Cosmetic Applicator

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator includes a tubular neck and hollow head, preferably constructed of an elastomeric material. By providing a hollow applicator made of the elastomeric material, flexibility is improved compared to existing applicators which use rigid materials for construction. A number of variations are possible beyond the basic construction; some variations include the use of curved faces, planar faces, or both for an applicator surface of the hollow head. Other variations include the addition of clamp-receiving grooves that make it easier for a person to secure the applicator to a tool via clamping action. It is also possible to combine variations, for example using the clamp-receiving groove along with curved faces and planar faces. The tubular neck allows the applicator to be secured to existing tools while the hollow head provides an improved surface for application and adjustment of cosmetics. A variety of shapes, materials, and surface finishes are possible.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device for use with various cosmetic products. More specifically, the present invention is a cosmetic applicator for applying and adjusting cosmetic products. The cosmetic applicator features a hollow core and is designed for a high level of flexibility in order to provide the user with improved control in applying and adjusting cosmetic products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When applying cosmetic products to the face, it is common to utilize a device known as an applicator or smudger. Applicators may be utilized with a variety of cosmetic products including blushes, eye liners, and lip glosses, among others. An applicator provides the user with a higher degree of control when applying a cosmetic product in order to achieve a desired appearance. Typical use of a cosmetic applicator involves transferring cosmetic product from its packaging onto the applicator. The cosmetic product is then transferred from the applicator to the user's skin. Cosmetic applicators are often utilized to adjust cosmetic products after application to the skin in order to eliminate the need for a separate device for adjustment. As such, once the cosmetic product has been applied to the skin, the applicator may then be utilized to adjust the applied product to the user's preferences in order to achieve the desired appearance. Because the user seeks to achieve a desired appearance during the application and adjustment of a cosmetic product, a high level of dexterity and control in a cosmetic applicator is often desirable. The present invention seeks to enhance and improve upon cosmetic applicator devices presently in use as well as provide the user with improved control in applying a cosmetic product to the skin.

The present invention is a cosmetic applicator that is designed for use in applying and adjusting a wide variety of cosmetic products. The cosmetic applicator may be attached to a wand, lipstick container, eye liner pencil, or similar device by gluing or mechanically mounting the applicator to the device. The specific design of the cosmetic applicator may vary according to the types, compositions, and application requirements of various cosmetic products as well as the desired appearance that the user wishes to achieve. The exterior of the cosmetic applicator may comprise a variety of features based on the type of cosmetic product being applied and adjusted. For example, the exterior surface of the cosmetic applicator may comprise channels, undercuts, and textures that are designed to facilitate the application and adjustment of specific cosmetic products. The material for the present invention is a non-porous elastomer, enabling flexing of the present invention. The elastomer along with the hollow interior of the cosmetic applicator provides a high degree of flexibility to the cosmetic applicator as well as improved control for the user when applying and adjusting cosmetic products.

It is ultimately an object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic applicator for use in the application and adjustment of various cosmetics to the user's skin. The present invention is compatible for use with a wand, lipstick container, eye liner pencil, or similar device designed to facilitate user application and adjustment of a cosmetic product. The present invention is designed for high flexibility in order to provide the user with a large degree of control when applying and adjusting cosmetic products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view showing internal lines of the present invention, showing the plane upon which a cross sectional view is taken and shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention, taken along line A-A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing internals of an embodiment with varying thickness.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing internal lines of an embodiment with planar faces, showing the plane upon which a cross sectional view is taken and shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment with planar faces, taken along line A-A of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the embodiment with planar faces.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing internal lines of an embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves, showing the plane upon which a cross sectional view is taken and shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves, taken along line A-A of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves.

