Adhesive applicator for fixing to the end of a finger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for applying a cosmetic substance, the device comprising a receptacle containing the substance and an applicator suitable for being received in the receptacle or fixed thereon, the applicator comprising, prior to first use, an adhesive surface suitable for fixing the applicator to the skin, a circle of axis X circumscribing the applicator comprising a diameter greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator as measured parallel to the axis X.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 / A device for applying a cosmetic substance, the device comprising: 
 a receptacle containing the substance; and    an applicator suitable for being received in the receptacle or fixed thereon, said applicator comprising, prior to first use, an adhesive surface suitable for fixing the applicator to the skin, a circle of axis X circumscribing the applicator having a diameter greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator as measured parallel to the axis X.    
     
     
         2 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the circle of axis X has a radius greater than or equal to ⅔rds the maximum thickness.  
     
     
         3 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the maximum thickness of the applicator is not greater than half the radius of the circumscribing circle.  
     
     
         4 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator is of dimensions that are small enough to ensure that the applicator does not extend to a palm of a hand when it is fixed to an end of a finger.  
     
     
         5 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator is configured in such a manner that the adhesive surface cannot adhere in full to the pulp of a first phalanx of an index finger.  
     
     
         6 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein, prior to first use, the applicator is not impregnated with the substance to be applied.  
     
     
         7 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the substance is not a toothpaste.  
     
     
         8 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises an application surface comprising at least one of a flocking, a woven cloth and a non-woven cloth.  
     
     
         9 / A device according to  claim 8 , wherein the application surface comprises a woven cloth, and wherein the woven cloth comprises a plurality of projecting hooks and/or loops.  
     
     
         10 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises a foam.  
     
     
         11 / A device according to  claim 10 , wherein the foam has been subjected to abrasion treatment in such a manner as to form a downy surface thereon.  
     
     
         12 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises an elastomer.  
     
     
         13 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises a multilayer structure comprising a layer of adhesive for fixing to the skin, a layer defining an application surface, and at least one intermediate layer.  
     
     
         14 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises a porous material that has been subjected to impregnation treatment with at least one biocidal compound.  
     
     
         15 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises magnetic particles.  
     
     
         16 / A device according to  claim 15 , wherein the magnetic particles are dispersed in a foam.  
     
     
         17 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises an application surface comprising at least two regions with different surface states.  
     
     
         18 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is hypoallergenic.  
     
     
         19 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer extends over an entire face of the applicator opposite from its surface used for applying the substance.  
     
     
         20 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer covers part of the face of the applicator opposite from its face used for applying the substance.  
     
     
         21 / A device according to  claim 20 , wherein the adhesive surface comprises strips or spots of adhesive.  
     
     
         22 / A device according to  claim 20 , wherein the adhesive layer extends only over a central region of a face of the applicator opposite from its face used for applying the substance.  
     
     
         23 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises a net covering the adhesive surface.  
     
     
         24 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein, in section in the direction of the applicator's thickness, the applicator comprises a flat shape with an adhesive face substantially parallel to a face used for application purposes.  
     
     
         25 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein, in section in the direction of the applicator's thickness, the applicator comprises a shape that is convex on at least a side of a face used for application purposes.  
     
     
         26 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator is heat-sealed at a periphery of the applicator.  
     
     
         27 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein, in front view, the applicator comprises a shape that is not circular.  
     
     
         28 / A device according to  claim 27 , wherein, in front view, the applicator comprises a shape that is triangular, pear-shaped, lens shaped, waterdrop-shaped, almond-shaped, heart-shaped, or hollow-ring-shaped.  
     
     
         29 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein, in front view, the applicator comprises a recess.  
     
     
         30 / A device according to  claim 29 , wherein the recess is situated in a central region of the applicator.  
     
     
         31 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises a material that is washable.  
     
     
         32 / A device according to  claim 31 , wherein the material of the applicator is washable in water.  
     
     
         33 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein, prior to first use, the adhesive surface is covered by a removable protective film.  
     
     
         34 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle comprises at least one housing for receiving at least one applicator while not in use.  
     
     
         35 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is in the form of a case comprising a bottom portion and a lid that is movable relative to the bottom portion.  
     
     
         36 / A device according to  claim 35 , wherein the bottom portion comprises at least one housing containing the substance.  
     
     
         37 / A device according to  claim 35 , wherein the lid comprises a mirror.  
     
     
         38 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle comprises a piston enabling the substance to be extruded through at least one outlet orifice.  
     
     
         39 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle comprises a deformable wall.  
     
     
         40 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle comprises a protective cap for protecting the applicator while not in use.  
     
     
         41 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein, prior to use, the applicator is on a strip acting as a support for a plurality of applicators.  
     
     
         42 / A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the surface of the receptacle which receives the applicator while not in use comprises a relief portion for reducing the adhesion of the applicator.  
     
     
         43 / A device according to  claim 42 , wherein the relief portion comprises an array of stripes or projections.  
     
     
         44 / A device according to  claim 42 , wherein the applicator is coated in an anti-adhesive material.  
     
     
         45 / A device according to  claim 42 , wherein the applicator has been subjected to an anti-adhesive treatment.  
     
     
         46 / A method of applying a substance to at least one of the skin, the hair, the lips and the nails, the method comprising the following steps: 
 fixing an applicator with adhesive to the end of at least one finger, the applicator comprising a portion for applying the substance, said portion extending at least in part over the pulp of a first phalanx of the finger, said applicator not extending as far as the palm of the hand; and    applying the substance to at least one of the skin, the hair, the lips and the nails, by bringing the application portion into contact with the region concerned.    
     
     
         47 / A method according to  claim 46 , wherein the applicator is used for making up at least one of the cheek bones, the eyelids and the lips.  
     
     
         48 / A method according to  claim 46 , wherein the applicator is positioned on the pulp of the first phalanx while retaining the ability to move relative thereto about various axes.  
     
     
         49 / A method according to  claim 46 , wherein the adhesive surface of the applicator is covered in a removable protective film which the user removes prior to placing the adhesive surface in contact with a finger.  
     
     
         50 / A method according to  claim 46 , wherein after use, the applicator is stuck onto an applicator-receiving surface of a receptacle, in particular a mirror, a lid, or the bottom of a housing provided for receiving the applicator.  
     
     
         51 / A method according to  claim 46 , wherein the applicator is used on a plurality of occasions, the adhesive being selected in such a manner as to conserve its adhesive properties from one occasion to another.  
     
     
         52 / A method according to  claim 46 , wherein the substance is a cosmetic.  
     
     
         53 / A device for applying a cosmetic substance, the device comprising: 
 a receptacle containing the substance; and    an applicator comprising a multilayer structure, said applicator being configured for being received in the receptacle or fixed thereon, said applicator comprising, prior to a first use, an adhesive surface suitable for fixing the applicator to the skin.    
     
     
         54 / A device according to  claim 53 , wherein a circle of axis X circumscribing the applicator has a diameter greater than a maximum thickness of the applicator as measured parallel to the axis X.  
     
     
         55 / A device according to  claim 53 , wherein the applicator comprises two layers of different hardnesses.  
     
     
         56 / A device according to  claim 53 , wherein the applicator comprises two layers of foam.  
     
     
         57 / A device for applying a cosmetic substance, the device comprising: 
 a receptacle containing the substance; and    an applicator removably fixed on the receptacle, said applicator not being in contact with the substance contained in the receptacle, said applicator comprising, prior to first use, an adhesive surface suitable for fixing the applicator to the skin.    
     
     
         58 / A device according to  claim 57 , wherein a circle of axis X circumscribing the applicator has a diameter greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator as measured parallel to the axis X.  
     
     
         59 / A device for applying at least one of at least two different cosmetic substances, the device comprising: 
 a receptacle containing at least two substances; and    an applicator suitable for being received in the receptacle or fixed thereon, said applicator comprising, prior to first use, an adhesive surface.    
     
     
         60 / A device according to  claim 59 , wherein a circle of axis X circumscribing the applicator has a diameter greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator as measured parallel to the axis X.  
     
     
         61 / A device according to  claim 60 , wherein the circle of axis X has a radius greater than or equal to ⅔rds the maximum thickness.  
     
     
         62 / A device according to  claim 60 , wherein the maximum thickness of the applicator is not greater than half the radius of the circumscribing circle.  
     
     
         63 / A device for applying a cosmetic substance, said device comprising: 
 a receptacle containing the substance; and    at least two applicators suitable for being received in the receptacle or fixed thereon, said applicators comprising, prior to first use, an adhesive surface.    
     
     
         64 / A device according to  claim 63 , wherein a circle of axis X circumscribing the applicator has a diameter greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator as measured parallel to the axis X.  
     
     
         65 / A device according to  claim 64 , wherein the circle of axis X has a radius greater than or equal to ⅔rds the maximum thickness.  
     
     
         66 / A device according to  claim 64 , wherein the maximum thickness of the applicator is not greater than half the radius of the circumscribing circle.  
     
     
         67 / A device for applying a cosmetic substance, said device comprising: 
 a receptacle containing a cake of the substance; and    an applicator suitable for being received in the receptacle or fixed thereon, said applicator comprising, prior to first use, an adhesive surface.    
     
     
         68 / A device according to  claim 67 , wherein a circle of axis X circumscribing the applicator has a diameter greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator as measured parallel to the axis X.  
     
     
         69 / A device according to  claim 68 , wherein the circle of axis X has a radius greater than or equal to ⅔rds the maximum thickness.  
     
     
         70 / A device according to  claim 68 , wherein the maximum thickness of the applicator is not greater than half the radius of the circumscribing circle.  
     
     
         71 / A device for applying a cosmetic substance, said device comprising: 
 a receptacle containing the substance; and    an applicator suitable for being received in the receptacle or fixed thereon, said applicator comprising a shape that is not circular, said applicator comprising, prior to a first use, an adhesive surface suitable for fixing the applicator to the skin.    
     
     
         72 / A device according to  claim 71 , wherein a circle of axis X circumscribing the applicator has a diameter greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator as measured parallel to the axis X.  
     
     
         73 / A device according to  claim 72 , wherein the circle of axis X has a radius greater than or equal to ⅔rds the maximum thickness.  
     
     
         74 / A device according to  claim 72 , wherein the maximum thickness of the applicator is not greater than half the radius of the circumscribing circle.  
     
     
         75 / A dispenser for dispensing at least one applicator not impregnated with toothpaste prior to first use, said applicator comprising, prior to first use, an adhesive surface suitable for fixing the applicator to the skin.  
     
     
         76 / A dispenser according to  claim 75 , wherein a circle of axis X circumscribing the applicator has a diameter greater than the maximum thickness of the applicator as measured parallel to the axis X.