EP2172125A1

EP2172125A1 - Rotating cosmetic applicator

Info

Publication number: EP2172125A1
Application number: EP08356132A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Patrick Lhoyer; Eric Kerman
Original assignee: Alcan Packaging Beauty Services SAS
Current assignee: Albea Services SAS
Priority date: 2008-10-03
Filing date: 2008-10-03
Publication date: 2010-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-03
Also published as: ATE509544T1; EP2172125B1

Abstract

An applicator (14) for a cosmetic product is disclosed, the applicator comprising a housing (16) defining a handle, a motor (22) accommodated within the housing, the motor including a rotatable shaft (24), and an elongate, rotatable stem (26) extending from the housing, the stem (26) defining an axis about which it can rotate, a distal end (28) to which an applicator element can be fitted, and a proximal end (32). The applicator further comprises a torque limiter (34) for coupling the proximal end of the stem to the rotatable shaft of the motor, the torque limiter being arranged to disengage the stem tram the motor in the event that the stem becomes mechanically overloaded. An elongate guide (38) is also provided for rotatably accommodating the elongate stem and ensuring that the stem rotates about its axis. The applicator element is typically a mascara brush, with the cosmetic product comprising mascara.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an electric rotating applicator for a cosmetic product, such as mascara.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In certain prior art rotating mascara applicators, a stem is rotated by a shaft fixedly coupled to the stem, the shaft in turn extending from a motor. Typically, the shaft extends into the stem, with the greater the length of the shaft with respect to the length of the stem, the better the control over the stem's rotation. For example, the length of the motor's shaft may be at least 2.5 times its diameter in order to provide the necessary force to rotate the stem around its axis. Without sufficient control over the stem's rotation, the stem may follow an orbital trajectory as it rotates around its axis, that is, the stem's path will follow a circle with respect to its axis. Such an orbital motion is undesirable as the applicator is brought in proximity to the eyes.
Consequently, in such prior art mascara applicators, the shaft length effectively serves as a guiding means so as to ensure that the stem is constrained to rotate about its axis, as opposed to also orbiting around its axis as it rotates.
Unfortunately, with the system such as the one described above, the torque between the motor's shaft and the stem is not limited in any way. Thus, it may happen that during use, the stem of the applicator becomes stuck so as to prevent it from turning normally. In such cases, as there is no disengaging mechanism between the stem and the motor's shaft, the motor may be damaged by the resultant mechanical overload.
To address the problem in the preceding paragraph regarding mechanical overload, some prior art rotating mascara applicators provide an overload clutch arrangement. A typical overload clutch arrangement comprises a relatively shorter central shaft extending from the motor, which engages the stem through a torque limiter. The torque limiter is designed to provide enough friction to turn the stem when the system is activated and in normal use, but to disengage from the stem when the stem of the applicator becomes mechanically overloaded (for example, when the stem of the applicator becomes stuck when in use). However, such prior art applicators do not provide enough surface contact between the motor's shaft and the stem during rotation to ensure axial rotation of the stem while preventing orbital motion around the axis.
Furthermore, it may be desired that the applicator turn while the applicator package is in its closed position. Specifically in the case of mascara, it is known in the literature, and described for example in US Patent App. 2006/0032512 , that mascara compositions can exhibit thinning or thickening behaviour if shearing means are provided. In such cases, it may be desirable to alter the viscosity of the mascara composition by rotating the applicator while the applicator package is closed. In prior art rotating mascara applicators, the proximal end of the stem comes into tight contact with the container when closed to provide effective sealing. Such rotating mascara applicators do not allow for actuating the mascara applicator in a closed package position.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a rotating mascara applicator that can address the disadvantages of the prior art rotating mascara applicators described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an applicator for a cosmetic product, the applicator comprising:

a housing defining a handle;
a motor accommodated within the housing, the motor including a rotatable shaft;
an elongate, rotatable stem extending from the housing, the stem defining an axis about which it can rotate, a distal end to which an applicator element can be fitted, and a proximal end;
a torque limiter for coupling the proximal end of the stem to the rotatable shaft of the motor, the torque limiter being arranged to disengage the stem from the motor in the event that the stem becomes mechanically overloaded; and
an elongate guide for rotatably accommodating the elongate stem and ensuring that the stem rotates about its axis.

