Abstract: An article of footwear, an article of apparel or protective gear can include a tensioning apparatus for tightening, for example, laces, cables or strings or other devices that secure the article to a wearer. The tensioning apparatus receives signals from an input assembly that is in communication with the tensioning apparatus. The input assembly may include pairs of wires that have twisted loops or other curvilinear segments that allow the input assembly to accommodate to different actions by the wearer of the footwear. The input assembly may also include a flexible epoxy cover that protects the connections between the wires and a printed circuit board that includes input devices.

Abstract: A method of chamfering an aperture in a reel member of a tensioning system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a reel member configured to rotate about a central axis. The reel member includes a shaft and at least one flange disposed along the shaft. The flange includes an aperture extending through the flange. The aperture is configured to receive a lace. The reel member can tighten the tensioning system by winding the lace around portions of the shaft disposed on both sides of the at least one flange. The method of chamfering the aperture includes drilling through an end flange of the reel member to reach the center flange of the reel member in order to chamfer the aperture. The chamfered aperture can assist with sliding the lace through the aperture and distributing tension.

Abstract: A tensioning system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a reel member configured to rotate about a central axis. The reel member includes a shaft and at least one flange disposed along the shaft. The flange includes an aperture extending through the flange. The aperture is configured to receive a lace. The reel member can tighten the tensioning system by winding the lace around portions of the shaft disposed on both sides of the at least one flange. In some cases, the aperture can be chamfered to assist with sliding the lace through the aperture.

Abstract: An article with an automatic tensioning system includes a lace guide assembly. The lace guide assembly includes a lower guide member and two upper guide members that include channels for routing a tensioning member. Straps of the upper are attached to the two upper guide members. As the tensioning member is pulled into a tensioning device, the two upper guide members are pulled toward the lower guide member. This pulls on the straps and acts to tighten the upper around a foot.

Abstract: A lace routing pattern for a lacing system for an article of footwear is described. The lacing system is moved between opened and closed positions by applying tension to segments of a lace connected to a tensioning assembly of a tensioning system. Each of the lace segments are arranged to extend between opposite sides of a lacing area according to a different lace routing pattern. The lace routing patterns have equal total closure distances for each of the lace segments so that tension applied by the tensioning system will be uniformly distributed through the lacing system and the article of footwear.

Abstract: A position sensing assembly for a tensioning system designed to provide tension to a lace, cord, or other type of strand is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a reel member configured to rotate about a central axis and the position sensing assembly. The position sensing assembly includes a shaft, an indicator tab, and an optical sensing unit. The position sensing assembly assists in controlling the degree to which the strand is tightened and loosened. The position sensing assembly prevents tightening of the strand when the strand is meant to be loosened.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to automated tightening of a footwear platform including a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, a footwear lacing apparatus can include a housing structure, a spool, and a drive mechanism. The housing structure can include a top section and a bottom section. The spool can include a superior surface, a lace spool under the superior surface and a spool shaft with a keyed connection pin. The spool can also be integrated into the top section of the housing structure. The drive mechanism can couple with the spool via the keyed connection pin on the spool shaft. The drive mechanism can be adapted to rotate the spool to tighten or loosen a lace cable integrated into the footwear.

Abstract: Assembly methods related to an automated footwear platform including a lacing engine drive apparatus are discussed. In an example, an assembly method can include operations such as inserting a mid-sole plate, attaching a laced upper portion, and inserting a lacing engine. The inserting a mid-sole plate operation can include inserting the mid-sole plate into a mid-sole of the footwear platform. The attaching a laced upper portion operation can include attaching a laced upper portion to the mid-sole and positioning a lace loop in the mid-sole plate. Finally, the inserting a lacing engine operation can include inserting a lacing engine into a cavity in the mid-sole plate, wherein the lacing engine includes a lace spool exposed along a superior surface to receive the lace loop.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular lacing engine are discussed. In an example, a modular footwear apparatus including an upper portion, a lower portion, and a lacing engine is described. The upper portion can include a lace to adjust fit of the upper portion against a foot, the lace adjustable between a first position and a second position based at least in part on manipulation of an effective length of the lace. The lower portion can include a mid-sole and an out-sole, and the lower portion can be coupled to the upper portion at the mid-sole. The lacing engine can include a top-loading lace spool to engage a loop of the lace to enable manipulation of the effective length of the lace through rotation of the lace spool, the lacing engine received within a cavity in the lower portion.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to automated tightening of a footwear platform including a lacing engine drive apparatus are discussed. In an example, a drive apparatus to rotate a lace spool of a motorized lacing engine within a footwear platform can include a gear motor, a gear box, a worm drive, and a worm gear. The gear box can be mechanically coupled to the gear motor, and the gear box can include a drive shaft extending opposite the gear motor. The worm drive can be slidably keyed to the drive shaft to control rotation of the worm drive in response to gear motor activation. The worm gear can rotate the lace spool upon rotation of the worm drive to tighten or loosen a lace cable on the footwear platform.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including a button assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, the button assembly can include a bushing and an actuator. The bushing can include an actuator housing surrounded by an outer flange. The actuator housing can include an exterior side and an interior side relative to the footwear platform. The actuator can include a plurality of actuator bodies disposed within the actuator housing. Each actuator body of the plurality of actuator bodies can include a switch interface adapted to interact with a switch on a lacing engine.

Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. A capacitive sensor, such as disposed within or upon the sensor housing, can be configured to provide the foot presence indication. In an example, foot presence can be detected using time-varying characteristics of a signal from the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A footwear lacing apparatus can comprise a housing structure, a modular spool and a drive mechanism. The housing structure can comprising a first inlet, a second inlet, and a lacing channel extending between the first and second inlets. The modular spool can be disposed in the lacing channel and can comprise a lower plate including a shaft extending from the lower plate, and an upper plate including a drum portion. The upper plate can be releasably connected to the lower plate at a connection interface. The drive mechanism can couple with the modular spool and can be adapted to rotate the modular spool to wind or unwind a lace cable extending through the lacing channel and between the upper and lower plates of the modular spool.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include a ferromagnetic body disposed in the article, and a magnetometer to measure a strength or direction of a magnetic field that is influenced by a position of the ferromagnetic body. One of the ferromagnetic body and the magnetometer can be configured to move relative to the other one of the ferromagnetic body and the magnetometer, for example according to movement of a foot in the article. In an example, the ferromagnetic body is disposed in a compressible insole and the ferromagnetic body moves in response to compression or relaxation of the insole. The magnetometer can be disposed in a platform or sole portion of the article that is relatively stationary compared to the ferromagnetic body. Rate of change information about the magnetic field can be used to control article functions or to provide information about a foot strike or step rate.

Abstract: A tensioning system, method, and article of footwear includes a motor, a reel, and a transmission configured to transmit torque from the motor shaft to the reel shaft along a torque path to drive and rotate the reel shaft. The transmission has a compound gear. The compound gear includes a shaft gear, comprising an elongate shaft substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and offset with respect to the motor shaft along the lateral axis, the shaft gear configured to rotate independent of a fixed reference, and operatively coupled the reel and a ring gear, fixedly coupled to a first end of the shaft gear and operatively coupled to the motor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus related to a homing mechanism within a drive mechanism of a lacing engine for an automated footwear platform are described. In an example, the homing apparatus can include an indexing wheel, a plurality of Geneva teeth and a stop tooth. The plurality of Geneva teeth can be distributed around a portion of a perimeter of the indexing wheel. Each Geneva tooth of the plurality of Geneva teeth can include side profiles conforming to a first side profile that generates a first force when engaged by an index tooth on a portion of the drive mechanism. The stop tooth can be located along the perimeter of the indexing wheel between two Geneva teeth. Additionally, the stop tooth can include side profiles conforming to a second side profile that generates a second force when engaged by the index tooth.

Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive or magnetic sensor configured to sense changes in a body's proximity to the sensor in footwear. Characteristics of the sensed proximity can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot or about the footwear.

Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A closure system for a boot or other footwear includes a tension member that is disposed within the boot and routed or guided about a path within the boot via one or more guides. The closure system also includes an adjustment member that is disposed within the boot and operably coupled with the tension member. The closure system further includes a reel based closure device having a knob that is operable to tension the tension member and to release tension from the tension member. Tensioning of the tension member adjusts a fit of the adjustment member about a foot within the boot to secure the foot within the boot and loosening of the tension member adjusts the fit of the adjustment member about the foot to allow the foot to be more easily removed from the boot.

