COSMETIC APPLICATOR

Abstract

An applicator for applying a composition such as a cosmetic, a medicinal or a personal care composition. The applicator comprising an applicator head comprising at least two types of bristles distributed along a longitudinal axis of a core in a manner that density of at least one type of bristles decreases gradually from one end to another end of the core to provide a gradual change in color/tone from one end to another end of the core and/or to create multiple bristle zones for enabling multiple performance characteristics like separation/combing, volumising, curling and lengthening of eyelashes to be achieved with the cosmetic applicator.

Claims

1. A cosmetic applicator comprising: an applicator head; wherein the applicator head comprises a twisted wire core with a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the twisted wire core carries at least a first bristle type and a second bristle type; wherein a bristle density of the first bristle type decreases from the proximal end towards the distal end of the twisted wire core and a bristle density of the second bristle type decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end of the twisted wire core; wherein a number of the first bristle type reduces after every successive “n” turn(s) of the twisted wire core from the proximal end towards the distal end of the twisted wire core; wherein a number of the second bristle type reduces after every successive “n” turn(s) of the twisted wire core from the distal end towards the proximal end of the twisted wire core; and wherein the “n” designates number of turns of the twisted wire core and 1≦“n”≦3.

2. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle type extends up to at least 60% of a length of the twisted wire core of the applicator head from the proximal end towards the distal end; and wherein the second bristle type extends up to at least 60% of the length of the twisted wire core of the applicator head from the distal end towards the proximal end.

3. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle type and the second bristle type form a first bristle zone, a second bristle zone and a third bristle zone along a longitudinal axis of the twisted wire core; and wherein the first bristle zone comprises the first bristle type only, the second bristle zone comprises a combination of the first bristle type and the second bristle type, and the third bristle zone comprises the second bristle type only.

4. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle type vary from the second bristle type in color.

5. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the second bristle type is of a darker shade as compared to a shade of the first bristle type and wherein the applicator head has an overall effect of gradual change in color, from the darker shade to a lighter shade from the distal end to the proximal end of the twisted wire core.

6. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the second bristle type is of a lighter shade as compared to a shade of the first bristle type and wherein the applicator head has an overall effect of gradual change in color, from the lighter shade to a darker shade from the distal end to the proximal end of the twisted wire core.

7. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle type and the second bristle type vary in one or more properties selected from a group consisting of material, shape, length, cross-section, diameter, thickness, length, color and hardness.

8. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first bristle type and the second bristle type comprises hollow fibers.

9. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first bristle type and the second bristle type comprises solid fibers.

10. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator head is attached to a distal end of a stem and a cap or a gripping member is attached to a proximal end of the stem.

11. A cosmetic applicator comprising: an applicator head and a stem; the applicator head is attached to a distal end of the stem; wherein the applicator head comprises a core with a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the core carries at least a first bristle type and a second bristle type; wherein the first bristle type extends throughout a length of the core between the proximal end and the distal end of the core such that a density of the first bristle type remains fixed throughout the length of the core; and wherein a density of the second bristle type progressively decreases at least up to 60% of the length of the core either from the distal end towards the proximal end or from the proximal end towards the distal end core of the applicator head.

12. The cosmetic applicator of claim 11, wherein the core is a molded core.

13. The cosmetic applicator of claim 11, wherein the core is a twisted wire core.

14. The cosmetic applicator of claim 11, wherein the first bristle type vary from the second bristle type in color and wherein the applicator head has an overall effect of gradual change in color, from darker to lighter from the distal end to the proximal end or from the proximal end to the distal end of the core.

15. The cosmetic applicator of claim 11, wherein the first bristle type and the second bristle type form a first bristle zone, a second bristle zone and a third bristle zone along a longitudinal axis of the core; and wherein the density of the first bristle type and the second bristle type is substantially equal in the second bristle zone; the density of the first bristle type is more as compared to the density of the second bristle type in one of the first bristle zone or the third bristle zone.

16. A cosmetic applicator comprising: an applicator head; wherein the applicator head comprises a core carrying at least a first bristle type and a second bristle type; wherein a segment of the core comprising the first bristle type and the second bristle type extends at least 50% of a length of the core; and wherein a bristle density of the first bristle type decreases from a proximal end towards a distal end of the segment of the core and a bristle density of the second bristle type decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end of the segment of the core.

17. The cosmetic applicator of claim 16 wherein the first bristle type and the second bristle type form a first bristle zone, a second bristle zone and a third bristle zone along a longitudinal axis of the core; and wherein the density of the second bristle type is more as compared to the density of the first bristle type in the first bristle zone, the density of the first bristle type and the second bristle type is substantially equal in the second bristle zone, and the density of the first bristle type is significantly more as compared to the density of the second bristle type in the third bristle zone.

18. The cosmetic applicator of claim 17 wherein the first bristle type vary from the second bristle type in color.

19. The cosmetic applicator of claim 18 wherein the segment has an overall effect of gradual change in color, from a darker shade to a lighter shade from the distal end to the proximal end or from the proximal end to the distal end.

20. The cosmetic applicator of claim 16 wherein the core is a molded core or a twisted wire core.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] 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.

[0039] FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a cosmetic applicator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 1B illustrates an isometric view of the portion of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 1A;

[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a cosmetic applicator according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric view of the portion of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 2A;

[0043] FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a cosmetic applicator having different envelope surface according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 3B illustrates an isometric view of the portion of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 3A;

[0045] FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a cosmetic applicator according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 4B illustrates an isometric view of the portion of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 4A; and

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a cosmetic applicator having different envelope surface according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] 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

[0049] FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 illustrate portions of cosmetic applicators 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicators 100-500 of the present disclosure are used for applying a composition such as a cosmetic, a medicinal or a personal care composition. The composition may include a liquid, semi-liquid, creamy, paste-like or viscous material.

[0050] Further, the cosmetic applicators 100-500 are used for applying cosmetic composition such as mascara or the like, to eyelashes or eyebrows for providing multiple performance characteristics like separation/combing, volumizing, curling and lengthening of eyelashes.

[0051] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate a front perspective view and an isometric view respectively of a portion of a cosmetic applicator 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicator 100 comprises an applicator head 10 and a stem 20. The applicator head 10 is attached at a distal end of the stem 20 and a proximal end of the stem 20 is attached to a gripping member/cap (not shown). The cap may serve as a closure of a container (not shown) containing a cosmetic composition. The applicator head 10 comprises a core 15 having a proximal end 30 and a distal end 40. According to the present embodiment, the core 15 is a twisted wire core. However, according to alternate embodiments, the core 15 may be a molded core.

[0052] The applicator head 10 comprises more than one type of bristles including at least a first bristle type 80 and a second bristle type 90 carried by the core 15. The first bristle type 80 extends up to a length L′ of the core 15 of the applicator head 10 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40. The second bristle type 90 extends up to a length L of the core 15 of the applicator head 10 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30. The length L or L′ is at least 60% of the length of the core 15 of the applicator head 10.

[0053] Further, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a bristle density of the first bristle type 80 decreases from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40, and similarly, a bristle density of the second bristle type 90 decreases from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30.

[0054] More particularly and as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bristle density of the first bristle type 80 decreases gradually/progressively from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40, and similarly, the bristle density of the second bristle type 90 decreases gradually/progressively from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30. In other words, number of the first bristle type 80 reduces after every successive “n” turn(s) of the twisted wire core 15 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40 of the core 15 and number of the second bristle type 90 reduces after every successive “n” turn(s) of the core 15 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 of the core 15. The “n” designates number of turns of the core 15 and wherein 1≦“n”≦5, specifically 1≦“n”≦3. For example, when “n”=1, the number of the first bristle type 80 reduces after every single turn of the core 15 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40 and the number of the second bristle type 90 reduces after every single turn of the core 15 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30. Further, when “n”=2, the number of the first bristle type 80 reduces after every successive two turns of the core 15 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40 or number of the first bristle type 80 per turn of the core 15 reduces after every successive two turns of the core 15 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40. Similarly, the number of the second bristle type 90 reduces after every successive two turns of the core 15 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 or the number of the second bristle type 90 per turn of the core 15 reduces after every successive two turns of the core 15 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 of the core 15. As a result of such distribution of the first and the second bristle types 80, 90, three separate zones are formed on the applicator head 10 namely a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70.

[0055] According to an alternate embodiment, the first and second bristle types 80, 90 can be distributed in a segment of the core which extends along at least 50% of a length of the core and may be present anywhere along the length of the core, e.g. in a middle portion of the core, in a manner such that a bristle density of the first bristle type decreases from a proximal end towards a distal end of the segment of the core and a bristle density of the second bristle type decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end of the segment of the core. Further, the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 form a first bristle zone, a second bristle zone and a third bristle zone along a longitudinal axis of the segment; and wherein the density of the second bristle type is more as compared to the density of the first bristle type in the first bristle zone, the density of the first bristle type and the second bristle type is substantially equal in the second bristle zone, and the density of the first bristle type is significantly more as compared to the density of the second bristle type in the third bristle zone. Furthermore, the first bristle type may vary from the second bristle type in color. Therefore, the segment has an overall effect of gradual change in color, from a darker shade to a lighter shade from the distal end to the proximal end or from the proximal end to the distal end of the segment.

[0056] According to an alternate embodiment, if the core 15 is a molded core (not shown in the drawings) comprising at least a first bristle type 80 and a second bristle type 90 molded with the core, a density of the bristles comprising the first bristle type 80 gradually/progressively decreases from a proximal end 30 towards a distal end 40 of the molded core 15, and similarly, a density of the bristles comprising the second bristle type 90 gradually/progressively decreases from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30. In other words, the number of bristles of the first bristle type 80 reduces after every fixed portion of a length of the molded core 15 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40 of the molded core 15 and the number of bristles of the second bristle type 90 reduces after every fixed portion of a length of the molded core 15 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 of the molded core 15.

[0057] The first bristle zone 50 comprises the first bristle type 80. The second bristle zone 60 comprises a combination of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90. The third bristle zone 70 further comprises the second bristle type 90. The first bristle zone 50 remains free from the second bristle type 90 and the third bristle zone 70 remains free from the first bristle type 80.

[0058] The first bristle zone 50 may provide a first performance characteristic, the second bristle zone 60 may provide a second performance characteristic and the third bristle zone 70 may provide a third performance characteristic. Different performance characteristics include covering the span of eyelashes in single swipe, adding desired length, volume or curling effects. Further, it may include reaching the inner corners of lower lashes to stylize the lashes individually with more precision application. These performance characteristics will depend upon the properties of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 used to make the cosmetic applicator 100.

[0059] According to an embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 have different colors or tones. The applicator head 10 has an overall effect of gradual change in color/tone for e.g. in this case, from darker to lighter from the distal end 40 to the proximal end 30 and from lighter to darker from the proximal end 30 to the distal end 40. According to an embodiment, the colors used may be chromatic or non-chromatic. It may be contrasting colors, without one necessarily being chromatic.

[0060] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bristle density of the first bristle type 80 having a lighter tone decreases gradually from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40, and similarly, the bristle density of the second bristle type 90 having a darker tone decreases gradually from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 in order to produce an ombre effect.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the color differentiation initially indicates to the user that the applicator head 10 is made up of different types of bristles. Even though, in use, such color differentiation may be more or less obscured by cosmetic composition coating the applicator head 10, the initial indication assists the user in understanding how to manipulate the cosmetic applicator 100. In particular, when the cosmetic applicator 100 is initially packaged outside the cosmetic container i.e. for sale (with the container is closed by a temporary cap), the color differentiation is clearly visible prior to the first insertion of the cosmetic applicator into the container.

