Patent Application
20240197056
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a package for a cosmetic composition to be applied keratinous fibers. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the package includes an applicator including a first elongate support having an anvil disposed at a first and a second elongate support having a comb disposed at a first end, a second end of the first elongate support being coupled to a second end of the second elongate support by a hinge, the applicator being selectively movable between a first state and a second state, the comb being disengaged from the anvil when the applicator is in the first state, the comb engaging the anvil when the applicator is in the second state. The package further includes a container defining an internal space at least partially filled with the cosmetic composition and an aperture sized receive the first and second elongate supports when the applicator is in the second state.
In one aspect, the hinge is an elastic hinge that is undeformed in the first state and is deformed in the second state.
In another aspect, the first and second elongate supports are parallel when the applicator is in the second state.
In another aspect, the anvil has a protruding profile, and the comb has a recessed profile, the comb at least partially receiving the anvil when the applicator is in the second state.
In another aspect, the protruding profile includes a first flat surface positioned at an angle relative to a second flat surface.
In another aspect, the recessed profile of the comb has a constant offset from the protruding profile of the anvil.
In another aspect, the comb includes teeth extending radially from a longitudinal axis of the applicator when the applicator is in the second state.
In another aspect, at least one of the teeth has first and second planar faces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
In another aspect, the comb has a protruding profile, and the anvil has a recessed profile, the anvil at least partially receiving the comb when the applicator is in the second state.
In another aspect, the recessed profile includes a first flat surface positioned at an angle relative to a second flat surface.
In another aspect, the comb includes a plurality of teeth extending radially from a longitudinal axis of the applicator when the applicator is in the second state.
In another aspect, the teeth are parallel to each other.
In another aspect, the first elongate support includes a first planar surface, and the second elongate support includes a second planar surface, the first and second planar surfaces being parallel and engaging each other when the applicator is in the second state.
In another aspect, the applicator is at least partially formed from a polymeric material.
In another aspect, the applicator has a unitary construction and is formed by a molding process.
In another aspect, the applicator is undeflected in the first state and is deflected in the second state.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure a method of applying a cosmetic composition to keratinous fibers is provided. The method comprises the step of moving an applicator from a first state to a second state, the applicator including a first elongate support having an anvil disposed at a first and a second elongate support having a comb disposed at a first end, a second end of the first elongate support being coupled to a second end of the second elongate support by a flexible hinge, the applicator being selectively movable between a first state and a second state, the comb being disengaged from the anvil when the applicator is in the first state, the comb engaging the anvil when the applicator is in the second state. The method further includes the steps of inserting the comb and anvil into a container at least partially filled with the cosmetic composition; withdrawing the comb and anvil from the container; moving the applicator from the first state to the second state so at least some of the keratinous fibers extend through the comb; and drawing the applicator across the keratinous fibers to transfer at least some of the cosmetic composition from the comb to the keratinous fibers.
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 the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The present disclosure relates to packages for cosmetic compositions and applicators for applying the cosmetic compositions. In particular, the present disclosure describes applicators for applying cosmetic compositions having fibers to keratin fibers, such eyelashes or eyebrows.
One non-limiting example of a cosmetic composition includes dry fibers that are applied to eyelashes. A user first applies mascara, which may include one or more of fibers and adhesives, to the eyelashes. The cosmetic composition, which includes fine dry fibers, is then applied over the mascara to add volume to the lashes. Another coat of mascara may optionally be applied over the dry fibers to seal the fibers to the lashes.
Known cosmetic compositions with fibers can be difficult to apply because the fibers are not aligned, which can lead to a clumpy appearance. Moreover, for these cosmetic compositions, particular those with dry fibers, electrostatic charges can cause the fibers to stick together, further contributing to an undesirable clumpy appearance.
Embodiments of the disclosed and claimed subject matter are directed to an improved applicator for cosmetic compositions with fibers, wherein the applicator aligns the fibers to avoid the clumpy appearance resulting from known applicators. Embodiments may be described herein with reference to cosmetic compositions having dry fibers and applicators for applying the same, however, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to cosmetic compositions containing dry fibers. In this regard, the term “cosmetic composition” more generally includes any cosmetic compositions to be applied to keratin fibers. Further, as used herein, the term “applicator” is not limited to a particular applicator configuration and may include various configurations in which the applicator is integral with or separate from other components of the cosmetic package.
In an embodiment, the locking feature 40 includes one or more external threads. In an embodiment, the locking feature 40 includes an annular protrusion or recess that engages a corresponding annular recess or protrusion, respectively, formed in the applicator 100. In an embodiment, the locking feature is any suitable configuration that provides selective retention of a portion of the applicator 100 within the container 30.
As best shown in
The grip portion 122 includes a grip surface 124 truncated by an engagement surface 126. In an embodiment, the grip engagement surface 126 and the support member engagement surface 134 are both planar and are parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the grip engagement surface 126 and the support member engagement surface 134 are coplanar. In an embodiment, the grip engagement surface 126 and the support member engagement surface 134 have any suitable shape and/or contour. In an embodiment, the grip portion 122 includes a locking portion 128. In an embodiment, the locking portion 128 forms the previously mentioned locking feature 40 that selectively engages a corresponding locking feature 116 of the applicator 100 to selectively retain a portion of the applicator within the container 30. In an embodiment, the locking portion 128 cooperates with a locking portion 178 on the second half 170 to provide a locking feature 40 that selectively engages a corresponding locking feature 116 of the applicator 100 to selectively retain a portion of the applicator within the container 30. Still referring to
Still referring to
The elongate support 180 includes a support member 182 that extends from the grip portion 172 and has a generally cylindrical outer surface that varies in diameter and is truncated by an engagement surface 184. In an embodiment, one or both of the engagement surfaces 176 and 184 are planar, parallel, and or co-planar.
