COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH HEAT TRANSFER COMPONENT

Abstract

A cosmetic package including a cosmetic applicator for applying a composition including a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical composition onto the keratinous substrate such as skin, lips, under eyes, eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks, or any other part of the body. The cosmetic applicator further comprises an applicator head retained at a distal end of a stem. The applicator head comprises a first applying member, a second applying member and a locking part. The first applying member at least partially encompasses the second applying member and wherein at least a portion of the second applying member is made of a heat transfer material to transfer the heat or cold on contact with the keratinous substrate of a user.

Claims

1. An applicator assembly for applying a substance to a keratinous surface comprising: a stem having a longitudinal axis; and an applicator head connected with the stem and arranged along the longitudinal axis, the applicator head comprising: an applicator member comprising a shank at a proximal end adapted to engage with a distal end of the stem, a first applying member distal of the shank, and a through passage extending through the first applying member and shank, wherein the first applying member comprises a central opening and a sidewall extending at least partially about the opening; and a second applying member comprising an application portion and a fitment portion extending in a proximal direction from the application portion, wherein the application portion is formed from a heat transfer material, wherein the application portion has a width transverse to the longitudinal axis that is larger than a width of the through passage, wherein the fitment portion is inserted into the through passage, wherein the application portion fits, at least partially, in the central opening, and wherein the application portion is non-rotatably fixed with respect to the first applying member.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a locking part including a first mating mechanism, wherein the length of the fitment portion is longer that the length of the through passage, wherein a proximal portion of the fitment portion comprises a second mating mechanism, and wherein engagement of the first and second mating mechanisms fixes the second applying member to the first applying member.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the first and second mating mechanisms are inter-engaging screw threads formed on an outer surface of fitment portion and an inner surface of a hole in the locking part.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first applying member further comprises a concave distal face, wherein the sidewall at least partially surrounds the concave distal face.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the sidewall has a curved distal edge, at least part of the curved distal edge extending distally of the application portion.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the curved distal edge comprises a frustoconical section forming a distal tip of the applicator head.

7. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the concave distal face forms a reservoir for holding the substance.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first applying member further comprises at least one application face on a surface of the first applying member proximal of the application portion, wherein the application face is adapted to distribute or blend the substance on the keratinous surface.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the first applying member includes a flocking finish.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the application portion is spherical.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the fitment portion is a cylindrical rod extending in along the longitudinal axis from the application portion in the proximal direction.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer material is selected from a metal, a ceramic, a glass, a stone, a high-density plastic, and a composite.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the metal is selected from stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, silver, gold, steel, carbon, carbon fiber, nickel, tin, copper, brass, and alloys thereof.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the metal is stainless steel.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer material comprises a coating selected from one or more of an antimicrobial coating, an antiseptic coating, and an antibacterial coating.

16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first applying member is formed from a polymer material selected from a thermoplastic, an elastomer, a rubber, a polyester, and a copolymer.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the first applying member is formed by injection molding.

18. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the stem comprises a distal cylindrical cavity and wherein the shank comprises a cylindrical portion sized to engage the distal cylindrical cavity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] 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:

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a cosmetic package in closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic package of FIG. 1;

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an applicator head of the cosmetic package of FIG. 2;

[0054] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the applicator head FIG. 3;

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the applicator head of FIG. 3;

[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the applicator head of FIG. 3;

[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the applicator head of FIG. 3; and

[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of a locking part of the applicator head of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts. While illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.

[0060] 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.

[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates a cosmetic package 1 comprising a cosmetic applicator 100 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the cosmetic package 1 of FIG. 1. The cosmetic package 1 comprises a receptacle 200, the cosmetic applicator 100 and a closure 30. The receptacle 200 is configured to contain a product (not shown) including a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product. The cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrow powder, lip gloss, hair color, cheek blush, skin care, under eye cosmetics, pharmaceutical and like products.

[0062] According to an embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cosmetic package 1 is of an elongated cylindrical configuration. However, in alternate embodiments, the cosmetic package 1 may be of an elongated square, polygonal configuration, oval, triangular, heart, or any other configuration known in the art.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the closure 30 of the cosmetic package 1 has threads 32 on its inner surface which can be screwed onto threads 202, formed on an outer surface of a neck 204 of the receptacle 200. However, in alternate embodiments, the closure 30 may snap into place on the neck 204 of the receptacle 200 or any other type of mechanisms may be used to mate the closure 30 to the receptacle 200.

[0064] Inserted in the neck 204 of the receptacle 200 is a wiper 206 for wiping off excess cosmetic product from the cosmetic applicator 100. The wiper 206 also comprises an annular bead 208 on its outer surface for engaging into a corresponding annular groove 210 formed on an inside surface of the neck 204 of the receptacle 200.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the receptacle 200 and the closure 30 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 receptacle 200 and the closure 30 may be made of a flexible material like flexible polymeric material or any other material known in the art.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the cosmetic applicator 100 comprises an applicator head 10 and a stem 20. The applicator head 10 is retained at a distal end 21 of the stem 20 for applying the cosmetic product; and the closure 30 is retained at a proximal end 23 of the stem 20. The distal end 21 of the stem 20 includes an interior longitudinal cavity 22 for receiving and retaining the applicator head 10. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator head 10 and the stem 20 are fitted together by a snap fitment. However, in alternate embodiments, the applicator head 10 and the stem 20 may be fit together by friction fit, by gluing, crimping, magnetic engagement and the like.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stem 20 can have a longitudinal axis X that is rectilinear as shown. However, in alternate embodiments, it could be curved.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stem 20 presents a cross-section that is circular, but it is not beyond the ambit of the present disclosure for this to be otherwise, in particular when the cross-section of the stem 20 is oval, elliptical or polygonal, e.g. square, triangular or rectangular. The stem 20 can be solid as shown, or, in a variant, it could be hollow.

[0069] When the stem 20 is not of circular cross-section, the cap 30 can possibly by fastened on the receptacle 200 by snap-fastening or by some other means, without turning relative to said receptacle 200. The wiper 206 can thus present a non-circular wiper orifice of section that is complementary to the section of the stem 20.

[0070] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the applicator head 10. The applicator head 10 comprises a first applying member 40, a second applying member 50 and a locking part 60. Further, at least a portion of the first applying member 40 extends around at least part of the second applying member 50.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first applying member 40 of the applicator head 10 is elongated along a longitudinal axis X-X (refer FIG. 2) and the first applying member 40 comprises a through passage 40a extending in lengthwise direction of the first applying member 40. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in front view of the applicator head 10, both the first applying member 40 and the second applying member 50 are accessible. When the applicator head 10 is seen from the back side (not shown) only the first applying member 40 is accessible.

[0072] Further, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the first applying member 40 comprises a lower portion 105 and an upper portion 106. The lower portion 105 of the first applying member 40 is cylindrical in shape and is a shank portion. However, in alternate embodiments, the lower portion 105 may be circular, elliptical, oblong or any other shape known in art.

[0073] The upper portion 106 of the first applying member 40 is an application portion and has at least one sidewall 40e and a concave distal face 40c (refer FIGS. 2 and 4). The through passage 40a opens in at a distal end face 40c of the first applying member 40. The distal end face 40c is a concave surface which defines a central opening 40b at a distal end portion of the first applying member 40 that is wider than passage 40a. The at least one sidewall 40e has a cylindrical section at the lower portion of FIGS. 3-5, and 7 and an frustoconical section with curved distal edges 106a at the upper portion of FIGS. 3-5, and 7. However, in alternate embodiments, at least a portion of the upper portion 106 or the sidewall 40e may be circular, cylindrical, elliptical, oblong or any other shape known in art. In yet alternate embodiments, the upper portion 106 may not have curved upper edges 106a.

[0074] Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the curved upper edges 106a of the upper portion 106 have an obliquely curved shape that encompasses the wide opening 40b of the first applying member 40. The curved upper edges 106a form a tapered tip 110 at the distal end 130 of the first applying member 40.

[0075] However, in alternate embodiments, the tip 110 may not be pointed and may be of circular, round or any other shape known in the art. The lower portion 105 is stepped in from the upper portion 106 and extends from a proximal end 120 of applying member 40 by a selected distance in the proximal direction (Refer FIG. 7).

[0076] The obliquely curved shape and the wide opening 40b of the distal end face 40c create a volume reservoir. This volume reservoir serves as a reservoir for the cosmetic product. A significant quantity of the cosmetic product remains accommodated in said volume reservoir which is then ready to be applied to the user's skin or keratinous substrate. However, in alternate embodiments, the upper edge 106a of the upper portion 106 may not be obliquely curved and may be of any other shape known in the art.

[0077] The first applying member includes at least two opposite application faces namely a first face 25 and a second face 35 as shown in FIG. 5. The second face 35 provides a large surface area suitable for blending for smooth and efficient application of the applied product.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an outer surface of the first applying member 40 is covered with application element which in this case is flocked fibers (not shown in drawings). 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 first applying member 40 may be achieved by an appropriately chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking.

[0079] The outer surface of the first applying member 40 before being flocked is smooth on its entire surface. That is, the outer surface of the first applying member 40 before being flocked have no surface textures, such as a wrinkle finish or a matte finish, over the entire surface thereof. To put it another way, the outer surface of the first applying member 40 before being flocked are smooth and slippery.

[0080] Preferably, the flocking process takes place in an electrostatic field, which results in the proper orientation of the fibers. The flock on the outer surface of the first applying member 40 provides a convenient reservoir which can hold a small amount of the cosmetic product adequate for one or two applications. In alternate embodiments, the outer of the first applying member 40 may include injection molded fibers, projections or grooves which are capable of holding the cosmetic product.

[0081] Further, as seen in FIG. 4, the second applying member 50 is solid body having application portion 121 and a fitment portion 122. The application portion 121 is spherical in shape and is like a ball. However, in alternate embodiments, the application portion 121 may be non-spherical or of any other shape known in the art.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fitment portion 122 is a cylindrical rod attached to or extending from the application portion 121 towards the proximal end of the applicator head 10. In the preferred embodiment, a diameter of the application portion 121 is greater than the diameter of the fitment portion 122, preferably at least 1.5 times greater, even more preferably 3 times greater.

[0083] However, in alternate embodiments, the fitment portion 122 may be non-cylindrical and is of any shape known in the art.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the threads 123 are formed near a proximal end portion 124 of the fitment portion 122. FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate a front view, a side view, a top view and a cross sectional view of the applicator head 10.

[0085] A diameter of the application portion 121 of the second applying member 50 at a distal end of the second applying member 50 is greater than the diameter of the through passage 40a of the first applying member 40 and the diameter of the fitment portion 122 is less than the diameter of said through passage 40a, therefore when the second applying member 50 is inserted into the through passage 40a of the first applying member 40 through a proximal end of the fitment portion 122, the application portion 121 is retained outside the through passage 40a in the wide opening 40b at the distal end face 40c of the first applying member 40.

[0086] According to an aspect of the present embodiment, the second applying member 50 is of a length longer than a length of the through passage 40a of the first applying member 40. More specifically, a length of fitment portion 122 is greater than a length of the through passage 40a of the first applying member 40. A major length of the fitment portion 122 lies inside the through passage 40a of the first applying member 40 and a length of the fitment portion 122 carrying threads extends out from the proximal end 120 of the first applying member 40. According to an aspect of the present embodiment, the distal end 130 of the first applying member 40 projects beyond the distal end of the second applying member 50.

