Patent Application
20220338608
The present disclosure generally relates to a cosmetic applicator for applying a product including a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product, onto keratinous substrate such as skin, lips, under eyes, eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body. In particular, the application relates to an applicator that includes an element for applying cosmetic products that is rotatable and to an applicator with such a rotatable element that is adapted to flex when pressed against the keratinous surface.
Devices exist for dispensing cosmetic or medicinal products. Such devices usually consist of a receptacle carrying cosmetic or medicinal products and an applicator. For example, in the medical industry, applicators are employed for applying medicinal products, such as ointments, to portions of the body. In the cosmetics and personal care industries, applicators are used to apply lipstick, lip balm, skin creams, lotions, and other cosmetic products to portions of the body.
Applicators that are able to flex during the application of a cosmetic product to the skin are known. FR 2908018 and FR 2979807, describe applicators having a stem that has at least one elastically deformable flexible portion. The applicator element is fixed to the flexible portion. A rigid holding element may be fixed inside or around the flexible portion. This holding element improves the precision of care or makeup application. With such applicators, it is not always possible to achieve a completely satisfactory degree of comfort. In addition, they are not designed to massage an entire area of the face.
WO2007078769 relates to flocked cosmetic applicators having a mounting post connected to an applicator tip by a flexing element. The flexing element has a cutaway, reduced diameter portion, which may be provided by horizontal grooves formed on opposite sides of the flexing element, to provide flexibility by reducing its cross-sectional area. The applicator tip has a body and one or more flocked applicator surfaces. The design permits use of lower cost materials yet provides the sensation of softness to the user.
Rotary type cosmetic applicators are already known. U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,728 is known, that describes a mascara applicator in which the traditional brush has been replaced by several balls capable of rotating about themselves. The mascara gets trapped discontinuously between the balls, which cannot result in an application as uniform as is desired.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,034,416 is also known that describes a liquid applicator, such as a liquid deodorant, comprising a spongy application material capable of rotating about itself
U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,340 discloses an applicator which comprises a longitudinal element with a manual gripping member fixed to its upper end and an element of application of the cosmetic product at its lower end, the application element cooperating with the lower end in rotation, and comprising a member for transferring or temporarily retaining the product.
The present disclosure aims to provide a cosmetic applicator comprising a flexible and rotatable applicator head, which is of simple and robust design. The cosmetic applicator according to the disclosure may be flexible, rotatable and precise to handle and may allow the user to access all parts of the skin easily and without constraint. Such a cosmetic applicator may be able to lightly massage areas of the face that are more delicate or more marked by tiredness.
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cosmetic package that can be easily configured to contain a cosmetic product and a cosmetic applicator.
It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a cosmetic applicator which offers a comparatively large surface area, very simple to use, economic to manufacture and aesthetically pleasing. Accordingly, there is provided a cosmetic package comprising a receptacle and a cosmetic applicator.
The cosmetic applicator for applying a composition including a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical composition onto a keratinous substrate comprises an applicator head, a stem and a closure. The applicator head further comprises a connecting member, an applying member and a rivet member. The connecting member further comprises a shank portion at a proximal portion thereof, a locking portion at a distal portion thereof, and a flexing portion which extends between the shank portion and the locking portion. The applying member is rotatable with respect to the stem and the flexible portion of the applicator head flexes during application of the cosmetic product onto the keratinous substrate. The applicator head extends along a longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the shank portion of the applicator head is cylindrical in shape and is retained at a distal end of the stem for attaching the applicator head to the stem; and the closure is retained at a proximal end of the stem. More particularly, the distal end of the stem includes an interior longitudinal cavity for receiving and retaining the shank portion of the connecting member of the applicator head.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexing portion of the connecting member is an hourglass shape. Further, the flexing portion of the connecting member has a first, proximal annular flange and a second, distal annular flange at two opposing ends of the hourglass shape. Further, the first, proximal annular flange of the flexing portion of the connecting member abuts the distal end of the stem while the second, distal annular flange of the flexing portion of the connecting member abuts a proximal end of the applying member. However, in alternate embodiments, the flexing portion of the connecting member may not be hourglass shape or may be of any other shape known in the art which allows flexing portion to be flexible.
