US20160045014A1

US20160045014A1 - Cosmetic applicator

Info

Publication number: US20160045014A1
Application number: US14/816,263
Authority: US
Inventors: Leo Clifford Pires; Roger Hwang; Rahul Bose; Smita Srivastava
Original assignee: Zen Design Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Zen Design Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-13
Filing date: 2015-08-03
Publication date: 2016-02-18

Abstract

A molded applicator is provided. The applicator includes a molded core having a number of application elements provided thereon. The molded core has a number of troughs and crests disposed in an alternate manner with respect to each other on two opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the applicator. Further, the applicator head includes a number of application elements provided on a surface of each of the troughs and the crests on the molded core.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of Indian Provisional Application Ser. No. 2309/DEL/2014, filed Aug. 13, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an applicator. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a molded core of an applicator head of the applicator. The applicator of the present disclosure may be used for applying cosmetic or care products including viscous cosmetics, mascara, eye liner, lip gloss, hair color, wound care, pharmaceutical and like products.
2. Description of the Related Art
Numerous kinds of cosmetic and care products are available in the market today. Some such cosmetic products include mascara, lip gloss, eye liner or the like products which are fluidic in nature.
Applicators for applying these cosmetic products are known to be either molded or twisted. Conventionally, such applicators include a stem, at one end of which is connected an applicator head. The other end of the stem is provided with a gripping member. Cosmetic applicator such as a mascara applicator deposits and distributes the product i.e. the mascara all over the lashes. As mascara, is a product that is difficult to apply because of the sensitive target area of application, it is desirable that no clumping of product occurs and the lashes are separated and combed evenly. However, all the desired effects are not possible with a single mascara brush. This is because the eyelashes are soft, flexible, delicate and in close proximity to very sensitive eye tissue. Further, a user may also require twisting and/or turning his/her hands in a particular manner to achieve a particular desired effect, such as curling on the lashes and not all users are adept in being able to gradually twist their wrist along with the outward stroke of application on the lashes.
However, there is still much scope for having a single applicator which would provide both of the improved application of the cosmetic product to the eyelashes and desired effects such as curling of the eyelash. Also, it is desired to have an applicator which is easy to manufacture and cost effective at the same time.

