Applicator cap with interconnect feature

Abstract

A cosmetic formula applicator configured for use with a handle for improved ergonomics and to aid in application by a user. In general, examples of the applicators described herein include a cap for coupling the applicator to a bottle. The cap includes a cavity configured to receive a corresponding protrusion of the handle therein. The cap includes a retainer associated with the cavity to interface with the protrusion to create a releasable connection requiring a larger separation force to release than without the retainer. The applicator may include a data storage device configured to communicate information to a sensor positioned in the handle.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . An applicator for applying a cosmetic formula, the applicator comprising:
 a first end of the applicator configured to retain an amount of the cosmetic formula for application;   a cap positioned at a second end of the applicator opposite the first end, the cap having a coupling portion configured to releasably couple the applicator to a bottle of cosmetic formula, and a cavity extending at least partially into the cap and configured to receive a corresponding protrusion therein; and   a retainer associated with the cavity, the retainer configured to interface with the protrusion to create a releasable connection requiring a larger separation force to release than without the retainer.   
     
     
         2 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a magnet positioned adjacent to the cavity, the magnet configured to magnetically interface with a magnet positioned in the protrusion for creating the releasable connection. 
     
     
         3 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is selected from the group consisting of a magnet, threads, press fit, snap fit, clearance fit, and combinations thereof, the retainer configured to cooperatingly interface with the protrusion for creating the releasable connection. 
     
     
         4 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the application end has a plurality of application bristles configured to retain an amount of the cosmetic formula for application. 
     
     
         5 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity has a non-circular cross section configured to fix the applicator from rotating about a central axis of the elongate stem with respect to the protrusion when the applicator is releasably connected to the protrusion. 
     
     
         6 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the cap includes a data storage device configured to communicate information to a sensor positioned in the protrusion. 
     
     
         7 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising an elongate stem positioned between the application end and the cap. 
     
     
         8 . An applicator for applying a cosmetic formula using an articulating handle, the applicator comprising:
 an elongate stem having an application end configured to retain an amount of the cosmetic formula for application;   a cap positioned at an end of the elongate stem opposite the application end;   a cavity extending at least partially into the cap and configured to receive a corresponding protrusion of the articulating handle therein; and   a retainer associated with the cavity, the retainer configured to interface with the protrusion to create a releasable connection requiring a larger separation force to release than without the retainer.   
     
     
         9 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the retainer includes a magnet positioned adjacent to the cavity, the magnet configured to magnetically interface with a magnet positioned in the protrusion for creating the releasable connection. 
     
     
         10 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the retainer is selected from the group consisting of a magnet, threads, press fit, snap fit, clearance fit, and combinations thereof, the retainer configured to cooperatingly interface with the protrusion for creating the releasable connection. 
     
     
         11 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the application end has a plurality of application bristles configured to retain an amount of the cosmetic formula for application. 
     
     
         12 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the cavity has a non-circular cross section configured to fix the applicator from rotating about a central axis of the elongate stem with respect to the protrusion when the applicator is releasably connected to the protrusion. 
     
     
         13 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the cap includes a data storage device configured to communicate information to a sensor positioned in the articulating handle. 
     
     
         14 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the articulating handle is configured to orient the applicator between 45° and 90° with respect to an axis of the articulating handle during application to eyelashes. 
     
     
         15 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the articulating handle is configured to orient the applicator substantially horizontal with respect to the ground during application to eyelashes. 
     
     
         16 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the articulating handle is configured to orient the applicator between 30° and 80° with respect to an axis of the articulating handle during application to lips. 
     
     
         17 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the articulating handle is configured to orient the applicator between 45° and 60° from horizontal with respect to the ground during application to lips. 
     
     
         18 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the articulating handle is configured to orient the applicator between about 0° and 60° with respect to an axis of the articulating handle during application to nails. 
     
     
         19 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the articulating handle is configured to orient the applicator at about 45° from horizontal with respect to the ground during application to nails. 
     
     
         20 . The applicator of  claim 8 , wherein the articulating handle is configured to orient the applicator between about 0° and 90° with respect to an axis of the articulating handle during application to a face.