MX2011003845A

MX2011003845A - Ergonomic mascara applicator.

Info

Publication number: MX2011003845A
Application number: MX2011003845A
Authority: MX
Inventors: David Cerutti; Gregory A Ornoski; Paul Earnshaw; David Stonehouse
Original assignee: Avon Prod Inc
Priority date: 2008-10-10
Filing date: 2009-10-09
Publication date: 2011-05-25
Also published as: WO2010042878A1; EP2330941A1; CN102176844A; BRPI0914022B1; MX338389B; HK1156816A1; PL2330941T3; CA2739839A1; JP5587326B2; US20110174328A1; EP2330941A4; CA2739839C; EP2330941B1; CN102176844B; WO2010042878A8; BRPI0914022A2; JP2012505051A

Abstract

An ergonomic applicator is provided for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes. The applicator comprises a handle portion and a head portion wherein the longitudinal axis of the head portion is positioned or can be rotatably positioned at an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The handle being suitable dimensioned for holding between the thumb and fingers without rotation of the handle. The head portion having at its distal end means for holding a charge of cosmetic composition and transferring it to the eyelashes on contact therewith, such as but not limited to, bristles, projections, indentations fins, tines, velcro, teeth, grooves, sponges and flocked surfaces.

Description

APPLICATOR ERGONÓ ICO DE RIMEL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to applicators for cosmetics. More particularly, the present invention relates to ergonomic applicators for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes.

Conventional applicators for applying the mascara compositions to the eyelashes generally include a brush held on an elongate stem which is connected with a handle. The bristles of the brush project radially from the stem. The brush and the stem are usually housed in a cylindrical container. The brush handle forms a closure for the container when the mascara applicator is not used.

When you want to use the mascara applicator, the handle is removed from the container to remove the brush loaded with mascara. During the application of the mascara on the eyelashes, the shank with a brush is usually placed parallel to the face, and oriented horizontally with the brush handle held to one side of the cheek or temple for purposes of manipulation and alignment of the brush with the eyelashes .

During the transfer of the mascara to the eyelashes, the brush is rotated or rotated along its central axis and moves vertically ascending and descending, while holding in a horizontal position, up towards the forehead to make up the upper lashes and down taking the forehead as a reference, to make up the lower lashes.

Some users will hold the handle with the mascara brush with the right hand to apply the mascara on the right side tabs and they will change the brush handle to the left to apply the mascara on the left side tabs. Other users prefer the right or left hand and use the preferred hand to apply the mascara on the eyelashes of both the right and left eye.

However, even though the preferred hand is used for the eyelashes of both eyes, it may be necessary to hold the mascara applicator on the opposite hand to reach the ends of the eyelash that are further away from the preferred hand or that are closer of the nasal bridge.

It should be noted that the application of mascara with conventional mascara applicators usually requires dozens and repeated touch-ups to achieve the desired lash appearance. Due to the manner in which a conventional mascara applicator is held and manipulated, the application of mascara can be a difficult and tedious exercise.

Therefore it is desired to provide an applicator of Mascara that is easily handled with the preferred hand or not to apply the mascara. It is also desired to provide a mascara applicator that can be held comfortably with the hand placed directly in front of the face instead of on the side of the head. In addition it is also desired to provide a mascara applicator that can be easily manipulated in the same hand to apply the mascara on the entire flange of both eyes.

An ergonomic applicator is provided for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes comprising (i) a handle portion and (ii) a head portion. The handle portion is suitably sized to allow the applicator to be held between the thumb and the fingers on opposite faces thereof. The opposite faces have a sufficient width in relation to the thickness that separates the faces to prevent the rotation of the handle when it is held between the thumb and the fingers. Preferably, the maximum thickness that separates the faces of the handle portion compared to the maximum width of the handle portion is in a ratio of about 1: 5 to about 1:50. The head portion has at its distal end at least one transfer element comprising a textured surface to hold a charge of cosmetic composition and transfer it to the eyelashes by contact therewith. The transfer element extends substantially along the width of the portion of head and in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The longitudinal axis of the head portion is oriented, or rotated to orient it, at an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The obtuse angle is preferably from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the applicator has a total length of its proximal end to its distal end of about 35 mm to about 80 mm.

In some embodiments, the head portion has a terminal arcuate edge at the distal end thereof, the arcuate edge is concave with respect to the head portion. This head portion can also have an arcuate cross section on its longitudinal axis. In an alternative embodiment, the head portion may include a first support and a second support defining an opening between the two for receiving a transfer member. The transfer element can be mounted between the first and second supports. Additionally, the handle portion may include raised finger slits or grooves to increase friction between the handle portion and the thumb and fingers.

