JP5587326B2 - Application tool, kit, and method of applying mascara to eyelashes - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to applicators for makeup. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ergonomic applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to eyelashes.

  Conventional applicators for applying a mascara composition to the eyelashes typically include a brush attached to an elongated handle connected to a handle. The brush bristles protrude radially from the handle. The brush and handle are usually stored in a cylindrical container. The handle of the brush serves as a lid member for the container when the mascara applicator is not used.

  If you want to use a mascara applicator, pull the handle out of the container and remove the brush with the mascara. While mascara is applied to the eyelashes, the brush handle is generally parallel to the face, and the handle of the brush is next to the cheeks and temples for ease of use and the positional relationship between the brush and the eyelashes. Hold and orient horizontally.

  When applying mascara to the eyelashes, the brush is rotated or rotated about its central axis. In addition, the brush is moved in the vertical direction while being held in a horizontal orientation, moved up in the direction of the forehead to apply to the upper eyelashes, and lowered from the forehead to apply to the lower eyelashes. .

  Some users may have the mascara brush handle in their right hand when applying mascara to their right eyelashes, and the brush handle in their left hand when applying mascara to their left eyelashes. For other users, the right hand or left hand is the dominant hand, and mascara is applied to the eyelashes of both the right and left eyes using the dominant hand.

  However, even when using the dominant hand for the eyelashes of both eyes, it is necessary to hold the mascara applicator with the other hand to reach the end of the eyelash furthest away from the dominant hand or closest to the nose there will be.

  When applying mascara using a conventional mascara applicator, it should be noted that it is usually necessary to apply, rotate, and rotate dozens of times until the eyelashes reach the desired appearance. Due to the conventional holding method and handling method of the mascara applicator, it may be difficult and troublesome to apply the mascara.

  For this reason, it is desirable to provide a mascara applicator that can be easily handled with a dominant or non-dominant hand for applying mascara. It is also desirable to provide a mascara applicator that can be easily held by hand and brought directly in front of the face without leaving one side of the face. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a mascara applicator that can be easily handled and that can apply mascara to the entire range of eyelashes of both eyes with the same hand.

  An ergonomic applicator is provided for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes. An ergonomic applicator includes (i) a handle portion and (ii) a head portion. The handle portion has a size suitable for sandwiching the applicator between the thumb and other fingers at the two surface portions forming the front and back surfaces. The two surfaces forming the front and back surfaces have a thickness that separates the two surfaces forming the front and back surfaces in order to prevent the handle portion from rotating when being sandwiched between the thumb and other fingers. Enough width. Preferably, the ratio of the maximum thickness separating the handle portions to the maximum width of the handle portion is about 1: 5 to about 1:50. The distal end of the head portion has at least one application member with a textured surface for holding a single dose of the cosmetic composition and applying the cosmetic composition to the eyelashes by contact with the eyelashes. . The applicator member extends substantially in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion substantially across the width of the head portion. The longitudinal axis of the head part is arranged at an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle part or is rotatable to be arranged. The obtuse angle is preferably about 120 ° to about 170 °. In certain preferred embodiments, the overall length of the applicator from the proximal end to the distal end is from about 35 mm to about 80 mm.

  In some embodiments, the head portion has a distal arcuate edge at a distal end, the distal arcuate arcuate edge being concave with respect to the head portion. The head portion may also have an arcuate cross section orthogonal to its longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the head part may include a first support part and a second support part between which an opening for introducing the application member is formed. The application member may be attached between the first support portion and the second support portion. The handle portion may further include a grip reinforcement or cutout for increasing friction between the handle portion and the finger.

  The application member may be included in one surface of the head unit or two surfaces forming the front and back. The applicator member is disposed along the end edge of the distal end of the head portion. The applicator member may include at least one textured surface, such as brush bristles, protrusions, indentations, fins, comb teeth, Velcro®, teeth, grooves, sponges, flocked surfaces. Preferably, the textured surface comprises fins or brush hairs. In a more preferred case, the length of the bristles is shorter than 5 mm.

  In some embodiments, the head portion is rotatable relative to the handle portion to adjust an obtuse angle formed by the longitudinal axis of the head portion and the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. Preferably, the head part and the handle part are rotatable around an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the head part and the longitudinal axis of the handle part. The applicator may further include a hinge for rotating the head portion relative to the handle portion.

  There is also provided a kit comprising an applicator according to the present invention and a container loaded with a liquid cosmetic for application to keratin fibers. The container is shaped to receive the head portion of the applicator when the head portion is inserted to bring the applicator member into contact with the composition. When removing the applicator from the container, a wiper is attached to the container to remove excess composition from the application member.

  Furthermore, the applicator is used in a method of applying mascara to the eyelashes. The method of applying mascara to the eyelashes is a process of measuring a single mascara to be placed on the application member of the applicator, and bringing the applicator into contact with the eyelashes while maintaining the applicator in a substantially vertical orientation. And applying the composition to the eyelashes.

  These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the invention, the drawings, and the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a mascara applicator according to a general embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an applicator according to an exemplary embodiment having brush bristles on two surfaces forming the front and back of the head portion and fin-like protrusions on the distal end. FIG. 3 is a perspective view from a different perspective of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view representing the front of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the front surface of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which the bristle has a low density and has brush hairs on only one side of the head. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the front of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which the bristle has a lower density and has the bristle on only one side of the head. 7 is a perspective view representing the front of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view representing the front of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 of the present invention. 9 is a perspective view representing the front of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view depicting the underside of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view representing the underside of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 of the present invention. 12 is a perspective view depicting the underside of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the present invention having parallel fins covering the distal edge of the distal end of the applicator. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the side of the head portion of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a concave distal edge at the head portion that forms a side leg that connects to the end of the elongated applicator member. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a case where the application member of the exemplary embodiment of the applicator shown in FIG. 13 is removed.

  Applicators for applying the cosmetic compositions of the present invention generally include angles and / or curves that provide an ergonomic shape. This is for the purpose of enhancing the comfort when the user applies the cosmetic composition. In particular, the applicator of the present invention is particularly useful when a cosmetic composition such as mascara is applied to the eye. The applicator of the present invention may further be useful in applying various cosmetic and personal care products to keratin fibers or skin. Cosmetics and personal care products include, but are not limited to, eyeliner, hair dye, lip liner, lipstick, lipstick, lip gloss and the like. Here, the word “keratin fiber” is used, but “keratin fiber” may include, without limitation, eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair of any part of the body including hair. Since the shape of the applicator of the present invention has many advantages, the user can hold the applicator by hand more easily than with a conventional cosmetic applicator and more easily with one hand. It is believed that the cosmetic composition can be applied efficiently and uniformly. Furthermore, according to the applicator of the present invention, compared to conventional cosmetic applicators, the application range per application operation is wide, and it is considered that the mascara composition can be more uniformly distributed over the length of the eyelashes. . Without being bound by a specific theory, it is believed that the range of contact with the eyelashes is expanded because of the advantage in size and shape, and therefore the application range per eyelash application operation is expanded. That is, it is considered that the applicator can effectively apply the mascara to the eyelashes with a smaller number of application operations than the conventional applicator.

  An applicator 10 according to a general embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The applicator 10 for applying a cosmetic composition such as a mascara composition to the eyelashes includes a handle portion 16 on the proximal end 80 side and a head portion 14 on the distal end 70 side. The handle portion 10 may be movably connected to the head portion 14 using any suitable means. In some embodiments, the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16 may be combined or formed integrally. Also, the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16 may be formed as separate components and connected together using any suitable technique in the art. For example, the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16 may be connected by a hinge, an interference fit, a lock, an adhesive, a fusion of the distal end of the handle portion 16 and the proximal end of the head portion. In certain embodiments, the head portion 14 is removably attached to the handle portion 16. Specifically, the handle portion 16 may be detachable from the head portion 14 and may be replaceably attached to the plurality of head portions 14.

  The handle portion 16 and the head portion 14 may be connected in any manner as long as the arrangement is suitable. In some embodiments, the handle portion 16 may be collinear with the head portion 14 of the applicator 10. Preferably, the handle portion 16 is connected to or combined with the head portion 10 at an angle forming a bent shape, and the head portion 14 is generally connected to the handle portion 16. The side is convex and the opposite side is generally concave. The bent shape may deviate slightly or greatly from the shape on the same straight line, and may form an offset angle between the head portion 10 and the handle portion 16. This offset angle gives the applicator 10 a shape based on ergonomics, and is considered to be able to assist in efficiently and evenly applying the mascara with the eyelashes as compared to the conventional mascara applicator. In certain embodiments, the applicator 10 may be widest at the distal end 70 and may narrow toward the point where the applicator 10 is narrowest at the bend where the head portion 14 connects to the handle portion 16. The ergonomic shape of the applicator 10 improves comfort, allows the user to more conveniently hold the applicator 10 in his hand, and better handle the applicator 10 with one hand. it is conceivable that.

  The applicator 10 according to the present invention may have any size and shape as long as it is suitable. Preferably, due to the size and shape of the applicator 10, either hand can be conveniently and comfortably used regardless of whether the user applies mascara to the eyelashes. When the user holds the applicator 10 with only the dominant hand to apply mascara to both the right and left eyelashes, the applicator 10 includes the eyelashes farthest from the dominant hand and the eyelashes closest to the nose. The entire range of eyelashes of both eyes is easily reachable.

  Suitably, applicator 10 may be of a relatively small and convenient size for portable use by consumers. More preferably, the applicator 10 holds the applicator 10 firmly between the thumb and other fingers and prevents the applicator 10 from rotating during use and handling by the consumer. The size may be as large as possible. For example, the overall length (L) at the longest point from the proximal end 80 to the distal end 70 of the applicator 10 is about 15 mm to about 80 mm, about 25 mm to about 80 mm, about 25 mm to about 75 mm, about 35 mm to about It may be 80 mm, about 35 mm to about 65 mm, about 40 mm to about 60 mm. In a specific embodiment, the overall length (L) at the longest point of applicator 10 may be about 2 inches (or about 50.8 mm) and handle portion 16 is 1 inch (about 25 inches). .4 mm), and the length of the head portion 14 may be slightly shorter than 1 inch (about 25.4 mm). The total length of the applicator 10 used here is determined by measuring the length of the third side of the triangle defined by the two sides of the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16. In an embodiment in which the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16 are collinear and the lengths do not overlap, the total length (L) is the sum of the length of the head portion 14 and the length of the handle portion 16. Other suitable dimensions for relatively small and convenient sizes include the width of the distal end 70 of the head portion 14 and the width at the narrowest portion of the applicator, and the distal end 70 of the head portion 14. Are about 10 mm to about 50 mm, about 12.5 mm to about 45 mm, about 15 mm to about 40 mm, about 17.5 mm to about 35 mm, about 3/4 inch (about 19.1 mm) to about 1 1/4 inch ( The width at the narrowest part of the applicator is about 5 mm to about 30 mm, about 7.5 mm to about 20 mm, about 8 mm to about 15 mm, about 5/16 of an inch (about 7.30 mm). 9 mm) to about 3/8 of an inch (about 9.5 mm).

  According to the present invention, it is considered that the head part 14 and the handle part 16 of the applicator 10 may include other comfortable shapes and sizes based on ergonomics for holding and handling.

  In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal axis II of the handle portion 16 can be arranged at an obtuse angle θ or at an obtuse angle θ with respect to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 10. The obtuse angle means an angle larger than 90 ° and smaller than 180 °. The handle portion 16 and the head portion 10 of the applicator 10 are fixed to an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis II of the handle portion 16 and the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 or are rotatably installed on the axis. The longitudinal axis II of the handle portion 16 and the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 form an angle θ. In some embodiments, the handle portion 16 may be connected to the head portion 14 using an adjustable hinge (not shown). Specifically, the movable range of the adjustable hinge may be limited to make only an obtuse angle. In other embodiments, the applicator 10 may be formed from a deformable material so that the user can bend and deform the applicator 10 to an appropriate angle θ. Preferably, the angle θ between the longitudinal axis II of the handle portion 16 and the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 is about 95 ° to about 175 °, more preferably about 115 ° to about 170. °, more preferably from about 120 ° to about 170 °, more preferably from about 130 ° to about 165 °, most preferably from about 140 ° to about 160 °.

  The handle portion 14 of the applicator 10 allows the applicator to be held between the thumb and other fingers and prevents the handle from rotating when held between the thumb and other fingers. In order to do so, the dimensions may be suitable. Preferably, the handle portion 16 is narrower than the head portion 14. In some embodiments, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2-16, the handle portion 14 includes two front and back surfaces 86, 88, which are shown in FIGS. In order to prevent the handle portion 14 from rotating when it is sandwiched between the thumb and other fingers, it has a sufficient width compared to the thickness separating these surfaces. The thickness separating the two surfaces may be uniform throughout or may vary. Specifically, the dimensional ratio between the maximum value of the thickness separating the surfaces and the width at the widest place of the handle portion 14 is about 1: 2 to about 1:50, about 1: 5 to about 1:50, about 1: 3 to about 1:25, about 1: 4 to about 1:20, about 1: 5 to about 1:10. In certain embodiments, the maximum thickness separating the faces may be about 1 mm to about 10 mm, about 1.25 mm to about 5 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm. In certain embodiments, the handle portion 14 may be a substantially linear or curved plane. In other embodiments, the handle portion 14 may be flat.

  The handle portion 14 may also include any suitable deformation to improve the comfort and / or stability of the applicator 10 when pinched between the thumb and other fingers. One preferred variant includes a convex profile on at least one of the two surfaces 86 and 88 that form the front and back of the handle portion 14. Other suitable variants are a convex profile on the surface 88 of the handle portion 14 that is adapted for holding with a thumb, and two surfaces 86 on the front and back of the handle portion 14 that are adapted for holding with a finger other than the thumb. It may be a concave outer shape. Other suitable modifications to the handle portion 14 are shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. The deformation may include a grip reinforcement 94 attached to the handle portion 14 or integrally formed with the handle portion 14. The grip reinforcement 94 may include any mechanism that increases the friction between the handle portion 14 and the thumb and / or other fingers, such as, but not limited to, protruding semicircles, ridges, depressions, Other formed protrusions or hollow spaces between the protrusions may be used. The grip reinforcement 94 may be formed integrally with the handle portion 14 and may be attached using any suitable means including adhesive or fusion of the grip reinforcement 94 to the handle portion 14. The grip reinforcement 94 may be formed by any suitable means, including surface treatment techniques such as forming, soft tactile surface treatment and polymer coextrusion.

  Other suitable variations are shown in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. The handle portion 14 may be modified to have cutouts or holes 58 that increase the friction between the handle portion 14 and the thumb and / or other fingers to assist in gripping the handle portion 16. The cutout or hole 58 may have any suitable shape. Preferably, the cutout or hole 58 is narrow or elongated. In the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 13, 15, and 16, the cutout or hole 58 is elliptical. Further, as shown in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16, the cutouts or holes 58 may be arranged parallel to each other. More preferably, the longitudinal axis of the cutout or hole 58 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis II of the handle portion 14.

  The head portion 16 is a part of the applicator 10 and is in contact with at least one applicator member 56 for applying the cosmetic composition. Preferably, the head portion 14 has a narrower proximal end connecting to the handle portion 16 than the width at the distal end 70. The head unit 16 provides a structural support for the application member 56. Further, the surface of the head portion 16 may be textured and the application member 56 may be formed. Preferably, the application member 56 extends substantially across the width of the head portion 14 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis II of the handle portion 16. Extending substantially across the width means that the applicator member 56 is greater than 70%, preferably greater than 80%, more preferably greater than 90%, most preferably relative to the width of the head portion 14. Preferably it means stretching more than 95%. The application member 56 may extend over the entire width of the head portion 14. Furthermore, the application member 56 may have any suitable shape. Specifically, the applicator member 56 is an arcuate shape that substantially matches or matches at least one quarter, at least one third, at least half, or the entire outline formed by the eyelashes or eyelids. It may have an outer shape. In certain embodiments, the arcuate profile may be convex, while in other embodiments the arcuate profile may be concave. In some embodiments, the head portion 16 and the applicator member 56 may be integral, such as when the applicator member 56 comprises a textured surface combined with the head portion 16. For example, the head part 16 and the application member 56 may be formed as one part by injection molding.

  Although illustrated by the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-14, in certain preferred embodiments, the head portion 16 may have two front and back surfaces 40, 42 having a certain thickness. The thicknesses of the two surfaces 40 and 42 forming the front and back surfaces may be uniform throughout or may be different. In one preferred embodiment, the thickness of the head portion 16 is greatest at locations along its longitudinal axis II-II and decreases with increasing distance from the longitudinal axis II-II. The application member 56 may extend from one or both of the two surfaces 40 and 42 forming the front and back surfaces. The applicator member 56 may also extend from the distal end 70 of the head portion 14 of the applicator 10. The maximum value of the thickness of the head portion 16 may be smaller than the width of the head portion 16 at the widest place. Specifically, the maximum value of the thickness separating the two surfaces 40 and 42 forming the front and back is about 1: 2 to about 1:50, about 1 as compared with the width of the head portion 16 at the widest place. : 5 to about 1:25, about 1:10 to about 1:20. In a specific embodiment, the maximum value of the thickness separating the two front and back surfaces of the head portion 16 is about 1 mm to about 10 mm, about 1 mm to about 10 mm, about 1.25 mm to about 5 mm, about 1 It may range from 5 mm to about 3 mm.

  The head portion 16 may also have a further axis of rotation (not shown) that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 16. The head portion 16 may further be adjustable around this further axis. Specifically, the head portion 16 may be comprised of two parts that are rotatably attached to each other on an adjustable hinge along this further axis. The movable range of the adjustable hinge may be limited to make only an obtuse angle. Preferably, the adjustable hinge moves from about 95 ° to about 175 °, more preferably from about 100 ° to about 170 °, even more preferably from about 100 ° to about 170 °, and even more preferably. May be limited to about 105 ° to about 165 °, most preferably about 110 ° to about 160 °.

  Preferably, the head portion 16 may have any suitable shape that substantially matches or matches at least a quarter of the profile formed by the eyelashes or eyelids. In one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-12, any cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 16 will have an arcuate shape. Preferably, the arcuate shape substantially matches or matches at least one quarter, at least one third, at least half, or the entire contour formed by the eyelashes or eyelids. The cross section of the arcuate shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 16 may be convex along the upper surface 40 and concave along the lower surface 42. On the other hand, the cross section of the head portion along the upper surface 40 and the lower surface 42 may be concave / concave, convex / convex, planar / planar, or any combination thereof. In other preferred embodiments, the head portion 16 has a distal arcuate edge at the distal end 70, as shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 13, wherein the distal arcuate edge is preferably a concave end. Part. The distal concave end coincides with or coincides with at least one quarter, at least one third, at least half, or the whole of the contour formed by the eyelashes or eyelids.

  In some other embodiments, as shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the head portion 16 is on the right side of the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 16, for example, the first A first support portion such as the side leg 30 and a second support portion such as the second side leg 32 on the left side of the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 16 may be provided. The first support portion and the second support portion form an opening for introducing and holding the application member 56 between them. In the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first support and the second support may be formed by a distal concave end at the distal end 70 of the head portion 16. . The application member 56 may be installed between the first support part and the second support part so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis or non-rotatable. The application member 56 may have an elongated shape, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a cylindrical shape or an elongated oval shape having a circular cross section.

  The application member 56 includes a site for holding and releasing a cosmetic composition such as mascara. It can also contain any form of textured surface for holding a single application amount of the cosmetic composition and applying it to keratin fibers, such as eyelashes or skin, upon contact. Any suitable textured surface that can hold and apply a single application amount of the cosmetic composition may be used as the application member 56. A textured surface also gives eyelashes various types of aesthetically pleasing appearances, such as a voluminous appearance, a highly separate appearance (ie, eyelashes are separated from one another), a curled appearance, etc. It may be possible to give. Examples of suitable textured surfaces include brush bristles, protrusions, indentations, fins, comb teeth, velcro, teeth, grooves, sponges, or flocked surfaces. The textured surface may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the textured surface is formed by silicone or other soft tactile material. However, if the bristles are long enough to bend easily, for example in the case of a paintbrush, the bristles are no longer considered to form a textured surface, and in such cases It will be understood that it should not be included on the distal edge of the end of the head. However, in some embodiments, long brush bristles, for example from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, are considered within the scope of the present invention. In this case, however, they are not on the end edge of the head part, but preferably, for example, long brush bristles may be included on one side or two front and back sides of the head part. The bristles according to the invention will typically be less than 10 mm in length, less than 7.5 mm, less than 5 mm or less than 2.5 mm. The bristle may be, but is not limited to, a synthetic fiber that is integral with the head body or embedded in the head. In some embodiments, the applicator member 56 is not integral with the head portion 14 and the bristles are shorter than about 5 mm with respect to the applicator member 56. In certain embodiments, the bristles extending outwardly from the distal edge of the applicator and substantially parallel to the plane including the head portion 14 are less than about 5 mm, less than about 4.5 mm, or about 4 mm. It will be shorter, less than about 3.5 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, or less than about 1 mm. In other embodiments, the applicator member 56 will not have brush bristles that extend substantially parallel to the plane that includes the head portion 14. In another embodiment, the end edge of the head portion has substantially no bristles. This is because the number of brush hairs extending in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 from the end edge is correspondingly small, so that a substantial number of eyelashes are mascara during normal use by the user. This means that the brush hair does not substantially contribute to the action of applying the.

  In certain preferred embodiments, the textured surface may comprise side-by-side stub-like protrusions, fins, and / or brush bristles that are arranged in any suitable shape or pattern and are symmetrical There is no need to have sex. Examples of suitable patterns include parallel columns with gaps, staggered columns and rows, linear columns and rows, and random patterns. If the projections are arranged in a row parallel to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head part 14, the appearance of highly-separated eyelashes will be given. In contrast, an array of protrusions arranged in staggered columns and rows will give the appearance of a voluminous eyelash. The degree of crowding may vary depending on the properties of the cosmetic composition to be applied, as shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. Differences in the density of the rows of protrusions will also give the eyelashes a different aesthetic appearance.

  The cosmetic applicator 10 of the present invention may be attached to a container or stored in a kit used in combination with the container, and the container contains a cosmetic composition such as mascara or is filled. Has been. The container includes at least one wiper for removing excess mascara from the application member 56. In an embodiment, the applicator 10 may serve as a container lid member, in which case no separate lid member such as a cap or cover is used. The applicator 10 may be used in combination with a container, in which case the head portion 14 is first placed in the container to bring the applicator member into contact with the mascara composition, and then the head portion 14 is pulled out of the container and the mascara One application amount is measured on the application member 56. While the head portion 14 of the applicator 10 is pulled out of the container, the wiper removes the excess mascara from the application member 56 by a smoothing operation and an operation of pushing the excess mascara back to the container.

  In order to use the applicator 10 for the purpose of applying the mascara composition to the eyelashes, the user may hold the handle portion 16 of the applicator device 10 between the thumb and other fingers, and the head portion 14 immediately after the eyelashes. Before, it may be placed in a substantially vertical position. At this time, the application member 56 is parallel or substantially parallel to the eyelid. Substantially vertical means generally parallel to the nose line. Thereafter, the applicator 10 is easily moved upward (toward the head) or downward (toward the chin) in one operation because the applicator member 56 acts and to uniformly dispose the mascara composition.

  Due to the size and shape of the handle portion 16, the user can stably hold the applicator 10 between the thumb and other fingers based on ergonomics, and the applicator 10 can be applied to the eyelashes as a mascara. It can be handled to apply the composition. Specifically, the applicator 10 may be of a suitable size so that the user's hand may be applied to the cheek or forehead to further assist in applying the mascara composition. Since it can be applied to a facial part such as a cheek or forehead, stability is improved, and the user can apply mascara to the eyelashes with higher accuracy and avoid a broken appearance.

  FIGS. 2-12 illustrate some of the presently preferred embodiments of the applicator 10 of the present invention. The applicator 10 includes a head portion 14 connected to the handle portion 16 at an obtuse angle, and a generally concave surface 22 is formed on the side where the head portion 14 is connected to the handle portion 16 and generally on the opposite side. A convex surface 24 is formed. The head portion 14 has a side edge 32 on the right side of the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 and an opposite side edge 30 on the left side of the longitudinal axis II-II. The head portion 14 includes a distal end 70 having a slightly concave shape between the facing side edges 30 and side edges 32. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2-12, the head portion 14 has a proximal end that is a connection to the handle portion 16 relative to the distal end 70 of the head portion 14. Narrower width.

  The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 also includes a head portion 14 having an upper surface 40 and a lower surface 42. The upper surface 40 may be planar, but is preferably convex between the opposing side edges 30 and 32. The lower surface 42 is preferably concave between the opposing side edges 30 and 32. The upper surface 40 and the lower surface 42 may also have a concave / concave, convex / convex, planar / planar, or any combination thereof.

  The thickness between the upper surface 40 and the lower surface 42 of the head unit 14 may be uniform or non-uniform. Preferably, the thickness between the upper surface 40 and the lower surface 42 of the head portion 14 is maximum in the middle between the facing side edge 30 and the side edge 32 of the head portion 14. The thickness of the head portion 14 may be minimum at the side edge 30 and the side edge 32 facing each other.

  The top surface 40 of the head portion 14 includes an application member 56 that extends substantially from the right edge 30 to the left edge 32. The applicator member 56 also extends a predetermined length from the distal end 70 to the proximal end 80. The applicator member 56 includes any type of textured surface for holding a single application amount of the cosmetic composition and for applying on contact with the eyelashes. The textured surface of the present exemplary embodiment includes staggered protrusions or bristles 57 arranged in staggered or linear columns and rows or in a random pattern. The density of the brush bristles 57 may vary depending on the properties of the cosmetic composition to be applied, as shown in FIGS.

  In the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 12, the lower surface 42 of the head portion 14 is substantially extended from the right edge 32 to the left edge 30. A member 56 is included. The applicator member 56 on the lower surface 42 also extends downward from the distal end 70 to the proximal end 80 by a predetermined length. The application member 56 on the lower surface 42 also includes any type of textured surface for holding a single application amount of the cosmetic composition and applying on contact with the eyelashes, It includes an array of stumps or brush bristles 57 arranged similar to the arrangement of brush bristles.

  In other embodiments of the present invention, either the application member 56 on the upper surface 40 or the application member 56 on the lower surface 42 may be absent.

  In the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-12, the distal end 70 of the head portion 40 may also include an applicator member 56. The applicator member 56 includes any type of textured surface for holding a single application amount of the cosmetic composition and for applying on contact with the eyelashes. Specifically, the textured surface may be formed by interstitial fin-like protrusions that protrude from the edge of the distal end 70 and extend from the upper surface 40 toward the lower surface 42. In addition, the edge of the distal end 70 may include a textured surface described in connection with the upper surface 40 and the lower surface 42. A textured surface on the applicator 10 that includes fin-like projections at the edge of the distal end 70 provides an additional area on the applicator 10 for applying mascara to the eyelashes. Specifically, the height of the fin-like projections may range from about 0.001 to about 0.5 inches with respect to the base of the textured surface. The clearance between the fin-like projections may range from about 0.0001 to about 0.25 inches.

  The handle portion 16 in these exemplary embodiments has a side edge 76 on the left side of the longitudinal axis II of the handle portion 16 and a side edge 78 on the opposite side to the right side of the longitudinal axis II. Those exemplary embodiments of applicator 10 also include a handle portion 16 having a proximal end 80 that is convex in profile between a left edge 76 and a right edge 78.

  The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-12 also includes an upper handle surface 86 and a lower handle surface 88. The upper handle surface 86 is preferably convex between the left edge 76 and the right edge 78, and the lower handle surface 88 is preferably planar between the left edge 76 and the right edge 78. The handle portion 16 has a wider proximal end 80 than the distal end where the handle portion 16 connects to the head portion 14. These exemplary embodiments of applicator 10 also include grip reinforcement 94 formed on upper handle surface 86 and lower handle surface 88.

  FIGS. 13 and 14 are described above for the applicator 10 of the present invention including a head portion 14 and a handle portion 16 that are movably connected at an obtuse angle, and the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. Other preferred embodiments of applicator 10 having the same general shape are illustrated.

  The embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 provides another embodiment of the head portion 14 of the applicator 10. Similar to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2-12, the other embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 includes a head portion 14 with a distal end 70 of the head portion 14 facing side edges 30 and side edges. With a slightly concave contour between 32, the head portion 14 is narrower at the proximal end connecting to the handle portion 16 than the distal end 70 of the head portion 14. The head portion 14 also includes a generally planar upper surface 40 and a generally planar lower surface 42.

  The applicator member 56 is provided at the distal end 70 of the applicator 10. The applicator member 56 includes any type of textured surface for holding a single application amount of the cosmetic composition and for applying on contact with the eyelashes. Specifically, the textured surface may include rows of fins 48 that are substantially parallel with gaps. The fin 48 may have a curved profile at the distal end 70, such as a convex profile. The bent profile may be circular or teardrop shaped. The fins 48 may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis II-II. Further, the fins 48 may be attached to the upper surface 40 and the lower surface 42 or may be integral with the upper surface 40 and the lower surface 42 and surround the edge periphery between the side edge 30 and the side surface 32 facing at the distal end 70. It's okay. The fins 48 may have upper legs 52 that extend a predetermined amount on the upper surface 40 toward the proximal end 80. The fin 48 also has a lower leg 50 that extends a predetermined amount on the lower surface 42 toward the proximal end 80. As shown in FIG. 14, the lower leg portion 50 may be tapered downward toward the lower surface 42, and the upper leg portion 52 may protrude uniformly from the upper surface 40. Further, the leg 50 and leg 52 may be part of a continuous or integral fin. The maximum height of the protrusion from the distal end 70 of the fin 48 is about 0.001 inch to about about the same as the upper surface 40, the lower surface 42, and the edge of the distal end 70 relative to the base of the textured surface. It may be in the range of 0.5 inches. Fins 48 are arranged with a gap, which may range from about 0.001 inch to about 0.25 inch.

  The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 also provides another embodiment of the handle portion 16 of the applicator 10. The handle portion 16 is narrower than the head portion 14 and includes a cutout or hole 58 that assists in gripping the handle portion 16. The cutout or hole 58 may be any suitable shape. Preferably, the cutout or hole 58 is narrow or elongated. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the cutout or hole 58 is oval. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the cutouts or holes 58 may be arranged parallel to each other. More preferably, the longitudinal axis of the cutout or hole 58 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis II of the handle portion 14.

  15 and 16 illustrate another embodiment of the applicator 10 of the present invention that includes a head portion 14 and a handle portion 16 that are movably connected at an obtuse angle. The handle portion 16 of this particular embodiment is as already described or similar to that of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.

  Other embodiments of the head portion 14 of the applicator 10 are disclosed by the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The head portion 16 may include a side leg 30 having an end 38 on the right side of the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 16 and a side having an end 39 on the left side of the longitudinal axis II-II. A leg 32 may be included. The right side leg 30 and the left side leg 32 form an opening for introducing the application member 56 therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the side legs 30 and the side legs 32 may be formed by cutting out the distal end 70 of the head portion 16 into a concave shape. A right support hole 46 is formed in the right end portion 38, and a left support hole is formed in the corresponding left end portion 39.

