Personal care applicator assembly

Abstract

An applicator includes a product-dispensing cartridge assembly insertable within a shell, and a separate, decorative case that covers at least a portion of the shell. A cap closes off the open upper end of the shell through a magnetic attachment. The cartridge assembly includes a product cartridge, threaded jackscrew and riser. The jackscrew includes lever and a knob that fits onto the lever, such that when the knob is rotated, the riser slides up and down within the cartridge to advance and retract the product. The cap, case and knob may have outer side surfaces that are flush, at least when the knob is at particular degrees of rotation. The product to be administered is a preferably a waxy or semi-solid such as a lip balm, deodorant or other cosmetic or personal hygiene or protective product.

1 . An applicator, comprising:
 a tubular shell having inner and outer surfaces and open upper and lower ends;   a cap that closes off the open upper end of the shell;   an outer, tubular case that fits over at least a portion of the outer surface of the shell;   a cartridge configured for installation within the shell, the cartridge having inner and outer surfaces, an open upper end and a lower end with an opening;   an elongated, threaded jackscrew insertable into the lower opening of the cartridge;   a threaded riser that engages with the threaded jackscrew and slides up and down within the cartridge as the jackscrew is turned in opposing directions;   wherein the jackscrew includes a lower end with a lever that remains outside of the cartridge when the jackscrew is inserted into the cartridge; and   a knob that fits onto the lever, such that when the knob is rotated, a product to be administered above the riser is dispensed or retracted.   
     
     
         2 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the cap attaches to the shell through a magnetic connection. 
     
     
         3 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic connection includes a first magnet disposed within the cap and a second magnet disposed on the shell. 
     
     
         4 . The applicator of  claim 3 , wherein the first magnet is coupled to an insert disposed within the cap. 
     
     
         5 . The applicator of  claim 1 , including a plurality of removeable and replaceable cases to provide different decorative outward appearances. 
     
     
         6 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the shell includes an upper protruding rim with an outer surface and a lower edge; and   the case has an upper edge that abuts against the lower edge of the protruding rim.   
     
     
         7 . The applicator of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the cap has an inner surface; and   at least a portion of the inner surface of the cap slidingly engages with the outer surface of the rim.   
     
     
         8 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the knob is removeable and replaceable. 
     
     
         9 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the cap, case and knob have outer side surfaces that are flush, at least when the knob is at particular degrees of rotation. 
     
     
         10 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the product to be administered is a waxy or semi-solid. 
     
     
         11 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the product to be administered is a lip balm. 
     
     
         12 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the product to be administered is a deodorant or cosmetic product.