The transfer element can be included in one or both opposite faces of the head portion. Alternatively, the transfer element is arranged at length of the terminal edge at the distal end of the head portion. The transfer element may include at least one textured surface, such as bristles, projections, notches, fins, tips, sailboat, teeth, grooves, sponges or velvety surfaces. Preferably, the textured surface includes fins or bristles. More preferably, the bristles have a length less than 5mm.

In certain embodiments, the head portion is rotatably adjusted with respect to the handle portion to adjust the obtuse angle between the longitudinal axis of the head portion and the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. Preferably, the head portion and the handle portion are rotated approximately on an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the head portion and the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The applicator may further include a hinge that allows rotation of the head portion with respect to the handle portion.

Also provided is a kit that includes the applicator of the present invention and a container loaded with a liquid cosmetic for application to a keratin fiber. The container is configured to receive the head portion of the applicator when it is inserted into the container to contact the transfer element with the composition. A cleaner is attached to the container to remove the excess composition of the transfer element when the applicator is removed from the container.

In addition, the applicator is used in a method to apply mascara on the eyelashes. The method includes measuring a mascara load on the applicator transfer member and transferring the composition to the lashes by contacting the transfer member with the lashes while holding the applicator in a substantially vertical position.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the invention, including the appended figures and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a side view of the mascara applicator according to a general embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention having bristles on the opposite faces of the head portion and fin like projections on the distal end of the applicator.

Figure 3 shows a different perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view front of the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention having a reduced brush density and having bris on only one face of the head portion.

Figure 6 shows a front perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention having also a reduced brush density and having bris on only one face of the head portion.

Figure 7 shows a different front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 8 shows a different front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 9 shows a different front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 6.

Figure 10 shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 6.

Figure 11 shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 12 shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the invention having parallel fins that wrap around the terminal edge at the distal end of the applicator.

Figure 14 shows a side perspective view of the head portion of the exemplary applicator shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the invention having a concave end edge on the head portion forming side legs to be connected to the ends of an elongated transfer member.

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of an exemplary applicator shown in Figure 13 where the transfer member is removed.

The inventive applicator for applying a cosmetic composition generally includes angles and / or curvatures that provide an ergonomic shape to improve the user's comfort when applying the cosmetic composition. Specifically, the applicator according to the invention is particularly useful for the application of a cosmetic composition, such as mascara, to the eye. The agreement applicator with the invention may also be useful for the application of a variety of cosmetics and personal care products for keratin fibers or skin, including but not limited to, eyeliner, hair dye, lip liner, lipstick, bilé, lip gloss, etc. As used herein, the term "keratin fibers" may include, without limitation, eyelashes, eyebrows or hair of any part of the body, including the scalp. It is believed that the applicator of the present invention has a favorable shape that allows the applicator to be held more comfortably in the hand of a user and manipulated more easily with a single hand to apply the cosmetic composition in an efficient and uniform manner in Comparison with conventional cosmetic applicators. In addition, it is believed that the applicator of the present invention is capable of providing greater coverage on the eyelashes with each touch-up and a more uniform distribution of the mascara compositions along the eyelashes as compared to conventional cosmetic applicators. Without adhering to any theory, it is believed that the increase in eyelash coverage with each touch-up is achieved through a convenient size and shapes that provide a greater contact area with the eyelashes. Accordingly, it is believed that the applicator can effectively deposit the mascara on the eyelashes using less touch-ups than with an applicator conventional A general embodiment of the applicator 10 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. The applicator 10 for applying a cosmetic composition, such as a mascara composition, on the eyelashes includes a handle portion 16 at the proximal end 80 and a head portion 14 at the distal end 70. The handle portion 10 can be operably linked to the head portion 14 in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16 can be integral and formed in one piece. Alternatively, the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16 can be formed as separate structures and joined using any suitable technique in the art. For example, the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16 can be joined by means of a joint, friction-adjusting mechanism, closure mechanism, adhesive, or fusion with the distal end of the handle portion 16 with the proximal end of the head portion 14. In one embodiment, the head portion 14 can be detachably connected to the handle portion 16. In particular, the handle portion 16 can be disassembled from and interchangeably connected to a plurality of head portions 14.

