CN215225320U - Cosmetic applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cosmetic applicator for applying products including cosmetics, nursing or medical products to cutin substrates. The cosmetic applicator includes an applicator head, wherein the applicator head further includes an application member. The application member comprises at least one main face defined by two opposite side edges. At least a portion of one of the at least two sides includes at least four parallel cuts that form a non-zero angle with a central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. At least four parallel cuts form at least three parallel applicator tongues on the application member.

Description

Cosmetic applicator

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator for applying a product comprising a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product to a keratinous substrate, such as the skin, lips, under the eyes, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body.

Background

Many cosmetic products that are flowable or otherwise non-self-sustaining in shape are packaged and sold in containers that contain the cosmetic product, and the cosmetic product is delivered from the container and applied to the skin of the user by a cosmetic applicator. Typically, the cosmetic applicator is disposed at the end of a stem carried by a cap that is positioned over and closes the mouth or opening of the container, the cosmetic applicator being dipped into the cosmetic material contained in the container when the cap is in the container closed position. The cap serves as a handle for the user when the cosmetic applicator carrying a quantity of cosmetic product is removed from the container and applied to the skin.

In some cases, a flexible, resilient applicator is mounted in the container opening to engage the cosmetic applicator as it is withdrawn through the opening to remove excess cosmetic product that may be carried by the cosmetic applicator from the body of cosmetic product within the container.

Applicators for cosmetic or other substances (e.g., medicaments) come in a variety of designs and forms. For example, reference is made to us 6070598, us 6220254 and us 5123431.

Not all known applicators are suitable and designed for simultaneously applying a cosmetic product gently over a relatively large area, for example, to the skin.

There is a need for a cosmetic applicator that can cover a large area during application while applying gently.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic package that can be easily configured to contain a product and a cosmetic applicator.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic applicator that can be gently applied while covering a large area during application.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic applicator having a relatively large surface area, which is very simple to use, economical to manufacture and aesthetically pleasing.

Furthermore, there is a need for a cosmetic applicator that is comfortable and easy to use.

Accordingly, a cosmetic applicator having an applicator head is provided, wherein the applicator head comprises an application member. The application member comprises two opposite main faces defined by two lateral edges. Furthermore, at least a portion of one of the two side edges of the application member is discontinuous due to the cut. More specifically, the application member includes at least four parallel cuts extending from one of the two sides in a direction toward a central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator such that the at least four parallel cuts form a non-zero angle with the central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. The at least three parallel applicator tabs are formed by at least four parallel cuts in the application member.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cosmetic package for applying a product (including a cosmetic, care, or pharmaceutical product) to a keratinous substrate comprises a container and a cosmetic applicator. The container is configured to hold a product including a cosmetic, care, or pharmaceutical product. However, in alternative embodiments, the container may include a separate internal reservoir to contain the volume of product to be dispensed. Cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical products include viscous cosmetics, mascara powder, lip gloss, hair color, blush, skin care products, eye make-up, pharmaceuticals, and the like.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a cosmetic applicator includes an applicator head, a stem, and a cap. The cap of the cosmetic applicator has threads that can be screwed onto the threads formed on the neck of the storage container. An applicator head is held at the distal end of the stem for applying the product.

In general, the use of the terms "distal" and "proximal" herein shall mean that the distal side/end is the side/end towards the interior of the storage container, while the proximal side/end is the side/end towards the removal opening of the container.

Further, the distal end of the stem includes an internal longitudinal cavity for receiving and retaining the applicator head.

A wiper is inserted into the neck of the reservoir to wipe excess product from the cosmetic applicator.

Furthermore, the applicator head of the cosmetic applicator may be used to apply products including cosmetic or care products. Cosmetic or care products include viscous cosmetics, mascara powder, lip gloss, hair color, skin care products, eye cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the like.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the applicator head includes an applicator member at a distal portion thereof and a handle member at a proximal portion thereof. The handle member is configured to be received and retained within the longitudinal cavity of the rod.

In this embodiment, the handle member and the application member are integral, however in alternative embodiments they may be two separate parts. The application member is designed to apply the product to a target surface.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the application member is elongated along a central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. The application member is substantially planar, i.e. its width is greater than its thickness, more particularly the width of the application member is at least twice the thickness of the application member.

The application member is elongated, i.e. its extension in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is larger than its maximum extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the maximum extension of the application member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is at least 1.5 times, more preferably at least 2 times greater than the maximum extension of the application member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Furthermore, the application member comprises two opposite main faces, namely a first face and an opposite second face. The first and second faces of the application member are defined by two opposite side edges, i.e., a left side edge and a right side edge. The applicator member further includes a proximal end and a distal end.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, both the left and right sides are convexly curved along the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. More specifically, in the right side view of the applying member, the right side edge has a shape convexly curved toward the distal end of the applying member, and thus the right side edge of the applying member provides a narrow mixing surface to align and mix the cosmetics, for example, at the corners of the lips and eyes.

