Cosmetic applicators containing heating elements
AssigneeELC Management LLC
InventorsHerve Bouix, Christophe Jacob
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Product applicators that are separable from a product reservoir and that heat a portion of product and a product applicator fitted with an electronic heating element capable of connecting to a low voltage power source. Most of the electric circuitry is incorporated into a circuit subassembly, for example a flexible substrate with printed-on circuit. The preferred heating element is a flexible heater. Heat emanates from the surface of the separable applicator so that the product that is closest to the applicator surface is heated prior to and/or during application.
Claims41
A device for applying a personal care product, comprising:
- (a) an applicator and;
- (b) a product reservoir, wherein:
- the applicator is separable from the product reservoir and comprises:
- (i) a handle that is configured to house a current source;
- (ii) means for opening and closing an electric circuit;
- (iii) an applicator tip that comprises a working portion that is configured to convey product from the product reservoir to an application surface;
- and
- (iv) a printed circuit that comprises a heat generating portion and is capable of connecting to the current source, wherein the heat generating portion of the printed circuit is disposed inside the applicator tip;
- the working portion of the applicator tip is capable of conducting heat from the heat generating portion of the printed circuit to product disposed on the outer surface of the working portion of the applicator tip;
- and
- disposal of the applicator tip in the product reservoir causes opening of the electric circuit and the electric circuit is capable of being closed only after the applicator tip is withdrawn from the product reservoir.
A device for applying a personal care product, comprising:
- (a) an applicator;
- and (b) a product reservoir, wherein:
- the applicator is separable from the product reservoir and comprises:
- (i) a handle that is configured to house a current source;
- (ii) an on-off switch that is capable of opening and closing an electric circuit;
- (iii) an applicator tip that comprises a working portion that is configured to convey product from the product reservoir to an application surface;
- (iv) a printed circuit that comprises a heat generating portion and is capable of connecting to the current source, wherein the heat generating portion of the printed circuit is disposed inside the applicator tip;
- and
- (v) a stem that connects the handle and the applicator tip;
- the working portion of the applicator tip is capable of conducting heat from the heat generating portion of the printed circuit to product disposed on the outer surface of the working portion of the applicator tip;
- and
- the on-off switch is configured such that the stem cannot be fully seated on the product reservoir while the switch is in an on position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.