Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
  • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
  • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
  • A45D40/26—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball
  • A45D40/262—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like
  • A45D40/265—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container
  • A45D40/267—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container comprising a wiper
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
  • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
  • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
  • A45D40/26—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball
  • A45D40/262—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
  • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
  • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
  • A45D40/26—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball
  • A45D40/262—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like
  • A45D40/265—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B13/00—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers
  • A46B13/08—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers hand-driven
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
  • A46B3/18—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier the bristles being fixed on or between belts or wires
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
  • A46B7/02—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body in an expanding or articulating manner
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
  • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
  • A46B9/021—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups arranged like in cosmetics brushes, e.g. mascara, nail polish, eye shadow
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
  • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
  • A45D2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45D
  • A45D2200/10—Details of applicators
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
  • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
  • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
  • A45D40/26—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball
  • A45D40/262—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like
  • A45D40/264—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like movable within the container
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
  • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
  • A46B2200/1046—Brush used for applying cosmetics
  • A46B2200/1053—Cosmetics applicator specifically for mascara
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
  • A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
  • A46B5/0025—Brushes with elastically deformable heads that change shape during use
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
  • A46B7/02—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body in an expanding or articulating manner
  • A46B7/023—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body in an expanding or articulating manner where the bristle carrier retracts or collapses, i.e. for storage

