Finger wedge foam
A flexible foam wedge, designed with a finger pocket and application tip that allows for direct support of the applicator from a finger digit particularly useful for the application of cosmetics. The foam applicator comprises a base block defining the finger opening. The application tip, having any of a plurality of configurations extends from the base block. The applicator can be an integral unit, or can comprise separate components connected together. Further, various methods of manufacturing and using the applicator are provided.
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This application is based on and claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/225,223 filed 14 Aug. 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to foam applicators for use on a finger or other digit. The foam applicators are particularly useful for the application of cosmetics.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the past, cosmetic applicators have taken a variety of shapes such as pads, rounds, puffs, swabs, etc. as a means for applying various cosmetic products. Direct hand application of cosmetic products is undesirable, since the fingers do not optimally retain or apply the cosmetic product. The use of swabs is common as it provides an extension for an applicator, although by nature it is a less direct method of cosmetic product application. Such a swab applicator is shown in WO 99/58017. Furthermore, applicators of the past have often been complicated or uneconomical for efficient use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to the present invention, there is provided an applicator comprising a base block. The base block defines a bottom surface. At least one side wall extends from the bottom surface. The applicator further comprises a foam application tip extending from the base block. The applicator further includes a finger opening extending from the bottom surface between the side wall. The finger opening is sized to receive at least a portion of a user's finger.
Also provided are methods for forming the applicator. One such presently preferred method comprises forming a first sheet of foam material to define a blank. At least one applicator is formed from the blank such that each applicator defines a base block and an application tip extending from the base block. A finger opening is formed in the base block.
Another such presently preferred method comprises providing a mold defining a cavity therein. Foam is injected into the cavity and allowed to cure to define a blank. The blank is then removed from the mold. The shape of at least one applicator comprising a base block and an application tip is cut in the blank. At least one opening is cut through said base block. Finally, a finger opening is cut in the base block transverse to the opening.
An alternate presently preferred method for forming the applicator comprises providing a mold defining a cavity therein. A plurality of finger pins are provided in the cavity. Foam material is injected into the cavity and about the finger pins and allowed to react to define a blank having a plurality of finger openings. The finger pins are removed from the cavity, and the blank is removed from the mold. The shape of at least one applicator comprising a base block and an application tip is cut in the blank about the finger openings.
Yet another presently preferred method of forming the applicator comprises forming a first sheet. A plurality of finger openings are formed in the first sheet. A second foam sheet having a plurality of application tips formed or cut thereon is obtained. The first sheet is adhered to the second foam sheet. The applicators are cut from the combined first sheet and second foam sheet such that each applicator defines a base block with the finger opening and an application tip extending from the base block.
Yet another presently preferred method of forming the applicators comprises forming a blank of foam material. A plurality of through holes are formed into the foam block. Further, the foam block is cut to provide the shape of individual applicators. Subsequently, finger openings are cut through the foam and connected to the through holes.
A method for using the applicator is also provided. The presently preferred method comprises obtaining an applicator having a base block with a finger opening and a foam application tip. The base block is placed on a user's finger. The application tip is placed in a material to be applied, and the material is applied to a surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSPresently preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and in the accompanying drawings wherein:
An applicator is generally shown at 10 in the figures. The applicator 10 includes a base block generally indicated at 12. In one preferred embodiment, the base block 12 comprises a bottom surface 14 and four side walls 16 extending upwardly from the bottom surface 14. A finger opening 18 is also included. The finger opening 18 extends upwardly from the bottom surface 14 interiorly of the side walls 16. The finger opening 18 is sized to receive at least a portion of the user's finger. It will be appreciated that while the preferred embodiment is for use on a user's finger, that in certain instances, the device may be used on other digits, such as, for example, a user's toes.
In one preferred embodiment as best seen in
The base material for the cellular foam is a polymeric material such as a foamed organic plastic. The air pockets, which comprise of the cells, can be open or closed. Exemplary of acceptable polymers employed in the foaming industry are polyurethane, ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, latex, polyethylene, polypropylene, butyl, silicone, cellulose acetate, neoprene, epoxy, polystyrene, phenolic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and other related polymers.