FIG. 15 is a side view showing internal lines of an embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves and varying thickness.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing internal lines of an embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves and planar faces, showing the plane upon which a cross sectional view is taken and shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves and planar faces, taken along line A-A of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves and planar faces.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the present invention secured to a cosmetic tool.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a clamp being used to secure the present invention to a cosmetic tool.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves secured to a cosmetic tool.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a clamp being used to secure the embodiment with clamp-receiving grooves to a cosmetic tool.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a cosmetic applicator that can be used in conjunction with existing makeup tools for improved application of makeup and similar cosmetics to a user. The present invention comprises a tubular neck 1 and a hollow head 2, with the hollow head 2 being adjacently connected to the tubular neck 1. The tubular neck 1 allows the present invention to be coupled to an existing tool (for example a makeup pencil) while the hollow head 2 serves as a separate member that is suited to receiving cosmetics from a container and applying said cosmetics to a user. To provide for better application of cosmetics, the hollow head 2 is made of an elastomeric material in the preferred embodiment. The combination of a hollow head 2 and elastomeric material allow for deformation (i.e. flexing) of the hollow head 2, which aids with application of makeup and other cosmetics. In other words, the present invention is provided with a high degree of flexibility. The use of a deformable material for construction of the hollow head 2 is a key advantage of the present invention, as the elastic nature makes for easier cosmetic application compared to prior art that utilize solid bodies. Cosmetics are applied by means of an applicator surface 21 of the hollow head 2. The applicator surface 21 is an exterior of the hollow head 2, while an interior surface 22 of the hollow head 2 encloses a cavity formed within the hollow head 2. Effectively, the hollow head 2 is a shell formed between the applicator surface 21 and the interior surface 22. Multiple embodiments of the present invention are possible, the simplest being shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 5.

The tubular neck 1, which serves to couple the hollow head 2 to a handheld tool, comprises a first end 11, a second end 12, and a lumen 13. The lumen 13 forms a hole within the tubular neck 1, with the lumen 13 traversing from the first end 11 to the second end 12. The cavity serves as receptacle for inserts; for example, a pencil, wand, or similar makeup tool can be placed into the lumen 13 in order to couple the present invention with such a tool. The coupled tool is inserted through the first end 11 of the tubular neck 1, opposite the hollow head 2; the hollow head 2 itself is positioned adjacent to the second end 12. This basic position allows a user to interact with the present invention by holding a tool (e.g. pencil) in order to manipulate the present invention.

Preferably, expanding upon the flexibility of the hollow head 2, the hollow head 2 further comprises an opening 20. This opening 20 forms a hole in the shell of the hollow head 2 by traversing from the applicator surface 21 to the interior surface 22. Additionally, the opening 20 is positioned adjacent to the second end 12 of the tubular neck 1. As a result, the lumen 13 of the tubular neck 1 is joined with the cavity of the hollow head 2 through the opening 20. It is also preferable that the tubular neck 1 is made of an elastomeric material, just as the hollow head 2 is. Ideally, the tubular neck 1 and hollow head 2 are constructed together, for example being formed together via injection molding or a similar process. Making the tubular neck 1 of an elastic material and connecting the interior of the hollow head 2 with the lumen 13 of the tubular neck 1 provides several advantages. For one, flexibility of the present invention is increased due to reduction of the solid interior of the present invention (by the opening 20) and use of the elastomeric material for the full construction of the present invention (as compared to being used only for the hollow head 2). The opening is visible in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

As referenced, the flexible properties of the hollow head 2, and subsequently the applicator surface 21, results in the hollow head 2 being suited for application of cosmetics. As some cosmetics benefit from more flexible or less flexible applicators, the flexibility of the hollow head 2 can be adjusted to better accommodate a variety of cosmetics. To facilitate that, in one embodiment the hollow head 2 further comprises a low elasticity portion 23 and a high elasticity portion 24. A first thickness 231 is defined as part of the low elasticity portion 23, with the first thickness 231 being measured between the interior surface 22 and the applicator surface 21 of the low elasticity portion 23. Likewise, a second thickness 241 of the high elasticity portion 24 is measured between the interior surface 22 and the applicator surface 21 of the high elasticity portion 24. The first thickness 231, i.e. the thickness of the low elasticity portion 23, is greater than the second thickness 241, i.e. that of the high elasticity portion 24. As thickness is inversely correlated to the rigidity of the hollow head 2, areas with a smaller thickness are more flexible than areas with a greater thickness. Thus, the present invention is able to provide a surface with varying flexibility, with different levels of flexibility being best suited to application of different cosmetics. Potentially, multiple portions of varying thicknesses can be provided for the hollow head 2, with each thickness being suited for application of certain types of cosmetics. The use of a varying thickness is illustrated in FIG. 6.