Still further, the locking portion of the connecting member is hollow and is cylindrical in shape. However, in alternate embodiments, the locking portion of the connecting member may not be cylindrical in shape or may be of any other shape known in the art. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the locking portion of the connecting member has a groove on its inner surface which is present substantially at its mid-length.
Still further, the applying member extends along the longitudinal axis of the applicator head. The applying member is hollow having a central bore. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an outer surface of the applying member is uneven. Further, the applying member consists of raised/convex regions and depressed/concave regions which are present alternately on its outer surface. The uneven outer surface of the applying member is useful for applying the cosmetic product onto the bulged or recessed surfaces such as skin of face or neck. The uneven surface gives a massaging effect to the keratinous substrate and creates reservoir zones on the applying member. These reservoir zones carry the cosmetic product and help in transferring the cosmetic product onto the keratinous substrate when the applying member comes in contact with any of the keratinous substrate such as skin, lips, under eyes, eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body. However, in alternate embodiments, an outer surface of an applying member may not be uneven and may be comprised of a smooth outer surface.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the rivet member extends along the longitudinal axis of the applicator head. The rivet member has a first, proximal cylindrical portion, a locking flange at its distal end, and a second, distal cylindrical portion extending between the proximal cylindrical portion and the locking flange. The second, distal cylindrical portion is stepped out from the first, proximal cylindrical portion. Particularly, an outer diameter of the distal cylindrical portion is greater than an outer diameter of the proximal cylindrical portion of the rivet member. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the proximal cylindrical portion of the rivet member has an annular protrusion which is present substantially at its mid-length. The distal cylindrical portion of the rivet member has a proximal annular bead and a distal annular bead. Further, the proximal annular bead is present at a proximal end of the distal cylindrical portion and the distal annular bead is spaced apart from the proximal annular bead. The distal annular bead is present at a certain length of the distal cylindrical portion preferably near the distal end of the rivet member.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the locking flange of the rivet member is present at a distal end of the rivet member. The locking flange extends in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking flange is of a bulbous shape. However, in alternate embodiments, the locking flange may be pointed or of any other shape known in the art.
The applying member is fitted to an outer circumferential surface of the rivet member. Particularly, the proximal annular bead and the distal annular bead on the distal cylindrical portion of the rivet member are received in the central bore of the applying member. Further, the rivet member and locking portion of the connecting member are coupled with each other inside the central bore of the applying member and wherein the groove on the inner surface of the locking portion of the connecting member receives the annular protrusion on the proximal cylindrical portion of the rivet member for fixing locking portion with the rivet member.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the applying member has one or more delivery openings connecting the outer surface of the applying member with the central bore. The rivet member and the connecting member include a fluid path from the proximal end of the connecting member along a central axis of the rivet member and into the space between the surface of the rivet and the applying member. Fluid is driven through the fluid path and flows from that space through the delivery opening onto the surface of the applying member.
According to a further embodiment, a fluid reservoir and pump are connected with the fluid path to provide a flow of fluid from the reservoir to the surface of the applying member. According to one embodiment, the pump comprises a click-pen mechanism that delivers a selected amount of fluid to the fluid path. According to another embodiment, the pump and reservoir comprise a compressible container that displaces fluid into the fluid path when pressure is applied to the container. According to a still further embodiment, the pump comprises a push-button actuated airless pump mechanism that withdraws fluid from the reservoir into a chamber and displaces the fluid from the chamber into the fluid path.
