GB2564636A

GB2564636A - Makeup applicator

Info

Publication number: GB2564636A
Application number: GB1708627.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kate Bridges Philippa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-31
Filing date: 2017-05-31
Publication date: 2019-01-23
Also published as: GB201708627D0

Abstract

A refillable makeup applicator apparatus comprising an applicator 1 and a receptacle 3. The applicator has a body with a hole shaped to receive a displaceable wand, preferably a finger, and an outer face including at least one bristle 11 for receiving and applying makeup. The hole engages with the displaceable wand by an interference fit to permit insertion and removal of the applicator to and from the receptacle. The apparatus may also comprise a container 7 with a lid 13, which contains the applicator and receptacle. The receptacle may be held in the container by clip, locking mechanism, magnet, or friction. The container may comprise more than one part, especially a removable base 8. The base may secure the receptacle in the container, and allow its removal when detached. The base may also include a recess for housing a second lid for the receptacle.

Description

Makeup applicator

This invention relates to a refillable makeup container, an applicator intended to be worn on the end of a finger, and a second container to hold the makeup container and applicator.

Traditionally when applying makeup such as mascara, or brow-shaper, a wand applicator with a bristled end is used to deposit the makeup evenly onto fine hairs. The recommended 'use-by' date for these products is usually between 3 and 6 months after opening. Often these makeup containers and applicators are thrown away rather than recycled. Users also often ignore the recommended 'use-by' date. It remains largely unclear to users whether parts of the makeup container or applicator are recyclable, and the parts are not easily further disassembled. The industry currently adopts a linear approach to this 'Fast Moving Consumer Goods' product, and this wasteful lifecycle is unsustainable. Typically, containers of this type are herein known as 'all in one' makeup units.

The present invention seeks to attenuate the known problems of the prior art and seeks to provide a sustainable and value-added approach to a refillable makeup unit, which also encourages users to replace its contents more regularly. This decreases landfill waste, and increases user satisfaction. The invention offers opportunity for a circular product lifecycle. The introduction of a recyclable and/or refillable container makes changing the makeup regularly more cost effective. The addition of a more long-lasting outer container for the recyclable and/or refillable part allows a longer usable lifetime than the current disposable 'all in one' makeup units.

Traditional makeup units with bristled applicators are well known, and the present invention makes use of the traditional model of container and a bristled applicator, the container having a lip inside the edge of its opening for removing excess makeup from the applicator such that the excess makeup is retained within the container.

In a first embodiment there is provided a makeup applicator comprising a body and at least one bristle extending from the body, the body having means for receiving an applicator wand.

In this embodiment, the applicator can be provided within a makeup container and may not include a wand with which to handle the applicator.

Further to this, the means for receiving an applicator wand may be a hole in the body.

In this further embodiment, the hole can receive an elongate applicator wand in the hole.

Further to this, the applicator wand may be a user's finger whereby the hole in the body is sufficiently large so as to receive the user's finger in an interference fit such that, in use, the user inserts their finger into the hole and the applicator becomes removably attached to the user's finger.

In this embodiment, the user does not need to carry any further components.

Still further to this embodiment, the applicator may comprise an elastomeric material such as silicon rubber. It is understood that any suitable material would have the characteristics of; capable of receiving makeup and capable of providing a removable attachment to an applicator wand when the applicator wand is installed onto the means for receiving the wand on the applicator. These characteristics may be for the whole applicator a part of it or a surface finish of the applicator.

Further to the above embodiments, the applicator comprises multiple bristles such that, in use, makeup can be applied from the bristles to multiple hairs at one time.

Optionally, the multiple bristles project from the applicator in a number of different directions such that, in use, makeup can be transferred from the bristles to multiple hairs, the hairs being of nonuniform arrangement.

In another embodiment there is provided a container for makeup having walls defining an opening and a base, the walls and the base comprising an inner and an outer layer, the inner layer being removable from the outer layer, the inner and outer layers having releasable engagement features for keeping the two layers together.

