Patent Application
20200170377
A cosmetic applicator includes a body defining a hollow interior. The body includes an outer layer made at least in part from an absorbent material and an inner layer that isolates the outer layer from the hollow interior.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Cosmetic formulations are often applied to a person's face, hair, skin, nails, etc. (“keratinous materials”), with an applicator, such as a brush, sponge, blender, bristle, cloth, etc. The configuration will depend on the intended end use. For instance, cosmetic formulas applied to (or removed from) the skin, such as the face, may be applied or removed with a sponge, cloth, blender, puff, etc. The sponge, cloth, blender, puff, etc., is not typically shaped to appropriately apply formulation to every contour of the face or another area of the body. For instance, a sponge may be an overall oval shape with flat sides. Although such a shape may be appropriate for applying a formulation to large areas of the face, the rounded edges may not be small enough to reach into more contoured areas of the face, such as under the eyes or nose.
A sponge, cloth, puff, etc., may also have a fixed density, firmness, etc., that is suitable for one area of the face, but not another area. For instance, a denser, firmer sponge may be used to apply cosmetic formulation to all areas of the face except the eye area, which requires a softer, more delicate application. Multiple different applicators must be used to apply cosmetic formulations to different areas of the face or similar areas of the body.
A sponge, cloth, blender, puff, etc., can absorb a significant amount of the cosmetic formulation during application. Any cosmetic formulation not used is wasted. Moreover, a large amount of cosmetic formulation sponge, cloth, blender, puff, etc., can compromise the application of the formulation. Finally, a sponge, cloth, blender, puff, etc., soaked with excess cosmetic formulation can be difficult to clean.
A sponge, cloth, blender, puff, etc., may also have a density, firmness, etc., that is does not provide adequate sensorial effects during use. For instance, a denser, firmer sponge, a silicone blender, or the like may be too firm to provide a fingertip-like sensation to the user during application or removal of a cosmetic formulation. Such applicators are also often difficult to hold and/or manipulate against a keratinous material. As a result, a user may result to using his/her fingertips, which does not typically provide a desired cosmetic result (such as an airbrush look).
Many cosmetic applicators are also difficult to clean and/or require frequent disposal and replacement. Moreover, most cosmetic applicators are also only suitable for a single use, such as foundation application, eye makeup application, make-up removal, etc. As a result, a user may be required to store multiple applicators for multiple uses and/or frequently replace the applicator.
Thus, an improved applicator that can be adapted for use on various parts of a user's face, body, hair, nails, etc., and/or that can be adapted for various uses (accurate application, removal, and/or cleansing of a cosmetic formulation), and/or that provides improved sensorial effects is desired. Such an improved applicator would minimally absorb cosmetic formulation and would beneficially be easy to clean or otherwise hygienic to use.
Referring to
In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the cosmetic applicator 20 includes a hollow, unpressurized body 24 that is generally a flattened conical shape or a pillow-like triangular shape having first and second opposing convex sides 36 and 40, and first, second, and third corners 42, 44, and 46. The first and second sides 36 and 40 are connected by rounded, continuous edges such that the applicator 20 has an overall generally flattened conical shape or a pillow-like triangular shape, as noted. In an alternative embodiment, the body 24 has the shape of a mitten or glove that is configured to cover all or a portion of a user's hand during use. Any other suitable shape may instead be used.
The applicator 20 may be molded as a single piece to avoid any sharp or abrupt edges. However, in some embodiments, the applicator may be molded as two pieces generally defined by the first and second sides 36 and 40 that are sealed along their first and second lateral edges to define an overall pillow shaped body.
The flattened conical/pillow-like triangular shape of the cosmetic applicator 20 is optimized for applying/removing a cosmetic formulation to/from precise, targeted areas while at the same time being suitable for applying/removing a cosmetic formulation to/from a larger area. More specifically, the corners 42, 44, and 46 (and optionally the lateral edges) of the pillow-shaped body 24, and the areas of the opposing sides 36 and 40 near the corners and edges are suitable for applying/removing a cosmetic formulation to/from a more contoured or narrow area, such as around the eyes, nose, chin, etc. At the same time, the larger surface area of the first and second opposing sides 36 and 40 (and optionally the exterior surface of any plug, as described below) define a larger application area for application/removal of a cosmetic formulation to a larger surface area, such as the cheeks and forehead of the face.