SUMMARY

According to an example of the present disclosure, an applicator is provided. The applicator of the present disclosure may be used for applying cosmetic or care products including viscous cosmetics, mascara, eye liner, lip gloss, hair color, wound care, pharmaceutical and like products. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator is a mascara applicator for applying mascara to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows. The applicator includes a molded contoured core having a number of application elements provided thereon. The contoured core has a number of troughs and crests disposed in an alternate manner with respect to each other on two opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the applicator. Further, the applicator includes a number of application elements provided on a surface of each of the troughs and the crests on the contoured core.
According to another example of the present disclosure, an applicator is provided. The applicator includes a stem having a proximal end and a distal end. The stem extends along a longitudinal axis of the applicator. An applicator head is disposed at the distal end of the stem.
The applicator head includes a molded contoured core disposed axially along the longitudinal axis of the applicator. It would not be beyond the scope of the present disclosure if the core is curved or makes an angle along the longitudinal axis of the applicator. The contoured core has a number of faces. In one example, the contoured core has at least four faces. The core includes a number of troughs and crests disposed on a first face and a second face. The second face is opposite to the first face of the core. The troughs are disposed alternately on the first face and the second face of the core. Further, the troughs are disposed such that they do not intersect the longitudinal axis. The crests are further disposed alternately with respect to the troughs on the first face as well as on the second face. The crests are disposed such that each of the troughs on the first face and the second face has a corresponding crest on the second face and the first face respectively. Further, each of the crests extends along the width of the respective first face and the second face of the core. Length of each of the crests is equal to width of the respective first face and the second face of the core of the applicator. Furthermore, each of the crests has at least one flat top surface substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator and wherein the flat top surface has at least four sides comprising a first side opposite and equal in length to a second side and a third side opposite and equal in length to a fourth side. The first side is longer in length to the third side and the first side is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator and the third side is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.
A number of application elements are disposed on surface of each of the troughs and the crests on the first face and the second face of the core.
Further, the core has a third face and a fourth face which may or may not have application elements. The third face and the fourth face are opposite to each other.
Further, the application elements on at least one of the four faces of the core are disposed in parallel rows and extend in parallel directions.
According to an example of the present disclosure, the application elements are selected from the group consisting of tines, bristles, teeth and flock.
According to an example of the present disclosure, the applicator comprises at least two rows of the tines and wherein the tines of the two rows are disposed in an alternating manner on the surfaces of the troughs and the crests of the core.
According to an example of the present disclosure, the tines are of equal size, i.e. equal length, width and thickness. Therefore, free ends of the tines form an envelope replicating the contour of the core.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cross sectional shape of the core of the applicator head has a major axis and a minor axis. The minor axis and the major axis are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The minor axis is of smaller length as compared to the major axis. The cross-section of the core may be elliptical in shape which has a major axis and a minor axis smaller than the major axis. In various embodiments, the cross sectional shape of the core may be a rectangle, a polygon, etc.
According to another embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a packaging device for applying a composition comprising an applicator of the type described above and a receptacle containing a composition wherein the gripping member of the applicator may function as a closure of the receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary core of the applicator of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the applicator of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 a is a front view of a portion of the applicator of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 b is a rear view of a portion of the applicator of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the core of FIG. 2.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An applicator (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. The applicator (100) may be used to apply a cosmetic or care product including viscous cosmetics, mascara, eye liner, lip gloss, hair color, wound care, pharmaceutical and like products. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator (100) is a mascara applicator for applying mascara to eyelashes and/or eyebrows. In various other embodiments, the applicator (100) may be a lip applicator, a face exfoliator, an applicator for applying pharmaceutical composition etc.
As shown in FIG. 1, the applicator (100) includes a stem (102), a gripping member (104), such as a handle, hereinafter referred to as the handle (104) and an applicator head (106). Further, the applicator (100) extends along a longitudinal axis I-I′. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the stem (102), and the handle (104) may be substantially rigid members, whereas the applicator head (106) may be a substantially flexible member of the applicator (100). It may be contemplated that some or all parts, i.e., the stem (102), the handle (104) and the applicator head (106) of the applicator (100) may be manufactured separately and may be modularly assembled together to form the applicator (100).
The stem (102) has a proximal end (108) and a distal end (110). The handle (104) may be attached to the proximal end (108) of the stem (102). In various embodiments, the proximal end (108) of the stem (102) may be attached to the handle (104) by using any type of locking mechanism known in the art, such as snap fit locking mechanism, threaded locking mechanism, etc. In another embodiment, the stem (102) and the handle (104) may be molded together as a single component of the applicator (100).
