具体实施方式：
DRAWINGS
Reference Numerals
[0184] 2. Gripping Body 4. Handle 6. Shaft 8. Ringlet10. Aperture12. Applicator14. Inserting Member16. Base18. Flute Extrusion20. Applicating Member22. Operator24. Radial Motion26. Surface28. Cosmetic material30. Preloaded applicator32. Open cell foam34. Closed cell foam36. Container38. Kit40. Cosmetic Unidose42. Card44. Blister46. Punch48. Mirror50. Cover52. Tab54. Perforation56. Applicant58 Cosmetic source60. Orbital area62. Lips64. Face66. Receptacle68. Stop70. Gap72. Axis74. Taper76. Tubular body78. Trimmed surface80. Socket member82. Notch84. Ferrule86. Bristles88. Fork90. Tine92. Threading94. Ring96. Bifurcated inserting member
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Preferred Embodiment—FIGS. 1-49
[0185]As shown in (FIG. 1), the hygienic cosmetic applicator is a two part system comprising an instrument-like gripping body (2) with a holder thereon to releasably grip a disposable applicator (12) tips. Generally speaking, a gripping body (2) has a handle (4) for grasping, a tapered shaft (6) emerging from on one end, and a ringlet (8) holder terminally emerging from thereof (FIG. 2). By contrast, an applicator (12) has a generally cylindrical inserting member (14) with a saucer-like base (16) formed onto one end and an applicating member (20) to hold and/or release a cosmetic material attached onto the base (16) (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). The hygienic cosmetic applicator's fundamental mechanics are best depicted in (FIGS. 5A and 5B), where an applicator's (12) inserting member (14) frictionally plugs into a (2) ringlet's (8) aperture (10) to operably conjoin them, as seen in (FIGS. 6A and 6B).
[0186]The gripping body's (2) handle (4) is an elongated and generally cylindrical body that may be straight or ergonomically shaped for comfort (FIG. 2). It is preferably (but not limited to) 5 cm-12 cm long, and 5 mm-12 mm thick. The handle's (4) terminally formed shaft (6), as shown in (FIG. 7), originates from the handles gripping end. The shaft (6) is a generally cylindrical juncture that tapers substantially between its handle (4) origin and its ringlet (8) terminus. It is widest at its junction with the handle (4) and narrowest at its junction with the ringlet (8). Furthermore, it may comprise a separate member that is attached onto the handles (4) end (FIG. 8), or it may constitute a relatively long expanse if the handle (4) and shaft (6) are made from a single piece (FIG. 9) (In this case the junction between the handle and shaft may be determined by the end of the handles practical gripping area). In any event, the shaft (6) is preferably 15 mm-30 mm long. At its widest point (its juncture with the handle) it is preferably 4 mm-12 mm thick. At its narrowest point (its juncture with the ringlet), the shaft (6) is preferably 1 mm-4 mm thick.
[0187]The ringlet (8), as shown in (FIG. 10), emerges from the shaft's (6) narrow tapered end. As seen in (FIG. 11), it is a generally doughnut-shaped member that has a centrally formed aperture (10) there through. Furthermore, as depicted in (FIG. 12), the ringlet (8) is substantially angled at about fifty degrees at its juncture with the shaft (6). This is not limiting however, wherein a ringlet (8) may be variably angled from non-angled to ninety degrees (FIG. 13) or more. While the ringlet's (8) top side may be variably shaped, its bottom side is generally flat. Thus, when fully inserted onto an applicators (12) inserting member (14), its flat bottom will rest flush against the applicators (12) flat base (16) area. This is best shown in (FIGS. 14A and 14B), where a ringlet (12) is fully inserted onto an applicators inserting member (14) so that its bottom rests flush against the applicators (12) flat underside base (16) area. This is similarly shown in (FIGS. 15A and 15B), except the applicator (12) is inserted onto a ringlet (8) angled at ninety degrees.
