Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

Applicators for use in retrieving product (generally a liquid) from a reservoir, with an applicator for entry to the reservoir coupled to a cap. The cap is configured to be selectively actuated by including a squeezable element. Unlike “bulb” based devices having a cap in the common form of a bulb, a more modern look is created with a cylindrical or other cap shape. The cylindrical cap in one example has generally rigid sides with a squeezable or depressible element having an accordion-type design. The accordion-type design may be hidden from a user. In another example the cylindrical cap has a rigid top surface and is squeezable from its sides. In yet another example, the cylindrical cap is flexible on its sides and top, but does not have the commonly known bulb-shape. The applicator may be, for example, a diptube, a doefoot applicator, a sponge, a plastic, a brush, or any other suitable applicator for cosmetics.

The claimed invention is: 
     
         1 . An applicator assembly for use with cosmetic products comprising:
 an applicator;   a cap having sides, a bottom for securing to a bottle, and a top; and   a squeezable insert disposed within the cap;   wherein the applicator is secured to the cap and is in fluid communication with an interior of the squeezable insert; and   wherein the cap is generally rigid such that the squeezable insert must be depressed from the top of the cap.   
     
     
         2 . The applicator assembly of  claim 1  wherein the squeezable insert has an accordion structure. 
     
     
         3 . The applicator assembly of  claim 2  wherein the accordion structure of the squeezable insert is not visible to a user. 
     
     
         4 . The applicator assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cap has an open top. 
     
     
         5 . The applicator assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator takes the form of a diptube. 
     
     
         6 . The applicator assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator takes the form of a brush. 
     
     
         7 . The applicator assembly of  claim 1 ,wherein the applicator takes the form of a doefoot applicator. 
     
     
         8 . The applicator assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator takes the form of a sponge. 
     
     
         9 . The applicator assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises flocking. 
     
     
         10 . The applicator assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises cloth. 
     
     
         11 . The applicator assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
         12 . The applicator assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises felt. 
     
     
         13 . An applicator assembly for use with cosmetic products comprising:
 an applicator;   a cap having a bottom for securing to a bottle, and a top; and   a squeezable element having a cylindrical shape with rounded sides, a top, and a bottom having an opening;   wherein the squeezable element is secured to the cap; and   wherein the applicator is secured to the cap and is in fluid communication with an interior of the squeezable element.   
     
     
         14 . The applicator assembly of  claim 13  wherein the squeezable element has a rigid top, such that it may be compressed only by compressing the rounded sides thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The applicator assembly of  claim 14  wherein the squeezable element is not bulbous. 
     
     
         16 . The applicator assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the bottom of the squeezable element is secured to the top of the cap. 
     
     
         17 . The applicator assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the applicator is selected from the group consisting of a diptube., a brush, a doefoot applicator, and a sponge. 
     
     
         18 . The applicator assembly of  claim 13 ,wherein the applicator comprises flocking, cloth, a thermoplastic elastomer, or felt. 
     
     
         19 . An applicator assembly for use with cosmetic products comprising:
 a rigid cap having sides, a bottom for securing to a bottle, a cavity defined by the sides, and an open top;   a squeezable insert disposed within the cavity of the cap; and   an applicator secured to the cap and in fluid communication with an interior of the squeezable insert;   
       wherein cosmetic product is introduced into the applicator by depressing the squeezable insert from only the top of the cap. 
     
     
         20 . The applicator assembly of  claim 19  wherein the squeezable insert has an accordion structure that is not visible to a user.