Further, the handle (104) may be detachably attached to a receptacle (not shown) of the cosmetic product to form a packaging device (not shown) for the cosmetic or care product. In various embodiments, the handle (104) may be attached to the receptacle by any type of known locking mechanisms, such as snap fit locking mechanism, threaded locking mechanism, etc.
Further, the applicator head (106) is disposed at the distal end (110) of the stem (102). The applicator head (106) extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis I-I′ of the applicator (100). As shown in FIG. 1, the applicator head (106) includes a core (112) and a number of application elements (114) provided on the core (112). The applicator head (106) is further explained in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the core (112) without application elements (114), of the applicator head (106) of the applicator (100), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the core (112) is a contoured core which is non-circular or polygonal.
Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 5, the core (112) at the top is elliptical in shape which has a major axis (116) and a minor axis (118) smaller than the major axis (116). In various embodiments, the cross sectional shape of the core (112) has a major axis and a minor axis smaller than the major axis i.e. the cross sectional shape does not have two adjacent sides equal to each other. In various embodiments, the cross sectional shape of the core (112) may be a rectangle, a polygon, etc., where the shape does not have two adjacent sides equal to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the core (112) has an elliptical shape throughout the length of the core (112). In an alternate embodiment, the core (112) may have a square cross section.
As shown in FIG. 1, the core (112) has a plurality of faces i.e a first face (120), a second face (122) a third face (124) and a fourth face (126). Since the second face (122) is opposite to the first face (120) and the fourth face (126) is opposite to the third face (124), therefore, the second face (122) and the fourth face (126) are not visible.
In an exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1-4 b, the core (112) includes a number of troughs (128) disposed alternately towards each of the first face (120) and the second face (122). Each of the troughs (128) is disposed such that the troughs (128) do not intersect the longitudinal axis I-I′ at any point along the length of the core (112).
Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the core (112) includes a number of crests (130) disposed alternately with respect to the troughs (128) on each of the first face (120) and the second face (122) of the core (112). According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the core (112) has a plurality of alternating troughs (128) and crests (130) of uniform height, continuously undulating in a longitudinal direction of the core (112) and these troughs (128) and the crests (130) extend in the transverse direction of the core (112). In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 & 2, each of the troughs (128) on the first face (120) has a corresponding crest (130) on the second face (122) of the core (112) and vice versa. The troughs (128) are configured to act as a reservoir for holding the cosmetic or care product during application of the cosmetic or care product. Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 4 a, each of the crests (130) includes a flat top surface (132) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (I-I′). Further, the flat top surface (132) having at least four sides comprising a first side (132 a) opposite and equal in length to a second side (132 b) and a third side (132 c) opposite and equal in length to a fourth side (132 d) and wherein the first side (132 a) is longer in length to the third side (132 c). The first side (132 a) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis I-I′ of the applicator head (106) and the third side (132 c) is parallel to the longitudinal axis I-I′.
Furthermore, the applicator head (106) includes application elements (114) for holding and discharging cosmetic or care product, disposed on the core (112). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the application elements (114) are disposed on at least one of the four faces of the core (112) in parallel rows and extend in parallel directions. Examples of the application elements (114) for holding and discharging the cosmetic product include tines, bristles, projections, indentations and flocked surfaces disposed on the core (112). In the present embodiment, the means for holding and discharging cosmetic or care product includes the application elements (114) such as the tines, hereinafter referred to as the tines (114) disposed on the surfaces of the troughs (128) and the crests (130) provided on the first face (120) and the second face (122) of the core (112). For example, the tines (114) extend perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis I-I′ of the core (112). Also, the tines (114) extend perpendicularly away from the major axis (116) of the core (112).
In an exemplary embodiment, the applicator 100 comprises at least two rows of the tines (114). The tines (114) of the two rows are disposed in an alternating manner on the surfaces of the troughs (128) and the crests (130) of the core (112). The alternate positioning of the tines (114) provides a better separation of the eyelashes during the application of the cosmetic product and therefore a uniform application of the cosmetic product. Additionally, the troughs (128) are configured to catch the eyelashes to provide more amount of the cosmetic product to be applied to the eyelashes.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the tines (114) are of equal size, i.e. equal length, width and thickness. Therefore, by virtue of their placement in the troughs (128) and the crests (130), free ends of the tines (114) form an envelope (134) replicating the contour of the core (112), as shown in FIG. 3. For example, the envelope (134) may also include a number of troughs and crests disposed alternately as in the contour of the core (112) explained above.
Further, third face (124) and fourth face (126) is free of application elements or tines (114).
FIGS. 1 to 5, show the applicator head (106) having the core (112) and the tines (114) molded together and attached to the distal end (110) of the stem (102).
It will be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, the shapes and/or sizes of various components can be different from the shapes and sizes shown herein. As another example, the materials used for various components can be different from those mentioned specifically herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic or care product to eyelashes and/or eyebrows comprising:

a stem having a proximal end and a distal end;

a handle attached at the proximal end of the stem and an applicator head attached at the distal end of the stem;

wherein the applicator head extends along a longitudinal axis;

wherein the applicator head comprises a molded core and a plurality of application elements are provided on the molded core;

wherein the molded core comprises at least four faces including a first face, a second face, a third face and a fourth face;

wherein the second face is opposite to the first face and the fourth face is opposite to the third face;

wherein the molded core comprises a plurality of troughs disposed alternately on the first face and the second face;

wherein the molded core includes a plurality of crests disposed alternately with respect to the plurality of troughs on each of the first face and the second face;

wherein each of the plurality of troughs on the first face has a corresponding crest on the second face of the molded core and vice versa;

wherein each of the plurality of troughs and the plurality of crests extend in the molded core in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

wherein each of the plurality of crests includes a flat top surface having at least four sides comprising a first side opposite and equal in length to a second side, and a third side opposite and equal in length to a fourth side;

wherein the first side is longer in length as compared to length of the third side; and

wherein the first side is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator head and the third side is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator head.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of troughs is disposed such that the plurality of troughs does not intersect the longitudinal axis at any point along a length of the molded core.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of application elements extend perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis of the applicator head.

4. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator head comprises at least two rows of application elements disposed in an alternating manner on the molded core.

5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of application elements are selected from a group consisting of tines, bristles, projections, indentations and flocked surfaces.

6. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of application elements are disposed on the plurality of troughs and the plurality of crests.

7. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein each of at least one adjacent crest and trough on the first face and the second face of the core comprises at least six application elements.

8. The applicator according to claim 7, wherein the at least six application elements on the at least one adjacent crest and trough are of equal length.

9. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein free ends of the plurality of application elements form an envelope replicating contour of the molded core.

10. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of application elements on at least one of the at least four faces of the molded core are disposed in parallel rows and extend in parallel directions.

11. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the third face and the fourth face are free of application elements.

12. An applicator for applying a cosmetic or care product to eyelashes and/or eyebrows comprising:

a stem having a proximal end and a distal end;

wherein the molded core includes a plurality of crests disposed alternately with respect to the plurality troughs on each of the first face and the second face of the molded core;

wherein the plurality of troughs and the plurality of crests undulate in a longitudinal direction of the molded core;

wherein the plurality of troughs and the plurality of crests extend in transverse direction of the molded core;

wherein the plurality of application elements are disposed on the first face and the second face;

wherein the third face and the fourth face are free of application elements.

13. The applicator according to claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of troughs is disposed on the molded core such that the plurality of troughs does not intersect a central longitudinal axis of the molded core at any point along a length of the molded core.

14. The applicator according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of application elements extend perpendicularly away from a longitudinal axis of the applicator head.

15. The applicator according to claim 12, wherein width of the first face is equal to width of the second face and width of the third face is equal to width of the fourth face; and wherein width of the first face is more than the width of the third face.

16. The applicator according to claim 12, wherein each of at least one adjacent crest and trough on each of the first face and the second face of the core comprises at least six application elements.

17. The applicator according to claim 16, wherein the at least six application elements on each of the at least one adjacent crest and trough are of equal length.

18. The applicator according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of application elements on at least one of the at least four faces of the molded core are disposed in parallel rows and extend in parallel directions.

19. An applicator for applying a cosmetic or care product to eyelashes and/or eyebrows comprising:

a stem having a proximal end and a distal end;

wherein the applicator head extends along a longitudinal axis;

wherein width of the first face is equal to width of the second face and width of the third face is equal to width of the fourth face;

wherein width of the first face is more than the width of the third face;

wherein the molded core includes a plurality of crests disposed alternately with respect to the plurality troughs on each of the first face and the second face of the molded core; and

wherein the plurality of troughs and the plurality of crests undulate in a longitudinal direction of the molded core; and

wherein the plurality of troughs and the plurality of crests extend in the molded core in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

20. The applicator according to claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of crests includes a flat top surface having at least four sides comprising a first side opposite and equal in length to a second side, and a third side opposite and equal in length to a fourth side; and wherein the first side is longer in length as compared to length of the third side.