Adjustable applicator

Abstract

An adjustable applicator for applying a cosmetic or personal care composition, e.g. mascara to eyelashes or eyebrows. The adjustable applicator extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises of an applicator head, a stem, an inner rod and an actuator. The inner rod extending through the applicator head is capable of moving along a longitudinal axis of the adjustable applicator to cause progressive modification in shape of the applicator head by releasing and applying force on the applicator head.

Claims

1. An adjustable applicator extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising: an applicator head having a distal end and a proximal end; the applicator head comprising: a shank having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end configured to couple to a hollow shaft; at least two support members, wherein the at least two support members define an opening between them, wherein distal ends of the at least two support members are coupled to each other and proximal ends of the at least two support members are fixed to the second end of the shank; and a plurality of application elements disposed at least on an outer surface of the at least two support members such that the plurality of application elements are disposed along a length of the at least two support members from the distal ends to the proximal ends of the at least two support members; wherein the applicator head is capable of adopting at least a first configuration and a second configuration; wherein in the first configuration, the distal end of the applicator head is disposed closer to the proximal end of the applicator head and at least a part of a distal portion of each of the at least two support members is extended in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable applicator; and wherein in the second configuration, the distal end of the applicator head is disposed further from the proximal end of the applicator head than when in the first configuration.

2. The adjustable applicator of claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, the distal end of the applicator head is at its maximum extend towards the proximal end of the applicator head, and in the second configuration, the distal end of the applicator head is at its maximum extent away from the proximal end of the applicator head.

3. The adjustable applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two support members, has a width greater than a thickness along its entire length.

4. The adjustable applicator of claim 3, wherein the width of each of the at least two support members is more in the distal portion of its length than in a proximal portion of its length.

5. The adjustable applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two support members, has more number of application elements in the distal portion of its length than in a proximal portion of its length.

6. The adjustable applicator of claim 1, wherein the plurality of application elements are chosen from a group of application elements consisting of tines, bristles, teeth, discs, ribs and flocking.

7. The adjustable applicator of claim 1, wherein the adjustable applicator further comprises a stem and a gripping member, the stem including the hollow shaft; wherein the applicator head is connected to a distal end of the stem and the gripping member is connected to a proximal end of the stem; and wherein an actuator is formed by an upper portion of the gripping member.

8. The adjustable applicator of claim 7, wherein the actuator is capable of assuming a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration; wherein in the locked configuration, the actuator cannot be actuated to change the shape of applicator head; and wherein in the unlocked configuration, the actuator can be actuated to change the shape of the applicator head.

9. The adjustable applicator of claim 7, wherein the adjustable applicator further comprises an inner rod extending through the applicator head and which is capable of moving along the longitudinal axis to cause progressive modification in shape of the applicator head.

10. The adjustable applicator of claim 9, wherein the inner rod comprises a material selected from a polymeric material and metals.

11. The adjustable applicator of claim 9, wherein a distal end of the inner rod is connected at the distal end of the applicator head and a proximal end of the inner rod is connected to the actuator, and wherein the actuator is actuated for moving the inner rod along the longitudinal axis.

12. The adjustable applicator of claim 11, wherein the actuator is connected to the proximal end of the inner rod in such a way that rotational movement of the inner rod with respect to the actuator is restricted while translational movement is allowed.

13. The adjustable applicator of claim 11, wherein the inner rod is non-rotatably connected at its distal end to the distal end of the applicator head.

14. The adjustable applicator of claim 9, wherein when the inner rod is lifted or moved towards proximal direction it causes the applicator head to be radially outwardly deformed in a way that the distal end of the applicator head moves towards the proximal end of the applicator head, and when the inner rod is lowered or moved towards distal direction it causes the distal end of the applicator head to move away from the proximal end of the applicator head.

15. The adjustable applicator of claim 14, wherein when the inner rod is moved to its maximum extent towards proximal direction, the applicator head achieves the first configuration and wherein when the inner rod is moved to its maximum extent towards distal direction the applicator head achieves the second configuration.

16. The adjustable applicator of claim 14, wherein in the intermediate state, the distal portion of each of the at least two support members forms a V-shape.

17. The adjustable applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least two support members of the applicator head are molded as a single piece from an elastically deformable or a flexible material.

18. The adjustable applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least two support members of the applicator head are molded by bi-injecting two materials having different properties.

19. An adjustable applicator extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising: a hollow shaft; an applicator head separable from the hollow shaft, the applicator head having a distal end and a proximal end; the applicator head comprising: a shank having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end configured to couple to the hollow shaft; at least two support members, wherein the at least two support members define an opening between them, wherein distal ends of the at least two support members are coupled to each other and proximal ends of the at least two support members are fixed to the second end of the shank; and a plurality of application elements disposed on at least a portion of an outer surface of the at least two support members such that the plurality of application elements are disposed along a length of the at least two support members from the distal ends to the proximal ends of the at least two support members; wherein the applicator head is capable of adopting at least a first configuration, a second configuration, and an intermediate state; wherein in the first configuration, the distal end of the applicator head is disposed closer to the proximal end of the applicator head and at least a part of a distal portion of each of the at least two support members is extended in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable applicator; and wherein in the second configuration, the distal end of the applicator head is disposed further from the proximal end of the applicator head than when in the first configuration; and wherein in the intermediate state, the distal portion of each of the at least two support members forms an angle more than zero degree but less than 90 degree with the longitudinal axis of the adjustable applicator.

20. An adjustable applicator extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising: an applicator head having a distal end and a proximal end; the applicator head comprising: a shank having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end configured to couple to a hollow shaft; at least two support members, wherein the at least two support members define an opening between them, wherein distal ends of the at least two support members are coupled to each other and proximal ends of the at least two support members are fixed to the second end of the shank; and a plurality of application elements disposed on at least a portion of an outer surface of the at least two support members such that the plurality of application elements are disposed along a length of the at least two support members from the distal ends to the proximal ends of the at least two support members; wherein the applicator head is capable of adopting at least a first configuration and a second configuration; wherein in the first configuration, the distal end of the applicator head is disposed closer to the proximal end of the applicator head and at least a part of a distal portion of each of the at least two support members is extended in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable applicator; and wherein in the second configuration, the distal end of the applicator head is disposed further from the proximal end of the applicator head than when in the first configuration and a majority of the plurality of application elements present on the outer surface of the at least two support members are non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable applicator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. 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.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a cosmetic package in closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the cosmetic package of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3a illustrates a cross sectional view of an adjustable applicator of the cosmetic package of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 3b illustrates a cross sectional view of an adjustable applicator of the cosmetic package of FIG. 2 with lower portion of the gripping member hidden;

(6) FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the adjustable applicator of the cosmetic package of FIG. 2, showing an applicator head of the adjustable applicator in a first configuration;

(7) FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a front view and a bottom view of the applicator head of FIG. 4 in the first configuration;

(8) FIGS. 6a to 6c illustrate a front view, a side view and a perspective view respectively of the applicator head of FIG. 4 in a second configuration;

(9) FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the adjustable applicator of FIG. 3a;

(10) FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a lower portion/sleeve of gripping member of the adjustable applicator of FIG. 3a;

(11) FIG. 8B illustrates a sectional view of the lower portion/sleeve of gripping member taken along an axis A-A of FIG. 8A;

(12) FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of an inner rod of the cosmetic package of FIG. 2;

(13) FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of the inner rod of FIG. 9A;

(14) FIG. 9C illustrates an enlarged top view of the inner rod of FIG. 9A;

(15) FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section of the cosmetic package of FIG. 2 taken along an axis B-B; and

(16) FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of a stem of the cosmetic package of FIG. 2.

(17) 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

(18) FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cosmetic package 1000 in accordance with the present disclosure, in a closed position. The cosmetic package 1000 includes an applicator head 70 which can be adjusted as per user's convenience for application of a product including a cosmetic or a care product. The cosmetic package 1000 having a longitudinal axis X—X, comprises an adjustable applicator 100 and a receptacle 200. The receptacle 200 and the adjustable applicator 100 are intended to be fastened to each other by screwing. The receptacle 200 includes a neck 210 extending along the longitudinal axis X-X, a shoulder 240 and an end wall 220 forming a reservoir for a product P. The adjustable applicator 100 includes a gripping member 110 suitable for closing the receptacle 200, the applicator head 70 and a stem 40 having a cavity 48 (see FIG. 11). The stem 40 may be connected to the application member 70 at one end and to the gripping member 110 at another end. The applicator head 70 is secured to the stem 40 and intended for being inserted in said receptacle 200 in order to be loaded with the product P to be applied.

(19) The neck 210 of the receptacle 200 is provided with an external thread 230 intended for cooperating with a complementary thread 49 carried by the stem 40, allowing the receptacle 200 to be closed by screwing.

(20) For some cosmetic products, such as mascara or a lip gloss, it is preferable to provide a wiper 80 positioned into the neck 210 of the receptacle 200 to wipe excess product P from the adjustable applicator 100 as the adjustable applicator 100 is withdrawn from the receptacle 200. The wiper 80 is preferably made of an elastomeric plastic material or any other polymeric material.

(21) The adjustable applicator 100 includes an inner rod 50 having a distal end 51 and a proximal end 52. The distal end 51 of the inner rod 50 is connected at a distal end of the applicator head 70 and a proximal end 52 of the inner rod 50 is connected to a dialer 10 of the adjustable applicator 100.

(22) As shown in FIGS. 1-3b, the gripping member 110 comprises an upper portion comprising the dialer 10 and a lower portion comprising a cap or a sleeve 20 connected to the dialer 10. According to other embodiments, the dialer 10 can be replaced by other actuator selected from a group consisting of a slider, a push button and the like which can be actuated using manual, mechanical, magnetic, electrical or any other suitable force.

(23) A locking member 30 is housed within the sleeve 20 and is configured to detachably connect to the dialer 10. The stem 40 is non-rotatable with respect to the sleeve 20.

(24) According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dialer 10 is capable of assuming a locked configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and an unlocked configuration as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

(25) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the applicator 100 is retained on the receptacle 200, the dialer 10 takes up the locked configuration, in which the user is unable to rotate the dialer 10 with respect to the sleeve 20 of the gripping member 110. As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, when the adjustable applicator 100 is removed/disengaged from the receptacle 200, the dialer 10 assumes the unlocked configuration in which the dialer 10 is rotatable with respect to the sleeve 20 of the gripping member 110. The locking and unlocking mechanism of the dialer 10 along with the other details of the cosmetic package 1000 will be explained in detail later.

(26) In the unlocked configuration, the dialer 10 is rotated for moving the inner rod 50 along the longitudinal axis X—X of the adjustable applicator 100 to cause progressive modification in shape of the applicator head 70.

(27) As seen in FIGS. 6a to 6c, the applicator head 70 comprises at least two support members 72 defining an opening 73 between them. Each of the at least two support members 72 extends along the central longitudinal axis X-X from a shank portion 78 of the applicator head 70 to a distal end of the applicator head 70. Each of the at least two support members 72 has an outer applicator surface facing away from the central longitudinal axis X-X and having a plurality of application elements 74 on it. Further, each of the at least two support members 72 has a proximal portion 72a and a distal portion 72b as shown in FIG. 6b.

(28) As seen in FIGS. 6a-6c, the plurality of application elements 74 are tines. It would not be beyond the scope of present disclosure if the application elements 74 are chosen from a group of application elements consisting of bristles, teeth, discs, ribs and flocking.

(29) As shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, each of the at least two support members 72, has a width “W” greater than its thickness “D” along its entire length “L”. The width of the at least one of the at least two support members 72 is not constant along the length of said support member 72. The width “W” of each of the at least two support members 72 is more in distal portion 72b than in proximal portion 72a of said support member 72. More specifically, the width “W” of each of the at least two support members 72 is more in substantially distal half of its length “L” than in proximal half of its length “L”. Further, each of the at least two support members 72, has more application elements 74 in distal portion 72b than in the proximal portion 72a of said support member 72. More specifically, each of the at least two support members 72, has more application elements 74 in distal half of its length “L” than in proximal half of its length “L”. Each of the at least two support members 72, has more number of rows “r” of application elements 74 in distal half of its length “L” than in proximal half of its length “L”. Each of the at least two support members 72, has at least three rows “r” of application elements 74 in distal half of its length “L” and only single row “r” of application elements 74 in proximal half of its length “L”.

(30) Further as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6c, free ends 75 of application elements 74 of one of the at least two support members 72 face in a direction opposite to a direction of free ends 75 of application elements 74 of other of the at least two support members 72.

(31) When the dialer 10 is rotated, the applicator head 70 can adopt at least two stable configurations that is to say a first configuration as shown in FIG. 4 in which the inner rod 50 is moved to its maximum extent towards proximal direction and a second configuration as shown in FIG. 3a in which the inner rod 50 is moved to its maximum extent towards distal direction.

(32) According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the first configuration, the distal end 70a of the applicator head 70 is moved to its maximum extent towards the proximal end 70b of the applicator head 70 and in the second configuration, the distal end 70a of the applicator head 70 is moved to its maximum extent away from the proximal end 70b of the applicator head 70.

(33) According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the first configuration of the applicator head 70 as shown in FIGS. 4, 5a and 5b, a portion of the applicator head 70 is extended in a direction along an axis Y-Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X of the adjustable applicator 100. In other words, the applicator head 70 adopts a T-shape in first configuration, by radially outward deformation of the at least two support members 72. Alternately, in the first configuration, a portion of the applicator head 70 is extended in a horizontal direction. Further, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5a, in the first configuration, at least distal half of the length of each of the at least two support members 72 of the applicator head 70 is extended in a horizontal direction or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X of the adjustable applicator 100.

(34) In the second configuration as shown in FIGS. 3a-3b, 6a-6c, the applicator head 70 is again extended along the longitudinal axis X-X of the adjustable applicator 100 so that the adjustable applicator 100 can be again retained on the receptacle 200. Further, in the second configuration, the at least two support members 72 of the applicator head 70 are extended along the longitudinal axis X-X of the adjustable applicator 100.

(35) According to present embodiment of the disclosure, in the first configuration as shown in FIGS. 4, 5a and 5b, at least a part of a distal portion 72b of each of the at least two support members 72 is extended in a horizontal direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X of the adjustable applicator and in the second configuration, each of the at least two support members 72 is extended along the longitudinal axis X-X of the adjustable applicator 100.

(36) Further, in the first configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5a and 5b, a majority of the plurality of application elements 74 present on the outer surface of the at least two support members 72 are parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the adjustable applicator 100; and wherein in the second configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3a-3b, 6a-6c, a majority of the plurality of application elements 74 present on the outer surface of the at least two support members 72 are non-parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the adjustable applicator 100.

(37) According to an alternate embodiment of the disclosure, in an improved mode of implementation, provision may be made for the applicator head 70 to be maintained in intermediate state (not shown) wherein in one of the intermediate states a distal portion of the applicator head 70 forms a V-shape and a proximal portion of the applicator head 70 forms an inverted V-shape.

(38) According to an alternate embodiment of the disclosure, in other intermediate states (not shown) the distal portion of each of the at least two support members 72 form an angle more than zero degree but less than 90 degree with the longitudinal axis X-X of the adjustable applicator 100.

(39) As shown in FIGS. 1-3a, 5b, 6a and 6c, the inner rod 50 is connected in a cavity 76 (shown in FIG. 5b) at the distal end of the applicator head 70 and runs through an opening 73 between the at least two support members 72 into a cavity 77 formed in a proximal portion of the applicator head 70 and then into the hollow stem 40 and the dialer 10. The proximal portion of the applicator head 70 forms a shank 78 which is connected at a distal end of the hollow stem 40.

(40) As shown in FIGS. 2-4 and FIG. 7, the dialer 10 is structured in a closed-end cylindrical shape which is provided with a tube portion 16 having a small outer diameter, and an annular protruding portion 16b is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the tube portion 16 for attaching the dialer 10 to the sleeve 20. The sleeve 20 is attached with the dialer 10 such that the sleeve 20 is free to rotate relative to the dialer 10 via a snap-fit system comprising the external annular protruding portion 16b and a complementary annular groove 28 of the sleeve 20. The dialer 10 can thus be turned by the user relative to the sleeve 20. The dialer 10 further includes an internal annular skirt 14 projecting from an inner surface of a top wall 18 of the dialer 10 and the internal annular skirt 14 extends towards the receptacle 200. Preferably, the internal annular skirt 14 is coaxial with the tube portion 16. The inner surface of the internal annular skirt 14 includes an inner profile, such as mating threads 14a capable of interacting with an outer thread 53 of the inner rod 50 mounted axially inside the dialer 10.

(41) As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the sleeve 20 of the gripping member 110 comprises two concentric cylinders 22, 23 joined together by linking ribs 24, i.e. a larger diameter outer cylinder 22 is disposed around a hollow inner cylinder 23 and the linking ribs 24 connect an outer surface of the inner cylinder 23 to inner surface of the outer cylinder 22. According to a preferred embodiment, the linking ribs 24 are radially disposed such that there are hollow spaces 25 between the adjacent linking ribs 24. In the embodiment shown, there are four linking ribs 24 disposed radially. The outer cylinder 22 further comprises an internal annular groove 28 for attaching to an external annular protruding portion 16b of the dialer 10 (shown in FIG. 7). The inner cylinder 23 includes longitudinal guide protrusions 26a and 26b at its inner surface for guiding axial movement of the inner rod 50 and for preventing inner rod 50 from rotating, when the dialer 10 is twisted.

(42) As seen in FIGS. 2 and 10, for engaging the stem 40 to sleeve 20 of the gripping member 110, a portion of inner cylinder 23 is inserted/received into an upper tubular portion 43 of the stem 40 and the outer surface of the inner cylinder 23 has a groove 27 for engaging complementary protrusion 45 present on the inner surface of the upper tubular portion 43 of the stem 40. On the interfaces where the stem 40 is joined to the sleeve 20 of the gripping member 110, the stem 40 and the sleeve 20 of the gripping member 110 both have complementary longitudinal protrusions and positioning longitudinal grooves that engage with each other for non-rotatably locking the stem 40 and the sleeve 20 together. For example as seen in FIG. 8A, the outer surface of inner cylinder 23 of the sleeve 20 includes a plurality of longitudinal protrusions 21 which is arranged to become in mating engagement with complementary grooves 41 (see FIG. 11) at an inner surface of the stem 40 or vice versa, for non-rotatable engagement. However, it is not beyond the ambit of the present disclosure that any other non-rotatable engagement known in the art may be employed for locking any relative rotation between the stem 40 and the sleeve 20.

(43) Further, as seen in FIGS. 2, 7 and 11, the stem 40 comprises the upper tubular portion 43, a downward skirt 46, a joint 42 defined between the upper tubular portion 43 and the downward skirt 46, and an elongated hollow shaft 44. The threads 49 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the downward skirt 46 of the stem 40 (see FIGS. 1 & 11) to attach the gripping member 110 to an externally threaded neck 220 of the container 200. With the gripping member 110 so attached, the applicator head 70 is immersed in the product P to be applied. The elongated hollow shaft 44 extends beyond the neck 210 in the receptacle 200. Preferably, the elongated hollow shaft 44 of the stem 40 is disposed around at least a portion of the inner rod 50 so that the inner rod 50 is longitudinally movable with respect to the shaft 44. In the embodiment illustrated, the shaft 44 and the inner rod 50 have circular transverse cross-sections. Other embodiments may have non-circular transverse cross-sections.

(44) In the embodiment, the gripping member 110 further includes such features that allow an axial movement of the inner rod 50 but rotation of the inner rod 50 is prevented when the dialer 10 is rotated with respect to the sleeve 20. For example, as seen in FIGS. 9A-10, the inner rod 50 includes outer thread 53 at its upper part, two annular flanges 57 having two opposing slide cut-outs 54 for receiving the longitudinal guide protrusions 26a and 26b of the sleeve 20. Further, one or more annular ribs 55 and sealing O-rings 56 are configured around the inner rod 50 so that the inner rod 50 interfaces tightly against an inner wall of the shaft 44 (see FIG. 2). The annular ribs 55 and the sealing O-rings 56 prevent the product P from leaking and ensure steady, smooth, and noiseless extension of the inner rod 50 along the shaft 44.

(45) In unlocked configuration of the cosmetic package 1000, when the dialer 10 is rotated with respect to the sleeve 20, the inner rod 50 moves longitudinally with respect to the shaft 44 which cause variation in the profile of the applicator head 70 as explained above. When a suitable adjustment of the profile of the applicator head 70 has been made it will be retained while the applicator head 70 is used. The adjustment is retained until the user intentionally rotates the dialer 10 and the sleeve 20 with respect to each other once again to achieve a different adjustment.

(46) So that the dialer 10 is prevented from rotating with respect to the sleeve 20 in the locked configuration, there is provided in the gripping member 110, a locking member 30. The locking member 30 engages and disengages with the dialer 10 to respectively lock and unlock the rotation of the dialer 10 with respect to the sleeve 20 in respective locked and unlocked configuration. As shown in the FIG. 7, the locking member 30 has a barrel body 32 having teeth 34 at its first end and an annular shoulder 38 defined at its outer periphery. The barrel body 32 is slidably mounted in an annular space defined between the sleeve 20 and the stem member 40 (see FIG. 2). The teeth 34 are present on a top peripheral edge of the barrel body 32 for engagement with the complementary teeth 18 of the dialer 10. The locking member 30 further includes longitudinal cut outs 36 on the barrel body 32, the longitudinal cut outs 36 open at the top peripheral edge of the barrel body 32 having teeth 34. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10, the longitudinal cut outs 36 are provided so that the top part of the barrel body 32 is able to slide into hollow spaces 25 present between the linking ribs 24 of the sleeve 20 for engaging with the dialer 10 and thereby also non-rotatably engaging the locking member 30 with the sleeve 20. There is also provided a spring 60 that surrounds a portion of the barrel body 32 above the shoulder 38 such that one end of the spring 60 abuts the linking ribs 24 and its other end abuts the shoulder 38 and wherein the spring 60 urges the barrel body 32 in a direction away from the dialer 10.

(47) Referring to FIG. 2, when the adjustable applicator 100 is screwed on the receptacle 200, the shoulder 240 abuts the distal end 37 of the locking member 30 and exerts an upward sliding force upon the locking member 30 pushing it upward against the downward biasing force of the spring 60 thereby compressing the spring 60 and engaging the teeth 34 of the locking member 30 with the complementary teeth 18 of the dialer 10. In the closed position of the cosmetic package 1000, the dialer 10, the sleeve 20, the stem 40 and the locking member 30 are engaged in non-rotatable manner with respect to one other. Therefore, the dialer 10 can't be rotated independently of the sleeve 20 i.e. when the dialer 10 is rotated, the sleeve 20 also rotates simultaneously as the locking member 30 engages the dialer 10 to sleeve 20 in a non-rotatable engagement. Moreover, the sleeve 20 is also non-rotatably engaged to the stem 40 and therefore, it causes rotation of the gripping member 110 in whole and rotation thus leads to unscrewing of the gripping member 110 from the receptacle 200 without causing actuation of the dialer 10.

(48) Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, once the gripping member 110 is unscrewed, the locking member 30 is pushed downward due to biasing/restoring force of the spring 60 and the locking member 30 slides downwards disengaging itself from the dialer 10 and thereby disengaging the teeth 34 and the teeth 18 of the dialer 10. The dialer 10 thus becomes free to rotate with respect to the sleeve 20. Now to transform the profile of the applicator head 70 as shown in FIG. 4, the dialer 10 is twisted in first direction and the rotational movement of the dialer 10 is converted into translational movement of the inner rod 20 by the rotational movement of the threads 14a within the inner skirt 14 of the dialer 10. Therefore, the inner rod 50 is now able to retract towards the proximal end of the shaft 44. As the inner rod 50 is retracted to its maximum extent towards the proximal end, the profile of applicator head 70 changes as shown in FIG. 4, due to pressure applied on it by the axial movement of the inner rod 50. The inner rod 50 can be adjusted to various relative longitudinal positions with respect to the shaft 44 depending on degree of twisting, such that as adjustment is made, profile of the applicator head 70 varies. Once the adjustment is made, it will be retained without any action by the user, until further adjustment is desired and intentionally made.

(49) Further, the user can rotate the dialer 10 in opposite direction to extend the inner rod 50 towards the distal end of the shaft 44. As the inner rod 50 is extended to its maximum extent towards the distal end, the profile of applicator head 70 changes to second configuration as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

(50) According to present embodiment, to avoid the inner rod 50 from being moved completely out of the internal threads 14a of the dialer 10 when the dialer 10 is rotated, there is provided a projecting stop 29 (See FIG. 8A) on inner surface of the outer cylinder 22 which prevents the complete or over-rotation of the dialer 10 i.e. the dialer 10 cannot be rotated to 360 degree or more with respect to the sleeve 20 in one particular direction and therefore doesn't run out of length of the internal threads 14a of the dialer 10. According to present embodiment, the threads 14a of the dialer 10 and the threads 49 of the adjustable applicator 100 are preferably threads in opposite directions.

(51) According to present embodiment of the disclosure, the at least two support members 72 of the applicator head 70 may be molded as a single piece from an elastically deformable or a flexible material. The support members 72 may be produced from an elastomer or any other elastic material allowing compression and expansion of the support members 72 or may be made from any other polymeric material which is flexible in nature.

(52) According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the at least two support members 72 of the applicator head 70 may be molded by bi-injecting two materials having different properties for e.g. different hardness, color etc.

(53) The materials suitable for forming the receptacle 200 could be polypropylene while the dialer 10, the sleeve 20, the inner rod 50, the stem 40, and the locking member 30 could be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or any other suitable polymeric material. The material of the inner rod 50 could be any polymeric material like nylon, TPE, PP or could be a suitable metal. The stem 40 may be formed of polyacetal or any other suitable polymeric material. The material for forming the wiper 80 could be low-density polyethylene. The aforementioned materials for forming various parts of the package of the present disclosure are an example, however other suitable materials may also be used.

(54) Although the above description and drawings show the package being cylindrical, the shapes and profile cross section thereof are not limited to the same.

(55) While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.