[0188]Moreover, the ringlet's (8) overall height is less than an applicator's (12) inserting member (14). Thus, when fully conjoined as in (FIG. 5B), the inserting member's (14) upper end will extend above the ringlet's (8) top. This superfluous extension is enough to serve as an ejecting means for expelling an applicator (12) from the ringlet (8). This exemplified in (FIG. 16), where an operator (22) places a thumb on inserting members (14) exposed upper end, and then presses on the upper end to eject the applicator (12) from the ringlet's (8) aperture (10) (FIG. 17). Note, a ringlet (8) may be 4 mm wide, 1 mm thick, 1 mm-2 mm high, and have an aperture (10) that is about 2 mm in diameter. Alternatively, a ringlet (8) may be 3 mm wide, 1 mm thick, 1 mm-2 mm high, and have an aperture (10) that is about 1 mm in diameter. Alternatively, a ringlet (8) may be 5 mm wide, 1 to 2 mm high, 1 to 2 mm thick and have an aperture (10) that is about 3 mm in diameter. Nevertheless, these dimensions are merely examples of presently preferred ringlet sizes and are thus not limiting. A ringlet (8), therefore, may be variably sized and shaped to stably communicate with a desirably sized inserting member (14). Lastly, an aperture's (10) top and/or bottom openings may be suitably beveled to aid entry for an inserting member (14).
[0189]As seen in (FIGS. 3 and 4) an applicator (12) is a mushroom-like member having a generally cylindrical inserting member (14) that is stem-like and a terminally formed, saucer-like base (16) with an adherent applicating member (20) on top that is cap-like. The inserting member (14) is a generally cylindrical rod that has periodic fluting formed around its circumference. It is substantially elongated and emerges centrally from the base's (6) flat underside area (FIG. 18). Its top end is suitably beveled and its diameter (minus the fluting) is generally correspondent with, or slightly smaller than a ringlet's (8) aperture (10). Furthermore, its length is variable, wherein it is dependent upon a corresponding ringlet's (8) height. More specifically, a ringlet (8) with a shorter height (1 mm for example), will permit an applicator (12) to have a functionally shorter inserting member (14), whereas a taller ringlet (8) (2 mm for example) will require an applicator (12) to have a functionally longer inserting member (14). In any case, a presently preferred inserting member (14) length is between 3 mm-4 mm long.
[0190]The inserting member's (14) fluting, or fluted extrusions (18) are vertically elongated humps or bumps that are periodically formed around its circumference. As depicted in (FIG. 18), they originate at the inserting members (14) bottom (at its flat base juncture), and terminate a short distance below its beveled top. When seen in a plan view, as in (FIG. 19), the fluted extrusions (18) interrupt the inserting member's (14) general cylindricality. Furthermore, when encircled with a dotted line, as in (FIG. 20), the fluted extrusions (18) desirably increase the inserting member's (14) overall thickness at their periodic locations. Ultimately, this serves to intermittently thicken an inserting member's (14) diameter so that it is desirably wider than a corresponding aperture (10) at those locations.
[0191]This is best seen in (FIG. 21), a plan view overlay of an inserting member (14) and a ringlet (8). Prior to insertion, the fluted extrusions (18) are seen overlapping and extending beyond the aperture's (10) periphery. After insertion however, in (FIG. 22), the extrusions (22) deform and conform within the aperture (10) to generate retentive friction. Note, the size and number of fluted extrusions (18) can vary. For example, (FIGS. 23A, 23B) show an inserting member (14) that has three fluted extrusions (18) formed around its circumference, whereas (FIGS. 24A and 24B) show and inserting member (14) that has four fluted extrusions (18) formed around its circumference. These are merely examples however, and an inserting member (14) may have more or less fluted extrusions (18) than illustrated here. Note, a fluted extrusion (18) is preferably thick enough to periodically widen an inserting member's (14) overall diameter by 0.025 to 0.5 mm.
[0192]The applicator's (12) cap-like base (16) is terminally formed onto the inserting member's (14) end. Its topside is desirably convex and smooth for bonding with an applicating member (20). Its bottom side, by contrast, may be wholly flat, or partially concave with a flat center. For example, (FIG. 25) shows a cross section view of a smaller applicator (12) size that has a base (16) with a wholly flat underside. In contrast, (FIG. 26) shows the cross section of a larger applicator (12) size that has a generally concave underside with a flattened center area. In any case, a base's (16) flat underside area is platform-like, and it is wide enough to accommodate a corresponding ringlet (8). This can be seen in (FIG. 27), where a ringlet (8) is attached to a base (16) having a wholly flat underside, and (FIG. 28) where a ringlet (8) is attached to a base (16) having a generally concave underside with a flat center. This can also be seen in (FIG. 29) a plan view that employs a dotted circle to indicate the bases (16) flat underside area.