[0087] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the locking part 60. The locking part 60 locks the first applying member 40 and the second applying member 50 together, see FIG. 7. However, in alternate embodiments, the locking part 60 may not be cylindrical and is of any shape known in the art.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, the locking part 60 has a cavity 150 which extends longitudinally throughout its complete length. According to an embodiment, the cavity 150 of the locking part 60 has threads 151 on its inner surface which can be screwed onto threads 123, formed on an outer surface of the fitment portion 122 of the second applying member 50 near its proximal end 124. Thus, the locking part 60 aids in retaining and optimally locking the second applying member 50 with respect to the first applying member 40 such that the second applying member 50 is axially immovable with respect to the first applying member 40 and thus prevents the second applying member 50 to slip out of the through passage 40a of the first applying member 40. However, in alternate embodiments, the fitment portion 122 may snap into place on the locking part 60 or any other type of mechanisms may be used to mate the fitment portion 122 to the locking part 60. Engagement of fitment portion 122 with through hole 40a prevents rotation of application portion 121.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, second applying member 50 is fixed to first applying member by an interference fit between filament portion 122 and through passage 40a. According to this embodiment, through passage 40a is narrower than filament portion 122. First applying member 40 is formed from a material that is elastically deformed as filament portion 122 is press into through passage 40a. Resilient forces applied by passage 40a against filament portion 122 hold second applying member 50 in place with respect to first applying member.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least the application portion 121 of the second applying member 50 is made up of a heat transfer material which is non-reactive with or resistant to the first applying member 40 and the cosmetic product stored in the receptacle 200. The heat transfer material is a metal preferably stainless steel so as to impart a hot or cold sensation on contact with the user's skin. The hot or cold sensation provided by the heat transfer material further improves the soothing effect and stimulates facial skin metabolism and improves skin elasticity.

[0091] However, in alternate embodiments, the heat transfer material may be of any other metal example aluminum, titanium, brass, silver, gold, steel, carbon, carbon fiber, nickel, tin, copper, brass, alloys thereof, or any other metal known in the art. In yet alternate embodiments, the heat transfer material may be non-metal for example ceramic, glass, stone, high-density plastics, composites, whether natural or synthetic or any other material known in the art capable of retaining and transferring heat or cold for a period of time.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the application portion 121 and the fitment portion 122 of the second applying member 50 are made up of same material. However, in alternate embodiments, the application portion 121 and the fitment portion 122 of the second applying member 50 may be made up of different material.

[0093] According to an alternate embodiment, the heat transfer material may comprise or be coated with a material or substance that has antimicrobial, antiseptic, or antibacterial properties.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking part 60 is non-reactive with or resistant to the applying member 40 and the cosmetic product stored in the receptacle 200. The locking part 60 is made up of stainless steel. However in alternate embodiments, the locking part 60 may be of any other metal example, aluminum, titanium, brass, silver, gold, steel, carbon, carbon fiber, nickel, tin, copper, brass, alloys thereof, or any other metal known in the art.

[0095] In yet alternate embodiments, the locking part 60 may be non-metal for example ceramic, glass, stone, high-density plastics, composites, whether natural or synthetic or any other material known in the art.

[0096] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first applying member 40 can be made, at least in part, from a material that is more flexible than a material from which the stem 20 is made. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a part and preferably all of the first applying member 40 can be made by molding, e.g. by injection-molding, e.g. in a material selected from the following list: 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); this list not being limiting.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cosmetic applicator 100 of the cosmetic package 1 is a dip-in applicator in which the applicator head 10 is attached to the stem 20 and to the receptacle 200 carrying the product. At the time of use of said cosmetic package 1, the user first separates the closure 30 from the receptacle 200. In order to apply the product onto the keratinous substrate such as skin, lips, eyelashes, eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body, the cosmetic applicator 100 is dipped into the product in the receptacle 200 and then can be applied by the applicator head 10.

[0098] According to an alternate embodiment, the cosmetic package 1 may be configured such that the product inside the receptacle 200 is dispensed out by a piston (not shown) moving inside the receptacle 200. However, in alternate embodiments, the product inside the receptacle 200 may be dispensed out by any other mechanism known in the art.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.