According to one embodiment, one or more annular beads are provided around the surface of the rivet member. The inner bore of the applying member is in sliding contact with the annular beads. According to a further embodiment, two annular beads are provided on the surface of the rivet member. The fluid path ends on the surface of the rivet between the two annular beads. Sliding contact between the central bore and the annular beads directs fluid driven along the fluid path into the delivery openings to deliver fluid to the surface of the applying member.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member is made of material softer than a material of the rivet member, so that the flexing portion of the connecting member is able to impart better flexing property and the rivet member allows easy rotation of the applying member by reducing the friction due to its rigidity. Further, outer diameters of the proximal cylindrical portion, the distal cylindrical portion of the rivet member and an outer diameter of the locking portion are smaller than an inner diameter of the central bore of the applying member so that the proximal cylindrical portion, the distal cylindrical portion of the rivet member and the locking portion are housed within the central bore of the applying member. Further, a diameter or a greatest width of the locking flange of the rivet member is greater than the inner diameter of the central bore of the applying member so that when the rivet member is inserted into the central bore of the applying member, the locking flange is retained outside the central bore of the applying member at the distal end of the applying member and thereby preventing the applying member from slipping out by locking an axial movement of the applying member towards a distal end of the applicator head. An axial movement of the applying member towards a proximal end of the applicator head is restricted by the distal annular flange of the flexing portion of the connecting member which abuts a proximal end of the applying member. Therefore, the axial movement of the applying member is locked at both its proximal end and distal end, and it is not separated from the rivet member and the connecting member of the applicator head. This way, the applying member always remains in a fitted condition with the connecting member and the rivet member.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as the outer diameter of the distal cylindrical portion of the rivet member is smaller than the inner diameter of the central bore of the applying member, the applying member can easily rotate relative to the rivet member about the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. An inner circumferential surface of the applying member is in sliding contact with the proximal annular bead and the distal annular bead on the distal cylindrical portion of the rivet member so that the applying member free to rotate while remaining fixedly connected with the rivet member.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rivet member is longer than the length of the central bore of the applying member, so that the locking flange of the rivet member always remains exposed outside the distal end of the applying member. However, in alternate embodiments, the length of the rivet member may be shorter than the length of the central bore of the applying member. In such a case, a combined length of the rivet member and the locking portion of the connecting member may be longer than the length of the central bore of the applying member.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the flexing portion of the connecting member connects the shank portion and the locking portion. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible portion is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the applicator head. However, in alternate embodiment, the flexible portion may not be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the applicator head.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the applicator head flexes with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem. Particularly, the distal portion of the applicator head flexes due to the presence of the flexing portion when the applicator head is pressed against the keratinous substrate. According to some embodiments, the applicator head is able to flex away from the longitudinal axis of the stem in all radial directions (that is, along a circle about the longitudinal axis) to exert optimum pressure during application of the applicator head onto the keratinous substrate. When the application pressure ceases, the applicator head resiliently returns into its original position along the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. The presence of the flexible portion provides softness on the application, even with a relatively rigid applying member. Due to presence of the flexible portion in the applicator head, contact of the applicator head with the keratinous substrate is elastic, pleasant and comfortable. According to some embodiments, the user feels a massaging effect with as the cosmetic applicator is moved across the keratinous substrate. At the time of application, the contact between the applying member and the keratinous substrate is softened and the elasticity of the flexible portion may be beneficial for the application of the cosmetic product.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applying member is made of any of materials selected from the list of metal, ceramic, quartz, stone. However, in alternate embodiments, the applying member may be made from any other materials known in the art. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting member which includes the shank portion, the flexing portion and the locking portion is preferably formed of an elastomeric material. According to some embodiments, the material may comprise thermoplastic materials; elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic elastomer polyester such as HYTREL®. According to other embodiments, the connecting member is formed from any suitable polymeric material or any other material known in the art.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rivet member is made up of a rigid material. This material may be polyoxymethylene (POM). According to other embodiments, the material forming the rivet member is another rigid material known in the art.
