Patent Application
20110174328
The present invention relates generally to applicators for cosmetics. More particularly, the present invention relates to ergonomic applicators for applying a cosmetic composition to eyelashes.
Conventional applicators for applying mascara compositions to eyelashes generally include a brush held on an elongated rod that is connected to a handle. The bristles of the brush project radially from the rod. The brush and rod are usually housed in a cylindrical container. The brush handle forms a closure for the container when the mascara applicator is not in use.
When use of the mascara applicator is desired, the handle is pulled away from the container to remove the mascara-laden brush. During application of mascara to the eyelashes, the brush rod is generally positioned parallel to the face, and oriented horizontally with the brush handle held beside a cheek or temple for purposes of manipulation and alignment of the brush with the eyelashes.
During transfer of mascara to the eyelashes, the brush is twisted or rotated along its central axis and moved in a vertical up and down motion, while held in the horizontal position, such as up to the forehead to do the top eyelashes, and down from the forehead to do the bottom eyelashes.
Some users will hold the mascara brush handle in the right hand to apply mascara to the right eyelashes, and switch the brush handle to the left hand to apply mascara to the left eyelashes. Other users favor the right or left hand and use the favored hand to apply mascara to the eyelashes of both the right and left eyes.
However, even when the favored hand is used for the eyelashes of both eyes, it may be necessary to hold the mascara applicator in the opposite hand to get to the extreme ends of the eyelash that are furthest from the favored hand or closest to the nose bridge.
It should be noted that the application of mascara with conventional mascara applicators usually requires dozens of repeated strokes and rotations or twists to achieve the desired eyelash appearance. Because of the manner in which a conventional mascara applicator is held and manipulated the application of mascara can be a difficult and tiresome exercise.
It is thus desirable to provide a mascara applicator that can be easily manipulated with a favored or non-favored hand for applying mascara. It is also desirable to provide a mascara applicator that can be conveniently held with the hand positioned directly in front of the face rather than off to one side of the head. It is further desirable to provide a mascara applicator that can be easily manipulated in the same hand to apply mascara to the full range of eyelash for both eyes.
An ergonomic applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes is provided comprising (i) a handle portion and (ii) a head portion. The handle portion is suitably dimensioned to permit the applicator to be held between the thumb and fingers on opposing faces thereof. The opposing faces are of sufficient width relative to the thickness separating the faces to prevent rotation of the handle when held between the thumb and fingers. Preferably, the maximum thickness separating the faces of the handle portion compared to the maximum width of the handle portion is at a ratio from about 1:5 to about 1:50. The head portion has at its distal end at least one transfer element comprising a textured surface for holding a charge of cosmetic composition and transferring it to the eyelashes on contact therewith. The transfer element extends substantially across the width of the head portion and in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the handle. The longitudinal axis of the head portion is oriented, or is rotatable to be oriented, at an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of said handle. The obtuse angle is preferably from about 120 degree to about 170 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the applicator has a total length from its proximal end to its distal end from about 35 mm to about 80 mm.
In some embodiments, the head portion has a terminal arcuate edge at the distal end thereof, said arcuate edge being concave with respect to the head portion. The head portion may also have an arcuate cross-section about its longitudinal axis. In an alternative embodiment, the head portion may include a first support and a second support defining an opening therebetween for receiving a transfer element. The transfer element may be mounted between the first and second supports. Additionally, the handle portion may include finger grip enhancements or cut-outs to increase friction between the handle portion and the thumb or fingers.
The transfer element may be included on one or both opposing faces of the head portion. Alternatively, the transfer element is disposed along the terminal edge at the distal end of the head portion. The transfer element may include at least one textured surface, such as bristles, projections, indentations, fins, tines, Velcro, teeth, grooves, sponges, or flocked surfaces. Preferably, the textured surface includes fins or bristles. More preferably, the bristles have a length less than 5 mm.
In certain embodiments, the head portion is rotatably adjustable with respect to said handle portion so as to adjust the obtuse angle between said longitudinal axis of said head portion and said longitudinal axis of said handle portion. Preferably, the head portion and the handle portion are rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the head portion and the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The applicator may further include a hinge permitting rotation of the head portion with respect to the handle portion.
A kit including the applicator of the present invention and a container charged with a liquid cosmetic for application to a keratin fiber is also provided. The container is configured to receive the head portion of the applicator when inserted into the container so as to bring said transfer element into contact with the composition. A wiper is attached to the container for removing excess composition from the transfer element upon removal of the applicator from the container.