The handle portion 16 and the head portion 14 can be connected in any suitable orientation. In a embodiment, the handle portion 16 can be co-linear with the head portion 14 of the applicator 10. Preferably, the handle portion 16 connects to or is integral with the head portion 10 at an angle that forms a curved shape, which generally has a convex shape or on one side where the head portion 14 joins the handle portion 16 and generally a concave shape on the opposite side. The curved shape may be a slight or exaggerated deviation of a co-linear formation, forming a displacement between the head portion 10 and the handle portion 16. It is believed that this displacement provides a more ergonomic shape to the applicator 10 and can facilitate the application of the mascara on the eyelashes in a more efficient and uniform manner compared to conventional mascara applicators. In certain embodiments, the applicator 10 may be wider at the distal and conical end 70 at the narrowest point of the applicator 10 at the curve where the head portion 14 joins the handle portion 16. It is also believed that the ergonomic shape of the applicator 10 can improve comfort, allow the applicator 10 to hold better in the hand of a user, and provide a better ability to manipulate the applicator 10 with one hand.

The applicator 10 of the present invention may be of any suitable size and shape. Preferably, the size and shape of the applicator 10 makes it favorable and comfortable for use on any hand, regardless of whether the user gives preference to a hand to apply the mascara on the lashes. In situations where the user holds the applicator 10 only with the preferred hand for application of the mascara on the eyelashes for both the right eye and the left eye, the applicator 10 is able to easily access all the eyelashes in both eyes, including those tabs that are farther away from the preferred hand or closer to the bridge of the nose.

Preferably, the applicator 10 can have a relatively small size and a favorable shape for the user to use it in a portable manner. More preferably, the applicator 10 may be sized to allow the applicator 10 to be held firmly between the thumb and fingers and prevent radial movements of the applicator 10 for as long as the consumer uses or manipulates it. For example, the total length (L) of the applicator 10 at the elongated point of the end 80 proximal to the distal end 70 may vary from about 15 mm to about 80 mm, from about 25 mm to about 80 mm, from about 25 mm to about 75 mm, from about 35 mm to about 80 mm, from about 35 mm to about 65 mm, or from about 40 mm to about 60 mm. In a specific modality, the The total length (L) of the applicator 10 at the elongated point can be about two inches (or about 50.8 mm), with a handle portion 16 measuring a little more than one inch (approximately 25.4 mm) in length and the portion 14 head that measures a little less than one inch (approximately 25.4 mm) long. As used herein, the total length of the applicator 10 is determined by measuring the length of the third side of a triangle defined on two sides by the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16. In certain embodiments where the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16 are co-linear and do not overlap in length, the total length (L) is the sum of the length of the head portion 14 and the length of the portion 16 of mango. Other dimensions suitable for a relatively small size and a favorable size include a width of the distal end 70 of the head portion 14 ranging from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, from about 12.5 mm to about 45 mm, of about 15 mm to about 40 mm, from about 17.5 mm to about 35 mm, or about 3 / inch (about 19.1 mm) to about 1 1/4 inch (about 31.8 mm) and a width of the applicator 10 at its narrowest point than varies from about 5 mm to about 30 mm, from about 7.5 to about 20 mm, of approximately 8 mm to approximately 15 mm, or approximately five sixteenths of an inch (approximately 7.9 mm) to approximately three-eighths of an inch (approximately 9.5 mm).

It is contemplated by means of the present invention that the head portion 14 and the handle portion 16 of the applicator 10 may include other shapes and sizes that are ergonomically comfortable to hold and manipulate.

In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal axis I-I of the handle portion 16 is positioned or capable of being positioned at an obtuse angle T with respect to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 10. Obtuse angle means the angle that is greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. The handle portion 16 and the head portion 10 of the applicator 10 can be fixed, or adjusted in a rotational manner, or capable of being deformed along the orthogonal axis of the longitudinal axis II of the handle portion 16 and the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 to form the angle T. In one embodiment, the handle portion 16 can be connected to the head portion 14 by an adjustable joint (not shown). Specifically, the range of motion of the adjustable joint can be limited to form only obtuse angles. In another embodiment, the applicator 10 can be formed from a deformable material to allow the user to bend and deform the applicator 10 to a suitable angle T. Preferably, the angle T between the longitudinal axis II of the handle portion 16 and the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 varies from about 95 to about 175 degrees, more preferably from about 115 to about 170 degrees, more preferably from about 120 to about 170 degrees, more preferably from about 130 to about 165 degrees, and more preferably from about 140 to about 160 degrees.