In an embodiment, the grip portion 172 and/or the elongate support 180 of the second half 170 are a mirror image of the grip portion 122 and elongate support 130 of the first half 120. In an embodiment, the grip portion 172 and/or the elongate support 180 of the second half 170 are identical to or similar to the grip portion 122 and elongate support 130 of the first half 120.
Referring to
To move the applicator 100 from the first state to the second state, shown in
As shown in
When the applicator is in the second state, the engagement surface 134 of the first support member 132 engages the engagement surface 184 of the second support member 182. With the first and second supports members 132 and 182 so engaged, the overall size of the first and second support members 132 and 182 allow for the first and second support members to be inserted into the aperture 38 of the container 30.
The hinge 112 configuration shown in
As best shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the first elongate support 130 includes an anvil 140 disposed on an end thereof opposite the corresponding grip portion 122, i.e., opposite the hinge 112. The second elongate support 180 includes a comb 190 disposed on an end thereof opposite the corresponding grip portion 172, i.e., opposite the hinge 112.
In the illustrated embodiment, the anvil 140 includes a profile defined at least in part by a first generally planar surface 142 and a second generally planar surface 144. The first and second surfaces 142 and 144 are arranged at an angle relative to each other such that the anvil 140 has a generally V-shaped profile, as best shown in
The comb 190 includes a plurality of teeth 194 extending radially from a base 192 portion. In an embodiment, the teeth 194 are positioned such that adjacent teeth have a distance therebetween corresponding to a desired separation of the user's lashes 50 after the cosmetic composition 22 is applied. In an embodiment, adjacent teeth 194 have any suitable spacing therebetween to accomplish a desired appearance when the cosmetic composition 22 is applied to the user's lashes 50.
Still referring to
Embodiments of the illustrated applicator 100 enable a user to apply a cosmetic composition 22 to keratinous fibers 50, e.g., to apply dry fibers or mascara to eyelashes. To apply the cosmetic composition 22, the user obtains a cosmetic package 20, such as shown in
With the locking features 116 and 40 disengaged, the user withdraws the applicator 100 from the container. As the applicator 100 is withdrawn, the applicator is loaded with the cosmetic composition 22. That is, the cosmetic composition covers the first and second elongate supports 130 and 180 and fills the comb 190 and anvil 140 portions of the applicator. When the applicator 100 is fully withdrawn, the applicator reverts to the first (open) state shown in
The user positions the open applicator 100 so that the lashes extend through the space between the comb 190 and the anvil 140. The user the moves the applicator 100 from the first state to the second state, shown in
With the applicator 100 still in the second state, the user moves the applicator 100 toward the free ends of the eyelashes 50, i.e., away from the user's face, so that the comb 190 is drawn across the eyelashes. As the comb 190 moves across the eyelashes 50, some of the cosmetic composition 22 is transferred from the applicator 100 to the eyelashes. At the same time, the comb 190 separates the eyelashes and also orients dry fibers in the cosmetic composition 22 if present. By rotating the applicator about a longitudinal axis while moving the comb 190 across the eyelashes 50, a user can curl the eyelashes while applying the cosmetic composition.
If a user wants to apply additional cosmetic composition 22 to the eyelashes 50 the applicator 100 can be reloaded by moving the applicator back to the first state, inserting the applicator into the container 30, withdrawing the reloaded applicator from the container, and then moving the applicator back to the second state. With the applicator 100 reloaded with the cosmetic composition 22 and in the second state, the user can apply additional cosmetic composition 22 to the eyelashes 50.
When a suitable amount of cosmetic composition 22 has been applied to the eyelashes, the user moves the applicator back to the first state, inserts the applicator into the container 30, and then engages the locking features 116 and 40 to secure the applicator 100 relative to the container 30.
As best shown in
The anvil 290 includes a recessed anvil surface 292 extending along the first support member and facing the comb 240. The anvil surface 292 is sized and configured to receive the teeth 242 of the comb 240 when the applicator is in the second state. In operation, application of the cosmetic composition 22 with applicator 200 is the same as with the previously described applicator 100.
Embodiments of cosmetic packages and applicators used therewith can include alternate configurations, be made from any suitable material and by any suitable manufacturing process or processes. In an embodiment, the applicator comprises a polymeric material. In an embodiment, the applicator has a unitary construction. In an embodiment, one or both support members is removable and can be interchangeable with other support members having different configurations. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the applicator is formed from casting, additive manufacturing, or any other suitable method. In an embodiment, the comb includes any suitable number of teeth placed in any suitable location and pattern. In an embodiment the anvil has any suitable contour/profile to engage the corresponding comb.
The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration 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 steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.
In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known 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.
The present application may include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” “right hand,” “left hand,” “lateral,” “medial,” “in,” “out,” “extended,” “advanced,” “retracted,” “proximal,” “distal,” “central,” etc.
These references, and other similar references in the present application, are only to assist in helping describe and understand the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.
The present application may 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 application. Also in this regard, the present application 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 “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is equivalent to “A and/or B” or vice versa, namely “A” alone, “B” alone or “A and B.”. Similarly, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when greater than three elements are listed.
The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.
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 disclosed subject matter.
