COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH HEAT TRANSFER COMPONENT

Abstract

A cosmetic package for applying a composition including a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical composition onto the keratinous substrate such as skin, lips, under eyes, eyelids, cheeks, or any other part of the body. The cosmetic package comprises a cosmetic container and a cosmetic dropper coupled to the cosmetic container. The cosmetic dropper further comprises an applicator member, a bulb portion, a cap and a pipe. Actuation of the bulb portion displaces the composition from the interior of the pipe onto the applicator member. The applicator member is formed from an elastic material and flexes relative to the pipe.

Claims

1. An applicator assembly for applying a substance to a keratinous surface comprising: a pipe, the pipe including a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal reservoir space, wherein the distal end comprises a concave surface, wherein the concave surface comprise and engagement opening and one or more feed channels in fluid communication with the reservoir space; an applicator member, the applicator member including an application surface, a contacting surface and a fitment pin, wherein the fitment pin extends from the application surface in a proximal direction, and wherein the fitment pin is received in the engagement opening to fix the applicator member to the distal end of the pipe and to hold the contacting surface in contact with the concave surface; and a bulb portion connected with the proximal end of the pipe, in fluid communication with the internal reservoir, and adapted to pneumatically displace the substance into and out of the reservoir space via the feed channels.

2. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the application surface and the concave surface define a gap distal of the contacting surface.

3. The applicator assembly of claim 2, wherein the applicator member is formed from a elastic material and wherein force applied to the application surface causes the applicator member to flex relative to the pipe into the gap.

4. The applicator member of claim 1, wherein the applicator member is formed from a heat transfer material.

5. The applicator assembly of claim 4, wherein the applicator member is formed from one or more of a metal material, a synthetic resin material, a ceramic material, a stone, and a glass material.

6. The applicator assembly of claim 3, wherein the elastic material is a polymeric elastomer.

7. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the fitment pin comprises a snap fit ring, wherein the engagement opening comprises a snap fit groove, and wherein the applicator member is fixed to the pipe by engagement of the snap fit ring and the snap fit groove.

8. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the application member comprises flocking.

9. The applicator assembly of claim 1, further comprising a container adapted to hold the substance, the container comprising a neck and a wiper disposed within the neck, wherein, in an inserted configuration, the pipe extends through the wiper and into the container and wherein, when the pipe is pulled in a proximal direction through the wiper, the wiper wipes an outer surface of the pipe.

10. The applicator assembly of claim 9, wherein the bulb portion comprises a resiliently expandable material, wherein, in the inserted configuration, the applicator member and distal end surface are immersed in the substance, wherein a resilient expansion of the bulb pneumatically draws the substance into the reservoir space.

11. The applicator assembly of claim 10, wherein compression of the bulb portion pneumatically displaces the substance from the reservoir space onto the applicator member via the feed channels.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cosmetic package equipped with a cosmetic dropper of present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the cosmetic dropper of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the cosmetic package of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a pipe of the cosmetic dropper of FIG. 2;

[0035] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe of FIG. 4;

[0036] FIG. 6 shows a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the pipe of FIG. 5;

[0037] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic dropper of FIG. 2, shown without a cap and a bulb portion;

[0038] FIG. 8 shows a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the cosmetic dropper of FIG. 7;

[0039] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a cosmetic package equipped with a cosmetic dropper according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of a portion of the cosmetic dropper according to the embodiment of FIG. 9;

[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cosmetic dropper according to the embodiment of FIG. 9;

[0042] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a pipe forming a portion of the cosmetic dropper according to the embodiment of FIG. 9; and

[0043] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an applicator member according to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0044] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Throughout this specification, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising” and the like, shall consistently mean that a collection of objects is not limited to those objects specifically recited. The term “proximal” refers to the part of an object closest to the user's hand when the user holds the object during use. The term “distal” refers to the part of the object farthest from the user's hand when the user holds the object during use.

[0046] FIGS. 1 and 3 show a cosmetic package 100 for storing a cosmetic composition of a liquid or viscous nature. The cosmetic package 100 includes a cosmetic dropper 20 coupled to a cosmetic container 10. The cosmetic dropper 20 comprises an applicator member 26 at its dispensing end. Applicator member 26 comprises a contact member 26a.

[0047] The cosmetic container 10 may have any predetermined three-dimensional shape capable of providing a storage space in which the cosmetic composition is stored, in the exemplary embodiment seen in FIG. 1, the container 10 has a cylindrical shape.

[0048] The cosmetic container 10 may include a main body that forms a storage space for the cosmetic composition and a neck 12 that form an opening for the insertion of the cosmetic dropper 20 of the cosmetic composition. The outer peripheral surface of the neck 12 can have a screw thread 12a that is formed for engagement with corresponding threads 21a of the cosmetic dropper 20.

[0049] As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the cosmetic dropper 20 has a bulb portion 22, a pipe 23, the applicator member 26, and a cap 21. The bulb portion 22 is for generating a pressure change for the suction of the cosmetic composition into the pipe 23. The pipe 23 is connected to the applicator member 26 at its distal end and to the bulb portion 22 at the proximal end for suction of the cosmetic composition into the pipe 23. The cap 21 is ring shaped and has internal threads 21a which are threadedly engageable on the neck 12 of the container 10. More particularly, the inner side of the cap 21 has a screw thread which are corresponding to the thread 12a of the neck 12.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 1, inserted in the neck 12 of the container 10 is a wiper 16 for wiping off excess cosmetic composition from the pipe 23. In other examples, the neck 12 of the container 10 may be devoid of any wiper structure. In such an example, any excess cosmetic may be drained as the cosmetic dropper 20 is removed from the cosmetic container 10.

[0051] In this embodiment, described with reference to the combination of the cosmetic container 10 and the cosmetic dropper 20, the dropper 20 is removably engaged to the container 10 by screwing threads 12a and 21a into engagement with one another. According to other embodiments, dropper 20 may be removably connected with container 10, for example, by a snap fit, an interference fit or other methods known in the field of the disclosure.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, the cap 21 includes a through central hole 21b through which a major portion of the bulb portion 22 projects at a proximal end portion of the cosmetic dropper 20. The bulb portion 22 includes an annular bottom sealing stopper 28 which is received beneath a top surface 29 of the cap 21, so that when the cap 21 is tightened the stopper 28 is clamped sealingly on a top rim of the container neck 12. Thus, the bulb portion 22 is arranged majorly at the upper side of the screw cap 21. A proximal end portion of the pipe 23 extends through the through central hole 21b of the cap 21 and is connected to the bulb portion 22. Thus, the pipe 23 is arranged majorly down side of the top surface 29 of the cap 21.

[0053] In this embodiment, the bulb portion 22 is made of a soft material or a flexible and resilient material, such as rubber that can be easily compressed and that will resiliently re-expand when a compressive force is removed.

[0054] As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the bulb portion 22 is formed to have a predetermined height on the upper side of the cap 21 and can be formed of a soft material such as rubber as described above, so that the user can easily grasp the bulb portion 22. If the user presses the bulb portion 22, the bulb portion 22 compresses, and discharges the inside air through the pipe 23, and when pressing pressure on the bulb portion 22 is released, the bulb portion 22 expands to suck external cosmetic composition through the pipe 23. Thus, the user can adjust the force applied to the bulb portion 22 to regulate the amount of cosmetic composition discharged from the cosmetic dropper 20 according to the need of the user.

[0055] In this embodiment example, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the distal end of the pipe 23 can be formed in a shape in which the cross-section further widens. In alternate embodiments, a diameter or a width of the pipe 23 may remain substantially same throughout its length. As seen specifically in FIG. 3, the pipe 23 has a cylindrical shape portion 23a defined at the proximal end portion of the pipe 23 and a truncated cone portion 23b defined at a distal end portion of the pipe 23, and wherein a diameter of the truncated cone portion 23b increases towards the distal end of the pipe 23. The pipe 23 has a reservoir space 23c, see FIG. 5, where the cosmetic composition is stored after suction from the cosmetic container 10, and the truncated cone portion 23b of the pipe 23 has a solid region 23d provided with at least one feed channel 25 and a fitment groove 27 formed therein.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the at least one feed channel 25 of the pipe 23 opens into at least one dispensing opening 2 on a distal end surface 29 of the pipe 23. In the exemplary embodiment, it is generally preferred that there be three longitudinal feed channels 25 with respective three dispensing openings 2, the dispensing openings 2 are circumferentially spaced at the distal end surface 29 of the pipe 23. The feed channels 25 has a narrow width so that the cosmetic can be raised easily and sucked by increasing the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the pipe 23. It is to be noted that the feed-channels 25 illustrated in FIG. 5 has the same width throughout its length. In alternate embodiments, the width of the feed-channels 25 may vary along their length.

[0057] Furthermore, the fitment groove 27 extends longitudinally in the solid region defined in the truncated cone portion 23b of the pipe 23 and defines an opening 3 on the distal end surface 29 of the pipe 23. In the exemplary embodiment, the fitment groove 27 is concentric and defines a central opening 3 on the distal end face 29 of the pipe 23. In alternate embodiments, the fitment groove 27 and corresponding opening 3 may not be centrically located in the pipe 23.

[0058] Further, referring to FIGS. 5 and 7-8, according to one embodiment the contact member 26a of the applicator member 26 comprises a massage ball 26a. Applicator member 26 also comprises a fitment pin 26b extending away from the outer surface of the massage ball 26a. The massage ball 26a is spherical in shape. However, in alternate embodiments, the massage ball 26a may be non-spherical or of any other shape known in the art. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fitment pin 26b is a cylindrical rod. However, in alternate embodiments, the fitment pin 26b may be non-cylindrical and is of any shape known in the art.

[0059] A diameter of the massage ball 26a is greater than a diameter of the fitment groove 27 of the pipe 23 therefore when the applicator member 26 is inserted into the fitment groove 27 of the pipe 23, the massage ball 26a retains outside the fitment groove 27 at the distal end face 29 of the pipe 23. The massage ball 26a as shown more particularly in FIGS. 7 and 8 is firmly and non-rotatably seated on the distal end surface 29 of the pipe 23.

[0060] Preferably, the fitment pin 26b of the applicator member 26 is push fit into the corresponding fitment groove 27 of the pipe 23 for coupling said applicator member 26 to the pipe 23 in a non-rotatable manner, and wherein the massage ball 26a is retained outside the fitment groove 27 at the distal end surface 29 of the pipe 23. In alternate embodiments, the fitment pin 26b is secured within the fitment groove 27 by other securing means known in the field of the disclosure. As seen in FIGS. 4-6, the distal end surface 29 of the pipe 23 is a ball-contacting surface 29 which is concave to receive the massage ball 26a of the applicator member 26. In other words, the distal end surface 29 is preferably formed with a generally concave surface 29 that is partially spherical so that it is conforming to the surface of the massage ball 26a. According to one embodiment, the concave surface 29 is concentric with the proximal surface of massage ball 26a. In the concave surface 29, there are a plurality of protrusions 31 which protrude sufficiently from the concave surface 29 of the distal end surface 29 to provide a clearance space 32 between an outer surface of the massage ball 26a and the concave distal end surface 29 of the pipe 23. The plurality of protrusions 31 is circumferentially disposed at the distal end surface 29 of the pipe 23. Referring to FIG. 8, the clearance space 32 is provided between the outer surface of the massage ball 26a and the concave surface 29 of the pipe 23 except for those areas where the plurality of protrusions 31 is in contact with the massage ball 26a. This resulting clearance space 32 permits the cosmetic composition to pass freely through the pipe 23 to the outer surface of the massage ball 26a.

[0061] It is generally preferred that there be three circumferentially disposed protrusions 31, each spaced alternately around the three dispensing openings 2 of the three feed channels of the pipe 23, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0062] According to the present disclosure, it is preferably chosen that the massage ball 26a is capable of storing and retaining thermal energy, i.e. the massage ball 26a preferably has high thermal capacity. The massage ball 26a and the fitment pin 26b may be formed of at least one of a metal material, a synthetic resin material, a ceramic material, a stone, and a glass material. In this case, the massage ball 26a is made preferably of a metallic material. The metal may be stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, silver, gold, steel, carbon, carbon fiber, nickel, tin, copper, brass, and alloys thereof. The massage ball 26a may transfer a cool sensation to the user's skin. Preferably, the massage ball 26a is designed to apply the cosmetic composition to a particularly sensitive area, such as an eye contour area.

[0063] For applying the cosmetic composition to skin, the user first applies an external force by pressing the bulb portion 22 and releasing the bulb, which resiliently expands to form a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pipe 23 for sucking a desired volume of the cosmetic composition inside the pipe 23. The cosmetic dropper 20 is then removed from the container 10 in order to use the cosmetic composition accommodated in the pipe 23 having the massage ball 26a assembled with it by the above-described method. Thereafter, the cosmetic composition is applied to the skin using the massage ball 26a of the cosmetic dropper 20. At this time, the massage ball 26a is in contact with the skin of the user so that the cosmetic application, the cooling of the skin, and massage effect can be given at the same time. Further, sufficient amount of the cosmetic composition may be released from the pipe 23 by pressing the bulb portion 22. Thus, re-dipping or re-loading is avoided during application and the massage ball 26a may be re-dosed continuously without a break in usage. FIG. 8 illustrates by way of arrows the path followed by the cosmetic composition as it is drawn through the pipe 23. The cosmetic composition passes onto the massage ball 26a through the openings 2 on the concave distal end surface of the pipe 23.

[0064] The pipe 23 of the present disclosure may be formed to have a predetermined thickness circular or polygonal tube, and the material of the pipe 23 may be transparent glass or plastic can confirm the contents of the pipe 23.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the cosmetic container 10 and the cap 21 may be made of a rigid material like glass, metal, hard plastic or any other material known in the art. However, in alternate embodiments, the cosmetic container 10 and the cap 21 may be made of a flexible material like flexible polymeric material or any other material known in the art.

[0066] FIGS. 9-13 show a cosmetic dropper according to another embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, a cosmetic package 101 includes a container 110 for storing a cosmetic composition. Dropper 120 is adapted to be inserted into container 110. Container 110 includes an interior space 115 to hold the composition. FIG. 11 shows dropper 120 separate from container 110. As with previous embodiments, container 110 may include a wiper, such as wiper 16 shown in FIG. 1, inserted in the neck of the container for wiping off excess cosmetic composition from the pipe 123.

[0067] As with previous embodiments, dropper 120 includes a bulb portion 122 at a proximal end. Bulb portion 122 is formed from a resilient material, such as rubber or elastomer, that can be easily deformed when a user presses on the bulb and that resumes its original shape when force is released. Bulb portion 122 has a hollow interior space. Deforming bulb portion 122 displaces air from the interior of the bulb portion. Extension 122a extends from bulb portion 122. As shown in FIG. 9, the proximal end of pipe 123 connects with extension 122a of bulb portion.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 10, pipe 123 has a hollow storage cavity 123c. Pipe 123 has engaging ribs 123a along the interior surface of the pipe near the proximal end of the pipe. Extension 122a of bulb portion 122 extends into, and engages with, ribs 123a to form a substantially gas-tight connection between extension 122a and storage cavity 123c. Displacement of air by deforming bulb portion 122 causes air to be displace into and out from cavity 123c.

[0069] As with previous embodiments, dropper 120 includes cap 121. Threads on the inner surface of cap 121 engage with threads on the outer surface of container 110 to removably engage dropper 120 with container 110, as shown in FIG. 9. According to one embodiment, bulb portion 122 extends along the proximal inside surface of cap 121. As shown in FIG. 9, when cap 121 is engaged with container 110, this portion of bulb 122 is pressed between the proximal end of container 110 and the inside surface of cap 121, forming a resilient seal between the dropper and the container.

[0070] Applicator member 126 is provided at the distal end of pipe 123. FIG. 10 shows applicator member 126 separate from pipe 123. Applicator member 126 include an application surface 126a. Fitment pin 126b extends in the proximal direction. Snap ring 126c extends from the surface of fitment pin 126b.

[0071] FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of the distal end of pipe 123. Concave surface 129 is provided across the end of pipe 123. According to one embodiment, concave surface 129 conforms to a portion of the distal surface of applicator member 126. Engagement opening 127 is provided through concave surface 129 at the centerline of pipe 123. One or more feed channels 125 are relieved into in concave surface 129. Proximal ends of feed channels 125 are in fluid communication with storage cavity 123c inside pipe 123. Feed channels 125 extend partially or completely along concave surface 129. Four feed channels 125 are shown, but a smaller or larger number of channels may be provided.

[0072] Engagement opening 127 includes snap fit groove 127a along the inside surface, as shown in FIG. 10. Applicator member 126 is joined with pipe 123 by inserting fitment pin 126b into engagement opening 127. Snap ring 126c engages with snap fit groove 127a to fix applicator member 126 with pipe 123. When applicator member 126 is fully inserted into pipe 123, contacting portion 126d of applicator member 126 contacts concave surface 129. Feed channels 125 provide fluid paths between contacting portion 126d and concave surface 129.

[0073] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, contacting portion 126d forms a small portion of the proximal surface of applicator member 126. As shown ion FIG. 11, a gap 131 is provided between applicator member 126 and concave surface 129 distal of where contacting surface 126d and concave surface 129 are in contact. Gap 131 may hold a portion of the cosmetic composition. According to one embodiment, gap 131 is between about 0 mm and about 2 mm.

[0074] According to another embodiment, the proximal surface of applicator member 126 substantially conforms to the shape of concave surface 129. In this embodiment, no gap is provided between the distal end of pipe 123 and the proximal surface of applicator member 126.

[0075] In operation, dropper 120 is inserted into container 110, as shown in FIG. 9. A user applies force to bulb portion 122, displacing air from storage cavity 123c. The user releases the applied force and bulb portion 122 resumes its uncompressed volume, drawing air from cavity 123c and drawing the cosmetic composition into cavity 123c through feed channels 125. The user unscrews cap 121 from the neck of container 110 and withdraws dropper 120 from the container.

[0076] To apply the cosmetic composition, the user applies force to the bulb portion 122, displacing a selected portion of the cosmetic composition in the distal direction along storage cavity 123c. The composition flows through feed channels 125 and across application surface 126a. The user applies the composition, for example, to the user's skin by touching application surface 126a to the skin.

[0077] As with previous embodiments, applicator member 126 may be formed from materials that store and retain thermal energy, such as from a metal material, a synthetic resin material, a ceramic material, a stone, and a glass material. According to these embodiments, heat transferred between applicator member 126 and the user's skin provides a cooling sensation.

[0078] According to other embodiments, applicator member 126 is formed from a polymer material that provides a selected flexibility. According to this embodiment, gap 131 allows applicator member 126 to flex with respect to pipe 123. This flexibility may provide a feeling of softness to the user's skin when the cosmetic composition is applied. According to one embodiment, applicator member 126 is formed from an elastomer such as Hytrel polyester thermoplastic.

[0079] According to a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, applicator member 126 is provided with flocking 126e. Briefly, the fibers for flocking which may be of any commonly used material, such as nylon, polyester or any natural fiber are applied with an adhesive, such as an epoxy, to the surface to be flocked. The flocking finish to the outer surface of the applicator member 126 may be achieved by an appropriately chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking.

[0080] The present disclosure is not limited to these particular embodiments but encompasses the broadest aspects of the basic ideas disclosed herein. The present disclosure should be interpreted as showing a range of exemplary embodiments. Should skilled artisans implement designs along the lines of the ideas disclosed, for example, by combining elements, replacing elements with other structures, or modifying shapes of elements of the illustrative embodiments, this would not depart from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, should those skilled in the art change or make modifications to the disclosed embodiments, based on the present specification, such changes or modifications also belong to the scope of the present disclosure.

[0081] Although, the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.