In an example embodiment, the proximal end of the stem defines a cylindrical base that fits over the motor's rotatable shaft, with the torque limiter comprising a cylindrical coupler that gets sandwiched between the motor's rotatable shaft and the stem's cylindrical base.
In an example embodiment, the housing comprises an elongate, cylindrical housing having a first end through which the elongate guide and stem extend.
In an example embodiment, the elongate guide comprises a base portion that is secured within the first end of the housing.
In an example embodiment, the elongate guide terminates in a gripping formation that engages a complementary recess defined in the stem to maintain the stem in place as the stem rotates relative to the guide.
In an example embodiment, the elongate guide comprises a cylindrical sleeve.
In an example embodiment, the applicator comprises a control arrangement for controlling the rotation of the motor's shaft, and thus rotation of the stem, the control arrangement comprising:

an actuator;
a control circuit connected to the actuator; and
a power source for powering the control circuit and driving the motor.

In an example embodiment, the actuator comprises a three-position switch.
In an example embodiment, a first position of the three-position switch functions to actuate a counter-clockwise rotation of the stem.
In an example embodiment, a second position of the three-position switch functions to stop the rotation of the stem.
In an example embodiment, a third position of the three-position switch functions to actuate a clockwise rotation of the stem.
In an example embodiment, the housing can be releasably secured to a container for storing the cosmetic product so that the elongate stem extends into the container for receiving cosmetic product.
In an example embodiment, the container includes a wiper element proximate an opening of the container, the wiper element being arranged to slidingly accommodate the elongate guide so as to scrape excess cosmetic product from the applicator element when the applicator is removed from the container.
In an example embodiment, the applicator comprises a safety arrangement to prevent rotation of the stem when the housing and the container are secured together.
In an example embodiment, the applicator element is a mascara brush and the cosmetic product is mascara.
In an example embodiment, the applicator element is an overmolded brush comprising a core surrounded by a plastic applicator head.
Alternatively, the stem and the applicator element can be molded as a unitary component.
As a further alternative, the applicator element is a flocked applicator.
As yet another example embodiment, the applicator element is a twisted wire brush.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an applicator package for a cosmetic product, the applicator package comprising:

a container for storing the cosmetic product; and
an applicator that can be releasably secured to the container, the applicator comprising:
- a housing defining a handle;
- a motor accommodated within the housing, the motor including a rotatable shaft;
- an elongate, rotatable stem extending from the housing, the stem defining an axis about which it can rotate, a distal end to which an applicator element can be fitted, and a proximal end, the stem extending into the container when the applicator is secured to the container;
- a torque limiter for coupling the proximal end of the stem to the rotatable shaft of the motor, the torque limiter being arranged to disengage the stem from the motor in the event that the stem becomes mechanically overloaded; and
- an elongate guide for rotatably accommodating the elongate stem and ensuring that the stem rotates about its axis.

In an example embodiment, the proximal end of the stem defines a cylindrical base that fits over the motor's rotatable shaft, with the torque limiter comprising a cylindrical coupler that gets sandwiched between the motor's rotatable shaft and the stem's cylindrical base.
In an example embodiment, the housing comprises an elongate, cylindrical housing having a first end through which the elongate guide and stem extend.
In an example embodiment, the elongate guide comprises a base portion that is secured within the first end of the housing.
In an example embodiment, the elongate guide terminates in a gripping formation that engages a complementary recess defined in the stem to maintain the stem in place as the stem rotates relative to the guide.
In an example embodiment, the elongate guide comprises a cylindrical sleeve.
In an example embodiment, the applicator comprises a control arrangement for controlling the rotation of the motor's shaft, the control arrangement comprising:

In an example embodiment, the container includes a wiper element proximate an opening of the container, the wiper element being arranged to slidingly accommodate the elongate guide so as to scrape excess cosmetic product from the applicator element when the applicator is removed from the container.
In an example embodiment, the applicator element is a mascara brush and the cosmetic product is mascara.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1: shows a top view of an applicator package for a cosmetic product, the applicator package comprising a container for storing the cosmetic product and an applicator that can be releasably secured to the container;
Figure 2: shows a top view of the applicator package shown in Figure 1, but with the container and applicator being shown separated from each other;
Figures 3 and 4: show cross-sectional side views of the container and applicator, respectively;
Figure 5: shows a detailed cross-sectional perspective view of a housing of the applicator;
Figure 6: shows a detailed cross-sectional perspective view of a distal end of the applicator, comprising an applicator element fitted to an elongate stem;
Figure 7: shows a detailed cross-sectional top view of the applicator's housing;
Figure 8: shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the applicator's housing taken along line 8-8 shown in Figure 4;
Figure 9: shows a perspective view of a battery end of the applicator's housing; and
Figure 10: shows a semi-exploded view of the applicator package, in which a battery and battery cap are shown, after being removed from the applicator's housing.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, an applicator package 10 for a cosmetic product is shown, the applicator package 10 comprising a container 12 for storing the cosmetic product and an applicator 14 that can be releasably secured to the container 12. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, in a closed configuration, the applicator 14 is secured to the container 12, and in the opened configuration shown in Figure 2, the applicator 14 is removed from the container 12 and ready for use.
Referring specifically to Figures 4 to 6, the applicator 14 comprises an elongate, cylindrical housing 16 that defines a handle for a user to grasp. The housing 16 has a first end 18 and a battery end 20, both of which will be described in more detail further on in the specification. A motor 22 is accommodated within the housing 16, the motor 22 including a rotatable shaft 24.
The applicator 14 further comprises an elongate, rotatable stem 26 extending from the housing 16, out of the first end 18 of the housing 16. The stem 26 defines an axis about which it can rotate, a distal end 28 to which an applicator element 30 can be fitted, and a proximal end 32. When the applicator 14 is secured to the container 12, as shown in Figure 1, the stem 26, and thus the applicator element 30, extends into the container for receiving cosmetic product.
A torque limiter 34 is provided for frictionally coupling the proximal end 32 of the stem 26 to the rotatable shaft 24 of the motor 22. The torque limiter 34 is arranged to disengage the stem 26 from the motor 22, and in particular, the motor's shaft 24, in the event that the stem 26 becomes mechanically overloaded. In an example embodiment, the proximal end 32 of the stem 26 defines a cylindrical base 36 that fits over the motor's rotatable shaft 24, with the torque limiter 34 comprising a cylindrical coupler that gets sandwiched between the motor's rotatable shaft 24 and the stem's cylindrical base 36.
The applicator 14 further comprises an elongate guide 38 for accommodating the elongate stem 26 to ensure axial rotation of the stem 26 so as to constrain the stem 26 to only rotate about its axis and not describe an orbital motion around its axis. In an example embodiment, as best shown in Figure 4, the elongate guide 38 extends along the length of the stem 26 but stops short of the applicator element 30. In an example embodiment, the elongate guide 38 comprises a cylindrical sleeve that snugly surrounds the stem 26, so as to further ensure that the stem 26 rotates about its axis.
The elongate guide 38 typically comprises a cylindrical base portion 40 from which it extends, the base portion 40 being secured within the first end 18 of the housing 16. As is clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base portion 40 of the elongate guide 38 abuts against the cylindrical base 36 of the stem 26.
As best shown in Figures 4 and 6, the elongate guide 38 terminates in a gripping formation 42 that engages a complementary recess 44 defined in the stem 26. This arrangement ensures that the stem 26 is maintained in place as it rotates relative to the guide 38.
To secure the applicator 14 to the container 12, as shown in Figure 1, with reference now to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the container 12 comprises an external threaded portion 46 that can engage an internally threaded portion 47 provided on the elongate guide's base portion 40.
In an example embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the container 12 includes a wiper element 48 proximate an opening 50 of the container 12, the wiper element 48 being arranged to slidingly accommodate the elongate guide 38 so as to scrape excess cosmetic product from the applicator element 30 when the applicator 14 is removed from the container 12.
The applicator element 30 is typically a mascara brush and the cosmetic product is mascara. The applicator element 30 illustrated in Figure 6 is an overmolded brush comprising a metal core surrounded by a plastic applicator head. A number of alternative applicator elements may be used. For example, the stem and the applicator element can be injection molded as a unitary component. As a further alternative, the applicator element is a flocked applicator. As yet another example embodiment, the applicator element is a twisted wire brush.
Turning now to Figures 4, 5, 7 to 10, the applicator 14 comprises a control arrangement for controlling the rotation of the motor's shaft 24, the control arrangement comprising an actuator 52 located on the outside of the housing 16, a control circuit 54 connected and responsive to the actuator 52, and a power source 56 (e.g. a DC battery) for powering the control circuit 54 and driving the motor 22. The electrical contacts from the battery 56 to the control circuit 54 and motor 22 are clearly shown in Figure 7. The battery 56 is kept in position within the housing 16 by means of a spring loaded battery cap 57.
In an example embodiment, and as best shown in Figure 8, the actuator 52 comprises a three-position switch. In a first position, in which contact 58 on one side of the actuator 52 is depressed, the motor's shaft 24 and thus the stem 26 rotates clockwise. In a second, neutral position, the applicator 14 is in an OFF position. Finally, in a third position, in which contact 60 on the other side of the actuator 52 is depressed, the motor's shaft 24 and thus the stem 26 rotates counter-clockwise.
In an example embodiment, the applicator 14 may comprise a safety arrangement (not shown) to prevent rotation of the stem 26 when the housing 16 and the container 12 are secured together. This safety arrangement is typically located between the applicator 14 and the container 12, so as to prevent the accidental activation of the applicator 14 when the applicator package 10 is in its closed position shown in Figure 1.
Alternatively, it may be desired that the applicator 14 turn while the applicator package is in its closed position shown in Figure 1. The applicator 14 of the present invention may be turned while the applicator package 10 is closed since the stem 26 does not come into contact with the container 12 as it rotates. Indeed, in the present invention, the base portion 40 of the elongate guide 38 surrounding the stem 26 is fixed with respect to the container 12 when the stem 26 rotates. The viscosity of the mascara composition can therefore be advantageously altered to provide an improved consistency at the time of application.
The present invention thus provides a dual purpose of providing guiding means to ensure axial rotation of the applicator stem and prevent orbital rotation, and also providing torque limiting means in case of mechanical overload.