  The application member 56 is supported by the side legs 30 and the side legs 32 and has a textured surface 54 that holds the application amount of the cosmetic composition and forms the front and back surfaces for application to the eyelashes upon contact. And 58. Specifically, the applicator member 56 may be in the shape of a conventional mascara brush, may be cylindrical, or may be an elongated ellipse having a circular cross section. The application member 56 has end portions 64 and 66 located on opposite sides with support pins 72 and support pins 74, respectively, and the support holes 46 and the support holes of the side legs 30 and the side legs 32, respectively. 47.

  The fitting between the support pin 72 and the support pin 74 and the support hole 46 and the support hole 47 may be performed so that the application member 56 can rotate with respect to the side leg 30 and the side leg 32. Also, this fit may be non-rotatable. In other embodiments, the applicator member 56 may be detachable from the side legs 30 and the side legs 32 and is a roller type that has a round cylindrical shape or a round elongated elliptical shape. It may be interchangeable with other application members 56 having different shapes or sizes, such as application member 56.

  The scope of the invention described in this specification and the claims is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein. This is because these embodiments are intended to exemplify a plurality of aspects of the present invention. Any equivalent embodiment is intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, the above specification, in addition to those shown and described herein, will reveal various applications of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Such applications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. All publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Cross-reference of related applications

  This application is filed under US Provisional Application No. 61/104368, filed October 10, 2008, and US Provisional Application No. 61, filed October 10, 2008, under section 119 (e) of the US Patent Act. No./104369, US Provisional Application No. 61/104373, filed Oct. 10, 2008, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims (18)

An ergonomic applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to eyelashes, the applicator comprising:
A handle portion having a size suitable for sandwiching the applicator between the thumb and the other finger at the two surface portions forming the front and back;
A head portion having at least one application member at an end portion,
The two surfaces forming the front and back surfaces have a width sufficient for the thickness separating the two surfaces to prevent the handle portion from rotating when being sandwiched between the thumb and other fingers. Have
The at least one applicator member has a textured surface that holds a single application amount of the cosmetic composition and that applies the cosmetic composition to the eyelashes by contact with the eyelashes,
The at least one application member extends substantially in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion substantially across the width of the head portion;
The longitudinal axis of the head portion is oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion or is rotatable to be oriented ;
The cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head portion is arcuate ,
An applicator characterized by that. The head portion has a distal arcuate edge at an end, the distal arcuate edge being concave with respect to the head portion;
The applicator according to claim 1. The application member is included in one or both surfaces of the two surfaces forming the front and back of the head part,
The applicator according to claim 1. The applicator member is disposed along a distal edge of the distal end of the head portion;
The applicator according to claim 1. The textured surface is independently selected from the group consisting of brush hairs, protrusions, indentations, fins, comb teeth, Velcro (registered trademark), teeth, grooves, sponges, flocked surfaces,
The applicator according to claim 1. The textured surface comprises fins;
The applicator according to claim 5 . The textured surface comprises brush hairs,
The applicator according to claim 5 . The length of the bristle is shorter than 5 mm,
The applicator according to claim 7 . The head portion further includes a first support portion and a second support portion between which an opening for accommodating the application member is formed, and the application member includes the first support portion and the first support portion. Attached between the two support parts,
The applicator according to claim 1. The handle portion further includes a grip reinforcement or a cutout portion for increasing friction between the handle portion and a finger.
The applicator according to claim 1. The obtuse angle is about 120 ° to about 170 °;
The applicator according to claim 1. The ratio of the maximum thickness separating the two surfaces of the handle portion to the maximum width of the handle portion is about 1: 5 to about 1:50;
The applicator according to claim 1. The maximum dimension is about 35 mm to about 80 mm in length,
The applicator according to claim 1. In order to adjust an obtuse angle formed by the longitudinal axis of the head part and the longitudinal axis of the handle part, the head part can be adjusted to be rotatable with respect to the handle part.
The applicator according to claim 1. The head portion and the handle portion are rotatable around an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the head portion and the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.
The applicator according to claim 14 , wherein the applicator is used. A hinge for rotating the head portion relative to the handle portion;
The applicator according to claim 15 . An applicator according to claim 1;
A container that is loaded with a liquid cosmetic for application to keratin fibers and that receives the head portion of the applicator when the head portion is inserted to bring the application member into contact with the composition;
A wiper attached to the container and removing excess composition from the application member when the applicator is removed from the container;
A kit comprising: A process of measuring a single mascara to be placed on the application member of the applicator according to claim 1;
Applying the composition to the eyelashes by bringing the application member into contact with the eyelashes while holding the applicator in a substantially vertical position.
A method of applying mascara to eyelashes.