APPLICATOR SYSTEM FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC PRODUCT

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to cosmetic, hair care, body care, and/or skincare products and, more particularly, to systems and approaches for applying such products.

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic, hair care, body care, and/or skincare products may be provided in a number of different containers and may be applied using a number of varying approaches. As an example, cosmetic products may be applied using a user's finger, an applicator heads or brushes having bristles or similar members, and/or a sponge product, among other alternatives. When applying such products using applicators, the applicator collects and retains a quantity of cosmetic product, whereupon a user may apply it to their (or another person's) skin or hair by passing the applicator along the desired surface. In some approaches, applicators having relatively uniform bristles may not capture adequate quantities of the cosmetic product to adequately cover the desired region, and as a result, the user may need to repeatedly collect additional cosmetic product with the applicator, which may lead to user dissatisfaction.

In some examples, a flocking material may be applied to an applicator head to create relatively nonuniform bristles, where random placement of the flocking material results in random patterns on the applicator head. However, such materials may have a negative environmental impact (especially for applications where the flocking material needs to be partially applied on the applicator head) and may require substantial time and costs to manufacture. For example, manufacturing flocked applicators typically begins with applying a glue or adhesive to the applicator and spraying a fibrous material onto the applicator. This traditional process may be difficult to apply the flocked material at precise locations, and may require the use of special equipment such as jigs and the like. Additionally, traditional flocking approaches may potentially impact consumer safety through loss of fibers in sensitive areas (e.g., near a user's eye area).

Further, certain materials used for the bristle members may be relatively rigid, which may lead to discomfort when applying the cosmetic product, or may be relatively soft, which may lead to the cosmetic product failing to be properly applied to the user's skin.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved accessories having improved functionalities.

SUMMARY

Examples within the scope of the present invention are directed to applicators for applying a cosmetic substance. A product application device for dispensing and applying a cosmetic substance may include an applicator body having a first end, a second end, and an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, an applicator head operably coupled with the first end of the applicator body, and at least one elongated bristle having a first end operably coupled with the outer surface of the applicator head and a second end extending distally from the first end. The applicator head includes an outer surface adapted to collect and apply the cosmetic substance and a neck portion operably coupled therewith to couple the applicator head with the first end of the applicator body. The second end of the at least one elongated bristle has a non-linear change in cross-sectional outer dimension in the direction towards the second end.

In some examples, the first end of the elongated bristle may define a base region that extends generally along a longitudinal axis. Further, the second end of the elongated bristle may define an elongation region that extends non-linearly from the base region. In some arrangements, the first end of the at least one elongated bristle has a generally linear change in cross-sectional outer dimension in the direction of the second end. In these and other examples, the first end of the at least one elongated bristle has a generally tapered profile.

In yet other examples, the at least one elongated bristle is constructed from the same material as the applicator head.

In some arrangements, the first end of the at least one elongated bristle forms at least one of a circular cross-sectional shape, a star cross-sectional shape, a crescent cross-sectional shape, a cross cross-sectional shape, a moon cross-sectional shape, a triangular cross-sectional shape, or a carat cross-sectional shape.

In some examples, the second end of the at least one elongated bristle includes an angled portion relative to the first end of the at least one elongated bristle. In these and other examples, the at least one elongated bristle may include a plurality of bristles that are arranged in a matrix pattern on the outer surface of the applicator head. In other examples, the at least one elongated bristle may include a plurality of bristles that are arranged in a random pattern on the outer surface of the bristle head.