The handle portion 14 of the applicator 10 can have any suitable dimensions to allow the applicator to be held between the thumb and fingers and prevent rotation of the handle when held between the thumb and fingers. Preferably, the handle portion 16 is narrower than the head portion 14. In one embodiment, as shown in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrated in Figures 2 to 16, the handle portion 14 includes two opposite faces 86, 88 that have a sufficient width in relation to the thickness that separates the faces for Prevent rotation of the handle portion 14 when held between the thumb and fingers. The thickness that separates the two faces can be completely uniform or they can vary. In particular, the ratio of the maximum thickness dimension that separates the faces to the width of the most point The width of the handle portion 14 can vary from about 1: 2 to about 1:50, from about 1: 5 to about 1:50, from about 1: 3 to about 1:25, or from about 1: 4 to about 1:20, from about 1: 5 to about 1:10. In certain embodiments, the maximum thickness that separates the faces may vary from about 1 mm to about 10 m, from about 1.25 mm to about 5 mm, from about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm. In certain embodiments, the handle portion 14 may be substantially within a linear or curved plane. In another embodiment, the handle portion 14 can be flat.

The handle portion 14 may also include any appropriate modifications to improve the comfort and / or stability of the applicator 10 when held between the thumb and fingers. Another suitable modification includes a convex contour on at least one of the opposite faces 86 and 88 of the handle portion 14. Another suitable modification may be a convex contour on the face 88 of the handle portion 14, which was adapted to be supported by a thumb, and a concave contour on the opposite face 86 of the handle portion 14, which was adapted to be supported by the fingers. Alternatively, another suitable modification to the mango portion 14 is shown in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 through 12. The modification may include embossments 94 of finger slits that are attached to or integral with the handle portion 14. The finger recesses 94 may include any means for increasing the friction of the handle portion 14 against the thumb and / or the fingers, such as but not limited to raised ridges, ridges, depressions, other shaped projections or spaces empty between such projection. The finger recesses 94 may unitarily form with the handle portion 14 or may be attached by any suitable means, including an adhesive or fusion of the embossments 94 with the handle portion 14. The fingerprint enhancements 94 can be formed using any suitable technique, including molding and finishing techniques such as soft-touch finishing or co-extrusion of polymers.

Another suitable modification is shown in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 13, 15 and 16. The handle portion 14 can be modified to include slots or openings 58 that increase the friction between the handle portion 14 and the thumb and / or the fingers, in order to facilitate holding the handle 16. The slots or openings 58 can have any suitable shape. Preferably, the slots or openings 58 are narrow and elongated. In the specific modalities presented in the Figures 13, 15 and 16, the slots or openings 58 have an oval shape. In addition, as shown in Figures 13, 15 and 16, the slots and openings 58 may be arranged parallel with one another. More preferably, the slots or openings 58 have a length perpendicular to the longitudinal axis I-I of the handle portion 14.

The head portion 16 is the part of the applicator 10 in contact with at least one transfer element 56 for applying the cosmetic composition. Preferably, the head portion 14 that is narrower at its proximal end, where it joins the handle portion 16, than that of the distal end 70. The head portion 16 provides structural support to the transfer member 56. Additionally, the surface (s) of the head portion 16 can be textured to form a transfer element 56. Preferably, the transfer member 56 extends substantially along the width of the head portion 14 and in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis I-I of the handle portion 16. By substantially across the width, it means that the transfer element 56 extends more than 70%, preferably more than 80%, more preferably more than 90% and most preferably more than 95% of the width of the portion 14 of head. The transfer member 56 can extend the full width of the head portion 14. In addition, element 56 of Transfer can have any suitable form. Specifically, the transfer member 56 may have an arcuate outer shape that substantially forms or forms at least one quarter, at least one third, at least one half of the contours formed by the eyelashes or eyelid. In certain embodiments, the arcuate outer shape is convex while in other embodiments, the arcuate outer shape may be concave. In some embodiments, the head portion 16 and the transfer member 56 may be unitary such as in the case where the transfer member 56 is formed of textured surfaces integral with the head portion 16. For example, the head portion 16 and the transfer element 56 can be molded as a single piece by means of injection molding.

In a preferred embodiment, such as those exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 14, the head portion 16 may have two opposite faces 40, 42 with a thickness therebetween. The thickness between the opposing faces 40 and 42 may be completely uniform or may vary. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the head portion 16 is a maximum along its longitudinal axis II-II and decreases as the distance of the longitudinal axis II-II increases. The transfer element 56 can extend from one or both opposite faces 40, 42. Element 56 of The transfer may extend from the distal end 70 of the head portion 14 of the applicator 10. The maximum thickness of the head portion 16 may be less than the width of the widest point of the head portion 16. In particular, the maximum thickness that separates the opposite faces 40, 42 as compared to the width of the widest point of the head portion 16 can have a ratio of about 1: 2 to about 1:50, about 1: 5. at about 1:25, or about 1:10 to about 1:20. In specific embodiments, the maximum thickness that separates the opposing faces from the head portion 16 may vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, from about 1.25 mm to about 5 mm, of about 1.5 mm to approximately 3 mm.

The head portion 16 may also include an additional axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 16 (not shown). The head portion 16 can be adjustable to this additional axis. Specifically, the head portion 16 can be formed of two parts adjoined in a rotatable manner to each other by means of an adjustable link along the length of the additional shaft. The range of movement of the adjustable joint can be limited to only form obtuse angles. Preferably, the adjustable joint can be limited to movements from about 95 to about 175 degrees, more preferably from about 100 to about 170 degrees, more preferably from about 100 to about 170 degrees, more preferably from about 105 to about 165 degrees, and most preferably from about 110 at approximately 160 degrees.

Preferably, the head portion 16 can have any suitable shape that substantially conforms or conforms to at least a quarter of the contours formed by the eyelashes or eyelid. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 12, any cross section of the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 16 may have an arcuate shape. Preferably, the arcuate shape substantially conforms or forms at least one quarter, at least one third, at least one half of all counting formed by the eyelashes or the eyelid. The arcuate cross section of the head portion 16 with the longitudinal axis II-II may be convex along the upper and concave face 40 along the lower face 42. Alternatively, the cross section of the head along the upper and lower faces 40, 42, may be concave / concave, convex / convex, flat / flat or any of these combinations. In another preferred embodiment, the head portion 16 has a terminal edge arched, preferably a concave edge, at the distal end 70 as shown in Figures 4 to 6 and 13. The concave terminal edge substantially forms or forms at least one quarter, at least one third, at least one half of all the contours formed by the eyelashes or the eyelid.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16, the head portion 16 may include a first support, such as a side leg 30, on a right side of the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 16 and a second support, such as a second side leg 32, on the left side of the longitudinal axis II-II. The first and second supports form an opening therebetween to receive and support a transfer element 56. In the specific embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16, the first and second supports may be formed from a concave terminal edge at the distal end 70 of the head portion 16. The transfer element 56 can be mounted rotatably or not along its length between the first and second supports. The transfer member 56 may have an elongated shape, such as, but not limited to, a cylindrical or elongate oval shape having a circular cross section.

The transfer element 56 includes means for holding and releasing a cosmetic composition, such as mascara, and may include any type of textured surface to hold a charge of cosmetic composition and transfer it to the keratin fibers, for example, eyelashes or skin by contact. As the transfer element 56, any suitable textured surfaces capable of holding and transferring a charge of cosmetic composition can be used. The textured surfaces may also be capable of imparting various types of aesthetically pleasing appearances to the eyelashes, such as an appearance with volume, separate appearance (i.e., eyelashes detaching individually from one another), curly appearance, etc. Examples of suitable textured surfaces include bristles, projections, notches, fins, tips, sailboat, teeth, grooves, sponges or velvety surfaces. Textured surfaces can be formed of any suitable substance. In some embodiments, textured surfaces are formed of silicone or other soft-touch materials. However, it will be understood that when the bristles become long enough to be easily bent as such, for example, in a brush, they will no longer be considered to constitute a textured surface, and in that case they will not be included in the terminal edge of the bristle. the head portion. However, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that longer bristles, for example, from about 10 to about 20 mm will they are within the scope of the embodiment so long as they are not at the terminal edge of the head portion, for example, longer bristles may be suitably included in one or more of the opposite faces of the head portion. The bristles according to the invention will typically measure less than 10 nm in length, less than 7.5 mm in length, less than 5 mm in length, less than 2.5 mm in length. The bristles can be, without limitation integral part of the body of the head or they can be synthetic fibers implanted in the head. In one embodiment, the transfer member 56 is not unitary with the head portion 14 and the bristles are less than about 5 mm from the base of the transfer member 56. In certain embodiments, any bristles extending from the terminal edge of the applicator parallel to the plane substantially containing the head portion 14 will be less than about 5 mm, less than about 4.5 mm, less than about 4 mm, less than about 3.5 mm, less of about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, or less than about 1 mm. In other embodiments, the transfer member 56 will not have bristles extending parallel to the plane substantially containing the head portion 14. In another embodiment, the terminal edge of the head portion is substantially free of bristles which means that the number of bristles that are extending from the terminal edge in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 are suitably low since the bristles can not contribute materially to the application of the mascara on a substantial number of eyelashes during regular use. In other modalities, the terminal edge will not have bristles.

In a preferred embodiment, the textured surface may comprise a variety of spike-like projections, fin-like projections and / or bristles arranged in a suitable pattern or shape and not necessarily symmetrically. Examples of suitable patterns include separate and parallel rows, alternating rows and columns, linear rows and columns or random patterns. A variety of projections arranged in parallel rows in the same direction as the longitudinal axis II-II of the head portion 14 can provide the tabs with a separate appearance. In contrast, a variety of projections arranged in alternating rows and columns can give the eyelashes a volume appearance. The density of the variety may vary as shown in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5, depending on the characteristics of the applied cosmetic composition. The differences in the densities of the variety of projections can also impart different aesthetic appearances to the eyelashes.

The cosmetic applicator 10 of the present invention can be placed in equipment with or used in combination with a reservoir containing or loaded with a cosmetic composition, preferably a liquid cosmetic composition such as mascara. The reservoir may include at least one cleanser to remove excess mascara from the transfer elements 56. In one embodiment, the applicator 10 can serve as a closure element for the reservoir, without the use of a separate closure device, such as a cap or lid. The applicator 10 can be used in combination with the reservoir first by placing the head portion 14 inside the reservoir to contact the transfer element with the mascara composition and subsequently removing the head portion 14 from the reservoir to measure the charge of mascara at the transfer element 56. While the head portion 14 of the applicator 10 is removed from the reservoir, the cleanser removes the excess mascara from the transfer member 56 by means of a smooth movement and returning the excess mascara to the reservoir.

To use the applicator 10 to apply a mascara composition to the eyelashes, a user can hold the handle portion 16 of the applicator 10 between the thumb and fingers and place the head portion 14 directly in front of the eyelashes in a substantially position vertical, where element 56 of transfer would be parallel or substantially parallel to the eyelid. By substantially vertical it generally means parallel to the line of the nose. The applicator 10 moves upwardly easily (towards the top of the head) or downwardly (towards the cheek) in a single movement so that the transfer element 56 contains and deposits the mascara composition in a uniform manner.

The size and shape of the handle portion 16 allows the user to ergonomically and stably hold the applicator 10 between the thumb and fingers and manipulate the applicator 10 to apply the mascara composition on the eyelashes. In particular, the applicator 10 may be of a suitable size so that the user's hand can rest on the cheek or on the forehead for additional support during the application of the mascara composition. The ability to lean on portions of the face such as the cheek or forehead provides greater stability and allows the user to apply more precise mascara on the eyelashes and to avoid a stained appearance.

Figures 2 to 12 illustrate some of the currently preferred embodiments of the applicator 10 according to the invention. The applicator 10 includes a head portion 14 attached to a handle portion 16 at an obtuse angle, generally forming a convex surface 22 on a side where the head portion 14 is attached to the portion 16 of handle and a generally concave surface 24 on the opposite side. 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 contour between the opposite lateral edges 30 and 32. As shown in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 2 to 12, the head portion 14 is narrower at its proximal end where it joins the handle portion 16 as compared to the distal end 70 of the head portion 14.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 also includes a head portion 14 having an upper face 40 and a lower face 42. The upper face 40 may be flat but preferably convex between the opposite lateral edges 30 and 32. The lower face 42 preferably concave between the opposite lateral edges 30 and 32. The upper and lower faces 40, 42 may have a concave / concave, convex / convex, flat / planar relationship or any of these combinations.

The thickness between the upper face 40 and the lower face 42 of the head portion 14 can be uniform or variable. Preferably, the thickness of the head portion 14 between the upper face 40 and the lower face 42 is an intermediate maximum between the opposite lateral edges 30 and 32. of the head portion 14. The head portion 14 may have a minimum thickness at the opposite lateral edges 30 and 32.

The upper face 40 of the head portion 14 includes a transfer element 56 that extends substantially from the right side edge 32 to the left side edge 30. The transfer member 56 also extends a predetermined distance from the distal end 70 to the proximal end 80. The transfer element 56 includes any type of textured surface to hold a charge of cosmetic composition and transfer it to the eyelashes by contact. The textured surface of this exemplary embodiment includes a projection variety similar to spikes or bristles 57 arranged in alternating or linear rows or columns or random patterns. The density of the bristles 57 can vary as shown in Figures 4 to 12, depending on the characteristics of the applied cosmetic composition.

In the specific embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 12, the lower face 42 of the head portion 14 includes a transfer member 56 that extends substantially from the right side edge 32 to the left side edge 30 . The transfer member 56 on the lower face 42 also extends a predetermined amount of the distal end 70 in a downward manner. towards the proximal end 80. The transfer member 56 on the lower face 42 also includes any type of textured surface to hold a charge of cosmetic composition and transfer it to the eyelashes by contact, which includes the variety of spike-like projections or bristles 57 arranged in a manner similar to the arrangement of the projections similar to spikes or bristles 57 on the upper face 40.