In other embodiments, the body may include specially shaped portions for targeted application, such as cone-shaped areas, pointed areas, etc. Thus, it can be appreciated that the contoured shape of the body 24 can precisely fit within the edges, contours, hollows, etc., of a user's body with suitable sensorial effects to allow gentle and precise application or removal of a cosmetic formulation onto or from the skin, hair, scalp, nails, etc. A suitable handle, tab, etc. (not shown), solid or flexible, may extend from the body 24 for gripping and using the body 24 during application. The body 24 could also be configured to be attached to one or more different types of handles depending on the end use.
Although the exemplary embodiment of the cosmetic applicator 20 is shown as a flattened conical/pillow-like triangular shape, the cosmetic applicator may instead have hollow, unpressurized bodies of any suitable shape or geometry. For instance, in alternative embodiments, the cosmetic applicator may have a body that is square, oval, or cylindrical, or any other suitable regular or irregular shape. The shape may be depend on the cosmetic formula being applied (i.e., different shapes may be used for foundation, lip gloss, eye shadow, nail polish, cleansers, etc.) and/or the area on which it is being applied (i.e., face, nails, lips, eyes, etc.)
The body 24 includes a hollow, unpressurized interior 60 accessible through a bottom opening 66 defined by first and second opposing bottom edges 68 and 70. The first and second opposing bottom edges 68 and 70 may extend substantially straight across the bottom of the body 24 or they may be slightly concave to provide easier access to the hollow, unpressurized interior 60 of the body 24 and/or easier removal of any interior component received within the hollow unpressurized interior 60.
In that regard, the hollow, unpressurized interior 60 of the body 24 may be shaped and sized to receive at least one of a user's finger, a plug (such as that shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/828,046, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), a pressurized core (such as that shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/693,312, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), a cosmetic tool, or any other suitable interior component or other structure. In one embodiment, the body 24 may include internal structure such as webbing (not shown) that simply increases the rigidity of one or more portions of the body 24 and/or defines two or more interior hollow, unpressurized compartments.
In the depicted embodiment, the hollow, unpressurized interior 60 of the body 24 is suitable shaped and sized to receive a user's finger(s) during use. For instance, referring to
The body 24 is made from a suitably soft material such that it is at least somewhat flexible and resilient (i.e., it returns to its original shape). In this manner, the shape and contour of the body 24 can adapt to the contours of the user's skin, hair, nails, etc., during use for a superior blending or application effect. In some embodiments, the body 24 is suitably soft to substantially conform to a user's finger, a core, a plug, etc., inserted into or otherwise define within the hollow unpressurized interior 60. For instance, when the body 24 substantially conforms to the shape of a user's finger, the body 24 essentially defines a second skin application surface of the user for an enhanced sensorial effect. The soft and resilient nature of the body also makes it easier for the user to grasp and hold the applicator during use and/or position it over a finger for precise blending, cleansing, etc. At the same time, the material of the body 24 is also sufficiently rigid (e.g., has a minimum durometer or shore hardness value) to provide sufficient structure (with or without a plug or other insert) during use. For instance, the body 24 must be sufficiently rigid such that it does not simply collapse, bend, deform, etc., when being used for application or removal of a cosmetic application.
The hollow design of the body combined with a suitably soft and resilient yet somewhat rigid material causes the hollow body to provide a cushioning or bouncy sensation to the user during use. For instance, a cushioning or bouncy sensation may result during makeup application or blending through a dabbing or gliding motion. This cushioning or bouncy sensation enhances the sensorial experience for the user, which can benefit makeup application and blending, cleansing, etc.
The body 24 is also made from a material suitable to absorb a desired amount of cosmetic formulation during a keratinous treatment without allowing transfer of the cosmetic formulation to any interior component of the applicator. In that regard, the body includes a first, outer layer 72 of porous material lined with a second, inner isolating layer 76 of non-porous material.
The outer layer 72 is suitably soft and resilient for providing desired sensorial and cosmetic or removal effects to the keratinous material while absorbing a desired amount of cosmetic formulation. The outer layer 72 may be made from any suitable hygienic material, like open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, a sponge material, fabric, flocked foam, or the like. For make-up application, the outer layer 72 may be configured to deposit a continuous film of a pigmentary solution (powder or liquid) onto the skin to obtain a substantially even coverage. An open cell foam material (PU, PE, etc.) may be used when some absorption of the cosmetic formulation on the outer layer 72 is desired for an even application, for thicker foundations, etc. A closed cell foam material (such as NBR) may be used to prevent substantial absorption of the cosmetic formulations by the outer layer 72 for a different effect. If a flocked material is used, a flocked material having a longer length may be used for applying a low viscous material, wherein a flocked material having a shorter length may be used for applying a high viscous material. In one embodiment, at least a portion of an outer layer 72 is flocked using nylon (PA) fibers or any other suitable material.
The outer layer 72 could be one consistent thickness of material or could be of varying thicknesses and/or densities. The thickness and/or density of the outer layer 72 may affect the absorption of formulations. For instance, a thicker outer layer may be more absorbent, and a thinner outer layer may be less absorbent. The thickness and/or density of the outer layer 72 may also affect its coefficient of friction. For instance, a thicker outer layer may have a higher coefficient of friction resulting in increased friction for better removal of cosmetic formulation, for example. The thickness and/or density of the outer layer 72 may also affect its resiliency or other physical properties. For instance, some areas of the outer layer 72 may be more compressible for dabbing or patting applications, and other areas may be less compressible for application and then blending.
The inner and outer surfaces of the outer layer 72 may have the same texture or other properties, or they may instead have differing textures and other properties. In one example, a first surface of the outer layer 72 defines a coarse, abrasive exfoliant surface (such as for cleansing), and a second opposite surface of the outer layer 72 defines a smooth surface (such as for application of cosmetic formulation). In this regard, the outer layer can be reversible in some applications.
The outer layer 72 may be permanently connected to any internal component or structure (such as a pressurizeable core, as described above) or may instead be removable from any internal component or structure. Moreover, in some embodiments, the outer layer 72 could be partially or fully adhered/connected to the inner isolating layer 76 in a permanent or semi-permanent (removable) fashion. For instance, the detachability of the outer layer 72 from the inner layer 76 could allow the user to better clean the applicator 20, to be able to better align the applicator correctly in a repeatable process over time, to help prevent deterioration of the outer layer, and/or to help allow areas of the outer layer 72 to be exposed for formula saturation.
The outer layer 72 may also be made from or treated with a suitable material that increases wetting of an aqueous phase of any cosmetic formulation on the surface of the outer layer 72. In one embodiment, one or more portions of the outer layer 72 may be comprised of at least one hydrophilic or a superhydrophilic material.
The wettability of a region can be determined using various technologies and methodologies including contact angle methods, the Goniometer method, the Whilemy method, or the Sessile drop technique. Wetting is a process by which a liquid interacts with a solid. Wettability (the degree of wetting) is determined by a force balance between adhesive and cohesive force and is often characterized by a contact angle. The contact angle is the angle made by the intersection of the liquid/solid interface and the liquid/air interface. Alternatively, it is the angle between a solid sample's surface and the tangent of a droplet's ovate shape at the edge of the droplet. Contact angle measurements provide a measure of interfacial energies and conveys direct information regarding how hydrophilic or hydrophobic a surface is. For example, superhydrophilic surfaces have contact angles less than about 5°, hydrophilic surfaces have contact angles less than about 90°, hydrophobic surfaces have contact angles greater than about 90°, and superhydrophobic surfaces have contact angles greater than about 150°. (see, e.g., U.S. Publication No. 2013/0131575, entitled “Systems, Devices, and Methods Including Infection-Fighting and Monitoring Shunts,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety).
As a specific example, the outer layer 72 may be treated with one or more hydrophilic coatings, including polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP), polyurethanes, polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and/or polysaccharides. In the alternative or in addition thereto, the outer layer 72 may be treated to increase the surface energy of the outer layer 72, such as with a plasma treatment.
In another example, the outer layer 72 may be comprised of or otherwise treated with one or more hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coatings such as manganese oxide polystyrene (MnO2/PS) nano-composite, zinc oxide polystyrene (ZnO/PS) nano-composite, precipitated calcium carbonate[3], carbon nano-tube structures, and/or silica nano-coating.
Additional non-limiting examples of materials that affect wettability of a surface include, but are not limited to, amphoteric surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and the like.
In the alternative or in addition thereto, the outer layer 72 may comprise one or more nanostructures, microstructures, hierarchical structures, and the like that affect wettability of a surface. Non-limiting examples of nanostructures, microstructures, hierarchical structures, and the like include nanopatterned, micropatterned, and the like polymeric coatings. Specific examples include patterned silicon surface, perfluorodecyltriethyoxysilane (PFDTES) coatings, poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) patterned structures, polystyrene (PS) (hydrophobic) patterned structures, and the like.
The above-noted treatments may be applied to any suitable portion of the outer layer 72. The outer layer 72 may also have one or more portions made from and/or coated with a first type of material and one or more portions made from and/or coated with a second type of material. For instance, the first side 36 of the outer layer 72 may have a first material/coating and the second side 40 of the outer layer 72 may have a second material/coating. In addition or in the alternative thereto, the first, second, and third corners 42, 44, and 46 of the outer layer 72 may be covered with a different material/coating for precise application/removal of a cosmetic application to/from a target area.
It should also be appreciated that the surface properties of the outer layer 72 may be defined in any suitable manner. For instance, the outer layer 72 itself may be made from a hydrophilic material or hydrophobic material. In the alternative, the outer layer 72 may be made from any suitable material, and one or more surfaces of the outer layer 72 may be treated with a hydrophilic material or hydrophobic material. Moreover, the outer layer 72 may be treated, coated, sprayed, etc., with a suitable material in any suitable manner. In addition, the outer layer 72 may be textured or patterned with a coating in a suitable manner. The outer layer 72 may also be treated with an antibacterial solution to ensure hygiene with usage.
The chosen material of the outer layer 72 may depend on the designated body shape, the size/shape of the hollow interior 60, the body cross-sectional thickness, the intended application, whether any plug, core, etc., is received or defined within the body, etc. For instance, an applicator having a greater cross-sectional thickness (such as between about 5-10 mm) may include an outer layer 72 made from a softer material. A similarly shaped applicator having a smaller cross-sectional thickness (such as between about 2-4 mm) may include an outer layer 72 made from a firmer material. Along the same lines, a thinner outer layer 72 may be used with a plug, core, or internal webbing (not shown) to help increase the rigidity of the body 24 without adding thickness. As a non-limiting example, the cosmetic applicator 20 shown in
As also discussed above, the thickness of the outer layer 72 may be varied in on or more areas. For instance, thin areas of the outer layer 72 may be used for spreading and gliding, while thicker areas (e.g., 10 mm) would be suitable for dabbing foundation/concealer or removal of cosmetic formulation using a saturated surface. Thickness of the outer layer 72 can also vary in different areas or geometrical portions of the outer layer 72 to suit multiple purposes (such as application or removal of cosmetic formulation), gestures (such as swiping cream-like viscosities, dabbing powder or granular formulas, etc.), or challenging contours of the face, neck and body (such as having a precision tip area for eyes and having larger surfaces for cheeks and chin).
The outer layer 72 of the body 24 may also vary in cross-sectional thickness (such as between about 0.1 mm and 10 mm) to provide a more firm (with a thicker layer) or less firm (with a thinner layer) area(s) of the body. As a specific example, the outer layer 72 may be thinner in the larger areas of the body 24 (such as the first and second opposing sides 36 and 40), and thicker in the smaller areas of the body, such as in the corners or more pointed areas. As yet another example, a first side of the body 24 may have a first cross-sectional thickness and an opposite side of the body 24 may have a second cross-sectional thickness.
The outer layer 72 of the body 24 may also vary in surface roughness/texture, shape, coefficient of friction, etc., in different areas of the body. A lower coefficient of friction on the outer surface of the body may provide a non-sticky surface for a smoother application of certain cosmetic formulations (such as lip gloss), wherein a textured surface may be more suitable for cleansing or application of other types of cosmetic formulations. The texture may be created by cutting or defining a pattern in the outer layer 72 of the body during a molding process, with flocking, coating, etc. For example, the outer layer 72 of the body 24 may be varied with different materials, thicknesses, textures, patterns, etc., as shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/828,046, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The body 24 may also be optionally enveloped or enclosed by a removable or permanent (fully or partially affixed), washable, and/or disposable cover as shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/828,046.
It can be appreciated from the foregoing that the outer layer 72 can be configured for the cosmetic applicator 20 to be used for various different needs and effects, such as different make-up looks (e.g., from matte to glow, from subtle to full coverage, etc.) and different functions (e.g., make-up application, make-up or nail polish removal, skin cleansing, hair/scalp applicator, etc.).
As noted above, the body 24 includes a second, inner isolating layer 76 disposed on the interior of the outer layer 72. The inner layer 76 is configured to isolate the hollow interior 60 of the body 24 to prevent transfer of cosmetic formulation to any component disposed within the hollow interior 60 of the body, such as a user's finger(s). The inner layer 76 may be any suitable non-porous, waterproof material that is also sufficiently deformable to bend or move with the outer layer 72 during use. In one embodiment, the inner layer 76 is defined by a laminated plastic film. The inner layer 76 may be laminated or otherwise formed on the interior surface of the outer layer 72 during the molding process or during a subsequent step after the outer layer 72 is molded. The inner layer 76 may instead be formed in any other suitable manner.
The material of the inner layer 76 could also comprise thermoset polymers (e.g., silicone), thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), thermoplastic urethanes (TPUs), and/or or thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). The inner layer 76 can also be treated with additives that have antimicrobial effects (e.g., colloidal silver). The inner layer 76 could also be coated or treated (fluorinated for example) to provide additional waterproofing or barrier protection. Some surface treatments like self healing surfaces/polymers, SLIPS (Slippery Liquid Infused Porous Surfaces) and similar repellant treatments such as paints or coatings exhibiting the “Lotus Effect” are also possible.
With the above-described features in mind, the cosmetic applicators shown and described herein can be configured to deposit/transfer a cosmetic formulation onto the surface of the skin and leave a continuous film that merges/fits beautifully with the skin for a second-skin effect while providing desired sensorial effects to the user. Moreover, the cosmetic applicators can be configured to remove a cosmetic formulation film, and substantially only the film, without damaging the skin surface or any sensitive areas. With the user having a choice of the body and/or an interior component (core, plug, webbing, etc.), the cosmetic applicator can produce individual and satisfying sensorial and aesthetic results for the user.
The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. The exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are provided merely as examples or illustrations of a cosmetic applicator and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any features and/or process steps described herein may be interchangeable with other features and/or process steps, or combinations of features and/or process steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.
In the foregoing description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known features, subassemblies, and/or process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein. For instance, any feature or configuration described above with respect to the core may be adapted for use with the cover, and vice versa.
Although certain descriptive terms are used to illustrate or describe certain aspects or benefits of the present invention, they should not be seen as limiting. For instance, although the term “applicator” is used, it should be appreciated that any or all of the cosmetic applicators described and illustration herein may also be used for cleansing, removal of cosmetic formulation, treatment of skin conditions, or other uses.
The present disclosure also includes references to directions, such as “upper,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” etc. These references and other similar references in the present disclosure are only to assist in helping describe and understand the exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to these directions. The term “cosmetic formulation” or “cosmetic” (as used with the phrase “cosmetic applicator”) should be interpreted broadly to include any cosmetic formulation, beauty product, lotion, lacquer, etc., generally applied to a person's skin, eyes, nails, or other body part. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the cosmetic applicator may also be adapted for other uses.
The present disclosure may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present disclosure. Also in this regard, the present disclosure may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value.
While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