In accordance with a second approach, an applicator for applying a cosmetic substance is provided that includes an applicator body having a first end, a second end, and an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, an applicator head operably coupled with the first end of the applicator body, and at least one elongated bristle. The applicator head includes an outer surface adapted to collect and apply the cosmetic substance and a neck portion operably coupled therewith to couple the applicator head with the first end of the applicator body. The at least one elongated bristle has a first end operably coupled with the outer surface of the applicator head and a second end extending distally from the first end. The applicator head and a plurality of adjacent ones of the at least one elongated bristles cooperate to define a cosmetic substance retention region, the cosmetic substance retention region being at least partially capped by the second end of the at least one elongated bristle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above needs are at least partially met through provision of one, more than one, or any combination of the approaches for applicator systems for applying a cosmetic product described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example applicator for applying a cosmetic substance in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an upper plan view of an example applicator head for use with the example applicator of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a left side elevation cross-sectional view of the example applicator head of FIG. 2 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation cross-sectional view of the example applicator head of FIGS. 2 & 3 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view of a first example elongated bristle for use with the example applicator of FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of a first example arrangement of a plurality of the first example elongated bristles of FIG. 5 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of a second example arrangement of a plurality of the first example elongated bristles of FIG. 5 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of a third example arrangement of a plurality of the first example elongated bristles of FIG. 5 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view of a second example elongated bristle for use with the example applicator of FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top plan view of a first example arrangement of a plurality of the second example elongated bristles of FIG. 9 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top plan view of a second example arrangement of a plurality of the second example elongated bristles of FIG. 9 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates an enlarged view of a third example elongated bristle for use with the example applicator of FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of a first example arrangement of a plurality of the third example elongated bristles of FIG. 12 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top plan view of a second example arrangement of a plurality of the third example elongated bristles of FIG. 12 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 15 illustrates a top plan view of a third example arrangement of a plurality of the third example elongated bristles of FIG. 12 in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of an alternative example applicator head having a plurality of bristles positioned about an outer surface in accordance with various embodiments.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various examples. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible examples are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various examples. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, pursuant to these various approaches, an applicator system is provided that allows a user to precisely dispense and apply a controlled quantity of a cosmetic, a hair care, a body care, and/or a skincare product such as, for example, a concealer formula, and allows the product to be applied and blended in an ergonomic and even manner. In some examples, the system may be capable of collecting and/or dispensing increased quantities of the cosmetic product as compared with conventional approaches, therefore reducing overall application times and enhancing the user's experience. The applicator systems described herein may have similar performance to that of flocked applicators while minimizing the negative ramifications (e.g., environmental concerns, potential user harm, etc.) associated therewith. Additionally, the applicator system described herein are relatively softer than existing applicators and therefore may result in increased user satisfaction.

Turning to the Figures, a device 100 (e.g., a product application device) is provided for containing, dispensing, and/or applying a cosmetic substance 101. The device 100 includes a container 102 that defines a cavity 103 that is dimensioned to retain the cosmetic substance 101 and an applicator 110 that may be inserted into the cavity 103 of the container 102. The cosmetic substance 101 may be any type of cosmetic, hair care, body care, and/or skincare product that may be applied to a user. For example, the cosmetic substance 101 may be in the form of a concealer formula. Other examples are possible.

The container 102 has a first end 102a and a second end 102b. In the illustrated examples, the first end 102a of the container 102 is open and may receive the applicator 110 therein. The first end 102a of the container 102 may include any number of features (e.g., threads, ridges, protrusions, sealing members, etc.) to assist with coupling the applicator 110 therewith. The container 102 may be constructed from any number of suitable materials such as, for example, a polymeric material, a metallic material, and/or a glass material. Other examples are possible.

The applicator 110 includes an applicator body 112 in the form of a rod that has a first end 112a, a second end 112b, and an elongated body 112c extending therebetween. The elongated body 112c defines a longitudinal axis “A” extending therebetween.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a handle 116 is positioned at the second end 112b of the applicator body 112 which a user may grasp to use the applicator 110 to collect and/or apply the cosmetic substance 101. This handle 116 may also be in the form of a cap or lid that engages the first end 102a of the container 102 to close and/or seal the cavity 103. While not illustrated, the elongated body 112 may be operably coupled with the handle 116 via any number of suitable approaches such as, for example, via a friction-fit connection. Other examples are possible.

The applicator 110 further includes an applicator head 120 operably coupled with the first end 112a of the applicator body 112 via a neck portion 122. The applicator head 120 includes an outer surface 120a that, as will be described in further detail below, may collect and apply the cosmetic substance 101. The applicator head 120 may be constructed from any number of desired materials or combinations thereof, such as, for example, a polymeric resin and the like. In the illustrated examples, the applicator head 120 has a generally ovoid shape, but it is to be appreciated that the applicator head 130 may have any number of desired shapes and/or configurations such as, for example, a tear-drop shape, a spherical shape, a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, and the like. Other examples are possible.

The applicator head 120 accommodates a number of elongated bristles 140 on the outer surface 120a thereof. Each of the elongated bristles 140 may include a first end 140a positioned adjacent to the outer surface 120a and a second end 140b positioned away from or distally to the outer surface 120a of the applicator head 120. In some examples, the elongated bristles 140 may be constructed from a generally soft material such as, for example elastomers or elastomeric materials including (but not limited to) nylon or similar polymers, molded silicone or other molded polymeric materials, and the like. Other examples are possible. Generally speaking, the applicator head 120 and the elongated bristles 140 may be integrally formed together. Put differently, in some examples, the applicator head 120 and the elongated bristles 140 may be constructed from the same material. For example, in some forms, the applicator head 120 and elongated bristles 140 may be formed via a molding process. Other examples are possible.

The elongated bristles 140 are shaped and/or oriented in a way that mimics the “random” arrangement of bristles in a flocked applicator. More specifically, each elongated bristle 140 may have a unique shape or configuration and/or texturization, and a number of elongated bristles 140 may collectively be disposed along the outer surface 120a of the applicator head in a unique manner. These shapes, orientations, and/or alignments may cooperate to increase the amount of cosmetic substance 101 that may be collected and/or otherwise retained by the applicator 110 upon removing the applicator 110 from the cavity 103 of the container 102. Further, these shapes, orientations, and/or alignments may also result in more uniform application of the cosmetic substance 101 onto a user's skin due to the formation of “retention pockets” that assist in the applicator head 120 retaining the cosmetic substance 101.