[0193]Note, an applicator's (12) base (16) size can vary substantially. This is due in part to the various requirements for cosmetic application. For example, larger dermal areas such as the face, cheeks, chin and forehead generally require larger applicators for efficient coverage, whereas smaller dermal areas such as the eyes or lips generally require smaller applicators. Therefore, a base (16) may have a diameter from that ranges from 2 mm to 40 mm or more and an applicator may have also have a general thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 mm. Moreover, a base (16) may have varying degrees of convexity. For example, a base's (16) convexity may range from nearly flat (FIG. 30), to substantially hemispherical (FIG. 31) to substantially ovoid (FIG. 32). Nevertheless, the degree of convexity should be sufficient to accommodate the natural radial motion (24) of an operator's (22) wrist. This is best exemplified in (FIGS. 33A, 33B, and 33C), a sequence that depicts how a convexly shaped applicator (12) contacts a surface during a radial brushing motion (24). As the operators (22) hand radially pivots at the wrist, the applicator's (12) convex surface maintains efficient contact with the surface.
[0194]An applicating member (20), as depicted in a (FIG. 34) detached view, is a pliant body of material that is bonded onto the bases (6) convex topside. It is generally cylindrical (FIG. 35) and has a first side to bond onto an inserting member's (14) base (16) and a second side that is intended to hold and/or release a cosmetic material (28) (FIG. 36). In the preferred embodiment, an applicating member (18) is preferably made from foam. Suitable foam types may either be open cell foam or closed cell foam. Furthermore, foam applicating members (20) may be blank, wherein they are devoid of cosmetic or, as pictured (FIG. 37), may have a pre-applied cosmetic material (28) to form a preloaded applicator (34). A preloaded applicator (34) is simply an applicator (12) that has an applicating member (20) that is or has been impregnated with a cosmetic material (28) during manufacture.
[0195]The manner for preloading an applicator (34) depends upon the foam type. For example, (FIG. 38) shows a cellular detail view of an open cell foam member that is preloaded by saturating its cells with a cosmetic material (28). By contrast, (FIG. 39) shows a cellular detail view of a close cell foam member that is preloaded by depositing a cosmetic material (28) onto its closed celled exterior. Preloading an applicator (12) may be accomplished by rubbing, spraying, dipping, molding, bonding, coating, immersing, compressing, soaking, laminating, inserting, or adhering. Suitable cosmetic types for preloading include but are not limited to: primer, lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, lip plumper, lip balm, concealer, foundation, face powder, bronzer, mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, eyebrow wax, gel, powder, cream, pencil, nail polish, and cosmetic removing agent. Suitable cosmetic forms for preloading may include: solutions, creams, emulsions, lotions, ointments, pastes, suspensions, powders, gels and solids.
[0196]Foam types for applicating members (20) are desirably non-toxic, environmentally compatible, highly absorbent (can expand up to 1½ times dry size for example), odorless and do not contain latex. Furthermore, they are compatible with cream, liquid, powdered and solid cosmetics. Also, they are capable of carrying and releasing liquid or solid additives including any applicable cosmetic material, cream, moisturizer, balm, exfoliant, fragrance and cosmetic removing agent. Some open cell foam types include but are not limited to flexible polyester polyurethane foam and flexible hydrophilic polyurethane foam. Suitable closed cell foam types are similarly non-toxic, environmentally compatible, and odorless, but, due to their cellular structure, are not absorbent. Therefore, they are particularly suitable for surface impregnation or surface layering with cosmetic solids and waxes, rather than pastes, creams or liquids. Some closed cell foam types may include but are not limited to polyethylene foam or a co-polymer such ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Lastly, foam stock for fabricating applicating members may have additional layers or coatings. For example, foam for use may be flocked, laminated with fabrics or have a woven nap.