In addition, the applicator is used in a method for applying mascara to the eyelashes. The method includes metering a charge of mascara onto the transfer element of the applicator and transferring the composition to the eyelashes by contacting the transfer element with the eyelashes while holding the applicator in a substantially vertical position.
These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following detailed description of the invention, including the figures and appended claims.
The inventive applicator for applying a cosmetic composition generally includes angles and/or curvatures that provides an ergonomic shape to improve a user's comfort in applying the cosmetic composition. Specifically, the applicator according to the invention is particularly useful for application of a cosmetic composition, such as mascara, to the eye. The applicator according to the invention may also be useful for application of a variety of cosmetic and personal care products to keratin fibers or to the skin, including without limitation, eyeliner, hair dye, lipliner, lipstick, lipcolor, lip gloss, etc. As used herein, the term “keratin fibers” may include, without limitation, eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair of any part of the body, including the scalp. It is believed that the applicator of the present invention has an advantageous shape that allows the applicator to be more conveniently held in the hand of a user and more easily manipulated by a single hand to apply the cosmetic composition in an efficient and even manner as compared to conventional cosmetic applicators. In addition, it is believed that the applicator of the present invention is capable of providing increased coverage of eyelashes with each stroke and more uniform distribution of mascara compositions across the length of the eyelashes as compared to conventional cosmetic applicators. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that increased coverage of eyelashes with each stroke is achieved by the advantageous size and shape which provides for increased contact area with the eyelashes. Accordingly, it is believed that the applicator can effectively deposit mascara to the eyelashes using fewer strokes than with a conventional applicator.
A general embodiment of the applicator 10 according to the invention is shown in
The handle portion 16 and the head portion 1.4 may be connected in any suitable orientation. In one embodiment, the handle portion 16 may be co-linear with the head portion 14 of the applicator 10. Preferably, the handle portion 16 is connected to or integral with the head portion 10 at an angle forming a bended shape, having a generally convex shape on one side where the head portion 14 is linked to the handle portion 16 and a generally concave shape on an opposing side. The bended shape may be a slight or an exaggerated deviation from a co-linear formation, forming an offset between the head portion 10 and the handle portion 16. It is believed that this offset provides a more ergonomic shape to the applicator 10 and can facilitate application of mascara to the eyelashes in a more efficient and uniform manner as compared to conventional mascara applicators. In certain embodiments, the applicator 10 may be the widest at the distal end 70 and taper to the narrowest point on the applicator 10 at the bend where the head portion 14 is linked to the handle portion 16. It is also believed that the ergonomic shape of the applicator 10 can improve comfort, allow the applicator 10 to be more conveniently held in the hand of a user, and provide better ability for manipulating the applicator 10 with a single hand.
The applicator 10 of the present invention May be in any suitable size and shape. Preferably, the size and shape of the applicator 10 make it convenient and comfortable for use with either hand, regardless of whether a user has a favored hand for applying mascara to the eyelashes. In situations where a user holds the applicator 10 only with the favored hand for, application of mascara to the eyelashes on both the left and right eyes, the applicator 10 is capable of easily accessing the full range of eyelashes for both eyes, including those eyelashes that are furthest from the favored hand or closest to the nose bridge.
Preferably, the applicator 10 may be in a relatively small and convenient size for portable use by a consumer. More preferably, the applicator 10 may be in a size that allows the applicator 10 to be held firmly between the thumb and fingers and prevents radial movements of the applicator 10 during use and manipulation by a consumer. For example, the total length (L) of the applicator 10 at the longest point from the proximal end 80 to the distal end 70 may range from about 15 mm to about 80 mm, from about 25 mm to about 80 mm, from about 25 mm to about 75 mm, from about 35 mm to about 80 mm, from about 35 mm to about 65 mm, or from about 40 mm to about 60 mm. In a specific embodiment, the total length (L) of the applicator 10 at the longest point may be approximately two inches (or about 50.8 mm), with the handle portion 16 being slightly more than one inch (about 25.4 mm) in length and the head portion 14 being slightly less than one inch (about 25.4 mm) in length. As used herein, the total length of the applicator 10 is determined by measuring the length of a third side of a triangle defined on two sides by the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16. in certain embodiments where the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16 are co-linear and do not overlap in length, the total length (L) is the sum of the length of the head portion 14 and the length of the handle portion 16. Other suitable dimensions for a relatively small and convenient size include a width of the distal end 70 of the head portion 14 ranging from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, from about 12.5 mm to about 45 mm, from about 15 mm to about 40 mm, from about 17.5 mm to about 35 mm, or from about ¾ inch (about 19.1 mm) to about 1¼ inch (about 31.8 mm) and a width of the applicator 1.0 at its narrowest point ranging from about 5 mm to about 30 mm, from about 7.5 to about 20 mm, from about 8 mm to about 15 mm, or from about five sixteenths of an inch (about 7.9 mm) to about three eighths of an inch (about 9.5 mm).