In other embodiments of the invention, either the transfer element 56 on the upper face 40 or the transfer element 56 on the lower face 42 can be omitted.

In the specified embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 12, the distal end 70 of the head portion 14 may also include a transfer member 56. The transfer element 56 includes any type of textured surface to hold a charge of cosmetic composition and transfer it to the eyelashes by contact. Specifically, the textured surface can be formed with spaced fin like projections projecting from the edge to the distal end 70 and extending from the upper face 40 to the lower face 42. Alternatively, the edge at the distal end 70 may include the type of textured surfaces described for the upper face 40 and the lower face 42. The textured surfaces, including the fin-like projections, on the applicator 10 at the edge of the distal end 70 provide an additional area on the applicator 10 for applying the mascara on the eyelashes. Specifically, fin-like projections can have a height from the base of the textured surface of about 0.0254 mm (0.001 inches) to about 12.7 mm (0.5 inches). The projections may be arranged in an order with a spacing ranging from about 0.0254 mm (0.001 inches) to about 6.35 mm (0.25 inches).

The handle portion 16 of these exemplary embodiments has a side edge 76 on the left side of the longitudinal axis I-I of the handle portion 16 and an opposite side edge 78 on the right side of the longitudinal axis I-I. These exemplary embodiments of the applicator 10 also include a handle portion 16 having a proximal end 80 with a convex contour between the left side edge 76 and the right side edge 78.

The exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 12 also include an upper handle face 86 and a lower handle face 88. The upper handle face 86 is preferably convex between the left side edge 76 and the right side edge 78 and the lower control face 88 is preferably flat between the left side edge 76 and the right side edge 78. The handle portion 16 is wider at the proximal end 80 of what is at the distal end where the handle portion 16 is attached to the head portion 14. These exemplary embodiments of the applicator 10 also include embossments 94 of finger slits formed in the upper handle face 86 and in the lower handle face 88.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment of the applicator 10 according to the invention that includes a head portion 14 and a handle portion 16 operably linked at an obtuse angle, the applicator 10 having the same general shape as previously described in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 12.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 provides an alternative embodiment of the head portion 14 of the applicator 10. Similar to the exemplary embodiments of Figures 2 to 12, the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 includes a portion 14 with a distal end 70 having a slightly concave contour between the opposite lateral edges 30 and 32, the head portion 14 being narrower at its proximal end where it is attached to the handle portion 16 as compared to the head portion 16. distal end 70 of head portion 14. The head portion 14 also includes a generally upper planar face 40 and a generally lower planar face 42.

The transfer element 56 is located at the distal end 70 of the applicator 10.

The transfer element 56 includes any type of textured surface to hold a charge of cosmetic composition and transfer it to the eyelashes by contact. Specifically, the textured surface may include a row of fins 48 spaced apart and substantially parallel. The fins 48 can have a curved contour, such as a convex contour, at the distal end 70. The curved contour can be rounded or drop-shaped. The fins 48 can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis II-II. Additionally, the fins 48 can be connected to or be integral with the upper and lower faces 40 and wrap the edge at the distal end 70 between the opposite lateral edges 30 and 32. The fins 48 may have an upper leg portion 52 extending a predetermined amount toward the proximal end 80 on the upper face 40. The fins 48 may also have a lower leg portion 50 extending a predetermined amount toward the proximal end 80 on the upper face 42. As shown in Figure 14, the lower leg portion 50 can taper downward toward the lower face 42 and the upper leg portion 52 can project uniformly from the upper face 40. In addition, the leg portions 50 and 52 may be part of a continuous and unitary fin. The fin projections 48 of the distal end 70 may have a maximum height of the base of the textured surface, such as the upper face 40, the lower face 42 or the edge at the distal end 70, which varies from approximately 0.0254 mm (0.001) inches) to approximately 1.27 (0.5 inches). The fins 48 can be arranged with a spacing ranging from about 0.0254 mm (0.001 inches) to about 6.35 mm (0.25 inches).

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 13 also provides an alternative embodiment of the handle portion 16 of the applicator 10. The handle portion 16 is narrower than the head portion 14 and includes slots or openings 58 that facilitate clamping the handle 16. The slots or openings 58 can have any suitable shape. Preferably, the slots or openings 58 are narrow and elongated. In a specific embodiment shown in Figure 13, the slots and openings 58 have an oval shape. In addition, as shown in Figure 13, the slots and openings 58 can be disposed in a parallel manner with each other. More preferably, the slots or openings 58 have a length perpendicular to the longitudinal axis I-I of the handle portion 14.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate another embodiment of the applicator 10 according to the invention which includes a head portion 14 and a bonded handle portion 16.