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates generally to a fluid applicator with an adjustable tip and in certain example aspects, to a cosmetic applicator (e.g., a mascara applicator) with an adjustable brush (e.g., having at least two hinges).
• a cosmetic applicator e.g., a mascara applicator
• an adjustable brush e.g., having at least two hinges.
• Some fluid applicators typically include a handle attached to a rod having a brush at an end thereof.
• the rod and brush are stored in a reservoir filled with cosmetic.
• the handle is often screwed onto the reservoir and functions as a cap when the mascara applicator is not in use.
• the cap is unscrewed from the reservoir and the applicator removed through a wiper which removes excess fluid from the applicator brush.
• Cosmetic formulations for example, mascara formulations
• the applicator brush is similarly designed to apply an even film of mascara on the eyelashes and to separate the eyelashes to achieve a particular appearance.
• the applicator brush is particularly helpful when applying a mascara formulation that may have thickened and/or agglomerated. When such mascara is applied to the eyelashes it may cause the eyelashes to stick together and/or may leave clumps of mascara in the eyelashes. The applicator brush can remove such clumps and separate the eyelashes.
• the present disclosure is directed to a fluid applicator comprising, for example, a cosmetic applicator having an adjustable angle such as a mascara applicator with an adjustable application angle.
• the disclosure is directed to a fluid applicator having a moving mechanism, for example, a slider mechanism, and a flexible shaft having a stationary member, a movable member and a brush member, the brush member attached between the stationary member and the movable member via at least two pivots, the movable member further attached to the moving mechanism.
• the slider mechanism can include a coupler having a slider housing; a slider arranged to slide within the slider housing; and an actuator attached to the slider. An end of the movable member can be attached to the slider.
• the flexible shaft can comprise a material such as nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, aluminum, stainless steel and combinations thereof.
• the fluid applicator can further include a housing for the moving mechanism, wherein the housing and the moving mechanism together form a handle of fluid applicator.
• An end of the brush member can be attached to the stationary member via one of the pivots and wherein another end of the brush member is attached to the movable member via another one of the pivots.
• the flexible shaft can be arranged to simultaneously rotate about the at least two pivots.
• the disclosure is directed to a fluid applicator system, having an adjustable fluid applicator, having a slider mechanism; a flexible shaft comprising a stationary member, a movable member and a flexible brush member, the flexible brush member attached between the stationary and movable members via at least two pivots, the movable member further attached to the slider mechanism; and a reservoir arranged to receive the adjustable fluid applicator.
• the slider mechanism can comprise: a coupler comprising an outer housing; a slider arranged to slide within the outer housing; and an actuator attached to the slider. An end of the movable member can be attached to the slider.
• the flexible shaft can comprise a material selected from a group consisting of nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, aluminum, stainless steel and combinations thereof.
• the fluid applicator can further comprise a housing for the slider mechanism, wherein the housing and the slider mechanism together form a handle of fluid applicator.
• An end of the brush member can be attached to the stationary member via a first pivot and wherein an other end of the brush member is attached to the movable member via a second pivot.
• the reservoir can comprise a fluid such as a mascara, hair gel, hair dye, beard product or a moustache product.
• FIG. 1A is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid applicator system according to the disclosure.
• FTG. IB is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid applicator system according to the disclosure.
• FIG. 1C is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid applicator according to the disclosure.
• FIG. ID is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid applicator according to the disclosure.
• FIG. IE is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid applicator according to the disclosure.
• FIG. IF is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid applicator according to the disclosure.
• FIG. 1G is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid applicator according to the disclosure.
• FIG. 1H is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid applicator according to the disclosure.
• FIG. II is an exploded view showing various example aspects of a fluid applicator system according to the disclosure.
• Example aspects of the present disclosure are described herein in the context of fluid applicators and associated systems. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the following description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects will readily suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the example aspects of the disclosure as illustrated in the drawings. The same reference indicators will be used to the extent possible throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like items. [0020] Various example aspects of a fluid applicator according to the disclosure are shown in FIGs 1A-1H. As shown in FIG.
• a fluid applicator system can include an applicator 101 having a flexible shaft 102 and a moving mechanism such as a slider mechanism 103.
• the flexible shaft 102 can include three sections, a stationary member 105, a brush member 110 and a movable member 115.
• the stationary member 105 and the movable member 115 can both be flexible.
• the stationary member 105 is attached to one end of the brush member 110 via a pivot 120 and to the other end of the brush member 110 via a second pivot 121 ; thus, the brush member 110 can simultaneously rotate about at least two pivots 120, 121.
• the flexible shaft 102 can be constructed from a flexible material such as stainless steel, aluminum and/or a plastic including, but not limited to polypropylene, polyethylene and combinations thereof.