In order to apply the cosmetic product onto the keratinous substrate such as skin, lips, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body, the cosmetic applicator is dipped into the cosmetic product in the receptacle and then withdrawn from the receptacle with a quantity of cosmetic product collected on the applicator head. At the time of use of said cosmetic package, the user first separates the closure from the receptacle for withdrawing the cosmetic applicator. Upon withdrawing the cosmetic applicator from the state of being immersed in the cosmetic product, the cosmetic product is picked up and retained on the entire surface of the applying member. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applying member is rotatable with respect to the stem and/or rivet member in order to bring substantially the entire outer surface of the applying member into contact with keratinous substrate without rotating the stem. As a consequence, more of the cosmetic product contained in the receptacle will be applied to the keratinous substrate than by devices in which the applying member is not rotatably coupled to the stem.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the receptacle is configured to contain a product including a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product. However, in alternate embodiments, the receptacle may include a separate inner reservoir to hold a volume of the product to be dispensed. The cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrow powder, lip gloss, hair color, cheek blush, skin care, under eye cosmetics, pharmaceutical and like products.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the closure of the cosmetic package has threads on its inner surface which can be screwed onto threads, formed on an outer surface of a neck of the receptacle. However, in alternate embodiments, the closure may snap into place on the neck of the receptacle or any other type of mechanisms may be used to mate the closure to the receptacle.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, inserted in the neck of the receptacle is a wiper for wiping off excess cosmetic product from the cosmetic applicator. The wiper may comprise an annular bead on its outer surface for engaging into a corresponding annular groove formed on an inside surface of the neck of the receptacle. Further, the wiper may comprise a wiping orifice.
An applying member according to embodiments of the disclosure may be simple to use, and may allow for a homogeneous and sufficient application of the cosmetic product onto the keratinous substrate such as skin, lips, under eyes, eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body.
According to an embodiment, the cosmetic package is of an elongated cylindrical configuration. However, in alternate embodiments, the cosmetic package may be of an elongated square, polygonal configuration, oval, triangular, heart, or any other configuration known in the art.
According to an embodiment, the receptacle and the closure may be made of a rigid material like glass, metal, hard plastic or any other material known in the art. However, in alternate embodiments, the receptacle and the closure may be made of a flexible material like flexible polymeric material or any other material known in the art.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator head and the stem are fitted together by a snap fitment. In alternate embodiments, the applicator head and the stem may be fit together by friction fit, by gluing, crimping, magnetic engagement and the like.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stem has a longitudinal axis that is rectilinear. However, in alternate embodiments, the stem is curved. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stem presents a cross-section that is circular. According to other embodiments the cross-section of the stem is oval, elliptical or polygonal, e.g. square, triangular or rectangular etc. The stem may be solid. According to other embodiments, the stem is hollow. In embodiments where the stem is not of circular cross-section, the closure may be fastened on the receptacle by snap-fastening or by some other means, without turning relative to said receptacle. Likewise, the wiper according to these embodiments has a non-circular wiper orifice cross section that is complementary to the cross section of the stem.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator head is made, at least in part, from a material that is more flexible than a material from which the stem is made.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an outer surface of the applying member of an applicator head is covered with an application element that may include flocked fibers. The fibers may comprise materials known for use as flocking material, including but not limited to nylon, polyester or natural fiber. The fibers may be applied with an adhesive, such as an epoxy, to the surface to be flocked. The flocking finish to the outer surface of the applying member may be achieved by an appropriately chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking. According to some embodiments, the outer surface of the applying member before being flocked is smooth on its entire surface. That is, the outer surface of the applying member before being flocked may have no surface textures over the entire surface thereof and may be smooth and slippery. According to other embodiments, the surface of the applying member has a wrinkle finish or a matte finish before being flocked.
According to some embodiments, the flocking process takes place in an electrostatic field, which results in a selected orientation of the fibers. The flock on the outer surface of the applying member provides a convenient “reservoir” which can hold a small amount of the cosmetic product adequate for one or two applications. In alternate embodiments, the outer surface of the applying member may include injection molded fibers, projections or grooves which are capable of holding the cosmetic product. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface of the applying member is covered by a flock coating. However, in alternate embodiments, the outer surface of the applying member may not be covered by a flock coating.
According to some embodiments, there is disclosed an applicator head comprising a connecting member, the connecting member comprising a distal annular flange; an applying member, the applying member comprising an outer surface and a central bore; and a rivet member, the rivet member comprising a locking flange at a distal end of the rivet member and a distal cylindrical portion extending from a proximal portion of the rivet member to the locking flange, wherein the proximal portion of the rivet member is connected with a distal portion of the connecting member, wherein the distal cylindrical portion extends through the central bore of the applying member, and wherein the applying member is rotatable about the distal cylindrical portion and is captive between the locking flange of the rivet member and the distal annular flange of the connecting member. The connecting member may further comprises a locking portion, wherein the rivet member further comprises a proximal cylindrical portion and an annular protrusion disposed on the proximal cylindrical portion, and wherein the rivet member and connecting member are connected by engagement between the locking portion and the annular protrusion.
A proximal portion of the connecting member may comprise a shank portion at the proximal end of the connecting member and a flexing portion, wherein the rivet member is connected with the connecting member at a distal end of the flexing portion. The connecting member may be disposed along a longitudinal axis and the flexing portion may allow the rivet member and applying member to flex away from the longitudinal axis when force is applied to the applying member.
According to one aspect the flexing portion is radially symmetric about the longitudinal axis and the flexing portion allows the rivet and applying member to flex away from the longitudinal axis in all radial directions. The flexing portion may have an hourglass shape. The flexing portion may comprise an elastomeric material.
The distal cylindrical portion of the applicator head may comprise one or more annular beads extending about a circumference of the distal cylindrical portion and the one or more beads may be in sliding contact with an inner surface of the central bore.
According to another aspect the applying member comprises an outer surface, wherein the outer surface comprises one or more convex regions and one or more concave regions. According to another aspect the applying member comprises an outer surface, wherein a shape of the outer surface comprises an ovoid. According to yet another aspect, the applying member comprises an outer surface, wherein the outer surface comprises application elements. The application elements may comprise flocked fibers.
According to other embodiments, the applicator head comprises a cosmetic packaging, the cosmetic packaging comprising a stem, wherein a distal end of the stem comprises an interior longitudinal cavity, wherein the shank portion of the connecting member is received in the longitudinal cavity. The cosmetic packaging may further comprise a receptacle adapted to hold a cosmetic product, a neck forming a portion of the receptacle, and a wiper disposed in the neck, wherein the applicator head and stem are moved into and out from the receptacle through the wiper, and wherein, when the applicator head is inserted into the receptacle, cosmetic product adheres to the applicator head and, when the applicator head is moved out from the receptacle the wiper wipes off excess cosmetic product from the applicator head. 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 described herein. As another example, the materials used for various components can be different from those mentioned specifically herein.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become clear from the following description of the preferred embodiments when the same is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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.
Throughout this specification, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising” and the like, shall consistently mean that a collection of objects is not limited to those objects specifically recited.
Inserted in the neck 204 of the receptacle 200 is a wiper 206 for wiping off excess cosmetic product from the cosmetic applicator 100. The wiper 206 also comprises an annular bead 208 on its outer surface for engaging into a corresponding annular groove 210 formed on an inside surface of the neck 204 of the receptacle 200. Further, the wiper 206 comprises a wiping orifice 215. As shown in
As shown in
Further, the applying member 40 extends along the longitudinal axis X-X of the applicator head 10. The applying member 40 is hollow having a central bore 45. As shown in
As shown in
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking flange 65 is of a bulbous shape. However, in alternate embodiments, the locking flange 65 may be pointed or of any other shape known in the art. As shown in
As seen inn
As shown in
As shown in
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applying members 40 and 80 are made of any of materials selected from the list of metal, ceramic, quartz, stone. However, in alternate embodiments, the applying members 40 and 80 may be made from any other materials known in the art.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting member 50 which includes the shank portion 52, the flexing portion 54 and the locking portion 56 is preferably formed of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material is selected from one or more of thermoplastic materials; elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic elastomer polyester such as HYTREL®. However, in alternate embodiments, the connecting member 50 may be formed from any suitable polymeric material or any other material known in the art. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rivet member 60 is made up of a rigid material. According to one embodiment, rivet member 60 is formed from polyoxymethylene (POM). However, in alternate embodiments, the rivet member 60 may be made from any other rigid material known in the art.
At the time of use of said cosmetic package 1, the user first separates the closure 30 from the receptacle 200. In order to apply the cosmetic product onto the keratinous substrate such as skin, lips, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body, the cosmetic applicator 100 is dipped into the cosmetic product in the receptacle 200 and then can be applied by the applicator head 10. Upon withdrawing the cosmetic applicator 100 from the state of being immersed in the cosmetic product (the state shown in
The applying members 40, 80 are therefore particularly simple to use, and allows for a homogeneous and sufficient application of the cosmetic product onto the keratinous substrate such as skin, lips, under eyes, eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body.
According to an embodiment and as shown in
According to an embodiment, the receptacle 200 and the closure 30 may be made of a rigid material like glass, metal, hard plastic or any other material known in the art. However, in alternate embodiments, the receptacle 200 and the closure 30 may be made of a flexible material like flexible polymeric material or any other material known in the art. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator head 10 and the stem 20 are fitted together by a snap fitment. However in alternate embodiments, the applicator head 10 and the stem 20 may be fit together by friction fit, by gluing, crimping, magnetic engagement and the like.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stem 20 can have the longitudinal axis X-X that is rectilinear as shown. However, in alternate embodiments, it could be curved. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stem 20 presents a cross-section that is circular. According to other embodiments, the cross section of the stem has a non-circular cross section that may be oval, elliptical or polygonal, e.g. square, triangular or rectangular etc. The stem 20 can be solid as shown, or, in a variant, it could be hollow. When the stem 20 is not of circular cross-section, the closure 30 can possibly by fastened on the receptacle 200 by snap-fastening or by some other means, without turning relative to said receptacle 200. The wiper 206 can thus present a non-circular wiper orifice 215 of section that is complementary to the section of the stem 20. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator head 10 can be made, at least in part, from a material that is more flexible than a material from which the stem 20 is made.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an outer surface 81 of the applying member 80 of an applicator head 10 is covered with application element 13 which may include flocked fibers (refer
Preferably, the flocking process takes place in an electrostatic field, which results in the proper orientation of the fibers. The flock on the outer surface 81 of the applying member 80 provides a convenient “reservoir” which can hold a small amount of the cosmetic product adequate for one or two applications. In alternate embodiments, the outer surface 81 of the applying member 80 may include injection molded fibers, projections or grooves which are capable of holding the cosmetic product. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface 81 of the applying member 80 is covered by a flock coating. However, in alternate embodiments, the outer surface 81 of the applying member 80 may not be covered by a flock coating.
As best seen in
As shown in
At the proximal end of chamber 456 is slidable piston 460. Piston 460 fits against the walls of fixed portion 452, closes the proximal end of chamber 456, and prevents the product from moving in the proximal direction. Lead screw 458 extends proximally from piston 460. Lead screw 458 is fixed with piston 460 so that it cannot rotate with respect to fixed portion 452. Drive nut 462 is fixed with rotatable portion 465. Lead screw 458 is threaded into nut 462. The threading of nut 462 and screw 460 are selected so that counterclockwise rotation of nut 462 with respect to lead screw 458 causes screw 458 to move in the distal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, screw 458 and nut 462 are threaded so that clockwise rotation of the nut relative to the screw moves the piston in the distal direction.
Rotatable portion 456 is provided at the proximal end of mechanism 400. Rotatable portion 456 is fixed along the longitudinal axis with respect to fixed portion 452 and can rotate relative to fixed portion 452. According to one embodiment, the engagement of rotatable portion 456 with fixed portion 452 includes a “one-way” mechanism that allows the rotatable portion to turn in only one preselected direction, for example, counterclockwise and prevents rotation in the opposite direction. According to another embodiment, a “click” mechanism may provide the user with an audible and/or tactile signal indicating how far the rotatable portion has been rotated relative to the fixed portion.