[0062] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate a front perspective view and an isometric view respectively of a cosmetic applicator 200 according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicator 200 is similar to the cosmetic applicator 100 in distribution of a first bristle type 80 and a second bristle type 90 but is different from the cosmetic applicator 100 in having a different envelope surface. The envelope surface being defined by a geometrical surface defined by the free ends of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90. The cosmetic applicator 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B has a straight envelope with a triangular cross-section whereas the cosmetic applicator 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B has a tapered envelope with a circular cross-section. The cosmetic applicator 200 comprises a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70. The arrangement of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 is same as already described above for FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

[0063] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a front perspective view and an isometric view of a cosmetic applicator 300 respectively according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. A first bristle type 80 extends throughout the length of the core 15 of the applicator head 10 between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 40 such that a density of the first bristle type 80 remains same throughout the length of the core 15 while a second bristle type 90 is disposed between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 40 such that a density of the second bristle type 90 progressively decreases from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 of the core 15 of the applicator head 10 in a manner described above for cosmetic applicator 100 of FIG. 1A and 1B. Three separate zones are formed on the core 15 of the applicator head 10 namely a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70. In the first bristle zone 50, density of the first bristle type 80 is significantly more as compared to the density of the second bristle type 90. Further, the second bristle zone 60 comprises a combination of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 and their density is substantially equal. In the third bristle zone 70, the density of the second bristle type 90 is significantly more as compared to the density of the first bristle type 80.

[0064] Alternatively, according to another embodiment not shown, a first bristle type 80 is distributed uniformly throughout the length of the core 15 of the applicator head 10 between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 40 of the core 15, such that the density of the first bristle type 80 remains same throughout the length of the core 15 while a second bristle type 90 is disposed between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 40 such that the density of the second bristle type 90 progressively decreases from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40 of the core 15 of the applicator head 10. Three separate zones are formed on the core 15 of the applicator head 10 namely a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70. In the first bristle zone 50, density of the second bristle type 90 is significantly more as compared to the density of the first bristle type 80. Further, the second bristle zone 60 comprises a combination of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 and their density is substantially equal. In the third bristle zone 70, the density of the first bristle type 80 is significantly more as compared to the density of the second bristle type 90.

[0065] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a front perspective view and an isometric view respectively of a cosmetic applicator 400 according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicator 400 is similar to the cosmetic applicator 300 in distribution of a first bristle type 80 and a second bristle type 90 but is different from the cosmetic applicator 300 in having a different envelope surface. The envelope surface being defined by a geometrical surface defined by the free ends of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90. The cosmetic applicator 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3B has a straight envelope with a triangular cross-section whereas the cosmetic applicator 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B has a tapered envelope with a circular cross-section. The cosmetic applicator 400 comprises a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70. The arrangement of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 is same as already described in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.

[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a cosmetic applicator 500 according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicator 500 is similar to the cosmetic applicator 300 in distribution of a first bristle type 80 and a second bristle type 90 but is different from the cosmetic applicator 300 in having a straight envelope surface with a circular cross-section. The cosmetic applicator 500 comprises a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70.

[0067] It is possible to make the cosmetic applicators 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 of the present disclosure with other shapes of envelope surfaces e.g. straight, curved, helical or the like.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the core 15 is centered with respect to the first bristle zone 50, the second bristle zone 60 and the third bristle zone 70 of the respective cosmetic applicators 100-500. However, in alternate embodiments, the core 15 may be off-centered.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may comprise hollow or solid fibers.

[0070] The first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may vary in one or more properties selected from a group consisting of type of material, shape, length, cross-section, diameter, thickness, length, color as explained below.

[0071] The first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be of shapes selected from a group consisting of tubular, circular, round, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal or any another known shapes.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be rectilinear. However, in alternate embodiments, the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be of undulating shape, or any another known shapes.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be of same length. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be of varying length.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, diameter of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be of varying diameter.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thickness of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may have varying thickness.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, hardness of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may have varying hardness.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, stiffness of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may have varying stiffness.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, color of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may have varying colors. The colors used may be chromatic or non-chromatic. It may be contrasting colors, without one necessarily being chromatic.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, material of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may have varying materials. The bristles may comprise any suitable material e.g. thermoplastic e.g. Polyolefin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyimide (PA), polystyrene (PS), or Polyamide such as nylon, this list not being limiting.

[0080] The systems and methods of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0081] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised.