Cosmetic Application and Mixing System

Abstract

A cosmetic application and mixing system for liquid or semi-solid cosmetic products comprising, in combination: (a) a reservoir for containing the cosmetic product, the reservoir having an internal diameter D1, and at least one open end having threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface thereof; (b) an applicator for the cosmetic product comprising a cosmetic applicator portion on a stationary curved rod attached to a cap, the cosmetic applicator portion having a free end, and the cap having threaded engaging means of pitch P1, designed to mate with threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface of the reservoir, wherein when the cap is rotated to affix or remove it from the reservoir, the free end of the cosmetic applicator portion moves in a pitch circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2, wherein P1 = P2 and D1 > D2.

Description

Summary of Invention

[0017] A cosmetic application and mixing system for liquid or semi-solid cosmetic products comprising, in combination: (a) a reservoir for containing the cosmetic product, the reservoir having an internal diameter D1, and an open end having threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface thereof; (b) an applicator for the cosmetic product comprising a cosmetic applicator portion on a stationary curved rod attached to a cap, the cosmetic applicator portion having a free end, and the cap having threaded engaging means of pitch P1, designed to mate with threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface of the reservoir, wherein when the cap is rotated to affix or remove it from the reservoir, the free end of the cosmetic applicator portion moves in a helical pitch circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2, wherein P1 = P2 and D1 > D2.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0018] Figure 1: is a front perspective view of one type of cosmetic application system in accordance with the invention, in the closed position.

[0019] Figure 2: is a cutaway view of the system of Figure 1.

[0020] Figures 3(A), (B), and (C): illustrates a number of embodiments for cosmetic applicators in accordance with the invention showing variations in the curvature of the stationary rod.Figure 4: illustrates the rotational movement of the cosmetic applicator as it is removed from the reservoir, and the helical pitch circle formed by the free end of the applicator.

[0021] Figure 5: illustrates the illustrates the reservoir with the cap removed.

[0022] Figure 6: is a close up view of the threaded engaging means found on the outer surface of the reservoir.

[0023] Figure 7: is a cross sectional view taken across 5-5 of Figure 5.

[0024] Figure 8: is an enlarged view of the applicator showing an angled surface.

[0025] Figure 9: is a cross sectional view taken across 1-1 of Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 10: illustrates another embodiment of the invention where the cosmetic product is mascara, and the applicator is a cap rod, mascara brush assembly.

Detailed Description

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates the general outward appearance of one type of cosmetic application system in accordance with the invention. The application system contains a reservoir 1 for cosmetic product having at least one opening 2. Examples of suitable reservoirs may be described by their length (L) and Width (W) where L = 1-12 X W; or where W = 1-12 X L. In other words, the length of these reservoirs may range from one to twelve times the width of the reservoir or vice versa. Preferably, the reservoir 1 is a vial, more particularly a cylindrical vial. The length of the vial may range from one to ten times the width of the vial. The reservoir may be made of any suitable synthetic thermoplastic material suitable for use with cosmetic products, including polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butyl styrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and so on. In certain instances in may be desirable to have a reservoir made from vitreous materials such as glass. Preferably, the reservoir used in the system of the invention is made from a synthetic thermoplastic material. The cosmetic product 3 found within the reservoir 1 may be any liquid or semi-solid cosmetic product such as mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, cheek color, foundation makeup, concealer, and so on. The products which are best suited for use in the system of the invention are those that improve with mixing. Suitable products have representative viscosities in the range of about 25 to 1,000,000 centipoise at 25o C. The reservoir 1 has a relatively constant internal diameter 4 (see Figure 7) defined as D1. However, various different types of reservoirs may be used in accordance with the invention. In general, the internal diameter of suitable reservoirs is not critical so long as the cosmetic applicator functions in the manner further described to mix the cosmetic product 3 found therein. Preferably, the reservoirs selected for use in the system will have internal diameters varying from about 0.2 to 2 inches, more preferably 0.3 to 1 inch, most preferably from about 0.4 to 0.8 inch. The reservoir 1 has at least one opening 2 having an outer surface 5 and an inner surface 6. On the outer surface 5 of the reservoir 1 are threaded engaging means 7 which are in a screw thread configuration having helices 8, the threaded engaging means having a helical pitch P1. Figure 6 is a close up view of the reservoir showing the threaded engaging means 7 which are found on the neck 21 of the reservoir 1. The distance between successive helices 8 on the threaded engaging means is constant and is defined as P1.