[0197]Regarding materials for manufacture, a gripping body's (2) handle (4) and/or shaft (6) may be made from metal, resin, fiber glass, wood or any combination thereof. Processes for manufacture may include machining, casting, welding, 3-D printing, or die stamping. Suitable metal types for fabrication may include but are not limited to stainless steel, brass, bronze, aluminum, titanium or any other suitable metal type. Furthermore, metal parts may have chrome, rhodium, palladium or gold plating. Plastic or resin may parts be formed by injection molding, machining, cutting, 3-D printing or other suitable thermoforming process. Suitable resin types for fabrication may include but are not limited to nylon, ABS, acrylic, vinyl, polyethylene, EVA polyvinyl carbonate, polypropylene, and polyurethane. Lastly, a gripping body (2) may be fabricated as a single piece or from an assembly of parts and furthermore, may have an elastomeric grip or a series of elastomeric gripping portions formed onto on its handle (4).
[0198]An inserting member (14) and its terminally formed base (16) may be fabricated from metal or resin. Metal inserting members (14) may be cast, machined, stamped or punched (from sheet metal) into shape. However, for cost, disposability, and superior operability, resin is the preferred material for fabrication. Therefore, suitable resins for fabricating inserting members (14) may include but are not limited to: nylon, ABS, acrylic, vinyl, polyethylene, EVA, polypropylene, polyvinyl carbonate, polyurethane or other suitable resinous material. They may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming sheets, stamping, 3-D printing or other suitable processes.
[0199]There a number of relevant packaging formants for the hygienic cosmetic applicator. A first packaging format, seen in (FIGS. 40A and 40B), shows a plurality of applicators (12) packaged into a hinged plastic container that may be opened and closed repeatedly as needed. A second packaging format seen in (FIG. 41) shows a gripping body (2) and a number of blank applicators (12) integrated into a typical cosmetic kit (30). Notably, the kit's (30) various cosmetic types each has its own applicator (12) tip proximally embedded into a receptacle. Thus, an operator (22) can selectively undock an applicator (12), apply a proximal cosmetic type, and then re-dock the applicator (12) after use. This manner of operation can ensure that the kits (30) various cosmetic types will not cross contaminate during its span of operation. A third packaging format, as seen in (FIG. 42) shows a gripping body (2) and a number of applicators (12) packaged in tandem with blister (44) packed cosmetic unidose (40) samples. These are then blister packaged together onto a card (42) backing. This format may optionally include a mirror (48) and a punch (46) hole for retail hangers.
[0200]There are also a number of packaging formats for preloaded applicators (30). For example, (FIG. 43) shows a dimensional see through package view of a preloaded applicator (30) that is sealed into a blister (44) cavity. When seen in (FIG. 44), a side cutaway package view, the applicator (30) is seated into a suitably sized blister (44) cavity that has a sealing a cover (50) and a tab (52) portion for removal. Similarly, (FIG. 45) shows a plurality of preloaded applicators (30) are individually sealed into blister (44) modules that are in turn, separably attached by a series of scorings or perforations (54). When seen in a side cutaway package view, as in (FIG. 46), the preloaded applicators (30) are seen individually seated in suitably sized blister (44) cavities that each have a cover (50) with a removing tab (52) portion. Furthermore, as depicted (FIG. 47A and FIG. 47B) an operator (22) can grasp a cover's (50) tab (52) to peel the cover (52) and expose a preloaded applicator (30) for use.
[0201]Alternatively, blank applicators (12) (that are devoid of cosmetic) or preloaded applicators (30) (that are impregnated with cosmetic) may be sealed into blister (44) cavities having cosmetic materials (28) deposited into their bottoms. For example (FIG. 48), a dimensional see through package view, shows an applicator (12) that is sealed within a blister (44) cavity that has a bedding of cosmetic material (28) in its bottom. When viewed in (FIG. 44), a side cutaway package view, the applicator (30) is seen seated on top of the embedded cosmetic material (28). Note, the amount of cosmetic material for embedding may be a comprise a cosmetic unidose (40) that is intended for a single application, or a cosmetic multi-dosage that is intended for more than one application. Furthermore, covers (50) for any of the aforementioned packaging formats may have suitable adhesive thereon for resealing.
Operation—FIGS. 16, 17, 50-60
[0202]Applying cosmetics with the hygienic cosmetic applicator is mostly conventional. Namely, an operator (22) must first determine a dermal area application, secondly select a suitable cosmetic type, and thirdly choose an appropriate applicator (12) size to apply it. If an operator (22) is applying a cosmetic to a larger dermal surface such as the cheeks, forehead or chin, a larger applicator (12) size should be selected. Conversely, if applying a cosmetic to a smaller dermal surface such as the eyes or lips, a smaller applicator (12) size should be selected.
[0203]After selecting a proper applicator (12) size, the operator (22) can use their fingers (FIG. 50) or other device such as a tweezers (not shown) to place it onto a flat surface. When placing the applicator (12) onto the surface, the operator (22) should orient it so that its applicating member (20) side faces down and its inserting member (14) side faces up (FIG. 51). Next, the operator should grasp the gripping body (2) by its handle (4) and vertically align its ringlet (8) over the inserting member (14) (FIG. 52). Next, the operator (22) should direct the ringlet (8) downwards and engage the inserting member (14) into its aperture (10). Next, pressing gently, the operator (22) should slide the ringlet down the inserting member's length until its bottom is flush with the flattened base area (16) (FIG. 53). When the ringlet is flush against the base (16), a portion of the inserting members (14) upper end will extend above its top (FIG. 20).
[0204]Note, there is alternative method for inserting an applicator (12) into the ringlet (8) using the fingers. To accomplish this, an operator (22) should first grip an applicator (12) by its base (16) rim and second, align its inserting member (14) with the ringlet's (8) aperture (10) (FIG. 54). Next, the operator (22) should engage the inserting member (14) into the aperture (10) and then use gentle pressure to slide the ringlet (8) down the inserting member's (14) length, until it's bottom is flush with the base (16) (FIG. 55). Again, when the ringlet (8) is flush, a portion of the inserting members (14) upper end will extend above its top. This signals that insertion is complete.
[0205]Now that the gripping body (2) and applicator are operably conjoined, the operator (22) can impregnate the applicating member (16) with cosmetic. First, the operator (22) should dip the applicating member (20) into an appropriate cosmetic source (58) and then directionally swipe it around to load its surface with the cosmetic material (28) (FIG. 56). After loading, the operator (22) can begin dermal application onto an applicant (56). If applying a cosmetic material to an applicant's (56) orbital area (60), the operator (22) can desirably swipe the applicating member (20) over the applicants (56) orbit region (FIG. 57). If applying a cosmetic material (28) to an applicant's (56) lips (62), the operator (22) can desirably sweep the cosmetically loaded applicating member (20) across the lip area (FIG. 58). If applying a cosmetic material (28) to an applicant's (56) a face (64) area (such as the cheeks, forehead nose or chin region), the operator (22) can desirably sweep the applicating member (20) over the face area (FIG. 59).
[0206]Note, there is an operational alternative for applying a cosmetic if an applicator (12) is preloaded with a cosmetic material (28). A preloaded applicator (30) is ready for use, wherein it has had cosmetic material pre-applied during manufacture. This pre-application obviates the operational need for manually swiping an applicating member (20) in cosmetic to load it. In this case, an operator (22) simply needs to insert a preloaded applicator (30) into a gripping body's (2) ringlet (8) aperture (10) and then apply the pre-applied cosmetic material onto a dermal surface.
[0207]After the cosmetic application is complete, the operator (22) should remove the used applicator (12) from the ringlet (8). To do this, the operator (2) should firmly grip the handle (4) and then place a finger, thumb, or other object onto the exposed inserting member's (14) end (FIG. 16). Next, applying sufficient pressure, the operator (22) should expel the applicator (12) from the ringlet's (8) aperture (10) (FIG. 17). After expulsion, used applicators (12) should be disposed of into a suitable receptacle (66) (FIG. 60).
Alternative Embodiments FIGS. 61a to 161
[0208]Due to the highly varied nature for applying cosmetics, there are substantial possibilities with regard to applicator (12) and gripping body (2) functionality.
[0209]For example, FIGS. 61A to 61C show an applicator (12) that is substantially flat, wherein it lacks the convexity of the preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the inserting member's (14) terminally formed base (16) is disc-like and has a wholly flat surface to bond with an applicating member. The applicating member (20), is generally cylindrical and, by virtue of the base's flat bonding surface, retains a flat topside when it is bonded onto the base (16). This is clearly seen in (FIG. 61A), a bottom side dimensional view, (FIG. 61B) a topside dimensional view and (FIG. 61C) and a side view, where the applicators (12) base (16) and adherent applicating member (12) are flat.
[0210](FIG. 62) shows a three-quarter dimensional view of an applicator (12) that has a set of bilaterally raised extrusions or stops (68) formed on its underside base (6) area. Generally speaking, a stop (68) is a raised bump or extrusion that has a channel, space, or gap (70) formed there through or alternatively, a set of bilaterally raised extrusions having a suitably large gap (70), in-between. A stop's (68) bilateral extrusions are high enough and its gap (70) is wide enough to sandwich a shafts (16) tapered end when it is inserted therein. This is best viewed in (FIG. 63), a dimensional view that depicts a shaft's (6) tapered end sandwiched in-between a stop's (68) bilateral extrusions. Moreover, when seen from the top in (FIG. 64), the stop (68) is positioned within proximity to applicators (12) inserting member (14). This proximity is sufficient so that the stop's (68) gap (70) can insertably communicate with a shafts tapered end (FIG. 65). Thus, when a ringlet (8) is fully inserted onto the applicators (12) inserting member (14), as seen in (FIG. 66), the shafts (6) end will enter the gap (70) and sandwich in-between the stops (68) bilateral extrusions.
[0211](FIG. 67), by contrast, exhibits an applicator (12) having a plurality of stops (68) that are radially distributed around its underside base (16). Similarly, as seen in (FIG. 68), the gaps (70) in-between the stops (68) are sufficiently wide to accommodate and sandwich a shaft's (6) tapered end when the ringlet (8) is fully inserted onto an inserting member (14). Furthermore, as viewed in (FIGS. 67 and 68), the stops (68) have visibly tapered tops. When seen from an underside view in (FIG. 69), the radial distribution of the stops (68) is at regular intervals and when seen from the side, (FIG. 70) the stops (68) are at least as high as the corresponding ringlets (8) top.
[0212](FIG. 71), a dimensional view, shows an applicator (12) that has a generally cylindrical inserting member (14) that is non-fluted. Instead, the inserting member (14) of this embodiment has a tapered body. This can be seen from the side in (FIG. 72), where a set dotted vertical lines reveals a gentle taper that widens from its top to its bottom. Moreover, as seen in (FIG. 73A and FIG. 73B), the inserting member's (14) taper is enough to frictionally insert and retain within a ringlet's (8) aperture (10).
[0213]While the applicator (12) of the preferred embodiment is generally round and symmetrically convex, the following applicator (12) embodiments are asymmetrically convex and variably curved. The basis for their varying curvatures is determined firstly by the shape of applicating member (20) and secondly, by the degree of convexity that can occur along one, two, or three axes. For the following examples, a round applicating member shape is assumed. Thus, (FIG. 74A) shows a round applicating member (20) shape projected onto a curved surface to form the basis for an applicator's (12) base (16) that is curved along one axis (FIG. 74B). By contrast, (FIG. 75A) shows a round applicating member (20) shape projected onto a curved surface to form the basis for applicator's (12) base (16) that is curved along two axes (FIG. 75B). Lastly, (FIG. 76A) shows a round applicating member (20) shape projected onto a curved surface to form the basis for an applicator's (12) base (16) that is curved along three axes. (FIG. 76B).