Abstract: Assembly methods related to an automated footwear platform including a lacing engine drive apparatus are discussed. In an example, an assembly method can include operations such as inserting a mid-sole plate, attaching a laced upper portion, and inserting a lacing engine. The inserting a mid-sole plate operation can include inserting the mid-sole plate into a mid-sole of the footwear platform. The attaching a laced upper portion operation can include attaching a laced upper portion to the mid-sole and positioning a lace loop in the mid-sole plate. Finally, the inserting a lacing engine operation can include inserting a lacing engine into a cavity in the mid-sole plate, wherein the lacing engine includes a lace spool exposed along a superior surface to receive the lace loop.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to automated tightening of a footwear platform including a lacing engine drive apparatus are discussed. In an example, a drive apparatus to rotate a lace spool of a motorized lacing engine within a footwear platform can include a gear motor, a gear box, a worm drive, and a worm gear. The gear box can be mechanically coupled to the gear motor, and the gear box can include a drive shaft extending opposite the gear motor. The worm drive can be slidably keyed to the drive shaft to control rotation of the worm drive in response to gear motor activation. The worm gear can rotate the lace spool upon rotation of the worm drive to tighten or loosen a lace cable on the footwear platform.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular lacing engine are discussed. In an example, a modular footwear apparatus including an upper portion, a lower portion, and a lacing engine is described. The upper portion can include a lace to adjust fit of the upper portion against a foot, the lace adjustable between a first position and a second position based at least in part on manipulation of an effective length of the lace. The lower portion can include a mid-sole and an out-sole, and the lower portion can be coupled to the upper portion at the mid-sole. The lacing engine can include a top-loading lace spool to engage a loop of the lace to enable manipulation of the effective length of the lace through rotation of the lace spool, the lacing engine received within a cavity in the lower portion.

Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: Flexible cleats for flexible footwear (e.g., with natural motion sole structures) include a cleat structure that generally has the appearance of a cleat that has been separated into individual component parts by one or more flex grooves formed into the sole structure. Such structures provide additional flexibility at the areas of the cleats so as to avoid a “stiff” feeling in certain areas and/or during certain activities. The flexible cleats may be arranged around one or more intersections of flex grooves provided in a sole member, optionally in the form of an array of sole pods provided at least in a forefoot area of the sole member.

Abstract: A last system and a method of making the last system are disclosed. The last system includes a last member and an exterior layer. The exterior layer becomes deformable when heated above a characteristic temperature. The method can include forming a braided footwear component on the last system. The exterior layer may be joined with the braided footwear component by heating the last system above the characteristic temperature.

Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a holding fixture for holding portions of a shoe during painting. The fixture has a lower jig and an upper jig. The lower jig has an outer wall from which a contacting surface extends. The contacting surface is sized to apply a compressive force to the midsole along a desired paint line, and prevents paint from moving onto the midsole below the contacting surface. The top jig has a lower surface configured to be placed in contact with the top surface of the midsole when the midsole is held in the lower jig and is shaped to apply a downward and outward force on the midsole at an edge defined by the top surface of the midsole and the outer perimeter surface of the midsole, to thereby prevent paint from moving onto the top surface of the shoe portion.

Abstract: A method is described for coloring an article including a light diffuser. The article is dipped into a liquid colorant to a first predetermined depth for first short period less than the 100 percent single dip saturation time. The article then is removed from the liquid colorant and dried. The article may be dipped into a liquid colorant to a second predetermined depth for a second short period, then removed and dried. The dyeing and drying steps are repeated until the article is imbued with the selected color and saturation.

Abstract: A device for reversibly connecting together a first element and a second element designed to be alternately connected and disconnected includes a male element, inserted into a female element to move from a mutually disengaged state to a mutually engaged state, and a slider, for actuation/release of the engaged state, which is slidingly engaged by the male element into the female element. The relative movement of the actuation/release slider and the male element is transferred to first releasable locking members of the male element, which cooperate with corresponding second locking members of the female element to move from a stable locked state to a stable unlocked state of the male element by a movement of the slider in the direction of insertion. Furthermore, the male element includes a handle having the slider at least partially and slidingly housed therein.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to tools and methods for separating contacting surfaces, as in the case of a keychain, for ease of adding and removing a small personal item such as a key, from between the contacting surfaces.

Abstract: A male button for a snap button is provided that can have an enhanced appearance and that can obtain an advertising effect and a decoration effect while representing a luxurious appearance and that can prevent foreign substances from being entered therein. The male button for a snap button includes: a main body 110 having a surface portion 114 and a press fixing portion 115 having closed front surfaces in order to form a receiving space 113 within a fitting protrusion 111 and a concave peripheral portion 112 protruded in a cylindrical shape; a deformation prevention device 120 received at the receiving space 113 of the main body 110; a snap 130 having a coupling rod 131 and fixed to the press fixing portion 115 of the main body 110; and a snap fixing plate 140 inserted and fixed to the coupling rod 131 of the snap 130.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are described for forming projections on a substrate for use as hook-type fasteners in touch fastening systems, wherein vibration energy may be used to soften a substrate which may be positioned between a mold and a source of vibration. The mold may include a plurality of cavities into which the softened substrate may be forced to form the projections. The substrate may comprise a film, sheet, web, composite, laminate, etc. and be useful as an attachment strip for temporary or permanent fastening. The source of vibration may be an ultrasonic horn. The process to form such projections may be operated in a continuous, semi-continuous or intermittent manner.

Abstract: An active interlocking fastener system is adapted to control an interlock in response to an external stimulus. The interlocking fastener system includes a first element including a plurality of first interlocking fasteners. The interlocking fastener system also includes a second element including a plurality of second interlocking fasteners configured to couple to the first plurality of interlocking fasteners. The plurality of first interlocking fasteners or the plurality of second interlocking fasteners includes a reactive material configured to vary a mechanical engagement between the plurality of first interlocking fasteners and the plurality of second interlocking fasteners as a function of the external stimulus.

Abstract: A slider garage includes an overmolded body, the overmolded body oriented on a zipper, the overmolded body including an overmolded male portion and an overmolded female portion, the overmolded male and female portions positioned on an end of the zipper, such that each is on one side of the zipper, the overmolded male portion being shaped such that it fits in the overmolded female portion in a watertight fashion. Optionally, the zipper includes a male side and a female side, and the overmolded male portion is positioned on the male side of the zipper and the overmolded female portion is positioned on the female side of the zipper.

Abstract: A molded-teeth slide fastener tape for use in a slide fastener assembly includes a woven portion and a plurality of resin-based teeth. The woven portion includes a cord arranged along an edge thereof and a plurality of spaced-apart perforations, disposed adjacent to the cord, which pass completely through the woven portion. Each of the plurality of resin-based teeth is integrally molded to the woven portion along the cord. Each molded tooth encompasses at least a portion of at least one of the spaced-apart perforations so that each molded tooth extends through the at least one of the spaced-apart perforations and fully around a cross-sectional shape of the cord.

Abstract: Bracelet having adjustable length, which includes an adjusting link (6) with two parallel transverse articulation pins (5, 7), a first (5) being fixed and the second (7) being able to pivot with respect to the first (5) so as to reverse the respective positions of the pins and respectively create two, short and long, configurations, and an end link (8) having a first end (8i) pivoted on the second pin (7) and a second end (8j) designed to accept the fixing of the end of one bracelet strand, this second end (8j) having at least one first cutout (8e) designed to house a center link element (10a) of a link at the end of said bracelet strand, and a transverse second cutout (8c) arranged between the two ends (8i, 8j) of the end link (8) to house the first pin (5) of the adjusting link (6) in the short configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an attachment system for a consumer product and methods related to the manufacture thereof. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an attachment system including a band having an insert portion. The insert portion may include an aperture. The attachment system may further include a lug having a cavity and a friction element disposed at, and extending away from, an outer surface of the lug to define a protrusion. The attachment system may further include a pin and a retention member positioned within the cavity. The retention member may be configured to retain the pin within the aperture upon advancement of the pin past the retention member.

Abstract: A jewelry item which includes sliding collets is disclosed. The collets may slide along first and second elongated collet mounting structures, such as a wire, recess or flange. The covets may have one or more wings and/or one or more bosses which are received by the first and second elongated collet mounting structures. The collets may slide freely along the first and second elongated collet mounting structures.

Abstract: An umbrella shaft assembly is provided for securing an umbrella to a chair or table. The umbrella shaft assembly includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. A plurality of hinged finger projections are located on the elongated shaft. The finger projections are configured to extend outward and retract inward toward the elongated shaft. Further, an aperture is located on the elongated shaft, wherein a cord extends therethrough. The umbrella shaft assembly can be secured to a chair via securing the cord to a chair frame. Similarly, the umbrella shaft assembly can be secured to a table by extending the finger projections such that the umbrella cannot be hoisted through an umbrella receiving opening of the table. The umbrella shaft assembly further includes a conventional umbrella assembly construction that is large enough to shield a person or persons from the elements encountered outdoors.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a wallet comprises a top shell coupled to a bottom shell by a fastener, and a resilient member disposed at a shell hinge. The wallet comprises a sealed side located at the shell hinge, and at least one clamped side.

Abstract: A luggage shell or case made from a sheet formed by compacting and heating a mat made of either a mixture of randomly oriented first discontinuous non-woven plastic fibers (42) having a first melting temperature and randomly oriented second discontinuous reinforcing non-woven plastic fiber (46) having a second melting temperature higher than the first melting temperature, or a bicomponent fiber having a first plastic portion having a first melting temperature and a second plastic portion having a second melting temperature. The non-woven mat is heated at a temperature between the first melting temperature and the second melting temperature, as well as by forming the compacted non-woven sheet (64) into the luggage shell.