• the pivot 120 can be formed by inserting, molding, cutting, bending or otherwise creating a pivot or hinge (e.g., a living hinge or a mechanical hinge) in the flexible material so that the flexible shaft 102 can predictably bend at the pivot 120 between the stationary member 105 and the brush member 110 as particularly shown in FIGs 1C-1I.
• pivot 121 can be formed in the same manner between the other end of the brush member 110 and the movable member 115 as shown in FIGs 1C-1I so that the flexible shaft 102 can also predictably bend at the pivot 121. While a slider mechanism 103 for adjusting the movable member 115 is shown, other mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art for adjusting the movable member 115 are also contemplated.
• the brush member 110 can include bristles formed from a material including, but not limited to metal, polypropylene, polyethylene, thermopolymer elastomer (TPE), and/or thermoplastic copolyester (TPEE) and combinations thereof.
• the brush member 110 can be molded or can also be a traditional wire brush. Such bristles can be used for combing hair and for applying a fluid to hair, for example, for applying a mascara to eyelashes.
• the angle of brush member 110 is adjustable to enable a user to apply fluid (e.g., to eyelashes) from brush member 110 at a desired angle. Additionally, when the brush member 110 is engaged as shown in FIGs 1F-1H, the user can apply the fluid to, for example, eyelashes, without covering the eye during the application. This feature is also advantageous to make-up artists, making it easier to apply, for example, mascara to a client's eyelashes.
• the stationary member 105 can optionally include a brush member 125.
• a second brush member 125 could similarly be positioned on movable member 115 (not shown).
• brush member 125 can have a different design than brush member 110.
• brush member 125 can have shorter bristles than the brush member 110 and the bristles of brush member 125 can be slightly longer in the center than at the ends.
• brush member 110 can be a standard twisted wire brush well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
• Brush member 125 provides the user with the option of multiple application techniques as well as the ability to comb or smooth fluid applied and/or to aid in getting fluid into or onto hard to reach areas (e.g., eyelashes).
• the applicator 101 can further include a slider mechanism 103.
• the slider mechanism 103 can include a slider housing 130 in which a slider 135 can be inserted and movable within the slider housing 130.
• the slider 135 can slide on the outside of the housing 130 (not shown).
• the slider 135 can be attached to an actuator 140 which can be accessible to and movable by a user of the applicator 101.
• the slider mechanism 103 is positioned within a housing 145 such that the actuator 140 is on an external surface of the housing 145 and accessible by a user.
• the slider housing 130 can include a coupler 150, which attaches the slider mechanism 103 to the flexible shaft 102. As shown in FIG.
• each of the stationary member 105 and the movable member 115 have a latch 106 and 116, respectively, at an end thereof.
• the latch 116 of the movable member attaches to the slider 135 and the latch of the stationary member 105 attaches to the coupler 150.
• the stationary end of the stationary member 105 having latch 106 can remain fixed during use, while the movable end of the movable member 115 having latch 116 can move in response to the sliding mechanism 103, for example, in response to the actuator 140.
• the system in addition to the applicator 101, can further include a reservoir 155 in which a wiper 160 can be inserted.
• the reservoir 155 can receive and store the applicator 102 and at least a portion of the coupler 150 as shown in FIGs 1A, IB and II.
• the reservoir 155 can also include and store a fluid, for example, a cosmetic for applying to hair including, but not limited to mascara, hair color, eyebrow powder among other types of cosmetics.
• a method of using an applicator 101 and applicator system can include removing the applicator 101 from the reservoir 155 by gripping the handle comprised of the housing 145 and the sliding mechanism 103.
• the housing 145 and/or sliding mechanism 103 can be attached to the reservoir 155 by a thread and screw mechanism (e.g., as shown at the top of reservoir 155) although a threadless mechanism or any other forms of attachment known to those of ordinary skill in the art can also be used.
• the applicator 101 is stored with the sliding mechanism 103 in a closed position, that is, the actuator 140 is at a top end of the housing 145 and the brushes 110, 125 are adjacent and parallel to each other as shown in FIG.
• Brushes 110, 125 can be the same or different.
• brush 110 can be molded or designed to have longer bristles for longer strands of hair (e.g., upper eyelashes, head hair, hair roots, long beards and moustaches, etc.) while brush 125 can have shorter bristles for shorter strands of hair (e.g., bottom lashes, eyebrows, short beards and moustaches, etc.).
• the brush member 110 can curve in the shape of the eyelashes (or other hair) to provide a more even application of fluid.
• a user can control the angle of the brush member 110 using the actuator 140 such that the user can apply fluid at any desired angle of the brush member 110 from the applicator 101 being closed, across a spectrum of partially open, to fully open positions.
• the applicator 101 will include a locking mechanism (not shown) to lock the actuator 140 and/or sliding mechanism 103 in the fully open position and to unlock the actuator 140 from the open position.
• the adjustable applicator 101 enables users to apply fluid to eyelashes without blocking the opposite eye and provides a more accurate application.
• the adjustable applicator 101 also allows a user to steady his or her hand on, for example, his or her face which provides more control during application. Additionally, the adjustable applicator 101 is helpful to make-up artists when applying, for example, mascara to a client's eyelashes.

Landscapes

• Brushes (AREA)
• Coating Apparatus (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=58387317

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (5)

Family Cites Families (11)

• 2016
  • 2016-09-23 EP EP16849657.8A patent/EP3352623A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2016-09-23 US US15/760,329 patent/US20180255908A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2016-09-23 WO PCT/US2016/053249 patent/WO2017053661A1/en active Application Filing

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