EP4393347A1

EP4393347A1 - Make-up finger applicator

Info

Publication number: EP4393347A1
Application number: EP23220848.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Leonardo Lazzari
Original assignee: Matteucci Raffaella
Current assignee: Matteucci Raffaella
Priority date: 2022-12-30
Filing date: 2023-12-29
Publication date: 2024-07-03

Abstract

A make-up finger applicator has a thimble-shaped structure (1) equipped with through openings (4, 5) and suitable for surrounding the first phalanx of the fingers of the hand. The structure (1) has a central axis (y), a proximal circular end (2), that is open, and a distal end (3), that is closed by a cover (6) inclined with respect to the central axis (y). The cover (6) includes a base (7) and cosmetic applying means integral with said base (7) and facing outwards with respect to the structure (1), said cosmetic applying means being suitable for taking a cosmetic from a container, holding the cosmetic and releasing it onto a part to be made up.

Description

The invention relates to a make-up finger applicator.
EP 1541055A2 describes a disposable article produced in film form, in the shape of a truncated cone with a rounded apex. The disposable article is suitable to be worn on the index finger, with a useful extension to hold in the hand so that the disposable article remains anchored to the finger during use. At the phalanx there is a spongy material designed for conveying the substance to be applied such as pastes, creams, ointments. Said extension allows the use of a single article at a time. FR 2901457 discloses a disposable eyelash and eyebrow make-up article comprising an applying surface, means for mounting the applying surface to a finger or gripper, a pre-existing eyelash and eyebrow make-up composition disposed on all or part of the applying surface, a removable means of protection that covers said composition before it comes into contact with the eyelashes and eyebrows. FR 2901457 basically describes a finger cover, equipped with a ready-to-use cosmetic product.
GB 2026857A concerns a make-up applicator to be mounted on a finger. The make-up applicator has a support assembly and an applying element. The support assembly has two elongated half-shells that are opposite to each other, and elastically connected to each other so as to have a closed end. Each of the two half-shells opens on the opposite side to that of the closed end to receive the user's finger inside the half-shells. Mounting means adjacent to the closed end supports the cosmetic substance applying element on said support assembly. The applicator according to GB 2026857A consists of many parts and is quite complex to make.
JPH1189634A discloses an instrument in the form of a plastic cylinder that is open proximally and closed distally. A pencil is fixed on the distal closure. The cylinder is worn on a finger for applying make-up with the pencil, but it is not ergonomic enough.
US 2020/0170395A1 describes a brush, comprising a finger grip and an applying head. The handle has an upper side and a lower side; two opposing wing elements extend upwards from the upper side. The applying head is attached to the underside of the handle. The brush according to US 2020/0170395A1 , embracing two fingers, can be used only individually.
A purpose of the present invention is to provide a make-up finger applicator that can be used on multiple fingers of the same hand. Another purpose of the invention is to provide a finger applicator that allows to take a cosmetic product from a container, hold it and spread it where desired.
Yet another purpose of the invention is to provide a finger applicator that is simple and inexpensive to make.
A further purpose of the invention is to provide an ergonomic applicator similar to the function of a bare finger.
A purpose of the invention is also to increase the speed of performing a make-up.
Briefly, the present invention aims to overcome the prior art drawbacks, by providing a make-up finger applicator, having a thimble-shaped structure equipped with through openings, the structure being suitable to surround the first phalanx of the hand's fingers, and having a central axis, a proximal circular end, that is open, and a distal end, that is closed by a cover inclined with respect to the central axis, wherein the cover includes a base and cosmetic applying means integral with said base and facing outwards with respect to the structure, said cosmetic applying means being suitable for taking a cosmetic from a container, holding the cosmetic and releasing it onto a part to be made up.
The invention will be described according to embodiments thereof by referring to the attached drawings in which:

Figures 1, 2 and 3 are side perspective views of a thimble-shaped structure for a make-up finger applicator according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is an exploded side perspective view of a first embodiment of the applicator according to the present invention;
Figure 5 is an exploded side perspective view of a second embodiment of the applicator according to the present invention;
Figure 6 is a side perspective view of the first embodiment of applicator according to the present invention;
Figure 7 is a side perspective view of the second embodiment of applicator according to the present invention;
Figure 8 is a plan view of a hand on which the first embodiment of the applicator according to the present invention is applied; and
Figure 9 is a plan view of a hand on which the second embodiment of applicator according to the present invention is applied.