As the hollow head 2 can be effectively implemented with a number of different shapes, in one embodiment the applicator surface 21 comprises at least one planar face 25. One or more planar faces 25 can be configured into a variety of shapes; for example, a single planar face 25 could be used to provide a flat plane as the applicator surface 21. Multiple planar faces 25 can be configured into a variety of shapes, including pyramids, rectangular shapes, geodesic spheres, and similar geometric shapes. In such an embodiment, the one or more planar faces 25 are positioned offset from the second end 12 of the annular surface, such that the planar faces 25 are suitably positioned to facilitate application of cosmetics.

In another embodiment, the applicator surface 21 comprises at least one curved face 26; as with the previously mentioned planar embodiment, the curved face 26 can be configured into a variety of shapes. Potential shapes for a curved face 26 include an acorn shape, a spherical shape, and semi-spherical shape e.g. a dome. Paralleling embodiments with planar faces 25, a curved face 26 is offset from the second end 12 of the annular surface in an embodiment that includes the curved face 26.

Potentially, embodiments that utilize both at least one planar face 25 and at least one curved face 26 can be implemented. In such embodiments, the faces can be configured to form geometric shapes such as a cylinder. Alternatively, features can be added to an otherwise regular geometric shape; for example, an acorn shape (formed by a curved face 26) can be improved with the addition of a planar face 25, as shown in FIG. 7-FIG. 9.

To help couple the present invention to a cosmetic tool, in one embodiment the tubular neck 1 comprises a lateral surface 14, a first ridge 15, a second ridge 16, and a clamp-receiving groove 17. These components conform to a clamp, allowing a clamp to easily be locked about the tubular neck 1; this helps secure the tubular neck 1 in place around an applicator tool such as a pencil. Further describing this embodiment, the first ridge 15 and the second ridge 16 are offset from each other along the tubular neck 1 as well as connected around the lateral surface 14. In other words, a depression is effectively formed between the two ridges, with the depression allowing for a clamp to easily be placed about the tubular neck 1. More specifically, the first ridge 15 is positioned adjacent to the first end 11 while the second ridge 16 is positioned adjacent to the second end 12. The clamp-receiving groove 17, being positioned between the first ridge 15 and the second ridge 16, is also positioned between the first end 11 and the second end 12. Ultimately, the clamp-receiving groove 17 is delineated between the first ridge 15, the second ridge 16, and the lateral surface 14. An embodiment that includes a clamp-receiving groove 17 is shown in FIG. 10-FIG. 15.

In some embodiments, multiple clamp-receiving grooves 17 may be implemented. In such embodiments, additional ridges beyond the first ridge 15 and the second ridge 16 are added to the lateral surface 14 to help form the additional clamp-receiving grooves 17. These embodiments are otherwise identical to embodiments with a single clamp-receiving groove 17, the only difference being the number of clamp-receiving grooves 17.

The various embodiments described thus far are not meant to limit the present invention; components of different embodiments can be combined to form new aggregate embodiments. For example, an embodiment can be provided that includes a planar face 25, curved face 26, and clamp-receiving groove 17. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 16-FIG. 18.

Just as the shape of the hollow head 2 (described earlier) is variable, so too is the shape of the tubular neck 1. While the tubular neck 1 is illustrated as having a cylindrical shape, in other embodiments the tubular neck 1 can instead comprise a triangular profile, square profile, pentagonal profile, and ultimately any sort of shape as the profile. Furthermore, the profile of the tubular neck 1 does not restrict the shape of the hollow head 2; a cylindrical tubular neck 1 can be used in combination with an acorn-shaped hollow head 2 or a cube-shaped hollow head 2. Equally possible is the use of an acorn-shaped hollow head 2 or cube-shaped hollow head 2 with a rectangular-profile tubular neck 1. Further combinations are possible still; the specific mention of the provided examples is not meant to restrict the present invention.

The present invention is intended to be compatible with a wide variety of cosmetic tools by means of the tubular neck 1. Said compatibility is aided by the elastomeric construction of the tubular neck 1; for example, the tubular neck 1 can expand slightly to accommodate a pencil, effectively creating an interference fit between the tubular neck 1 and the pencil. Alternatively, the tubular neck 1 can be positioned into a cavity of a tool, with the elastomeric construction allowing the tubular neck 1 to compress to fit into cavities that are slightly smaller than the tubular neck 1. This is another example of how the present invention can be coupled to a tool by means an interference fit.

The tubular neck 1 can also be secured to a tool by a clamp, which is especially applicable to embodiments that comprise the clamp-receiving groove 17. By positioning a clamp around the tubular neck 1 and tool, and subsequently locking the clamp in place, the present invention can be secured to the tool. A clamp can be used with a basic embodiment (as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20) or an embodiment with a clamp-receiving groove (as shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22).

Additional means of securing the present invention to a tool include both temporary couplings (e.g. locking collars and hook-and-loop fasteners) and permanent couplings (screws, nails, and adhesives such as glue).

Ultimately, a number of properties of the present invention can be adjusted or varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention can be constructed from a single piece of injection-molded material (preferably one that is highly flexible and elastic, such as a non-porous elastomer). The materials used for construction may be transparent, translucent, or opaque; the materials can also be colored or tinted, with different elastomeric resins creating different colorations and tints. Preferably, the material used for construction of the present invention is easily washed, allowing a user to clean the present invention between applications of cosmetics; this prevents contamination of cosmetics resulting from residues of previous applications. The present invention can be utilized in conjunction with a variety of tools, including but not limited to wands, lipstick containers, and eye liner pencils.

It is noted that the present invention is not restricted to use with a single type of cosmetic; the various shapes (including acorn, rounded, square, rectangular, domed, chiseled, and multi-faceted) and faces (including planar and curved) of the hollow head 2 allow for applying of a wide range of cosmetics. Furthermore, the applicator surface 21 can comprise additional features that enhance the applicator functionality, potential features including but not limited to channels and undercuts. The texture of the applicator surface 21 can also be varied, with the applicator surface 21 being smooth, coarse, ribbed, or even a combination of textures. The hollow head 2 of the present invention is used to adjust, collect, and apply cosmetics to a user, depending on the tool. For example, if connected to an eye liner pencil, the present invention cannot be used to apply the eye liner (a function that is integrated to the pencil), but is instead used to smudge or adjust the liner that has already been applied by the pencil. However, when coupled to a tool such as a wand, the present invention can be dipped into a cosmetic container to gather some of the cosmetic product (e.g. blush) for direct application to a user.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A cosmetic applicator comprises: a tubular neck;a hollow head;the hollow head being made of an elastomeric material;the tubular neck comprises a first end, a second end, and a lumen;the hollow head comprises an interior surface and an applicator surface;the lumen traversing through the tubular neck from the first end to the second end; andthe hollow head being positioned adjacent to the second end.

2. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the hollow head further comprises an opening;the opening traversing from the applicator surface to the interior surface; andthe opening being positioned adjacent to the second end of the tubular neck.

3. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the hollow head further comprises a low elasticity portion and a high elasticity portion;a first thickness being defined between the interior surface at the low elasticity portion and the applicator surface at the low elasticity portion;a second thickness being defined between the interior surface at the high elasticity portion and the applicator surface at the high elasticity portion; andthe first thickness being greater than the second thickness.

4. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the tubular neck being made of the elastomeric material.

5. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the applicator surface comprises an at least one planar face; andthe at least one planar face being positioned offset from the second end of the tubular neck.

6. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the applicator surface comprises an at least one curved face; andthe at least one curved face being positioned offset from the second end of the tubular neck.

7. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the tubular neck comprises a lateral surface, a first ridge, a second ridge, and a clamp-receiving groove;the first ridge being connected around the lateral surface;the second ridge being connected around the lateral surface;the first ridge being positioned adjacent to the first end;the second ridge being positioned adjacent to the second end;the first ridge and the second ridge being offset from each other along the tubular neck; andthe clamp-receiving groove being delineated between the first ridge, the second ridge, and the lateral surface.

8. A cosmetic applicator comprises: a tubular neck;a hollow head;the hollow head being made of an elastomeric material;the tubular neck comprises a first end, a second end, and a lumen;the hollow head comprises an interior surface, an applicator surface, and an opening;the lumen traversing through the tubular neck from the first end to the second end;the hollow head being positioned adjacent to the second end;the opening traversing from the applicator surface to the interior surface; andthe opening being positioned adjacent to the second end of the tubular neck.

9. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the hollow head further comprises a low elasticity portion and a high elasticity portion;a first thickness being defined between the interior surface at the low elasticity portion and the applicator surface at the low elasticity portion;a second thickness being defined between the interior surface at the high elasticity portion and the applicator surface at the high elasticity portion; andthe first thickness being greater than the second thickness.

10. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the tubular neck being made of the elastomeric material.

11. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the applicator surface comprises an at least one planar face; andthe at least one planar face being positioned offset from the second end of the tubular neck.

12. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the applicator surface comprises an at least one curved face; andthe at least one curved face being positioned offset from the second end of the tubular neck.

13. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the tubular neck comprises a lateral surface, a first ridge, a second ridge, and a clamp-receiving groove;the first ridge being connected around the lateral surface;the second ridge being connected around the lateral surface;the first ridge being positioned adjacent to the first end;the second ridge being positioned adjacent to the second end;the first ridge and the second ridge being offset from each other along the tubular neck; andthe clamp-receiving groove being delineated between the first ridge, the second ridge, and the lateral surface.

14. A cosmetic applicator comprises: a tubular neck;a hollow head;the hollow head being made of an elastomeric material;the tubular neck being made of the elastomeric material.the tubular neck comprises a first end, a second end, and a lumen;the hollow head comprises an interior surface, an applicator surface, and an opening;the lumen traversing through the tubular neck from the first end to the second end;the hollow head being positioned adjacent to the second end;the opening traversing from the applicator surface to the interior surface;the opening being positioned adjacent to the second end of the tubular neck;the applicator surface comprises an at least one curved face; andthe at least one curved face being positioned offset from the second end of the tubular neck.

15. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the hollow head further comprises a low elasticity portion and a high elasticity portion;a first thickness being defined between the interior surface at the low elasticity portion and the applicator surface at the low elasticity portion;a second thickness being defined between the interior surface at the high elasticity portion and the applicator surface at the high elasticity portion; andthe first thickness being greater than the second thickness.

16. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the applicator surface comprises an at least one planar face; andthe at least one planar face being positioned offset from the second end of the tubular neck.

17. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the tubular neck comprises a lateral surface, a first ridge, a second ridge, and a clamp-receiving groove;the first ridge being connected around the lateral surface;the second ridge being connected around the lateral surface;the first ridge being positioned adjacent to the first end;the second ridge being positioned adjacent to the second end;the first ridge and the second ridge being offset from each other along the tubular neck; andthe clamp-receiving groove being delineated between the first ridge, the second ridge, and the lateral surface.