In alternative embodiments, the curves of the left and right sides and the shape of the application member may be different, and therefore the present invention is not limited by the curves of the left and right sides and the shape of the application member.

Furthermore, due to the cut, at least a portion of the left side edge of the application member is discontinuous. More specifically, the application member includes at least four parallel cuts extending from the left side edge in a direction toward the central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator such that the at least four parallel cuts form a non-zero angle with the central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. The non-zero angle is an angle other than the orthogonal angle. The at least three parallel applicator tabs are formed by at least four parallel cuts in the application member. More specifically, the at least four parallel cuts form at least three parallel applicator tabs on a peripheral portion of the application member located predominantly to the left of the central longitudinal axis on the first face. The at least three parallel applicator tabs also form a non-zero angle with the central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator.

Each of the at least three parallel applicator tabs includes a free end extending from a central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator.

In this embodiment, the at least four parallel cuts are perpendicular to the outer surfaces of the first and second faces. According to one aspect of the invention, at least three parallel applicator tabs are evenly spaced apart and separated by at least four parallel cuts. Furthermore, each of the at least three parallel applicator tabs is formed by two of at least four parallel cut-outs in the application member.

According to an alternative embodiment, the at least four parallel cuts and/or the at least three parallel applicator tabs may be unevenly spaced.

According to one aspect of the invention, the at least three parallel applicator tabs may be curved, and their flexibility depends on their stiffness or elasticity, in particular on the material used, the depth of the at least four parallel cuts and the thickness of the application member. In particular, the flexibility and elasticity can be adjusted such that a sufficient use of the product can be achieved.

According to another aspect of the invention, a reservoir for the product can be provided in the application member by at least four parallel cuts. The reservoir may be in the shape of at least four parallel cuts and may store a sufficient amount of product, which reservoir may significantly reduce the rewetting frequency of the application member when the application member is used.

Each of the at least four parallel cuts has the depth, and wherein the depth of at least one of each of the at least four parallel cuts is different from the remainder of the at least four parallel cuts. In alternative embodiments, the depth of all at least four parallel cuts may be the same or different from each other.

According to another aspect of the invention, the at least four parallel incisions have a depth in the range of 1mm-3 mm.

According to another aspect of the invention, each of the at least four parallel cuts has a cut opening, the width of which remains substantially constant over its entire depth.

In one embodiment, the width of the slit openings of all at least four parallel slits is equal, and wherein each slit has a constant width. In particular, the at least four parallel cuts have the same width, and wherein the width of the at least four parallel cuts may be selected from the range of 0.1mm-3 mm. However, in an alternative embodiment, the width of the cutout opening of each of the at least four cutout openings is different from the rest of the at least four cutout openings. In yet another alternative embodiment, the widths of all at least four parallel slit openings may be the same or different from each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the at least three parallel applicator tabs has a substantially identical width. However, in the context of the present invention, it is also possible to vary the width of each of the at least three parallel applicator tabs if necessary, for example, to obtain suitable or desired application characteristics.

According to an aspect of the invention, the width of each of the at least three parallel applicator tabs is at least two times larger than the width of the slit opening of each of the at least four parallel slits.

It can be seen that the thickness of the application member from the proximal end to the distal end of the application member initially decreases and then remains substantially constant in a direction perpendicular to the first face and/or the second face. The variation in thickness of the application member is beneficial because there are a variety of applicator tabs available.

The thickness of the application member may or may not vary from the right side edge to the left side edge. More specifically, the right side is thicker than the left side.

According to an aspect of the invention, the width of the application member and/or the first/second face, when seen from the proximal end of the application member, first increases and reaches a maximum value and then continuously decreases from the maximum value towards the distal end of the application member. A narrow tip is formed at the distal end of the application member coincident with the distal end of the application member. In addition, the narrow tip of the distal end allows the user to draw precise lines during application. Further, the narrow tip of the distal end of the spreading member may not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the spreading member. More specifically, the narrow tip is off-center with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the application member is covered with flocking fibers. In short, the fibers used for flocking may be any conventional material, such as nylon, polyester or any natural fiber, coated with an adhesive (e.g., epoxy) to the surface to be flocked. The flocked finish of the outer surface of the application member can be achieved by a suitably chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the application member may or may not be flocked or partially flocked.

In the present example, the application member is made of a flexible material, in particular a plastic material. More specifically, the application member is made of an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer.