Reference is made initially to Figures 1 to 3 which are side perspective views of a thimble-shaped structure for a make-up finger applicator according to the present invention.
The conformation of the structure is similar to that represented in a design registered by William Prym GmbH & Co KG of Stolberg, Germany at EUIPO with No. 002585513-0001. The model was registered for a thimble and the structure, equipped with through openings, is designed to surround the first phalanx of the fingers of the hand. A dotted cover is provided for resting a needle head when using the thimble for sewing. The applicants intend to respect the prior rights of the owner of the design.
According to the present invention, the structure, generally indicated as 1, has a slightly truncated cone shape and has a central axis y, as shown in Figure 1. The structure 1 has a proximal circular end 2 and a distal end 3 which is shown opened in Figure 2.
According to the present invention, the structure 1 is preferably made of biocompatible silicone due to its intrinsic characteristics. In fact, silicone, as is known, has many advantages such as versatility, resistance, non-toxicity, waterproofness, elasticity, softness and ease of cleaning. The through openings of the structure 1, those with a longitudinal extension being indicated as 4, and those with a latitudinal extension as 5, favour the aeration of the thimble and avoid bacterial proliferation. Thanks to the elasticity of the material, a perfect adaptation to the first phalanx of the fingers is ensured. However, multiple sizes can be provided to adapt to different finger sizes.
The make-up finger applicator according to the present invention is intended for picking up and applying cosmetic products which can be fluid and creamy such as certain foundations, cosmetic concealers, highlighters, glosses, powders such as face powders, eye shadows, other foundations, or waxy gels like lipsticks.
Now reference is made to Figures 4 to 7, which are exploded side perspective views and, respectively, assembled views of a first and a second embodiment of the applicator according to the present invention. According to a first embodiment of the present invention (Figures 4 and 6), the distal end 3 of the structure 1 is closed by a cover 6 comprising a base 7 and cosmetic applying means in the form of bristles 8 fixed to the base 7. As it is known, the bristles 8 can be natural hairs or synthetic fibres. Different types of fibers can be used to create the invention, but the favourite ones are those of Taklon, a Du Pont product. Taklon is a polyester fiber known as poly butylene terephthalate (PBT) extruded and tapered to a fine tip. The advantages of Taklon bristles are known:

they have proven antibacterial properties;
they are easy to clean;
they are durable, because they are easily washed;
they are versatile, because the fibers can be produced with different diameters;
they are cruelty free, because no animal was sacrificed and exploited to produce them.

The bristles 8 are integral with the base 7 and face outwards with respect to the structure 1; they are designed to take the cosmetic from a container, hold it and release it onto a part to be made up. The base 7 is inclined with respect to the central axis y of the structure 1 by an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably 45 degrees.
The bristles 8 have a length between 7.5 mm and 9.5 mm and are parallel to the axis y.
In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention (Figures 5 and 7), the distal end 3 of the structure 1 is closed by a cover 9 comprising a base 10 and cosmetic applying means made with a latex dome 11 fixed to the base 10 by one of the known methods. The dome 11 has a shape similar to that of a fingertip. In the second embodiment also the base 10 is inclined with respect to the central axis y of the structure 1 by an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably 45 degrees.
The advantages of using latex are known and are particularly important for the present invention:

it has antibacterial, anti-mold and fungicidal properties;
it is elasticising;
it is non-deformable and unalterable. It retains its initial shape and rigidity without changing over time, even after intense use;
it is ecological and recyclable;
it is very simple to clean, just immersing it in a basin with a little hot water and adding a delicate detergent that will help degrease and remove dirt.

Now reference is made to Figures 8 and 9 which are a plan view of a hand on which the first, and respectively the second, embodiment of the applicator according to the present invention is applied.
It should be understood that multiple make-up finger applicators may be mounted on the fingers of the hand according to the present invention. The purposes of the present invention, summarized below, are therefore achieved.
The structure of the applicator is similar to that of a thimble, easy to wear due to its ergonomic shape. Two different types of covers or heads, at the top of the structure, allow easy application of the cosmetic products. The applicator is characterized by the possibility of easy and precise application of the product, just as if hand's fingers were used. The applicator is also simple to clean, fast and stable in application, thanks to its shape, simple to use. Further, multiple applicators can be worn on the fingers of one hand at the same time. This is particularly advantageous for those who work in the makeup profession and are involved in fashion shows, theatre performances and any event where speed in applying make-up is needed. Since the applicator can be reused an indefinite number of times, it has greater respect for the environment and eco-sustainability.

Claims

A make-up finger applicator, having a thimble-shaped structure (1) equipped with through openings (4, 5), the structure (1) being suitable to surround the first phalanx of the hand's fingers, and having a central axis (y), a proximal circular end (2), that is open, and a distal end (3), that is closed by a cover (6; 9) inclined with respect to the central axis (y),
characterised in that said cover (6; 9) includes a base (7; 10) and cosmetic applying means integral with said base (7; 10) and facing outwards with respect to the structure (1), said cosmetic applying means being suitable for taking a cosmetic from a container, holding the cosmetic and releasing it onto a part to be made up.
The applicator according to claim 1, wherein said cosmetic applying means is bristles (8) fixed to said base (7).
The applicator according to claim 2, wherein said bristles (8) are natural hairs.
The applicator according to claim 3, wherein said bristles (8) are synthetic fibers.
The applicator according to claim 4, wherein said synthetic fibers are made of poly butylene terephthalate (PBT).
The applicator according to claim 1, wherein said cosmetic applicator means is shaped as a latex dome (11).
The applicator according to claim 1, wherein said base (7; 10) is inclined with respect to the central axis (y) by an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.
The applicator according to claim 1, wherein said base (7; 10) is inclined with respect to the central axis (y) by an angle of 45 degrees.
The applicator according to claim 1, wherein said structure (1) is made of biocompatible silicone.
The applicator according to claim 5, wherein said fibers have a length between 7.5 mm and 9.5 mm.
The applicator according to claim 6, wherein the latex dome (11) is similar to a fingertip.