Operably at an obtuse angle. The handle portion 16 of this particular embodiment is the same as that described in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 13.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 provides an alternative embodiment of the head portion 14 of the applicator 10. The head portion 16 may include a side leg 30 having a final portion 38, on a right side of the longitudinal axis II II of the head portion 16 and a side leg 32 having a final portion 39, on the left side of the longitudinal axis II-II. The right lateral leg 30 and the left lateral leg 32 form an opening therein to receive the transfer element 56. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the side legs 30 and 32 can be formed from concave grooves in the distal end 70 of the head portion 16. A right support opening 46 is provided in the right end portion 38 and a corresponding left support opening 47 is provided in the left end portion 39.

The transfer member 56, supported by the side legs 30 and 32, includes opposed textured surfaces 54, 58 to hold a charge of cosmetic composition and transfer it to the eyelashes by contact. Specifically, the transfer member 56 may be in the form of a conventional mascara brush, or it may be in the form of a cylinder, or an elongated oval shape that It has a circular cross section. The transfer member 56 has opposite ends 64 and 66 with respective support pins 72 and 74 which respectively connect in the openings 46 and 47 in the lateral legs 30 and 32.

The connection between the support pins 72 and 74 and the support openings 46 and 47 can be set to allow rotation of the transfer member 56 relative to the lateral legs 30 and 32. Alternatively, such connection may be non-rotational. In another embodiment the transfer element 56 can be disassembled from the lateral legs 30 and 32, and interchanged with other transfer elements 56 of different shapes and sizes like a roller transfer element 56 of rounded cylindrical shape or an elongated oval shape rounded The invention described and claimed herein is not limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein as those embodiments are intended as illustrations of various aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention. In fact, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. Such modification is also intended is within the scope of the appended claims. All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. An ergonomic applicator for applying a cosmetic composition on the eyelashes, characterized in that it comprises: a handle portion suitably dimensioned to allow the applicator to be held between the thumb and fingers on opposite faces thereof, the opposite faces with a sufficient width in relation to the thickness separating the faces to prevent rotation of the handle when held between the thumb and fingers; Y a head portion having at its distal end at least one transfer element comprising a textured surface for holding a load of cosmetic composition and transferring it to the eyelashes by contact therewith, at least one transfer element extending substantially along the width of the head portion and in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the handle, where the longitudinal axis of the head portion is oriented, or rotated to orient it, at an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the head portion has a terminal arcuate edge at the distal end of the same, the arched edge is concave with respect to the head portion.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the head portion has an arcuate cross section on its longitudinal axis.

4. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one transfer element is included in one or both opposite faces of the head portion.

5. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer element is arranged along the terminal edge at the distal end of the head portion.

6. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one textured surface is independently selected from the group consisting of bristles, projections, notches, fins, tips, sailboat, teeth, grooves, sponges and velvety surfaces.

7. The applicator according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one textured surface comprises fins.

8. The applicator according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one Textured surface comprises bristles.

9. The applicator according to claim 8, characterized in that the bristles have a length of not more than 5 mm.

10. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the head portion further comprises a first support and a second support defining an opening therebetween for receiving the transfer element, the transfer element being mounted between the first and second supports .

11. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle portion comprises fingerprint slits or grooves to increase the friction between the handle potion and the thumb or fingers.

12. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the obtuse angle is from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees.

13. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the maximum thickness that separates the faces of the handle portion compared to the maximum width of the handle portion is in a ratio of about 1: 5 to about 1:50.

14. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the applicator is of approximately 35 mm to approximately 80 mm at its longest point.

15. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the head portion is rotatably adjusted with respect to the handle portion to adjust the obtuse angle between the longitudinal axis of the head portion and the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. .

16. The applicator according to claim 15, characterized in that the head portion and the handle portion are rotated on an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the head potion and the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

17. The applicator according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises a joint that allows the rotation of the head portion with respect to the handle portion.

18. The equipment comprising the applicator according to claim 1 and a container with a liquid cosmetic for applying it to a keratin fiber, and which is configured to receive the head portion of the applicator when it is inserted into the container to remove the element from the applicator. transfer that came into contact with the composition, and a cleaner attached to the container to remove the excess composition of the transfer element when the applicator is removed from the container.

19. A method for applying mascara on the eyelashes characterized in that it comprises measuring a mascara load on the transfer element of the applicator according to claim 1 and transferring the composition to the lashes by means of contacting the transfer element with the lashes while the applicator is applied. Holds in a substantially vertical position.