In designing the base for the cellular foam, the base polymer, prepolymer (liquid or solution), or reactants and fabrication are accomplished according to conventional or non-conventional foaming techniques. During fabrication, selecting a liquid polymer and/or elastomer/reactant, and then causing the foregoing to be foamed forms the cellular foam. Common methods of foaming include adding a hardening agent, which causes a chemical reaction, thermally setting the base material with heat, or bubbling a gas through the liquid polymer/elastomer while hardening, or other methods well known to those skilled in the art.
The applicator 10 further includes a foam application tip 20. The foam application tip 20 extends from the base block 12. The foam used for the application tip 20 is the same as that set forth above.
Some basic design styles are shown in
It will be appreciated that the applicator 10 is particularly useful as a cosmetic applicator. The applicator 10 allows for the physical application by a generally wedge shaped foam object, directly mounted to a finger or other digit. While the applicator 10 is particularly useful for applying cosmetics, the intended use of the applicator 10 can be any imaginable use. Some other uses for the presently preferred applicator are in connection with application of paints, sunscreens, lotions, baby products, etc. Further, the applicator can be used as a cleaning aid used to wipe various components. Other applications may include use as a chalkboard or dry board eraser when minor changes are required to be made in something written on a chalkboard or dry board.
It is preferred that several applicators 10 are formed together from a large sheet or a blank and cut to the specific configuration desired.
It will be appreciated that the blank 22 can be formed in any manner. For example, the blank 22 can be formed by casting the foam into open blocks or into continuous sheets or rolls. Alternatively, the blank 22 can be made by reaction injection molding the blank 22. These methods are well known in the art. If large sheets are formed, they will constitute the blank 22 and may either be cut first into smaller foam blanks from which the individual applicators may be formed, or alternatively, the cutting operation of the blank 22 may simultaneously form a plurality of applicators 10. In this case, a large sheet or even rolled sheet comprises the blank 22, may be fed into a die cutter, which cuts the individual applicators 10, preferably in a continuous manner.
When the applicators 10 are made from a blank 22, the base block 12 and foam application tip 20 are formed as a single piece. That is, once the applicator 10 is formed, such as by die cutting from the blank 22, it is a single, unitary foam material including both the base block 12 and foam application tip 20. Further, the finger openings 18 may be simultaneously molded onto the blank 22. Alternatively, the finger openings 18 may be cut, or otherwise formed into the base blank 22 or directly into individual applicators 10.
A separate foam tip 20′ is adapted for connection with the connector 26. As shown, the foam tip 20′ includes an engaging surface 33 and a receiving opening 34 extended from the engaging surface 33 for receiving the post 30. To connect the foam tip 20′ with the base block 12, the foam tip 20′ is placed over the connector 26. The base block 22 and foam tip 20′ are pushed closer until the post 30 is disposed within the receiving opening 34. Preferably, the diameter of the ball tip 32 is slightly larger than the diameter of the receiving opening 34. In this manner, the ball tip 32 will engage the receiving opening 34 and retain the foam tip 20′ on the connector 26.
While the connector 26 is preferably shown to comprise a mounting base 28 having a post 30 thereon, the connector 26 could also be a flat surface for receiving Velcro, adhesive, tape, snaps or the like. Any suitable connector 26 may be used. Similarly, the foam tip 20′ may include Velcro, adhesive, tape, snaps or the like to connect it with the connector 26 on the sock 24. Again, any method of securing the tip 20′ with the sleeve 24 is contemplated. Preferably, a detachable method is used so the sleeve 24 can be used with several tips 20′. This method offers the ability to connect a wide variety of tip 20′ designs to a single base block 12.
In another preferred embodiment as shown in
An application tip 20′ is also included. The application tip 20′ comprises a foam, as set forth above and has an engaging surface 33. The application tip 20′ may be secured to the top surface 36 of a block 12 utilizing any method, such as, for example, the use of Velcro, adhesive, tape, snaps, or the like.
The use of the design of
A plurality of tapered finger pins 48 extend downwardly from a top 42 of the mold 38. The finger pins 48 are preferably covered with a non-stick surface, such as, for example, with Teflon tape, and extend into the mold cavity 46. As best shown in
Alignment pins 52 are used to align the top 42 with the bottom surround 40 of the mold 38. The alignment pins 52 can be located at any location between the top 42 and bottom surround 40. Further, the pins can be used merely to align and locate the top 42 on the bottom surround 40. In such a case, a suitable clamp, not shown in
When a mold of the type shown in
Again, it will be appreciated that the finger openings may be molded into the blank 22. Alternatively, the finger pins 48′ may be excluded from the mold and in such a case, the finger openings will be formed in the applicator in accordance with any acceptable method.