Abstract: An expandable/collapsible bag that can be configured into three different sizes—small medium, and large. It is of cylindrical shape, has three interconnected chambers, a zipper running along its entire length, three handles on top, and two drawstrings. When the bag is in its large configuration, all chambers are expanded and accessible. The two side chambers can collapse inwards into the middle chamber, allowing the size of the bag to be reduced. This can be done by collapsing and pushing the material of each side chamber into chamber B past the line of their adjacent drawstrings. Once the collapsed material from each side chamber is completely inside chamber B, then, their adjacent drawstrings can be cinched or pulled tight to close the ends of the bag. This keeps the collapsed material from the side chambers inside the middle chamber and prevents the bag from expanding when in use.

Abstract: Hair styling irons often require 2 hands just to manage the iron and the Hair. The Styling Iron Companion accessory can be attached to nearly any iron (curing, crimping, straightening, waving) to act as a hair guide, freeing up both hands to manage the iron itself or other styling aids. After slipping the selected hair into the Iron Extension, it guides the hair into the iron without requiring extra hands. Additionally, before styling hair, it is recommended that a heat treatment product be applied to the hair. The Styling Iron Companion with the Heat Treatment add-on can apply a heat treatment product directly to the hair before entering the styling iron.

Abstract: A hair clip, particularly for curly hair, includes a first curved jaw having a proximal end portion and a curved distal end portion; and a second curved jaw coupled to the first jaw. The second curved jaw has a proximal end portion and a curved distal end portion. An axle is coupled to the proximal end portions of the first and second curved jaws, thereby permitting the first and second curved jaws to pivot relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The clip also has a biasing element disposed between the proximal end portions of the first and second curved jaws. The biasing element applies a biasing force to both the first and second curved jaws such that in a rest position, the first and second curved jaws are in the closed position.

Abstract: A hand held appliance, such as a hairdryer, includes a body, a fluid flow path extending through the body in an axial direction from a first fluid inlet through which a first fluid flow enters the appliance to a first fluid outlet for emitting the first fluid flow from the appliance, a primary fluid flow path extending from a second fluid inlet through which a primary fluid flow enters the appliance to a second fluid outlet, a section of the primary fluid flow path extending through the body in the axial direction and surrounding the fluid flow path, and a heater located within the section of the primary fluid flow path for heating fluid passing through the primary fluid flow path, and wherein the heater has a length extending in the axial direction.

Abstract: Removing hair in a conventional manner is of low work efficiency. Nasal hair stereoscopically grows, and where in the nasal vestibule portion it grows is not clear. Thus, it is difficult in some cases to treat even one nasal hair. Also, using a shaver does not allow treated nasal hair to be visually recognized, which leaves uncertainty as to how much of nasal hair that has been actually treated. Therefore, a hair remover that pinches hair by compressing a spring along an axle member and removes the hair by moving with the spring being compressed is provided.

Abstract: A robust cleaning and ventilation system for a work station such as a manicure station, employing table geometry to create high efficiency in debris and odor removal while providing a conditioned make-up air return that completes the full ventilation process. The manicure station includes a modular implementation such that the necessary equipment is not a single custom bespoke installation and can be used universally.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a container assembly having a cap with a channel and a base with protrusions on a collar. The protrusions are received in the channel and guide the cap in a rotating motion onto the base. The cap and base may have magnets that provide an attractive force that brings the cap and base together. The container in cosmetics applications is also discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator tip (10) for cosmetic product, said applicator tip (10) comprising a fixing part for fixing to a support rod, and an application part (20, 20?) for applying said product, said application part (20, 20?) having at least two opposing rounded applicator faces (F1, F2) that are hinged to said fixing part (14) and extend as far as a distal end (16) of the applicator (10), said rounded faces (F1, F2) having a radius of curvature (R1, R2) of less than 6 mm. The invention also relates to an associated applicator and applicator assembly.

Abstract: A heating applicator system that heats personal care products without concerns of dry-out as a result of repeated exposure to heat comprising a disposable container subassembly and a reusable handle subassembly. The container subassembly comprises a lower printed circuit board that has heating elements disposed thereon. The reusable handle subassembly houses an upper printed circuit board that has electronic control elements. When the handle subassembly is attached to the container subassembly, the two circuit boards form an electric connection and create an electric heating circuit. Subsequently, the handle subassembly is able to detach from the container while the applicator head remains attached to the handle subassembly. After each use, the applicator head is replaced in the container. When the product is used up, the applicator head and the container can be detached from the handle subassembly. The handle subassembly can be reused, while the container and applicator head are discarded.