COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH SEPARATELY FORMED SURFACES

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic or care product includes an applicator member retained at a distal end of a stem. The applicator member comprising an applicator head including: a first part having a cavity which is not a through cavity, and a second part that is connected to the first part by a hinge and is at least partially engaged in the housing of the first part. The applicator head defines two opposite main faces and wherein one type of application elements are accessible for use on the first face and a second type of application elements are accessible for use on second face of the applicator head.

Claims

1. An applicator member comprising; a first part having a first mating face and a first applicator face, wherein the first applicator face comprises first application elements; a second part having a second mating face and a second applicator face, wherein the second applicator face comprises second application elements; and a hinge, wherein the hinge joins the first part to the second part, wherein, in an interim configuration, the hinge is open so that the first part and the second part are separated from one another, wherein rotation of the first and second parts about a hinge axis moves first part and the second part into an assembled configuration so that the first and second mating faces contact one another to form an applicator head, wherein the first mating face comprises a cavity formed by two walls extending in a direction away from the first applicator face, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the second part is received in the cavity with the second applicator face exposed in a direction opposite from the first applicator face.

2. The applicator member of claim 1, wherein the first application elements are formed by molding and the second application elements are flocking fibers applied to the second applicator face.

3. The applicator member of claim 2, wherein the first application elements are selected from one or more of tines, projections, bristles, particles, ribs, grooves, discs, slits, cuts, holes, and dimples.

4. The applicator member of claim 3, wherein the first part is free of flocking fibers.

5. The applicator member of claim 1, wherein, in the interim configuration the cavity comprises an open end longitudinally opposite from the hinge along the first part, wherein the second part comprises a distal end longitudinally opposite from the hinge along the second part, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the open end and the distal end of the second part form a distal tip of the applicator head.

6. The applicator member of claim 5, wherein, in the interim configuration, the first part further comprises a first half end piece longitudinally opposite from the open end along the first part and connected with the hinge, wherein the second part further comprises a second half end piece longitudinally opposite from the distal end of the second part along the second part and connected with the hinge, and wherein, in the assembled configuration, the first and second half end pieces together form a mounting end piece.

7. The applicator member of claim 1, wherein the cavity extends along a longitudinal axis of the first part and wherein the cavity is open at a proximal end and a distal end.

8. The applicator member of claim 7, wherein the walls each comprise first edges opposite from the first applicator face, wherein the second mating face comprises second edges arranged to contact the first edges in the assembled configuration, and wherein, in the assembled configuration the first and second edges define a linear interface at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis.

9. The applicator member of claim 1, wherein the first and second mating faces further comprise one or more interlocking structures, wherein, when the applicator member is moved from the interim configuration to the assembled configuration, the interlocking structures fix the first part with the second part.

10. The applicator member of claim 9, wherein the interlocking structure comprises a protrusion on one of the first and second mating faces and a receiving groove on another of the first and second mating faces.

11. The applicator member of claim 9, wherein the interlocking structure comprises a snap fit connection.

12. A method of forming a cosmetic applicator comprising: forming a molded component comprising: a first part having a first mating face, a first applicator face, and a first half end piece, wherein the first applicator face comprises first application elements and wherein the first mating face comprises a cavity formed by two walls extending in a direction away from the first applicator face; a second part having a second mating face, a second applicator face, and a second half end piece; and a hinge, wherein the hinge joins the first half end piece of the first part to the second half end piece of the second part, wherein, the first part, the hinge, and the second part are arranged along a longitudinal axis, applying second application elements to the second applicator face, wherein second application elements are not applied to the first part; rotating the first and second parts about a hinge axis to move the first and second mating faces into contact one another, wherein the first and second end half pieces form a mounting end piece, and wherein the second part is received in the cavity with the second applicator face exposed in a direction opposite from the first applicator face; providing a stem, the stem arranged along a longitudinal axis and having an interior longitudinal space; and inserting the mounting end piece into the space.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and second mating faces further comprise one or more interlocking structures and wherein the step of rotating further comprises engaging the interlocking structures fix the first part with the second part.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the interlocking structure comprises a snap fit connection.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the first application elements are formed by molding and the second application elements are flocking fibers applied to the second applicator face.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the cavity extends along a longitudinal axis of the first part and wherein the cavity is open at a proximal end and a distal end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] 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:

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic package comprising a cosmetic applicator, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a left side view of an applicator member of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 1;

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a right side view of the applicator member of FIG. 2;

[0050] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the applicator member of FIG. 2;

[0051] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the applicator member of FIG. 2;

[0052] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the applicator member of FIG. 2 in an open state;

[0053] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the applicator member of FIG. 2 in an interim configuration; and

[0054] FIG. 8 shows a rear view of the applicator member of FIG. 2, with a flocked second part.

[0055] 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

[0056] 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.

[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates a cosmetic package 10 comprising a container 20 containing a product (not shown) to be applied and an applicator 30 for taking up and applying the product contained in the container.

[0058] The applicator 30 comprises a stem 40 having a longitudinal axis X, bearing an applicator member 80 at its distal end 50. The applicator member 80 comprising an applicator head 90. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 to 5, the applicator head 90 comprises a first part 100 and a second part 120 that is engaged in the first part 100, these two parts being connected together by a hinge 150.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the axis X of the stem 40 is rectilinear, but it could be curved in an alternate embodiment.

[0060] Further as shown in FIG. 1, the container 20 comprises a neck 21 in its upper part and inserted in the neck 21 of the container 20 is a wiper 24 for wiping off excess product from the applicator 30.

[0061] The stem 40 is provided at its proximal end 52 with a gripping element 54 that also forms a cap for leak tight closure of the container 20. The cap 54 of the applicator 30 has threads 32 which can be screwed onto threads 22, formed on a neck 21 of the container 20.

[0062] The distal end 50 of the stem 40 includes an interior longitudinal space for receiving a mounting end piece 82 of the applicator member 80.

[0063] The cosmetic applicator 30 may be used to apply the product (not shown) including a cosmetic or care product. The cosmetic or care product includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrow powder, lip gloss, hair color, skin care, under eye cosmetics, pharmaceutical and like products.

[0064] In the present embodiment and as seen in FIGS. 2-5, the applicator head 90 extends along a longitudinal axis A and is attached to an end piece 82. The latter is fanned by two half end pieces 82a and 82b that are in contact with one another and connected together by the hinge 150.

[0065] Each of two half end pieces 82a and 82b are connected to the first part 100 and to the second part 120, respectively. The end piece 82 can be held in the stem 40 by any means, in particular by adhesive bonding, force-fitting, stapling, screw-fastening, crimping or snap-fastening.

[0066] In present embodiment, the end piece 82 is in the form of a cylinder of revolution in the case of mounting in a stem 40. The end piece 82 can be realized in a different manner, in particular when it is intended to serve directly for gripping.

[0067] As seen in FIGS. 2-5, the first part 100 comprises a plurality of application elements such as tines 104 on its outer surface 102, and the second part 120 can be flocked, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The tines 104 extend preferably perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis A of the applicator head 90. In an alternate embodiment, the tines 104 may extend at any other non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis A of the applicator head 90. The plurality of application elements is adapted to convey and apply the cosmetic product.

[0068] In variant embodiment, the plurality of application elements on the first part may include projections, bristles, particles, ribs, grooves, discs, slits, cuts, holes, dimples, or other molded features that are suitable for combing and/or loading, transporting and applying cosmetic product such as, for example, mascara, eyeshadow etc.

[0069] In still other alternate embodiment, the plurality of application elements in the form of tines or other molded features may be present on the outer surface 122 of the second part 120 of the applicator head 90 and the outer surface 102 of the first part 100 may be flocked.

[0070] In present embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 6-7, the applicator member 80 comprises two portions namely a first potion 80a and a second portion 80b. The first portion 80a further comprises a first part 100 of the applicator head 90 and a first half end piece 82a; and the second portion 80b further comprises a second part 120 of the applicator head 90 and a second half end piece 82b. The longitudinal axis A of the applicator head 90 extends along the longitudinal axis Z of the end piece 82. In alternate embodiment, the longitudinal axis A of the applicator head 90 forms an angle of preferably less than 45, better still between 10 and 45, with the longitudinal axis Z of the end piece 82.

[0071] Each of the two half end pieces 82a and 82b preferably has a flat mating face 83a and 83b, the latter coming into contact with one another over their entire surface area. In a variant embodiment, these faces may comprise one or more reliefs that cooperate, for example by snap-fastening.

[0072] In present embodiment, the hinge 150 is a film hinge and is disposed at those ends 85a and 85b of the two half end pieces 82a and 82b that are away from the first and second parts 100 and 120. It allows the two parts 100 and 120 and the two half end pieces 82a and 82b to be molded in the open configuration in one piece and to be assembled by the second part 120 and the half end piece 82b being rotated about an axis Y of the hinge 150, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z of the end piece 80, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 7.

[0073] Further as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and 6-7, the first and second parts 100 and 120 can each be attached to a respective half end piece 82a or 82b by way of a corresponding intermediate portion 130a or 130b which widens in the direction of the associated part. Preferably, the intermediate portions 130a and 130b are symmetrical such that when they are folded one over the other, the applicator member 80 has no discontinuities in its portion extending between the end piece 82 and the applicator head 90.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, the first part 100 comprises of a curved body 101 forming a non-through cavity 107, for receiving the second part 120. The cavity 107 is open only on an inner side and along an entire length of the curved body 101, such that the cavity 107 has a distal open top end 108 at the distal end of the cavity and a proximal open bottom end 109 at the proximal end of the cavity. Curved body 101 is formed by walls 101a and 101b that define a trough open at both ends.

[0075] Further, in the assembled state, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the applicator head 90 defines two opposite main applicator faces 92 and 94.

[0076] In the assembled state, when the second part 120 is received in the first part 100, the first part 100 surrounds the second part 120 in such a way that only an outer surface 102 of the first part 100 is visible on one side of the applicator head 90, thus forming a first face 92, as can be seen in front view illustrated in FIG. 4 and the opposite side of the applicator head 90 forming a second face 94 comprises a combination of an outer surface 122 of the second part 120 and an outer surface 102 of the first part 100 as can be seen in rear view illustrated in FIG. 5. Walls 101a, 101b of curved body 101 surround the second part and provide application surfaces that extend along the edges of the second part 120.

[0077] Further, as seen in FIG. 4, one type of application elements, in present case tines 104 are accessible for use on the first face 92 of the applicator head 90. These application elements may extend from walls 101a, 101b, providing additional surface area to hold and apply cosmetic product. As seen in FIG. 8, a second type of application elements, in present case flocked fibers 124 are accessible for use on the second face 94 of the applicator head 90. Flocked fibers 124 may enable a user to smooth or blend cosmetic product that has been applied to the skin.

[0078] In the present embodiment, as seen in FIG. 7, the cavity 107 is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the applicator head 90. That is, edges of walls 101a, 101b define an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Outer surface 122 of second part 120 is shaped to mate against the edges of walls 101a, 101b. Therefore, in the assembled state, when the second part 120 is received in the first part 100, the outer surface 102 of the first part 100 meets the outer surface 122 of the second part 120 at an interface 130 which is at a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the applicator head 90, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0079] As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cavity 107 of the first part 100 has a protrusion 106 and the second part 120 has a corresponding groove 126.

[0080] During assembly of the applicator member 80, the second part 120 is folded over the first part 100 to receive the second part 120 in the cavity 107 of the first part 100.

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 1, during folding of the second part 120 over the first part 100, the protrusion 106 of the first part 100 is snap-fastened into the groove 126 of the second part and a protrusion 84a of the first intermediate portion 130 is snap-fastened into a corresponding groove 84b in the second intermediate portion 130b in order to keep the applicator member 80 in the closed position.

[0082] In alternate embodiments, the second part 120 can comprise a protrusion that is snap-fastened into a groove in the first part 100, or it is possible for the first and the second part 100 and 120 not to have any groove for snap-fastening.

[0083] The two portions 80a and 80b can be kept in place by the insertion of the applicator member 80 into the longitudinal opening or cavity in the stem 40. The two half end pieces 82a and 82b are then clamped together.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator member 80 may be fabricated from a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, metal, alloy, ceramic, stone, wood, rubber, sintered or porous material and/or combinations thereof.

[0085] A cosmetic applicator may be formed according to one embodiment of the disclosure as follows. A mold is prepared to form an assembly, such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The mold is shaped so that the molded piece includes a first part 100 with application elements, such as tines 104, and a second part 120, which may have a smooth surface.

[0086] The assembly shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is formed using such a mold by a process known in the art, for example, injection molding. The assembly may be formed from a material selected from thermoplastic materials; elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic elastomer polyester such as HYTREL, for example; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP), and the like.

[0087] According to one embodiment, flocking is applied to second part 120. 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.

[0088] The flocking finish to the surface of the applying member may be achieved by an appropriately chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking. Preferably, the flocking process takes place in an electrostatic field, which results in the proper orientation of the fibers.

[0089] Because first and second parts 100, 120 are spatially distant from one another, processes can be applied to one part without effecting the other part. According to one embodiment, first part 100 is covered by a mask or other covering while second part 120 is flocked with fibers.

[0090] Once application elements 104, 124 are provided on first and second parts 100, 120, first part and second part are brought together by flexing hinge 150. Flat mating surfaces 83a, 83b are brought into contact. Protrusion 84a of first intermediate portion 130a fits into and engages with groove 84b of second intermediate portion 130b, for example, by a snap-fit connection. Likewise, protrusion 106 fits into and engages with groove 126. Half end pieces 82a and 82b together form mounting end piece 82. As shown in FIG. 8, molded application elements 104 of first part 100 are now adjacent to flocked surface 124 of second part 120. Because the first and second parts 100, 120 were physically separated while flocking is applied to the second part, no flocked fibers are applied to the first part. As shown in FIG. 1, mounting end piece 82 is fitted into a cavity at the distal end of stem 40.

[0091] It will be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, the shapes and/or sizes of various components can be different from the shapes and sizes shown herein. As another example, the materials used for various components can be different from those mentioned specifically herein.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.