It will be appreciated that while the finger opening 18′ is shown to extend through two side walls 16′ of the base 12′, the finger opening 18′ may comprise merely an opening between the side walls 16′ as is set forth with the embodiments above. Of course it will be appreciated that the application tip 20 may take any configuration, depending on the desired application.
After the through hole 90 and the cutting of the applicators have been completed, the blank 88 can have the finger openings 18 cut therein. By making the through holes 90, the finger openings 18 can be readily cut from the bottom surface 14 through the interior of the side walls 16″ and to the through hole 90. More specifically, the blank 88 with the through holes 90 can have a pin or other support structure (not shown) inserted into the through hole 90 to provide a support for cutting the finger opening 18. This method eliminates the need to simultaneously mold in the finger openings 18 and rather allows the finger openings to be cut into the base block 12″.
Once each of these operations have been completed, the individual applicators 10 may be separated from each other and any waste material simply by pulling on the applicator and separating it along the perforation lines that have been cut. In addition to providing a plurality of applicators 10, the block may simultaneously produce a plurality of tips 20′ for use in a two-part system may also be included. As shown, the tips 20′ can have the receiving opening 34 molded or otherwise cut therein. It will be appreciated that the area between adjacent applicators 10 may comprise an alternate tip 20′ or may simply be scrap, discarded material.
While the finger holes are shown to be formed either by integrally molding them or die cutting them, the holes can be formed in any manner. In addition to molding or die cutting the holes, the holes may be ground into the applicator 10, punched, hot-wire cut, or thermoforming. It will be appreciated that the finger holes can me formed in any manner, including any of the aforesaid methods of forming the finger holes. Similarly, any of the forming operations described above to form the applicators 10 may also utilize any conventional method, such as die cutting, drilling, grinding, molding, punching or hot-wire cutting.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner as to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. The disclosed embodiments are representative of presently preferred forms of the invention, but are not intended to be limiting. The invention is defined in the claims.
Claims
1. An applicator comprising:
- a base block defining a bottom surface and at least one side wall extending from said bottom surface;
- a foam application tip extending from said base block; and
- a finger opening extending from said bottom surface between said side wall, said finger opening sized to receive at least a portion of a user's finger.
2. An applicator as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base block comprises foam.
3. An applicator as set forth in claim 2 wherein said foam of said base block and said application tip is cellular.
4. An applicator as set forth in claim 2 wherein said base block and said foam application tip are formed as a single piece.
5. An applicator as set forth in claim 2 wherein said base block and said foam application tip are formed separately and secured together.
6. An applicator as set forth in claim 2 wherein said base block defines four side walls.
7. An applicator as set forth in claim 6 wherein said base block includes an opening extending through at least one of said side walls and being connected to said finger opening.
8. An applicator as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base block comprises a sleeve having a connector extending therefrom.
9. An applicator as set forth in claim 8 wherein said foam application tip includes a receiving opening adapted to receive said connector to thereby connect said application tip with said sleeve.
10. An applicator as set forth in claim 8 wherein said connector comprises a base, and a post extending from said base, said post adapted for disposition in said receiving opening.
11. An applicator as set forth in claim 10 wherein said post includes a tip thereon, said tip having a larger diameter than said post.
12. An applicator as set forth in claim 10 wherein said sleeve comprises elastic, and said base and said post comprise plastic.
13. An applicator as set forth in claim 2 wherein said applicator further includes a band adapted for disposition about said base block.
14. An applicator as set forth in claim 13 wherein said band is elastic.
15. An applicator as set forth in claim 13 wherein said band includes a hook and loop portion.
16-26. (canceled)
27. A method of using an applicator comprising:
- obtaining an applicator having a base block with a finger opening and a foam application tip;
- placing the base block on a users finger;
- placing the application tip in a material to be applied; and
- applying the material to a surface.
28-41. (canceled)
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 19, 2004
Publication Date: Jan 27, 2005
Applicant: Lendell Manufacturing, Inc. (St. Charles, MI)
Inventors: Lendell Williams (St. Charles, MI), John Nanos (Saginaw, MI), Phil Sheridan (Saginaw, MI)
Application Number: 10/921,654