It is contemplated by the present invention that the head portion 14 and handle portion 16 of the applicator 10 may include other shapes and sizes that are ergonomically comfortable to hold and manipulate.
In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal axis I-I of the handle portion 16 is positioned or capable of being positioned at an obtuse angle θ with respect to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 10. By obtuse angle, it is meant that the angle is greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. The handle portion 16 and the head portion 10 of the applicator 10 may be fixed at, rotatably adjustable to, or capable of being deformed along an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis I-I of the handle portion 16 and the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 to form the angle θ. In one embodiment, the handle portion 16 may be connected to the head portion 14 via an adjustable hinge (not shown). Specifically, the range of motion of the adjustable hinge may be limited to form only obtuse angles. In another embodiment, the applicator 10 may be formed from a deformable material to allow a user to bend and deform the applicator 10 to a suitable angle θ. Preferably, the angle θ between the longitudinal axis I-I of the handle portion 16 and the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 range from about 95 to about 175 degrees, more preferably from about 115 to about 170 degrees, even more preferred from about 120 to about 170 degrees, still more preferred from about 130 to about 165 degrees, and most preferably from about 140 to about 160 degrees.
The handle portion 14 of the applicator 10 may have any suitable dimensions that permit the applicator to be held between the thumb and fingers and prevent rotation of the handle when held between the thumb and fingers. Preferably, the handle portion 16 is narrower than the head portion 14. In one embodiment, as shown in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrated in
The handle portion 14 may also include any suitable modifications that improve the comfort and/or stability of the applicator 10 when held between the thumb and fingers. One suitable modification includes a convex contour on at least one of the opposing faces 86 and 88 of the handle portion 14. Another suitable modification may be a convex contour on face 88 of the handle portion 14, which is adapted to be held by a thumb, and a concave contour on the opposing face 86 of the handle portion 14, which is adapted to be held by the fingers. Alternatively, another suitable modification to the handle portion 14 is shown in the exemplary embodiments shown in
Another suitable modification is shown in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in
The head portion 16 is the part of the applicator 10 in contact with at least one transfer element 56 for applying the cosmetic composition. Preferably, the head portion 14 is narrower at its proximal end, where it is linked to the handle portion 16, than at the distal end 70. The head portion 16 provides structural support for the transfer element 56. Additionally, the surface(s) of the head portion 16 may be textured to form a transfer element 56. Preferably, the transfer element 56 extends substantially across the width of the head portion 14 and in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis I-I of the handle portion 16. By substantially across the width, it is meant that the transfer element 56 extends more than 70%, preferably more than 80%, more preferably more than 90% and most preferably more than 95% of the width of the head portion 14. The transfer element 56 may also extend across the entire width of the head portion 14. In addition, the transfer element 56 may have any suitable shape. Specifically, the transfer element 56 may have an arcuate exterior shape that substantially conforms or conforms to at least a quarter, at least a third, at last half or all of the contours formed by the eyelashes or the eyelid. In certain embodiments, the arcuate exterior shape is convex while in other embodiments, the arcuate exterior shape may be concave. In some embodiments, the head portion 16 and the transfer element 56 may be unitary such as in the case where the transfer element 56 constitutes textured surfaces integral with the head portion 16. For example, the head portion 16 and the transfer element 56 may be molded as a solitary piece by injection-molding.
In a preferred embodiment, such as those exemplary embodiments shown in
The head portion 16 may also include an additional axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 16 (not shown). The head portion 16 may be further adjustable about this additional axis. Specifically, the head portion 16 may be formed from two pieces rotatably attached to each other by an adjustable hinge along this additional axis. The range of motion of the adjustable hinge may be limited to form only obtuse angles. Preferably, the adjustable hinge may be limited to movements between from about 95 to about 175 degrees, more preferably from about 100 to about 170 degrees, even more preferred from about 100 to about 170 degrees, more preferred still from about 105 to about 165 degrees, and most preferably from about 110 to about 160 degrees.