Further to this, the inner layers of the walls and the base together form an inner container retained within the outer layers.

Further to this, the outer layers also comprise a closure means for securing the contents within the container.

There is claimed a disposable inner container for makeup dispensing, the inner container comprising releasable engagement features for connection to an outer container.

Further to this, the inner container is shaped to receive an applicator according to the applicator embodiments listed above.

In another embodiment there is provided an applicator, an inner container, an outer container or an assembled container or any combination of these according to the description or any one of the figures.

The present invention seeks to provide a more permanent container, able to receive a disposable or refillable container, and a more permanent applicator for use with multiple subsequent replacement or refilled containers of makeup, with the user's finger taking up the role previously carried out by the wand. An advantage of the invention is that it can be smaller than the prior art as it makes use of alternative applicator wands. The capacity can be reduced and this allows for smaller (and less expensive) refill cartridges which are used up more quickly than traditional makeup containers and are therefore more likely to be used within the expiration date of the makeup. Further to this, the applicator can be formed of a single material or of multiple materials and due to its shape, can be sufficiently cleaned so that it can be reused.

Accordingly, the invention provides a makeup applicator comprising bristles for receiving makeup and for depositing the makeup to hairs, and which is capable of receiving the end of a user's finger.

For best results, the makeup container and the applicator fit together, and makeup is therefore applied to the bristles upon insertion of the applicator into the container.

Preferably, the container includes a lip designed to remove excess makeup from the applicator.

Preferably, the container has a removable lid enabling safe and/or clean transport of the makeup container.

Preferably, the container comprises two separable containers, the first container holding the makeup and being recyclable and/or refillable, and the second container intended for receiving and holding the first container.

Further preferably, wherein the second container comprises a case and a removable base which when attached prevents movement of the first container within the case of the second container, and when unattached allows the first container to be removed from, or the first container to be inserted into, the case of the second container.

Optionally, the case of the second container has a lip to prevent the first container from upwardly exiting the case of the second container.

Further optionally, the second container has a lid to seal the case of the second container.

Optionally, the base of the second container includes a recess for holding a removable lid of the first container, such that it is stored out of the way when the first container and second container are combined.

Preferably, the applicator's bristles follow the curve of the applicator in such a way that the makeup may be applied to a user's hairs at a number of different angles.

Further preferably, wherein the first container includes a recess designed to receive the bristles that run along the edge of the applicator.

Optionally, the applicator is unique to the user, having been made according to a mould or 3dimensional scan of the user's finger.

Alternatively, the first container is held within the second container by way of a clip, a locking mechanism, a magnet, the force of friction, or by other suitable means of securing the first container within the second container.

One embodiment of the invention will now be more fully described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first container containing a bristled applicator, inside a second container comprising a base, a case, and a lid in the open position, and the base containing a second removable lid for the first container;

Figure 2 shows the second container when closed;

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 in use, with the applicator on the end of a user's finger;

Figure 5 shows the applicator being used at a substantially vertical angle to apply makeup to a user's eyelashes;

Figure 6 shows the applicator being used at a substantially horizontal angle to apply makeup to a user's eyelashes;

Figure 7 shows the first container independent of the other parts, and bearing a removable lid;

Figure 8 shows the base of the second container unattached and removed from the case of the second container, and the first container partially within the case of the second container, as it would appear when being inserted or removed from the case of the second container.

In a brief overview of one embodiment of the present invention, there is shown in Figure 1 a crosssection view of a finger applicator 1, the inner wall 2 of which is designed to accommodate and hold onto a user's finger, with bristles 11 attached to the outer surface 5. The applicator is within a first container 3 which bears a lip 4 designed for the removal of excess makeup from the applicator 1. The first container 3 includes a recess 6 to provided accommodation the bristles 11 of applicator 1. The first container 3 and applicator 1 are together within the case of a second container 7, which is mounted onto a base 8, and bears a lid 13. The base 8 includes a recess 10 within which a lid 9, suitable for sealing the first container 3, is stored.

When all parts are in use the lid 13 is used to seal the product thus maintaining the cleanliness and necessary moisture content of the makeup.

The user's finger may be inserted into the applicator 1, and together with the applicator pulled out of the first case 3, thus providing the user with an applicator 1 on the end of their finger, the bristles 11 of which are coated in a suitable amount of makeup, any excess makeup having already been wiped off by the lip 4 of the first container.

If, and when, the first container 3 is removed from the second container, and the applicator 1 is set aside, the lid 9 is removed from the base 8 and is used to seal the first container 3.

As can be seen in figure 2, when all parts are assembled and the lid 13 closed the components form a compact whole.

As illustrated by figure 3, the component parts follow a simple stacking structure to come together, with applicator 1 being insertable into first container 3, first container 3 being insertable into second container 7, and second container 7 and lid 9 both being insertable into base 8.

Figure 4 shows the product in use, with lid 13 open, and the first container 3 held within the second container 7. Applicator 1 is on the end of the user's finger, both having been withdrawn from the makeup container. The bristles 11 bear a suitable amount of makeup having been sat within recess 6 and pulled against lip 4 on being withdrawn. Base 8 seals the unit, and holds the lid for the first container unseen.

Figure 5 shows the applicator 1 in use on a user's eyelashes, where the applicator is being used at a substantially vertical angle, whereby the bristles 11 can reach the corners of the user's eye.

Figure 6 shows the applicator 1 in use on a user's eyelashes, where the applicator is being used at a substantially horizontal angle, whereby the bristles 11 can be used in an upwardly sweeping movement.

Figure 7 shows the first container 3 bearing lid 9. The applicator having been set aside, this first container 3 may now be disposed of or recycled, or may be taken to a commercial location that offers cleaning of the first container and a refill of makeup product to the first container. The lid 9 is provided, therefore, so that it may be cleanly and safely carried to and from such a location. If a new first container is purchased 'off the shelf' such a lid would also be provided for the same reason.

Figure 8 illustrates how, once base 8 is removed, the first container 3 may be withdrawn from the case 7 of the second container via a hole 12 in the bottom of the case 7. Lid 13 may be opened to allow the user to push the first container 3 downwards and out of the bottom of the case 7. Ideally the lid can be applied to the first container 3, before such action is taken, without impeding movement of the first container 3 through the case 7 of the second container.

Claims

1. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus comprising: an applicator and a receptacle; the receptacle is adapted to contain makeup and to receive the applicator; the applicator has a body with a hole that is shaped and dimensioned to receive a displaceable wand and an outer face including at least one bristle for receiving and applying makeup; wherein the hole is shaped and dimensioned to engage with the displaceable wand by an interference fit to permit insertion and removal of the applicator to and from the receptacle.

2. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to claim 1 including a container with a lid for receiving and containing the receptacle and the applicator.

3. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the receptacle is held within the container by way of a clip, locking mechanism, magnet or force of friction.

4. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the container is formed from assembled parts.

5. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the container has a displaceable base.

6. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to claim 5 wherein attachment of the base prevents movement of the receptacle, and wherein detachment of the base permits removal of the receptacle.

7. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the receptacle includes a lip for removal of excess make up from the applicator during removal from the receptacle.

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8. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 7 wherein the container base includes a recess for housing a second displaceable lid suitable for sealing the receptacle.

9. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to claim 2, or any of claims 3 to 8 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the container includes a closure means.

10. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to claim 2, or any of claims 3 to 9 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the container has a lip to prevent upward exit of the receptacle from the container.

11. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the displaceable wand is a user’s finger.

12. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the applicator is formed from an elastomeric material.

13. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the receptacle is disposable.

14. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the applicator has a plurality of bristles projecting in different directions.

15. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the applicator has a plurality of bristles arranged in a curve.

16. A refillable makeup applicator apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the receptacle includes a recess for receiving the at least one bristle.

17. A method of forming the hole of the receptacle described in any of claims 1 to 16 wherein the applicator is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to a user’s finger.