Claims

An applicator (14) for a cosmetic product, the applicator comprising:
a housing (16) defining a handle;

a motor (22) accommodated within the housing, the motor including a rotatable shaft (24);

an elongate, rotatable stem (26) extending from the housing, the stem defining an axis about which it can rotate, a distal end (28) to which an applicator element (30) can be fitted, and a proximal end (32);
characterized in that the applicator further comprises :
a torque limiter (34) for coupling the proximal end of the stem to the rotatable shaft of the motor, the torque limiter being arranged to disengage the stem from the motor in the event that the stem becomes mechanically overloaded; and

an elongate guide (38) for rotatably accommodating the elongate stem and ensuring that the stem rotates about its axis.
The applicator of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the stem defines a cylindrical base (36) that fits over the motor's rotatable shaft, with the torque limiter comprising a cylindrical coupler that is sandwiched between the motor's rotatable shaft and the stem's cylindrical base.
The applicator of anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises an elongate, cylindrical housing having a first end (18) through which the elongate guide and stem extend.
The applicator of claim 3, wherein the elongate guide comprises a base portion (40) that is secured within the first end of the housing.
The applicator of anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate guide terminates in a gripping formation (42) that engages a complementary recess defined in the stem to maintain the stem in place as the stem rotates relative to the guide.
The applicator of claim 5, wherein the elongate guide comprises a cylindrical sleeve.
The applicator of anyone of the preceding claims, which comprises a control arrangement for controlling the rotation of the motor's shaft, and thus rotation of the stem, the control arrangement comprising:
an actuator (52);

a control circuit (54) connected to the actuator; and

a power source (56) for powering the control circuit and driving the motor.
The applicator of claim 7, wherein the actuator comprises a three-position switch.
The applicator of claim 8, wherein a first position of the three-position switch functions to actuate a counter-clockwise rotation of the stem.
The applicator of anyone of claims 8 and 9, wherein a second position of the three-position switch functions to stop the rotation of the stem.
The applicator of anyone of claims 8 to 10, wherein a third position of the three-position switch functions to actuate a clockwise rotation of the stem.
The applicator of anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator element is a mascara brush and the cosmetic product is mascara.
An applicator package (10) for a cosmetic product, the applicator package comprising:
a container (12) for storing the cosmetic product; and

an applicator (14) that can be releasably secured to the container,
characterized in that the applicator is the applicator according to anyone of claims 1 to 12 and wherein the stem extends into the container when the applicator is secured to the container.
The applicator package of claim 13, wherein the container includes a wiper element (48) proximate an opening (50) of the container, the wiper element being arranged to slidingly accommodate the elongate guide so as to scrape excess cosmetic product from the applicator element when the applicator is removed from the container.
The applicator package of anyone of claims 13 and 14, which comprises a safety arrangement to prevent rotation of the stem when the housing and the container are secured together.