Preferably, the head portion 16 may have any suitable shape that substantially conforms to or conforms to at least a quarter of the contours formed by the eyelashes or the eyelid. In one preferred embodiment, as shown in
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in
The transfer element 56, includes means for holding and releasing a cosmetic composition, such as mascara, and can include any type of textured surface for holding a charge of cosmetic composition and transferring it to a keratin fiber, e.g., eyelashes, or the skin on contact. Any suitable textured surfaces capable of holding and transferring a charge of cosmetic composition may be used as a transfer element 56. The textured surfaces may also be capable of imparting various types of aesthetically pleasing appearances to the eyelashes, such as a volumized appearance, a separated appearance (i.e., the eyelashes being individually separated from each other), a curly appearance, etc. Examples of suitable textured surfaces include bristles, projections, indentations, fins, tines, Velcro, teeth, grooves, sponges, or flocked surfaces. The textured surfaces may be formed from any suitable substance. In some embodiments, the textured surfaces are formed from silicone or other soft touch materials. However, it will be understood where bristles become a sufficient length to be readily bent such as, for example, in a paint brush, the bristles will no longer be considered to constitute a textured surface, and in such case should not be included on the terminal edge of the head portion. However, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that longer bristles, for example, from about 10 to about 20 mm are within the scope of the invention provided that they are not on the terminal edge of the head portion, for example, longer bristles may be suitable included on one or more of the opposing face of the head portion. Bristles according to the invention will typically be less than 10 mm in length, less than 7.5 mm in length, less than 5 mm in length, less than 2.5 mm in length. The bristles may be, without limitation integral with the body of the head or may be synthetic fibers implanted in the head. In one embodiment, the transfer element 56 is not unitary with the head portion 14 and the bristles less than about 5 mm from the base of the transfer element 56. In certain embodiments, any bristles extending out of a terminal end of the applicator parallel to a plane containing substantially the head portion 14 will be less than about 5 mm, less than about 4.5 mm, less than about 4 mm, less than about 3.5 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, or less than about 1 mm. In other embodiments, the transfer element 56 will be free of bristles extending parallel to the plane containing substantially the head portion 14. In another embodiment, the terminal edge of said head portion is substantially free of bristles by which is meant that the number of bristles extending from the terminal edge in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 are suitably low such that such bristles cannot materially contribute to the application of mascara over a substantial number of eyelashes during regular use. In other embodiments, the terminal edge will be free of bristles.
In one preferred embodiment, the texture surface may comprise an array of stub-like projection, fin-like projections, and/or bristles arranged in any suitable shape or pattern and need not be symmetrical. Examples of suitable patterns include spaced and parallel rows, staggered rows and columns, linear rows and columns, or random patterns. An array of projections arranged in parallel rows in the same direction as the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14, may impart a separated appearance to the eyelashes. In contrast, an array of projections arranged in staggered rows and columns, may impart a voluminous appearance to the . eyelashes. The density of the array may vary as shown in the exemplary embodiments shown in
The cosmetic applicator 10 of the present invention may be placed in a kit with or used in combination with a reservoir containing or charged with a cosmetic composition, preferably a liquid cosmetic composition such as a mascara. The reservoir may include at least one wiper for eliminating excess mascara from the transfer elements 56. In one embodiment, the applicator 10 may serve as a closure element for the reservoir, without the use of a separate closure device, such as a cap or a cover. The applicator 10 may be used in combination with the reservoir by first placing the head portion 14 into the reservoir so as to bring the transfer element into contact with the mascara composition and subsequently withdrawing the head portion 14 from the reservoir to meter a charge of mascara onto the transfer element 56. While the head portion 14 of the applicator 10 is being withdrawn from the reservoir, the wiper removes excess mascara from the transfer element 56 by a smoothing motion and pushing the excess mascara back into the reservoir.
To use the applicator 10 for applying a mascara composition to the eyelashes, a user may hold the handle portion 16 of the applicator 10 between the thumb and fingers and place the head portion 14 directly in front of the eyelashes in a substantially vertical position, where the transfer element 56 would be parallel or substantially parallel to the eyelid. By substantially vertical it is meant generally parallel to the line of the nose. The applicator 10 is then easily moved upwardly (towards the top of the head) or downwardly (toward the chin) in a single motion such that the transfer element 56 engages and deposits the mascara composition in a uniform manner.
The size and shape of the handle portion 16 permits the user to ergonomically and stably hold the applicator 10 between the thumb and forefingers and manipulate the applicator 10 for application of a mascara composition to the eyelashes. In particular, the applicator 10 may be suitably sized such that the hand of the user may lean on the cheek or the forehead for additional support during application of the mascara composition. The ability to lean on portions of the face such as the cheek or the forehead provides increased stability and allows the user to more precisely apply mascara to the eyelashes and avoid a smudged appearance.
The embodiment illustrated in
The thickness between of the top face 40 and the bottom face 42 of the head portion 14 may be uniform or variable. Preferably, the thickness of the head portion 14 between the top face 40 and the bottom face 42 is at a maximum midway between the opposite side edges 30 and 32 of the head portion 14. The head portion 14 may have a minimum thickness at the opposite side edges 30 and 32.
The top face 40 of the head portion 14 includes a transfer element 56 that extends substantially from the right side edge 32 to the left side edge 30. The transfer element 56 also extends a predetermined distance from the distal end 70 towards the proximal end 80. The transfer element 56 includes any type of textured surface for holding a charge of cosmetic composition and transferring it to the eyelashes on contact. The textured surface of this exemplary embodiment includes an array of stub-like projections or bristles 57 arranged in staggered or linear rows and columns or random patterns. The density of the bristles 57 may vary as shown in
In the specific embodiments shown in
In other embodiments of the invention, either the transfer element 56 on the top face 40 or the transfer element 56 on the bottom face 42 may be omitted.
In the specific embodiments shown in
The handle portion 16 of these exemplary embodiments have a side edge 76 on the left side of the longitudinal axis I-I of the handle portion 16 and an opposite side edge 78 on the right side of the longitudinal axis I-I. These exemplary embodiments of the applicator 10 also include a handle portion 16 having a proximal end 80 with a convex contour between the left side edge 76 and the right side edge 78.
The exemplary embodiments shown in
The embodiment illustrated in
The transfer element 56 is located at the distal end 70 of the applicator 10. The transfer element 56 include any type of textured surface for holding a charge of cosmetic composition and transferring it the eyelashes on contact. Specifically, the textured surface may include a row of spaced and substantially parallel fins 48. The fins 48 may have a curved contour, such as a convex contour, at the distal end 70. The curved contour can be rounded or of a teardrop shape. The fins 48 may be arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axis of II-II. Additionally, the fins 48 may be attached to or integral with the top face 40 and the bottom 42 and wrap around the edge at the distal end 70 between the opposite side edges 30 and 32. The fins 48 may have a top leg portion 52 that extends on the top face 40 a predetermined amount toward the proximal end 80. The fins 48 also have a bottom leg portion 50 that extends on the bottom face 42 a predetermined amount toward the proximal end 80. As shown in
The embodiment illustrated in
The exemplary embodiment illustrated in
The transfer element 56, supported by the side legs 30 and 32, includes opposite textured surfaces 54, 58 for holding a charge of cosmetic composition and transferring it the eyelashes on contact. Specifically, the transfer element 56 may be in the form of a conventional mascara brush, or can have the shape of a cylinder, or an elongated oval shape having a circular cross section. The transfer element 56 has opposite ends 64 and 66 with respective support pins 72 and 74 that respectively engage the support openings 46 and 47 in the side legs 30 and 32.
The engagement between the support pins 72 and 74 and the support openings 46 and 47 may be established to permit rotation of the transfer element 56 relative to the side legs 30 and 32. Alternatively, such engagement can be non-rotatable. In another embodiment the transfer element 56 can be rendered detachable from the side legs 30 and 32, and interchangeable with other transfer elements 56 of different shapes or sizes such as a roller shape transfer element 56 having a rounded cylindrical shape or a rounded elongated oval shape.
The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed since these embodiments are intended as illustrations of several aspects of this invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modification are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
This application claims priority to International Application Serial No. PCT/US09/60252 filed Oct. 9, 2009 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/104,368, filed Oct. 10, 2008, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/104,369, filed Oct. 10, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/104,373, filed Oct. 10, 2008, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US09/60252 | 10/9/2009 | WO | 00 | 3/7/2011 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61104368 | Oct 2008 | US | |
| 61104369 | Oct 2008 | US | |
| 61104373 | Oct 2008 | US |