More specifically, in some forms, the first end 140a of the elongated bristle 140 may define a base region 142 and the second end 140b of the elongated bristle may define an elongation region 144. In such examples, the base region 142 may have a generally wider cross-sectional dimension than the elongation region 144 such that the elongated bristle 140 forms a generally tapered or elongated profile. In some of these approaches, the base region may have any number of cross-sectional shapes that may themselves assist with retaining the cosmetic substance 101. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the elongated bristle(s) 140 may have a generally star cross-sectional shape. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 & 10, the elongated bristle(s) 140 may have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. As illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, in other examples, the elongated bristle(s) 140 may have a generally moon or crescent cross-sectional shape. In yet other examples (not illustrated), the elongated bristle(s) 140 may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape, a cross cross-sectional shape, or a carat cross-sectional shape. Other examples are possible.,

In some forms, the elongation region 144 may be non-uniformly elongated such that it extends in a non-uniform manner. Put differently, while the base region 142 may extend generally linearly (and in some cases, perpendicularly) from the outer surface 120a of the applicator head 120, the elongation region 144 may extend non-linearly from base region. For example, the elongation region 144 may have a generally curled or curved portion at the second end 140b thereof (see, e.g., elongated bristle 140 labeled arrow “A” in FIG. 3), an angled portion at the second end 140b thereof (see, e.g., elongated bristle 140 labeled arrow “B” in FIG. 3), and/or a translated portion at the second end 140b thereof (see, e.g., FIG. 5).

In these examples, the elongation region 144 may have a non-linear (i.e., a non-uniform) change in cross-sectional outer dimension in the direction towards the second end 140b of the elongated bristle 140. Put differently, the elongation region 144 may be stretched or otherwise elongated to varying degrees or at different rates along the length of the elongated bristle 140. While not required, in some examples, the base region 142 may have a generally linear change in cross-sectional dimension when compared with the elongation region 144.

As can be seen in the figures, a plurality of elongated bristles 140 may be provided. In these arrangements, the outer surface 120a of the applicator head 120 may cooperate with a number of adjacent elongated bristles 140 to define a number of cosmetic substance retention regions 146, 146′, 146″, etc. (generally referred to herein as “146”). Such cosmetic substance retention regions 146 may serve as pockets to trap or retain the cosmetic substance 101. In some of these examples, the second end 140b of the elongated bristles 140 may define a cap or upper boundary 148 that may assist with temporarily retaining or otherwise trapping the cosmetic substance 101 therein.

As shown in the figures (e.g., FIGS. 3, 4, & 16), adjacent cosmetic substance retention regions 146, 146′, 146″ may have alternative or different volumes. Put differently, these cosmetic substance retention regions 146, 146′, 146″ may accommodate different quantities of cosmetic substances 101, while having varying shapes or geometries. This non-uniformity, coupled with the upper boundaries 148, may assist with retaining the cosmetic substance 101.

The elongated bristles 140 may be arranged in any desired pattern. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, & 14, the elongated bristles 140 may be positioned in a gid or matrix pattern. In yet other examples, and as illustrated in FIGS. 8 & 15, the elongated bristles 140 may be positioned in a spiral pattern. In yet other examples, the elongated bristles 140 may be arranged in a curved or “fingerprint” pattern. In still other examples, the elongated bristles 140 may be individually oriented randomly (e.g., each elongated bristle 140 may “face” a different direction as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 14, & 15) and/or may be disposed along the outer surface 120a of the applicator head 120 in a random arrangement.

It is to be appreciated that the non-uniformity of the elongated bristles 140, both individually and as a collective grouping disposed on the applicator head 120, provides a desirable benefit during collection and application of the cosmetic substance 101. So arranged, these different pockets may release the cosmetic substance 101 at different times during application, which may result in the cosmetic substance 101 being applied more consistently for extended durations and may meet or exceed the performance of traditionally flocked applicators.

So configured, the applicators described herein may combine both soft and rigid bristles that are intentionally positioned to protect the user and optimize the application of the cosmetic substance 101. These applicators may be provided in a number of forms, such as, for example, combs, mascara brushes, and the like. The applicators described herein provide advantageous bristle shapes, placement, and orientation. In some arrangements, the bristles may be positioned to improve cooling and to minimize or eliminate interaction with sensitive regions such as, for example, the lip area, eye area, and the like. Additionally, the approaches described herein may result in improved (i.e., a softer and/or “gentler”) feel during application

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. Additionally, the described embodiments/examples/implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, and should instead be understood as potentially combinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has .. . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).