[0214](FIG. 77), dimensionally depicts an applicator (12) embodiment that has a substantially u-shaped base (16). This taco shell-like base (16) has and outer or top side for bonding with an applicating member (20), an underside having a centrally raised flat portion, and an inserting member (14) terminally emerging from raised portion's flat top. When viewed dimensionally in (FIG. 78), the base's (16) flat underside is substantially stage-like. Moreover, when viewed from the top, in (FIG. 79), this flat underside is generally cylindrical and is sized to correspond with a ringlet's (8) overall width. Note, the base's (16) flat underside function is twofold. Firstly, it desirably elevates the inserting member (14) so that a ringlet (8) can fit inside of the base (16) and secondly, its flat top provides a flush surface for a ringlet's (8) bottom. This is best seen in (FIG. 80) where the applicator's (12) taco-like base substantially curves (16) to nest the raised flat underside, and in (FIG. 81), where the platform's elevation provides critical clearance and a flat surface for the ringlet's (8) bottom. Note, the base (16) in this embodiment is curved along a single axis, and therefore has straight a straight top when seen from the side (FIG. 82)
[0215](FIG. 83) by contrast, depicts an applicator (12) having a shell-like base (16) that is curved along more than one axis. As seen in (FIG. 84), this applicator (12) embodiment has a flat circular underside base (16) portion that is substantially flush with the base's (16) overall bottom and furthermore, has an inserting member (14) emerging from its flat underside's center. Note, the applicator's (12) multi-axis curvature is indicated by dotted axis (70) lines that are revealed in several views. For example, (FIG. 85) shows a side view that exhibits a distinct curvature along a first axis (72), while (FIG. 86) shows a profile view that exhibits a distinct curvature along a second axis (72), and (FIG. 87) shows an underside view that exhibits a distinct curvature along a third axis (72).
[0216]Note, since the base's (16) flat underside is substantially flush with its overall bottom, the applicator (12) may be selectively turned when it is inserted into a ringlet (8). This is possible firstly because the flat underside area is positioned outside of the shell-like base's (16) interior area and is thus unimpeded. Secondly, the inserting member (14) is generally cylindrical and thus permits the applicator (12) to be freely rotated within the ringlet (8). This is clearly depicted in (FIGS. 88A, 88B, and 88C) where an applicator (12) is selectively turned so that it has a vertical orientation within the ringlet (8) and in (FIGS. 89A, 89B, and 89C) where the applicator (12) is selectively turned to have a horizontal orientation within the ringlet (8).
[0217](FIG. 90) shows a dimensional view of a shell-like applicator (12) embodiment that has a substantially contra-angled underside base (16) area. This underside base (16) area is a raised and platform-like member that is angled to one side (FIG. 91). Furthermore, this platform like member has a flat top with an inserting member (14) centrally emerging from thereof. The bases (16) contra angled underside is most clearly depicted in (FIG. 92), a see through side view, that reveals the platform-like member's flat top and inserting member (14). Further views showing the bases (16) contra angled underside are seen in (FIG. 93), a profile view and in (FIG. 94) a bottom plan view.
[0218]The contra-angle of this embodiment is such that it counters or overrides a corresponding ringlet's (8) fixed angle to allow for multiple applicator (12) orientations within the same ringlet (8). This is seen in (FIG. 95) where a contra-angled applicator (12) is inserted into a ringlet (8) that is angled at forty five degrees and in (FIG. 96) where the same contra-angled applicator (12) is turned around and re-inserted into the same ringlet (8). More specifically, the applicator (12) in (FIG. 95) is inserted into the ringlet (8) so that it overrides the it's 45 degree angle to permit a substantially horizontal orientation within the ringlet (8). Simply turning the same applicator (12) around and reinserting it, as seen in (FIG. 96), overrides the ringlets (8) 45 degree orientation to permit a substantially vertical orientation within the ringlet (8). This contrasts with the fixed and static orientation potential of a standard (non contra angled) applicator. As seen in (FIG. 97) a standard applicator (12) permits only one orientation within a ringlet (8) and that orientation is wholly contingent upon the corresponding ringlets (8) angle.
[0219](FIG. 98) depicts a taco-like applicator (12) embodiment that has a bilaterally formed stop (68) on one half of its inner base (16) area. When seen from the top in (FIG. 99), the bilateral stop (68) is formed so that there is a suitably wide gap (70) in-between. This resultant gap (70) can be clearly seen in (FIG. 100) a profile view. Moreover, the stops (68) bilateral extrusions and resultant gap (70) are positioned within proximity to applicators (12) inserting member (14). This proximal positioning is sufficient, so that the stop's (68) gap (70) can insertably correlate with a shafts (6) tapered end. Thus, when a ringlet (8) is fully inserted onto an inserting member (14), as seen in (FIG. 101), the shafts (6) end will insert into the gap and sandwich in-between the stops (68) extrusions (FIG. 102). Similarly, (FIGS. 103 and 104) show a related applicator (12) embodiment that has bilateral stops (68) formed on both halves of its inner base (16) area.
[0220](FIG. 105), in contrast sho