In operation, a user grasps fixed portion 452 and turns rotatable portion 456 counterclockwise relative to the fixed portion causing piston to advance in the distal direction. This distal motion pressurizes the product in chamber 456 and drives the product through passages 151, 153, 155 and through delivery opening 142 onto the surface 141 of applying member 140.
Body 502 may be formed from a material that plastically deforms, such as a soft alloy of aluminum. According to this embodiment, as product is delivered to head 110 by squeezing body 502, the volume of body 502 is reduced, preventing air from being drawn in the proximal direction along passages 151, 153, 155. This arrangement may reduce the amount of air in contact with product within body 502 and may reduce oxidation of the product.
Chamber 656 contains a bulk quantity of a liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic product or other substance. Intake port 667 extends into chamber 656. At the bottom of chamber 656 is a slidable seal 610. Seal 610 closes the bottom end of chamber 656 and maintains a hermetic seal with the walls of the chamber as it slides upward when product is dispensed from the chamber 656.
Pump chamber 693 is connected with product chamber 656 by intake port 667. Check valve 694 is provided at port 667 to allow the product to flow into pump chamber 693, but to prevent the product from flowing back into product chamber 656.
Piston 695 is fitted into pump chamber 693. Piston 695 is surrounded by piston seal 695a. Shaft 699 supports piston 695. Shaft 699 is surrounded by dispensing cylinder 697. The distal end of dispensing cylinder 697 is in fluid communication with passage 151 of head 110. A space between dispensing cylinder 697 and shaft 699 creates a passage for product to move distally into passages 151, 153, 155 of head 110 when the pump is actuated.
Cam followers 698 are connected with shaft 699. Cam plate 696 is connected with button 692. Button 692 extends from the side of pump 690. When button 692 is pressed, cam plate 696 moves leftward in the view of
When button 692 is pressed, cam plate 696 moves laterally causing cam slots 996a to drive cam followers 698 and shaft 699 in the proximal direction, pushing piston 695 into chamber 693. This motion pressurizes product in chamber 693. Product in chamber 693 is prevented from returning to container 656 by check valve 694. Seal 695a surrounding piston 695 is arranged so that the pressurized product is allowed to move past piston 695 distally along the space between shaft 699 and dispensing cylinder 697. Product in chamber 693 is forced in the distal direction and then distally through passages 151, 153, 155 and delivery openings 142 of head 110. The product exits from openings 142 and onto the surface 141 of applying member 140.
When button 692 is released, a spring or other biasing mechanism drives shaft 699 upward, pulling piston 695 in the distal direction. Seal 695a is arranged so that when the piston moves distally, a liquid-tight interface is formed between piston 695 and the wall of chamber 693. The distal motion of piston 695 causes product to be drawn through check valve 694 into chamber 693. Product now in chamber 693 is ready to be dispensed the next time button 692 is pressed. By selecting the dimensions of components of pump 690, the amount of the product delivered to head 110 each time button 692 is pressed can be selected.
Other embodiments of airless pumps that can be used to deliver liquid or semi-liquid products from cavity 656 to head 110 are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 8,631,975, issued on Jan. 21, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure is not limited to, the broadest in accordance with the basic idea disclosed herein. It should be interpreted as having a range. Skilled artisans may implement the pattern of the non-timely manner by combining, replacement of the disclosed embodiments shape, this would also do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art may readily change or modifications to the disclosed embodiments, based on the present specification, such changes or modifications also belong to the scope of the present disclosure will be apparent.
Although, the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202011005990 | Feb 2020 | IN | national |
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202011005990, filed on Feb. 12, 2020. This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/158,281, filed Jan. 26, 2021. The disclosure of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17158281 | Jan 2021 | US |
| Child | 17861928 | US |
