(substantially) closed and thereby non-porous form in order to be able to avoid the use of pores. This is because in pores, as these occur in foams and sponges, accumulation of cosmetic applications can take place relatively easily, which will have an adverse effect on the user efficiency. Dirt residues can moreover be absorbed relatively easily into these pores, which is undesirable from a hygienic and practical viewpoint. In addition, the cleaning of such pores with for instance rinsing water will generally be difficult. A top structure with a substantially closed contact side is therefore used in the device according to the invention so as to be able to prevent the above stated problems. The substantially closed contact side will generally form part of a substantially closed, non-

porous top layer. In particular, substantially the whole top structure will generally be of a homogeneous and non-porous construction to optimize freedom of design of the top structure. However, in an alternative embodiment an (inner) part of the top structure remote from the substantially closed contact side can nevertheless be give a porous form. A further advantage of the device according to the invention is that, using the substantially flexible top structure, the cosmetic application can be applied relatively easily to (relatively large) body surfaces in substantially uniform and homogeneous manner, whereby the simultaneous presence of an excess and a deficiency on adjacent body surfaces can be prevented. It is otherwise noted that the device according to the invention is not limited to the application and distribution of shaving gel or shaving foam, but that practically any cosmetic application, in particular cosmetic creams, cosmetic lotions, cosmetic foams and cosmetic gels, can be received in and distributed using the device according to the invention. Examples of applicable cosmetic applications as included in this patent application under the term "cosmetic applications" are, among others: soap, shampoo, bath and shower gel, day cream, semifluid deodorant, body lotion, scrubs, hair dye, haircare products, shaving cream, shaving gel, depilatories, suntan lotion, massage oil, medicinal applications, and possibly toothpaste.

A part of the top structure directed at the body surface can be designed in different ways. The top structure preferably comprises a plurality of substantially flexible fingers, which fingers extend in a direction substantially away from the base structure. The flexible fingers, preferably manufactured from an elastomer, will hereby come into intensive contact during application of the cosmetic application to the body surface. The body surface can be massaged by allowing the flexible fingers to come into contact with the body surface, whereby the blood circulation through the skin under the relevant body surface is enhanced, with the result that the waste products accumulated here will generally be discharged and possible spastic contractions of the muscles will generally be reduced. Body hair, and in particular beard and moustache hair, will moreover also be massaged by the soft fingers, wherein the cosmetic application can be applied onto and just around the body hair to be removed in relatively intensive manner, which can considerably facilitate a subsequent shaving process. In addition to the massaging action of the substantially flexible fingers, these fingers will generally also make a significant

contribution to the foaming of an - optionally used - product to be foamed, such as for instance a (shaving) gel.

In another embodiment variant the top structure is provided with a profiled surface structure. Such a surface structure can be embodied such that it lies between the flat membrane version and the plastic finger variants. The surface structure is for instance provided with determined profiles or elevations so that, during applying of the application to the skin, the skin can simultaneously also be massaged (for instance when applying an aftershave or oil). Possible examples of surface structures are circular ribs or corrugated ribs. The use of ribs can also have the effect of introducing oxygen, which enhances the action of determined skin-care products. Another possible variant comprises a bumpy or studded structure. In addition to the improved application of cosmetic applications, this can also produce a pleasant sensation for the user.

In yet another embodiment variant of the present invention, the top structure is coupled to the base structure with a limited freedom of movement The top structure can for instance thus pivot through a limited (bounded) angle relative to the base structure or can be translated over a limited (bounded) distance relative to the base structure. In this variant an improved massaging action of plastic fingers can for instance be realized. In a specific embodiment variant the top structure herein comprises a movable ball which can rotate through a certain angle. Such a variant may be advantageous in combination with relatively rigid (usually thicker) plastic fingers.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the device comprises means for causing vibration of the top structure, and in particular the fingers forming part thereof. The use of such vibrating means to cause at least a part of the top structure directed at the body surface to vibrate on the one hand improves the massaging action of the top structure and on the other hand facilitates the foaming of possibly applied (shaving) gels. The top structure can herein be vibrated for instance at a frequency between 1000 and 17000 Hertz, although a vibration frequency of over 17000 Hertz is preferably applied, and more preferably of over 20000 Hertz, in order to enable ultrasonic vibration of the top structure and thus be able to realize an optimal massaging and foaming action.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one finger is provided with at least one passage opening for the cosmetic application. The finger will preferably also be provided here with at least one channel to enable the cosmetic application to be carried to the passage opening. The channel and the passage opening must herein have sufficiently large dimensions and/or be sufficiently flexible to allow passage of the generally semifluid, highly viscous cosmetic applications. In a particular preferred embodiment, a plurality of fingers, and more preferably each finger, is provided with a passage opening. Each passage opening is preferably positioned at an outer end (directed at the body surface) of the relevant finger, whereby the cosmetic application can be applied directly, and therefore in efficient manner, to the body surface.

In another preferred embodiment the top structure comprises a substantially flexible membrane. The membrane has a substantially closed surface and is adapted to be deformed in a direction away from the body surface and toward the base structure. The substantially flexible membrane is hereby adapted so that it can be displaced in substantially close-fitting manner along the body surface. Due to the flexibility of the membrane the membrane will be able to adjust relatively easily to a change in the structure of the body surface, whereby the cosmetic application can be applied to the body surface relatively easily and in uniform manner. The membrane is particularly suitable for providing relatively large body surfaces with the cosmetic application. It is noted that the membrane can also be used in combination with the above stated flexible fingers, wherein the membrane can for instance function as support structure for the fingers.

In order to enable the cosmetic application to be applied to the body surface in better spread manner, the top structure is preferably provided with a plurality of passage openings. As already noted, the passage openings can be positioned at the outer ends of optionally used fingers. It is also possible to envisage the membrane being provided with a plurality of passage openings. The passage openings can herein be permanently open but are preferably formed by self-closing openings. Undesired leakage of the cosmetic application from the device can be prevented, or at least countered, by using self-closing openings. Each self-closing opening can herein be formed by for instance an incision arranged in the top structure, whereby the opening will be closed in the unloaded situation and whereby the opening will be opened as a result of an external

load being exerted by the application. As noted above, the passage opening used must (in the opened situation) have sufficiently large dimensions to allow relatively easy and unobstructed removal of the application from the device.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the top structure and the base structure mutually enclose a distribution chamber for the cosmetic application. The use of a distribution chamber results in a substantially uniform throughfeed of the cosmetic application via the different passage openings, whereby uniform application of the cosmetic application can be facilitated. The volume of the distribution chamber is one the one hand preferably sufficiently large to allow a satisfactory distribution of the cosmetic application over the different passage openings, although on the other hand the volume of the distribution chamber is preferably minimized to also enable eventual losses of the cosmetic application to be limited to a minimum. Depending on the situational conditions, a balance will have to be found between these two aspects. The design of the distribution chamber must preferably be such that practically all the application present in the distribution chamber can be pressed out of the distribution chamber by displacing the top structure in the direction of the base structure, whereby the remaining residue can be limited to a minimum.

In a preferred embodiment the cosmetic application is arranged under increased pressure (pressure above atmospheric) in the supply container in order to facilitate removal of the cosmetic application from the supply container. It is therefore necessary however for the supply container to take a resealable form. A user can then open the supply container of the base structure by means of an operating element, whereafter removal of the cosmetic application from the supply container is made possible.

Holding the supply container underpressure can be realized by means of a propellant, but can also take place manually after use by means of displacing a pressing element, usually formed by a piston displaceable in the supply container. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the cosmetic application is received in the supply container under atmospheric pressure, whereby the user can remove the cosmetic application from the supply container by (temporarily) reducing the volume of the supply container. The base structure can also comprise a plurality of supply containers. The same cosmetic application can then be received in both (or more) supply containers, for instance for reasons of storage life. It is however also possible to envisage each supply container

being provided with a unique cosmetic application. It is thus possible for instance to envisage the base structure comprising a first supply container, which is at least partly filled with shaving gel, and comprising a second supply container which is at least partly filled with an aftershave lotion. In the device according to the invention the base structure can comprise an optionally flexible tube, spray can or other type of supply container. The base structure can thus take a substantially form-retaining, permanently deformable or elastically deformable form.

In a preferred embodiment the base structure and the top structure are releasably coupled to each other. In this manner both the base structure and the top structure can be replaced in relatively simple manner. The base structure and/or the top structure can herein take a disposable form, whereby only the disposable component can be replaced relatively rapidly and simply. Another advantage of the mutually releasable coupling of the base structure and the top structure is that possible dirt residues or accumulations of the cosmetic application in a space formed between the base structure and the top structure can be removed relatively easily. The base structure and the top structure preferably co-act with each other by means of a screw connection, since such a connection can be realized relatively easily, but above all is generally relatively reliable and substantially medium-tight. In addition to screw (thread) connections, it is also possible to envisage the use of other types of co-acting connection, such as for instance a bayonet connection (bayonet fitting) or a snap connection.

The invention also relates to a top structure for use in a device according to the invention. The top structure is preferably manufactured at least partly from an elastomer. A side of the top structure directed at the body surface herein preferably takes a substantially closed form and is manufactured integrally in order to enable optimization of the user-friendliness of the top structure by minimizing the damage to the body surface during displacement of the top structure over this body surface. The top structure is preferably adapted for multiple use, whereby the cost price of the top structure will become less critical (compared to once-only use), which will generally enhance the quality of the top structure.

The invention further relates to a base structure for use in a device according to the invention. The base structure herein comprises one or more supply containers. An

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external side of the base structure preferably has an ergonomic design, wherein an outer side of the base structure can be provided with an anti-slip material layer, preferably an anti-slip elastomer, in order to be able to improve reliable grip for the user. The base structure preferably takes a disposable form, whereby the base structure can be discarded after the cosmetic application has been substantially removed from the supply container. It is however also possible to envisage the supply container being accommodated releasably in an outer casing forming part of the base structure, which outer casing also functions as handgrip, wherein the outer casing takes a durable form while the supply container takes a disposable form. Only the supply container, and not the entire base structure,, need in that case be replaced once the supply container is empty.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein: figure 1 a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention, figure Ib shows a detailed cross-section of the device according to figure Ia, figure Ic shows a top view of the device according to figure Ia, figure 2a shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention, figure 2b shows a detailed cross-section of the device according to figure 2a, figure 3a shows a detailed cross-section of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention, figure 3b shows a top view of the device according to figure 3a, figure 4a shows a detailed cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention, figure 4b shows a top view of the device according to figure 4a, figure 5a shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention, and figure 5b shows a detailed cross-section of the device according to figure 5a.

Figure Ia shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. Device 1 comprises an elastic tube 2 provided with shaving gel and a partly flexible application structure 3 coupled to tube 2 for applying the shaving gel to a body

surface. A part of application structure 3 directed at the body surface is preferably manufactured from an elastomer and is preferably constructed integrally and substantially closed (pore-free). Application structure 3 comprises a membrane 4 provided with a plurality of ordered massage fingers 5 arranged at a mutual distance. The most centrally oriented massage fingers 6 are each provided at an outer end with a passage opening 7 for throughfeed of the shaving gel. For this purpose these massage fingers 6 must however be provided with a feed channel (see figure Ib) which connects on one side to tube 2 and on the other side to passage opening 7. In the shown situation the application structure 3 is covered by a cap 8 co-acting with application structure 3. The operation of the shown device 1 can be described as follows. After removal of cap 8, a user can apply shaving gel to a body surface by squeezing tube 2, whereby the shaving gel will be carried out of device 1 via passage openings 7 of massage fingers 6. During application of the shaving gel to the body surface the shaving gel can be spread uniformly over the body surface in massaging manner by the flexible massage fingers 5, 6. Use of the flexible massage fingers 5, 6 also results in improved foaming of the shaving gel. Gel or foam residues still present between massage fingers 6 after application of the shaving gel can further be removed relatively simply from application structure 3 by means of rinsing with for instance water.

Figure Ib shows a detailed cross-section of device 1 according to figure Ia. As shown, tube 2 is provided with an outlet opening 9 for shaving gel. Outlet opening 9 is herein enclosed by a skirt-like body 10 of substantially rigid form and forming part of application structure 3. A part of skirt-like body 10 connecting to outlet opening 9 is herein glued to tube 2. Skirt-like body 10 is also adapted as support structure for membrane 4 and the massage fingers 5, 6 arranged thereon. A distribution chamber 11 enclosed by outlet opening 9, the skirt-like body and membrane 4 is adapted to enable distribution over the different passage openings 7 of shaving gel removed from tube 2. Owing to the presence of distribution chamber 11 membrane 4 can moreover be deformed relatively easily in the direction of tube 2 during application of the shaving gel, whereby membrane 4 and massage fingers 5, 6 arranged thereon can adapt relatively easily to the relevant body surface. In this manner shaving gel present in distribution chamber 11 can also be pressed out of distribution chamber 11 relatively easily by reducing the volume of distribution chamber 11 as a result of temporary deformation of membrane 4. Figure Ib shows clearly that feed channels 12 of the most

centrally located massage fingers 6 form a connection between distribution chamber 11 and the relevant passage openings 7. hi the shown exemplary embodiment the device 1 is adapted for discarding once tube 2 is empty.

Figure Ic shows a top view of device 1 according to figure Ia and figure Ib. It can be clearly seen here that massage fingers 5 form four concentric circles, wherein the inner circle is formed by the open massage fingers 6.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device 13 according to the invention. Device 13 comprises a tube 14 manufactured from metal which is filled with body lotion. Tube 14 is coupled releasably to a top structure 15. Top structure 15 comprises a support structure 16 and a flexible membrane 17 arranged thereon and provided with a plurality of flexible fingers 18. A central part of membrane 17 is provided with a self-closing passage opening 19 which is in fact formed by an incision arranged in membrane 17. In order to allow the distance between passage opening 19 and the body surface to be reduced, passage opening 19 is arranged in a raised central part of membrane 17. The body lotion can be pressed through passage opening 19 by deforming tube 14, whereafter the body lotion present on top structure 15 can be distributed in smooth and massaging manner over a determined body surface via fingers 19 and membrane 17. Once tube 14 is empty, tube 14 can be removed and replaced with another tube 14 filled with body lotion (or any other cosmetic application). In order to protect top structure 15 the device is further provided with a releasable covering element 20.

Figure 2b shows a cross-section of device 13 according to figure 2a. It can be clearly seen here that support structure 16 is coupled releasably to tube 14 by means of a screw connection 21. As shown, the distance between the outer ends of fingers 18 and passage opening 19 is smaller than the distance between membrane 17 and passage opening 19. The self-closing passage opening 19 closes itself when no pressure is being exerted by the body lotion on or at least close to passage opening 19. Membrane 17 and the fingers 18 integrally connected thereto are manufactured from an elastomer. Applicable elastomers are natural rubber (NR), isoprene rubber (IR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), isoprene butyl rubber (UR), neoprene (polychloroprene), polyurethane (PUR) and epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO).

Figure 3a shows a detailed cross-section of a third embodiment of a device 22 according to the invention. Device 22 comprises a supply container 23 for a shower cream, on which supply container 23 is arranged a top structure 24. Top structure 24 comprises a skirt 25 which is connected to supply container 23 and on which is arranged a flexible massaging structure 26. Massaging structure 26 comprises a rubber material layer 27 provided with a plurality of rubber fingers 28. A plurality of self-closing passage openings 29 for the passage of shower cream are arranged in material layer 27 between fingers 28. Supply container 23 and top structure 24 enclose between them a distribution space 30 to enable uniform distribution of the shower cream over the different passage openings 29. Top structure 24 is connected releasably to supply container 23 by means of a screw connection 31. Device 22 is here closed by a cap 32 co-acting with skirt 25.

Figure 3b shows a top view of device 22 according to figure 3a. This figure shows clearly that the self-closing passage openings 29 are arranged equidistantly in rubber material layer 27, and that fingers 28 enclose the passage openings 29. The self-closing passage openings 29 can optionally be manufactured from a flexible material other than the rubber from which the flexible lower layer 27 is manufactured.

Figure 4a shows a detailed cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a device 33 according to the invention. Device 33 comprises a spray can 34 which can for instance be provided with a shaving gel. The shaving gel is herein accommodated under pressure in spray can 34. Device 33 also comprises a top structure 35 arranged on spray can 34. Top structure 35 comprises a support structure 36a, 36b for a flexible top element 37. A lower part of support structure 36a is here connected in substantially fixed manner to spray can 34. An upper part of support structure 36b is displaceable relative to the lower part of support structure 36a and supports on a shut-off valve 42 of spray can 34. Top element 37 is herein constructed from a flexible base layer 38 provided with a plurality of massage fingers 39. A central part of base layer 38 is herein provided with a self- closing passage opening 40 which is formed by an incision arranged in base layer 38. Passage opening 40 is aligned with an outlet opening 41 for shaving gel forming part of spray can 34. Shut-off valve 42 of spray can 34 is herein adapted to be able to close outlet opening 41. Shut-off valve 42 is herein provided with a nozzle 43 accommodated

in a space formed by support structure 36 and flexible top element 37. The upper part of support structure 36b is provided with two handgrips (see figure 4b) to enable downward displacement of this part of support structure 36b, and therewith of nozzle 43 and shut-off valve 42, whereby exit of shaving gel from spray can 34 is made possible. The shaving gel pressed out of spray can 34 will further leave device 33 via passage opening 40, whereafter the shaving gel can be applied in massaging manner using massage fingers 39 and can be spread on one or more body surfaces. Spray can 34 will generally take a disposable form, while top structure 35 can have both a durable or disposable form. To be able to prevent shut-off valve 42 being depressed in undesirable manner, top structure 35 is at least partly covered by a cap 44.

Figure 4b shows a top view of device 33 according to figure 4a. It can be clearly seen here that flexible top element 37, and in particular base layer 38 hereof, is provided with the central, self-closing passage opening 40, wherein massage fingers 39 are positioned around passage opening 40. This figure also shows clearly that the upper part of support structure 36b is provided with two opposite handgrips 45 to enable displacing of this part of support structure 36b, and therewith shut-off valve 42, for the purpose of being able to open respectively close spray can 34.

Figure 5 a shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a device 46 according to the invention. Device 46 is adapted to dispense, apply and spread a cosmetic application, for instance a suntan cream or a semifluid deodorant. Device 46 herein comprises a flexible supply container 47 for the cosmetic application, on which is arranged a partly flexible dispensing structure 48. In the shown exemplary embodiment the dispensing structure 48 is covered by a cap 49. Dispensing structure 48 comprises a substantially form-retaining adapter structure 50, which adapter structure 50 connects in substantially close-fitting manner to supply container 47. A side of adapter structure 50 remote from supply container 47 is provided with an application element 51 manufactured from an elastomer. Application element 51 is provided with a plurality of perforations 52 to enable passage of the cosmetic application. In the unloaded situation the application element 51 , or at least a top side hereof, will have a convex shape. However, this geometry can readily be changed when it is loaded (when pressed in) to allow application element 51 to fit closely onto a body surface in relatively simple manner, for instance on the skin of the leg or on the skin of the face, whereby the

cosmetic application can be applied to the body surface in relatively efficient and uniform manner.

Figure 5b shows a cross-section of device 46 according to figure 5a. Adapter structure 50 can herein be coupled to supply container 47 in diverse ways, for instance by means of a screw connection, bayonet connection, snap connection (click connection) or via a glue connection. As shown in this figure, the application element 51 and adapter structure 50 enclose between them a distribution chamber 53 for enabling uniform distribution over perforations 52 of cosmetic application removed from supply container 47. It is noted that in the shown exemplary embodiment the dispensing structure 48 is only given a substantially circular shape in cross-section for the purpose of illustration. It will be apparent that the design of this dispensing structure 48, as well as of supply container 47, can be of very diverse nature.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that numerous variants, which will be self-evident to the skilled person in the field, are possible within the scope of the appended claims.