According to an aspect of the invention, when applying the product, the pressure may be transmitted to at least three parallel applicator tabs of the application member, which may result in a spreading of the at least three applicator tabs, and the at least three applicator tabs may thus adapt in shape to the background of the target area, feeling soft.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the first face and the opposite second face may also have different surface properties, in particular smearing properties.

According to another aspect of the invention, the application member according to the second embodiment of the invention differs from the application member of the first embodiment in that it comprises at least four parallel cuts on the right side of the application member, instead of on the left side. Further, unlike the application member of the first embodiment in which at least four parallel cuts are present uniformly over the entire length of the left side of the application member, in the present embodiment at least four parallel cuts are present over only less than half the length of the right side of the application member. Furthermore, the left side of the application member is substantially straight, and the right side is concavely curved at its proximal portion and then convexly curved at its distal portion. Furthermore, at least four parallel cuts of the application member are present on the convexly curved distal portion of the right side edge.

According to another aspect of the invention, the application member according to the third embodiment of the invention differs from the application members of the first and second embodiments in that it comprises at least four parallel cuts on each of the right and left sides of the application member, instead of being present only on one side edge of the application member. The application member has at least four parallel cuts on each side of the central longitudinal axis of the application member. In the embodiment shown, the at least four parallel cuts on the right side and the at least four parallel cuts on the left side have mirror symmetry with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the application member, in particular with respect to position, shape and size. The at least three applicator tongues on the right side and the at least three applicator tongues on the left side have mirror symmetry with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the application member.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, different from the first, second and third embodiments, respectively, there is at least one orifice designed for dispensing a cosmetic product as the application member, and wherein the application head comprising the application member is configured to be mounted on a cosmetic applicator. The application member is convexly curved in shape. Furthermore, the applicator head comprises a product delivery channel which terminates in an orifice on the application face of the application member. The orifice lies on an axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head for dispensing the product, wherein the orifice is off-centre with respect to the central longitudinal axis X and towards the distal end of the applicator head.

The application face of the application member forms a central longitudinal axis X of the application head at a non-zero angle alpha. This design facilitates application of the product to the skin of the user. In various implementations, the angle α may be between 20 ° and 75 °, although further implementations may be between 5 ° and 90 °.

The applicator head includes a handle member that connects the application member to the cosmetic applicator. The handle member of the applicator head may be secured to the cosmetic applicator by, for example, press-fitting, snap-fitting, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or more engagement features. The stem member of the applicator head is secured in the reservoir using fittings known in the art, such as a snap connection, a screw connection, or any other suitable connection between the outer surface of the stem member and the inner surface of the cosmetic applicator.

The applicator head is aligned on the cosmetic applicator such that the height of the distal end of the application member is positioned equal to or greater than the height of the proximal end of the application member in order to perfectly align the application face with the user's skin. The proximal end is convex and the distal end is tapered to provide more surface area for application and mixing of the product and to provide a narrower surface area at the distal end for precise application of the product, such as at the corners of the lips and eyes.

Further, the application face of the application member is defined by two side edges, i.e., a left side edge and a right side edge. According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the two sides has a greater arc than the other side and is discontinuous due to the cut therein. More specifically, the left side of the application member has a larger arc than the right side of the application member. Further, the application member has cutouts on both the left and right sides. Preferably, the left side has a greater number of notches than the right side for homogenous product mixing. The cut-out is located at least on the portion close to the distal end of the application member and close to the orifice, in order to distribute the dispensed product evenly over the length of the application member. The cuts on the side edges provide a sensory effect during use of the product.

The application member has at least four parallel cuts on the left side and at least two parallel cuts on the right side. At least three applicator tongues are formed on the left side of the application member and at least two applicator tongues are formed on the right side of the application member with respect to the central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head.

In alternative embodiments, the number of parallel cuts on the left and right sides may be equal or interchanged, based on the angle of displacement of the applicator head relative to the central longitudinal axis.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least four parallel cuts on the left side edge may not be mirror symmetric with the at least four parallel cuts on the right side edge of the application member.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least three applicator tabs on the left side may not be mirror symmetric with the at least three applicator tabs on the right side of the application member.

In some embodiments, one of the left and right sides has at least four parallel slits, and the other of the left and right sides does not include slits or slits that may or may not be parallel to each other.

In general, in other variants and configurations of the application member already mentioned herein, it may have rectilinear, biconvex, hemi-convex, hemi-concave, bi-concave and concavo-convex sides or any other possible shape.

All variants and configurations of the application member can be manufactured with substantially the same manufacturing process. The proposed application member can be produced in a simple manner, for example in an injection molding process, the introduction of the incision after the preparation of the application member using the cutting element or the cutting tool can be carried out relatively easily and with a small manufacturing effort.

Optionally, the manufacturing process may further comprise a flocking step, provided that the application member is at least partially flocked with a flocking material. Flocking is preferably performed before the incision.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least part and preferably all of the applicator head may be manufactured by moulding (for example by injection moulding), for example in a material selected from the following list: a thermoplastic material; an elastomer; a thermoplastic elastomer; thermoplastic elastomeric polyesters, such as polyester resins, for example; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber; ethylene propylene diene monomer; styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate; polypropylene (PP); this list is not limited.

The wiper is used not only to wipe off the surplus cosmetic attached to the application member but also to wipe off the cosmetic attached to the stick.

According to one embodiment, the storage container and lid may be made of a rigid material, such as glass, metal, hard plastic, or any other material known in the art. However, in alternative embodiments, the storage container and lid may be made of a flexible material, such as a flexible polymeric material or any other material known in the art.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rod presents a circular cross section, but this does not go beyond the scope of the invention, in particular when the cross section of the rod is oval, elliptical or polygonal (for example square, triangular or rectangular). The rod may be solid or hollow.

When the rod is not circular in cross-section, the lid may be snapped or otherwise secured to the storage container without rotation relative to the storage container. Thus, the applicator may present a non-circular applicator orifice having a cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the stem.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the applicator head may be made at least partially of a material softer than the material used to make the stem.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the applicator head and the rod are assembled together by a snap-fit arrangement. However, in alternative embodiments, the applicator head and stem may be assembled together by friction fit, gluing, crimping, magnetic engagement, or the like.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the rod may have a straight longitudinal axis. However, in alternative embodiments, it may be curved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cosmetic package equipped with a cosmetic applicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the cosmetic applicator of the cosmetic package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the applicator head of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a left side view of the applicator head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a right side view of the applicator head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the applicator head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the applicator head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 shows a front view of the applicator head of FIG. 3;

fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the applicator head having a flocking on the outer surface of the applicator member of fig. 3;

figure 10 shows a front view of an applicator head according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the applicator head of FIG. 10;

fig. 12 shows a front view of the applicator head having flocking on the outer surface of the applicator member of fig. 10;

figure 13 shows a perspective view of an applicator head according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 shows a top view of the applicator head of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 shows a front view of the applicator head of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the coating head of FIG. 13 with flocking on the outer surface of the coating member;

fig. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a cosmetic applicator equipped with an applicator head according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of an applicator head of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 shows a side view of the applicator head of FIG. 18;

fig. 20 shows a front view of the applicator head of fig. 18 having a flocking on the outer surface of the applicator member.

Detailed Description

The technical solution of the present invention is further explained by the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the cosmetic package 1. The cosmetic package 1 includes a storage container 200 for containing a product (not shown) and a cosmetic applicator 100. Cosmetic applicator 100 includes applicator head 10, stem 20, and cap 30. The cap 30 of the cosmetic applicator 100 has threads 32, the threads 32 being threadably onto the threads 202, the threads 202 being formed on a neck 204 of the storage container 200. The applicator head 10 is held at the distal end of the stem 20 for applying the product; and a cap 30 at the proximal end of the stem 20.

The use of the terms "distal end" and "proximal end" herein shall mean that the distal side/end is the side/end towards the interior of the storage container 200, while the proximal side/end is the side/end towards the removal opening of the storage container 200.

In addition, the distal end of the stem 20 includes an internal longitudinal cavity 22 for receiving and retaining the applicator head 10.

Inserted in the neck 204 of the storage container 200 is a wiper 206 for wiping excess product from the cosmetic applicator 100.

Furthermore, the applicator head 10 of the cosmetic applicator 100 may be used to apply products including cosmetic or care products. Cosmetic or care products include viscous cosmetics, mascara powder, lip gloss, hair color, skin care products, eye cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the like.

As shown in fig. 3-5, the applicator head 10 includes an applicator member 8 at its distal end and a handle member 7 at its proximal end. The handle member 7 is configured to be received and retained within the longitudinal cavity 22 of the rod 20 (see fig. 1).

In the present embodiment, the handle member 7 and the application member 8 are integral, however in an alternative embodiment they may be two separate parts. The application member 8 is designed to apply the product to a target surface.

The applicator head 10 and the application member 8 are elongated along a central longitudinal axis X of the cosmetic applicator 100 (see fig. 1). The application member 8 is substantially planar, i.e. its width is greater than its thickness. More specifically, the width of the application member 8 is at least twice the thickness of the application member 8.

The application member 8 is elongated, i.e. its extension in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X is greater than its maximum extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. In particular, the maximum extension of the application member 8 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X is at least 1.5 times, more preferably at least 2 times greater than the maximum extension of the application member 8 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

Referring to fig. 3-8, the applicator member 8 includes two opposing major faces, namely a first face 6a and an opposing second face 6 b. The first face 6a and the second face 6b of the application member 8 are defined by two opposite side edges (i.e., a left side edge 6c and a right side edge 6 d). The application member 8 further comprises a proximal end 12 and a distal end 13.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 8, left side edge 6c and right side edge 6d are both convexly curved along longitudinal axis X of cosmetic applicator 100. In fig. 5 and 8, the right side edge 6d has a convexly curved shape towards the distal end 13 of the application member 8, so that the right side edge 6d of the application member 8 provides a narrow mixing surface for streaking and mixing the cosmetic product, for example at the corners of the lips and eyes.

In an alternative embodiment, the curves of the left and right sides 6c, 6d and the shape of the application member 8 may be different, the present invention is not limited by the curves of the left and right sides 6c, 6d and the shape of the application member 8.

As further shown in fig. 8, at least a portion of the left side edge 6c of the application member 8 is discontinuous due to the cut-out 11. More specifically, the application member 8 comprises at least four parallel cuts 11 extending from the left side edge 6c in a direction towards the central longitudinal axis X of the cosmetic applicator 100, such that the at least four parallel cuts 11 form a non-zero angle with the central longitudinal axis X of the cosmetic applicator 100. Preferably the non-zero angle is not an orthogonal angle. At least three parallel applicator tongues 9 are formed on the application member 8 by at least four parallel incisions 11. More specifically, at least four parallel cuts 11 form at least three parallel applicator tongues 9 on the peripheral portion of the application member 8, which are mainly located on the left of the central longitudinal axis X on the first face 6 a. The at least three parallel applicator tongues 9 also form a non-zero angle with the central longitudinal axis X of the application member 8, so that the at least three parallel applicator tongues 9 are inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis X.

Each of the at least three parallel applicator tongues 9 comprises a free end 9a extending from the central longitudinal axis X of the application member 8.

In the present embodiment, at least four parallel slits 11 are perpendicular to the outer surfaces of the first face 6a and the second face 6 b.

According to one aspect of the invention, at least three parallel applicator tabs 9 are evenly spaced apart and separated by at least four parallel cuts 11. Furthermore, each of the at least three parallel applicator tongues 9 is formed by two of the at least four parallel incisions 11 in the application member 8.

According to an alternative embodiment, the at least four parallel cuts 11 and/or the at least three parallel applicator tabs 9 may be unevenly spaced.

According to one aspect of the invention, the at least three parallel applicator tongues 9 may be bendable, and their bendability depends on their rigidity or elasticity, in particular on the material used, the depth of the at least four parallel cuts 11 and the thickness of the application member 8, which flexibility and elasticity can be adjusted in order to obtain a sufficient application of the product.

According to another aspect of the invention, by means of at least four parallel cuts 11, it is possible to provide a reservoir for the product in the application member 8. The reservoir may be in the shape of at least four parallel cuts 11 and be able to store a sufficient amount of product, in other embodiments at least four parallel cuts 11 may have a very small thickness, which does not form a significant reservoir in the application member 8.

Each of the at least four parallel cuts 11 has a depth T, and wherein the depth T of each of the at least four parallel cuts 11 is different from the rest of the at least four parallel cuts 11. In alternative embodiments, the depth of all at least four parallel cuts 11 may be the same or different from each other.

According to another aspect of the invention, the depth T of the at least four parallel cuts 11 is in the range of 1mm-3 mm.

According to a further aspect of the invention, each of the at least four parallel cuts 11 has a cut opening 11a, the width W of which remains substantially constant over its entire depth T.

In the present embodiment, the width W of the slit openings 11a of all of the at least four parallel slits 11 is equal, and each of the parallel slits 11 has a constant width. In particular, the at least four parallel cuts 11 have the same width, and wherein the width of the at least four parallel cuts 11 may be selected from the range of 0.1mm-3 mm. However, in an alternative embodiment, the width W of the cutout opening 11a of each of the at least four cutout openings 11a is different from the rest of the at least four cutout openings 11 a. In yet another alternative embodiment, the widths of all at least four parallel slit openings 11a may be the same or different from each other.

In the embodiment shown, the width B of each of the at least three parallel applicator tongues 9 is substantially the same. However, in the context of the present invention, it is also possible, if necessary, that the width B of each of the at least three parallel applicator tongues 9 can be varied, for example, to obtain suitable or desired application characteristics.

According to an aspect of the invention, the width B of each of the at least three parallel applicator tabs 9 is at least two times greater than the width W of the cutout opening 11a of each of the at least four parallel cutouts 11.

It can be seen that the thickness E of the application member 8 initially decreases from the proximal end 12 towards the distal end 13 of the application member 8 in a direction perpendicular to the first face 6a and/or the second face 6b, and then remains substantially constant. A variation of the thickness E of the application member 8 may be beneficial, since a variety of applicator tongues 9 are available.

The thickness E of the application member 8 may or may not vary from the right side edge 6d to the left side edge 6 c. More specifically, in fig. 4 and 5, the right side 6d is thicker than the left side 6 c.

The width D of the application member 8 and/or the first face 6 a/second face 6b first increases and reaches a maximum when seen from the proximal end 12 of the application member 8 and then decreases continuously from the maximum towards the distal end 13 of the application member 8, as shown in fig. 3, 7-8, which show a rear view and a front view, respectively, of the application member 8. A narrow tip 13 is formed at the distal end 13 of the application member 8 coinciding with the distal end 13 of the application member 8. Further, the narrow tip 13 at the distal end 13 allows the user to draw a precise line during painting. Furthermore, the narrow tip 13 at the distal end 13 of the application member 8 may not coincide with the longitudinal axis X of the application member 8 (refer to fig. 7). More specifically, narrow tip 13 is off-center with respect to a central longitudinal axis X of cosmetic applicator 100.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the application member 8 is covered with an application element 16, in this case the application element 16 is flocked fibers, see fig. 9. In short, the flocking fibers may be of any conventional material, such as nylon, polyester or any natural fiber, coated with an adhesive, such as epoxy, to flock the surface. The flocked finish of the outer surface of the application member 8 can be achieved by a suitable choice of known techniques, such as electrostatic flocking.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the application member 8 may be flocked, or may be not or partially flocked.

In the present example, the application member 8 is made of a flexible material, in particular a plastic material. More specifically, the application member 8 is made of an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer.

When applying the product, the pressure can be transmitted to the at least three parallel applicator tongues 9 of the application member 8, which can lead to a spreading of the at least three applicator tongues 9 and the at least three applicator tongues 9, so that the background of the target area can be adapted in shape, providing a soft hand.

The first face 6a and the opposite second face 6b of the application member 8 may also have different surface properties, in particular application properties.

Referring to fig. 10-16, variations of the applicator head 10 are depicted, wherein the differences between the various variations are discussed.

Fig. 10-12 show an applicator head with an applicator member 18 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The application member 18 differs from the application member 8 of the first embodiment in that it comprises at least four parallel cuts 21 on the right side edge 16d of the application member 18, instead of being present on the left side edge 16 c. Further, unlike the application member 8 of the first embodiment, in this embodiment, at least four parallel cuts 11 are uniformly present over the entire length of the left side edge 6c of the application member 8, and at least four parallel cuts 21 are present only over less than half the length of the right side edge 16d of the application member 18. Further, the left side edge 16c of the application member 18 is substantially linear, and the right side edge 16d is concavely curved at the proximal end portion 16a thereof and then convexly curved at the distal end portion 16b thereof. Further, at least four parallel slits 21 of the application member 18 are present on the convexly curved distal end portion 16b of the right side edge 16 d.

Fig. 13-16 show an applicator head according to a third embodiment of the invention comprising an applicator member 28. It comprises at least four parallel cuts 31, respectively on the right 26d and left 26c side edges of the application member 28, instead of only on one side edge of the application member. The application member 28 has at least four parallel cuts 31 on each side of the central longitudinal axis S of the application member 28. In the embodiment shown, the at least four parallel cuts 31 on the right side 26d and the at least four parallel cuts 31 on the left side 26c have mirror symmetry with respect to the central longitudinal axis S of the application member 28, in particular in terms of position, shape and size. At least three applicator tabs 29 on right side 26d have mirror symmetry with at least three applicator tabs 29 on left side 26c with respect to central longitudinal axis S of application member 28.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least four parallel cuts 31 on the left side edge 26c may not be mirror symmetric with the at least four parallel cuts 31 on the right side edge 26d of the application member 28.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least three applicator tabs 29 on left side 26c may not be mirror images of the at least three applicator tabs 29 on right side 26d of application member 28.

Fig. 18-20 show an application member 38 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure having at least one orifice 37 designed for dispensing a cosmetic product, and wherein the applicator head 10 comprises a convex application member 38, the convex application member 38 being configured to be mounted on the cosmetic applicator 1, the applicator head 10 comprising, as shown in fig. 18, an internal product delivery channel 39 terminating in the orifice 37 on the application face of the application member 38. At least one orifice 37 is located on an axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10 for dispensing the product, wherein the orifice 37 is off-center with respect to the central longitudinal axis X and is located towards the distal end 13 of the applicator head 10.

Furthermore, as shown in fig. 4, the applicator face and the applicator member 38 form a non-zero angle α with the central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10. This design facilitates application of the product to the skin of the user. In various implementations, the angle α may be 20 ° -75 °, although in further implementations, the angle α may be 5 ° to 90 °.

Fig. 17 also shows the configuration of the applicator head 10. The applicator head 10 includes a handle member 7 that connects the application member 38 to the cosmetic applicator 1. The handle member 7 of the applicator head 10 may be secured to the cosmetic applicator 1 by, for example, press-fit, snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engaged by one or more engagement features. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle member 7 of the applicator head 10 is secured in the reservoir 1 using fittings known in the art, such as a snap connection, a screw connection, or any other suitable connection between the outer surface of the handle member 7 and the inner surface of the cosmetic applicator 1.

Referring to fig. 19, the applicator head 10 is aligned on the reservoir such that the height of the distal end 13 of the application member 38 is positioned equal to or greater than the height of the proximal end 12 of the application member 38 in order to perfectly align the application face with the user's skin. The proximal end 12 is convex and the distal end 13 is tapered to provide a greater surface area for application and mixing of the product, and to provide a narrower surface area toward the distal end 13 for application of the product in areas such as the corners of the lips and eyes.

Further, the application face of the application member 38 is defined by two side edges, i.e., a left side edge 36c and a right side edge 36 b. According to one aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the two sides has a greater curvature than the other side and is discontinuous due to the cut 41 therein. More specifically, the left side edge 36c of the application member 38 has a greater curvature than the right side edge 36d of the application member 38. Further, the application member 38 has cutouts 41 on both the left side edge 36c and the right side edge 36 d. Preferably, the left side 36c has a greater number of notches 41 than the right side 36d for homogenous product mixing. The cut-out 41 is located at least on the portion close to the distal end 13 of the application member 38 and is in close proximity to the orifice 37 in order to distribute the dispensed product evenly over the entire length of the application member 38. The notches 41 are located on the side edges 36c, 36d to provide a sensory effect during use of the product.

As shown in fig. 18, the application member 38 has at least four parallel cutouts 41 on the left side edge 36c and at least two parallel cutouts 41 on the right side edge 36 d. At least three applicator tabs 39 are formed on the left side edge 36c of the application member 38, and at least two applicator tabs 39 are formed on the right side edge 36d of the application member 38 (relative to the central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10).

In alternative embodiments, the number of parallel cuts 41 on the left side 36c and the right side 36d may be equal or interchangeable, based on the angle of displacement of the applicator head 10 relative to the central longitudinal axis X.

In some embodiments, one of the left and right sides has at least four parallel cuts, and the other of the left and right sides does not include cuts or cuts that may or may not be parallel to each other.

In general, the other variants and configurations of the application members 8, 18, 28, 38 already mentioned herein may have rectilinear, biconvex, hemi-convex, hemi-concave, biconcave and concavo-convex sides or any other possible shape.

All variants and configurations of the application member 8, 18, 28, 38 can be manufactured with substantially the same manufacturing process. The proposed application member 8, 18, 28, 38 can be produced in a simple manner, for example in an injection molding process. The introduction of the incisions 11, 21, 31, 41 after the preparation of the application members 8, 18, 28, 38 using the cutting elements or cutting tools can be carried out relatively easily and with a small amount of manufacturing effort.

Optionally, the manufacturing process may further comprise a flocking step, provided that the application member 8, 18, 28, 38 is at least partially flocked with a flocking material. Flocking is preferably performed before the incisions 11, 21, 31, 41 are formed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least part and preferably all of the applicator head 10 can be prepared by molding (e.g. by injection molding), for example in a material selected from the following list: a thermoplastic material; an elastomer; a thermoplastic elastomer; thermoplastic elastomeric polyesters, such as polyester resins, for example; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber; ethylene propylene diene monomer; styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate; polypropylene (PP); this list is not limited.

In various embodiments (not shown), the tip of the spreading member may be pointed, rounded, or have any other shape.

According to an aspect of the invention, the application member 8, 18, 28 is in the form of a spatula, however, in an alternative embodiment, the application member 8, 18, 28 may not be a spatula, but comprise a thin area comprising a cut-out.

According to an aspect of the invention, the at least three parallel applicator tabs or the at least four parallel tabs are located on a limited area of the application member, and wherein the limited area corresponds at most to 60% of the total area of the application member.

In the first embodiment, the wiper 206 is used not only to wipe off the surplus cosmetic attached to the application member 8 but also to wipe off the cosmetic attached to the rod 20.

According to the first embodiment, the storage container 200 and the lid 30 may be made of a rigid material, such as glass, metal, hard plastic, or any other material known in the art. However, in alternative embodiments, the storage container 200 and lid 30 may be made of a flexible material, such as a flexible polymeric material or any other material known in the art.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the rod 20 presents a circular cross section, but this does not go beyond the scope of the invention, in particular when the cross section of the rod 20 is oval, elliptical or polygonal (for example square, triangular or rectangular). The rod 20 may be solid or hollow.

When the rod 20 is not circular in cross-section, the lid 30 may be snapped or otherwise secured to the storage container 200 without rotation relative to the storage container 200. Thus, wiper 206 may present a non-circular wiper aperture 215 complementary to the cross-section of stem 20.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head 10 may be made at least in part of a material that is softer than the material from which the stem 20 is made.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the applicator head 10 and the stem 20 are assembled together by snap-fitting means. However, in alternative embodiments, the applicator head 10 and the stem 20 may be assembled together by friction fit, gluing, crimping, magnetic engagement, or the like.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the rod 20 may have a straight longitudinal axis as shown in the figures. However, in alternative embodiments, it may be curved.

The above description is only for the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention, and any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

1. Cosmetic applicator, characterized in that it comprises:

an applicator head comprising an applicator member and a handle member;

the applicator member is defined by a distal portion of the applicator head, and the handle member is defined by a proximal portion of the applicator head;

the applicator member includes proximal and distal ends, and at least one major face;

at least one main face of the application member is defined by at least two opposite side edges;

the width of the smearing member is greater than the thickness of the smearing member;

the application member further comprises at least four parallel cuts;

at least four parallel cuts extend from at least one of the at least two opposing sides in a direction toward the central longitudinal axis of the application member;

at least four parallel cuts form at least three parallel applicator tabs on at least one main face of the application member, such that each of the at least three parallel applicator tabs comprises a free end extending from a central longitudinal axis of the application member;

the width of at least three parallel applicator tabs is the same.

2. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic applicator comprises a stem and a cap; the applicator head is held at the distal end of the stem, the cap is held at the proximal end of the stem, and the application member is elongated along the central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator and is planar.

3. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least two opposing major faces include a first face and a second face; wherein the two opposing sides comprise a left side and a right side, and wherein the first face and the second face of the application member are bounded by the left side and the right side of the application member, at least a portion of at least one of the left side and the right side being convexly curved along the longitudinal axis of the application member, or at least a portion of at least one of the left side and the right side being substantially linear.

4. The cosmetic applicator of claim 3, wherein at least four parallel cuts extend from one of the left and right sides in a direction toward the central longitudinal axis of the application member such that the at least four parallel cuts extend without intersecting the central longitudinal axis.

5. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least four parallel cuts are at a non-zero angle selected from a range between 5 ° and 85 ° from the central longitudinal axis of the application member, the at least four parallel cuts have a depth in a range of 1mm to 3mm, at least one of the at least four parallel cuts has a depth different from the depth of the remainder of the at least four parallel cuts, and the at least four parallel cuts have equal widths; wherein each of the at least four parallel cuts has a constant width; wherein the width of at least four parallel cuts may be selected from the range of 0.1mm-3 mm.

6. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the width of each of the at least three parallel applicator tabs is at least two times greater than the width of each of the at least four parallel cut-out openings.

7. Cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least four parallel applicator tongues are located on a limited area of the application member, and wherein the limited area corresponds at most to 60% of the total area of the application member.

8. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the application member is at least partially flocked.

9. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator head includes an internal product delivery passage extending from the proximal end of the applicator head to at least one major face of the applicator member and terminating in an orifice in the at least one major face, at least four parallel cuts being located at least in a portion near the distal end of the applicator member and near the orifice, the applicator head being mounted on the neck of the cosmetic applicator, the applicator member of the applicator head having an elongated curvilinear shape, and the applicator member forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the stem member of the applicator head.

10. Cosmetic applicator, characterized in that it comprises:

an applicator head comprising an applicator member and a handle member;

wherein the applicator member is defined by a distal portion of the applicator head and the handle member is defined by a proximal portion of the applicator head;

wherein the application member comprises at least two main faces;

wherein at least two main faces of the application member are defined by at least two opposite side edges;

wherein the application member further comprises at least four parallel cuts;

wherein at least four parallel cuts extend from at least one of the at least two opposing sides in a direction towards the central longitudinal axis of the application member and at least one parallel cut extends from the other of the at least two opposing sides in a direction towards the central longitudinal axis of the application member;

wherein at least four parallel cuts make a non-zero angle with the central longitudinal axis of the spreading member;

wherein the non-zero angle is an angle other than an orthogonal angle;

wherein at least four parallel cuts form at least three parallel applicator tabs on the application member such that each of the at least three parallel applicator tabs comprises a free end extending from a central longitudinal axis of the application member.

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