[0028] The system further comprises an applicator for the cosmetic product 9 comprised of a cap 10, curved rod 11, and applicator portion 12. The cap 10 has an inner surface 13 and an outer surface 14. On the inner surface 13 are threaded engaging means15 designed to mate with the threaded engaging means 7 of the reservoir when the cap is affixed to the reservoir 1. The curved rod 11, has a proximal end 16 and a distal end 17. The proximal end 16 is attached to the cap 10 inner surface 13. The curved rod 11 is stationary. The degree of bending found in the rod will vary depending on the internal diameter of the reservoir used. On the distal end of the curved rod 11 is an applicator portion 12 for the cosmetic product 3 having a free end 3a. The applicator portion 12 may be a flocked applicator, a mascara brush, or any other type of brush or device suitable for application of the cosmetic product 3 found within the reservoir. Preferably, the applicator portion 12 is a flocked applicator. It is particularly preferred that the flocked applicator have an angled surface 18, as illustrated in Figure 8. The angled surface 18 will preferably have an angle 19 ranging from about 10 to 65o, more preferably about 35 to 50o from a plane which is parallel to the broken line designated 19a in Figure 8.

[0029] When the cap 10 is affixed to the reservoir 1 by the consumer, the cap 10 is rotated as shown in Figure 4. This will cause the free end 3a of the applicator 12 to move in a helical pitch circle having a pitch of P2 and a diameter D2. In other words, as the cap 10 is affixed to the reservoir 1, the free end 3a of the applicator moves in a screw thread manner the screw thread having helices where the distance from helix to helix in the screw thread defines the pitch P2 of the helical pitch circle. Similarly, when the cap 10 is removed from the reservoir 1, the free end 3a moves in a pitch circle in a direction opposite to the direction of movement when the cap is being affixed. In both instances P1 and P2 are identical.

[0030] As is seen in Figures 3(A) through (C), the curvature of the rod 11 may occur at any place along the length of the rod 11. Generally D2/2 is the radius of the circle formed by the rotational movement of the free end 3a as the cap 10 is affixed or removed from the container. D2/2 is a function of X, which is the distance from the proximal end of the rod 16 to the point where the curve begins 20 and ø, which is the angle of the curve, and L which is the total length of the rod. With L remaining constant, as X increases, ø correspondingly decreases, and vice versa, such that the radius of the circle D2/2 remains constant no matter where the curve in the rod occurs. In comparing Figures 3(A) through (C) it can be seen that in all cases that D2/2 and L remain constant, and X and øvary. Comparing Figures 3(A) and 3(B) it is seen that with D2/2 and L remaining constant, X1< X2 and ø1 > ø2. Further comparing Figures 3(B) and 3(C), it is seen that with D2/2 and L remaining constant, X2 > X3 and and ø2 < ø3.

[0031] The relationship between D2, X, L, and ø, may be expressed by the following formula:

[0032] D2 = -2(L-X)Tan ø

[0033] For example, in Figure 3(A), if øis 170o, L= 2 inches and X1 = 1 inch, then:

[0034] D2 = -2(2-1)Tan 170o = -2(1)(-0.32)= 0.32 inch.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment of the invention øranges from 150 to 176o, more preferably 160 to 174o, most preferably 171o. In some instances, the rod 11 may be curved such that D2 = D1. This will enable the free end 3a to be in contact with the inner wall surface 21 of the reservoir 1, moving in a helical pitch circle having a pitch of P1 and a diameter of D2, wherein P1 = P2, and D1 = D2, to facilitate mixing of the cosmetic product 3 as the cap 10 is removed from the reservoir 1 by the consumer. In some cases it may be desirable that the free end 3a is not in contact with the inner wall surface 21 of the reservoir 1, in other words, that D1 > D2. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, where D1 is within the preferred range of 0.1 to 1 inch, and when D1 > D2, the distance between the free end 3a and the inner wall surface 21 will preferably range from 0.001 to 0.2 inches. In the preferred embodiment of the invention D1 = D2, which enables the free end 3a to be in contact with the inner wall surface 21 of the reservoir 1, and thereby completely mix the cosmetic product 3.

[0036] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken across 1-1 of Figure 1, showing the reservoir 1 with cosmetic product 3 therein, and the manner in which then angled surface 18 of the applicator 12 rides flush against the inner sidewall 21 of the reservoir (in this instance D1 = D2).

[0037] Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention where the application system is for cosmetic applied with a brush, in particular, mascara and the applicator is a brush. The free end 3a of the brush also moves in a pitch circle defined by P2 and D2, and P1 = P2 and D1 > D2.

[0038] The cosmetic applicator system of the invention is a simple, economical, and effective component for dispensing cosmetic products that should be mixed prior to use. The mixing capability of the claimed cosmetic application system is obtained by maintaining the geometric specifications and relationships taught herein.

Claims

1. A cosmetic application and mixing system for cosmetic products comprising, in combination: (a) a reservoir for containing the cosmetic product, the reservoir having an internal diameter D1, and at least one open end having threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface thereof; (b) an applicator for the cosmetic product comprising a cosmetic applicator portion on a stationary curved rod attached to a cap, the cosmetic applicator portion having a free end, and the cap having threaded engaging means of pitch P1, designed to mate with threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface of the reservoir, wherein when the cap is rotated to affix or remove it from the reservoir, the free end of the cosmetic applicator portion moves in a helical pitch circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2, wherein P1 = P2 and D1 > D2.

2.

3.

4. The cosmetic system of claim 3 wherein P1 and P2 range from 0.001 to 0.5 inch.

5. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein the cosmetic applicator portion is a flocked applicator.

6.

7. The cosmetic system of claim 6 wherein the angled surface forms about a 35 to 65o angle to a plane which passes through the axis of the rod.

8. The cosmetic system of claim 6 wherein the angled surface is positioned on the inner portion of the stationary curved rod.

9. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein D1 is 0.35 to 0.55 inch.

10. The cosmetic system of claim 8 wherein the stationary curved rod is bent at an angle of 1 to 20o.

11. The cosmetic system of claim 10 wherein D1 = D2.

12. The cosmetic system of claim 11 wherein D1 > D2.

13. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein the cosmetic product is lipstick.

14.

15. The cosmetic system of claim 13 wherein the cosmetic applicator portion is a mascara brush.

16. The cosmetic system of claim 14 wherein the mascara brush is made from twisted metal wire.

17. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein the stationary curved rod has a length L, and the rod is bent at an angle ø, and the the length of the rod up to the bend is X, and the relationship between X, L, and øis expressed according to the formula:

18. The cosmetic system of claim 17 wherein L is 3 inches, X is 2 inches, and øranges from 160 to 176o.

19. The cosmetic system of claim 18 wherein øis 171o and D2 is 0.32 inch.

20. A cosmetic application and mixing system for liquid or semi-solid lipstick products comprising, in combination: (a) a reservoir for containing the cosmetic product, the reservoir having an internal diameter D1, and at least one open end having threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface thereof; (b) an applicator for the lipstick product comprising a stationary curved rod bent at an angle ø, having affixed thereto an applicator portion having a free end, said rod with applicator portion having a total length (L), and wherein the length of the rod up to the bend is X, and the cap having threaded engaging means of pitch P1, designed to mate with threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface of the reservoir, wherein when the cap is rotated to affix or remove it from the reservoir, the free end of the cosmetic applicator portion moves in a helical pitch circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2, wherein P1 = P2 and D1 > D2, and wherein the relationship between D2, X, L, and øis expressed according to the formula: