Flocked applicator

Abstract

An applicator for applying a composition, such as makeup or a care product composition, e.g. lip gloss, mascara, eye liner, hair color, wound care, pharmaceutical or the like, that have diverse application characteristics. The applicator comprises an applicator element comprising a support and a layout of fibers on at least a portion of the support, the fibers being flocked to at least portion of the support and allow the applicator element to be loaded with the composition. The layout of fibers defines a pattern of fibers on the support and the pattern of fibers is visible to naked eye and perceptible to touch.

Claims

1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic or a personal care composition, the applicator comprising: a stem having a central longitudinal axis and having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the stem is connected to a handle and the distal end of the stem is connected to an applicator element; wherein the applicator element comprises a support; wherein at least a portion of the support comprises a planar surface; wherein a plurality of fibers is flocked on the planar surface of the support, wherein the plurality of fibers defines a pattern of fibers on the planar surface of the support; wherein the plurality of fibers defining the pattern comprises at least a first group of fibers and a second group of fibers; wherein the first group of fibers extends outwardly from the support and the second group of fibers is pressed towards the support; and wherein the second group of fibers forms at least one cavity on the planar surface of the support for holding the cosmetic or the personal care composition.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first group of fibers extends outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the support and the second group of fibers is substantially parallel with respect to the support.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the at least portion of the support before being flocked comprises a smooth and contiguous surface.

4. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the pattern of fibers is visible to the naked eye and perceptible to the touch.

5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator element comprises a plurality of cavities formed by the second group of fibers and the plurality of cavities extends along at least a major length of the applicator element.

6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity is formed at center of the support.

7. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator element comprises a plurality of cavities extending laterally from a central longitudinal axis of the applicator element.

8. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the pattern formed by the first group of fibers and the second group of fibers defines a heart shaped cavity on the applicator element.

9. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the pattern formed by the first group of fibers and the second group of fibers defines a drop shaped cavity on the applicator element.

10. An applicator for applying a cosmetic or a personal care composition, the applicator comprising: a stem having a central longitudinal axis and having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the stem is connected to a handle and the distal end of the stem is connected to an applicator element; wherein the applicator element comprises a support; wherein at least a portion of the support comprises a planar surface; wherein a plurality of fibers is flocked on at least a portion the planar surface of the support; wherein the plurality of fibers defines a pattern of fibers on the planar surface of the support; wherein the plurality of fibers defining the pattern comprises at least a first group of fibers and a second group of fibers; wherein the first group of fibers extends outwardly from the support and the second group of fibers is pressed towards the support; wherein the second group of fibers forms at least one cavity on the planar surface of the support for holding the cosmetic or the personal care composition; wherein the planar surface of the support before being flocked comprises a smooth and contiguous surface; and wherein the pattern of fibers on the support is a result of a post treatment of some of the plurality of fibers with an ornamental die, done after the support is flocked.

11. The applicator according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of fibers defines the pattern comprising at least a first group of fibers and a second group of fibers; and wherein the first group of fibers and the second group of fibers differ in their height as measured along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support.

12. An applicator for applying a cosmetic or a personal care composition, the applicator comprising: a flocked applicator element configured to be connected to a neck of a receptacle containing the cosmetic composition; an aperture in the flocked applicator element; wherein the cosmetic or the personal care composition flows from the receptacle towards the flocked applicator element through the aperture; wherein the flocked applicator element comprises a support; wherein at least a portion of the support has a planar surface and a plurality of fibers extends from the planar surface of the support; wherein the plurality of fibers comprises at least a first group of fibers and a second group of fibers; wherein the first group of fibers extends substantially perpendicular to the planar surface of the support of the applicator element; wherein the second group of fibers is pressed towards the planar surface of the support; and wherein the second group of fibers forms at least one cavity on the planar surface of the support for holding the cosmetic or the personal care composition.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, 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 invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a portion of the applicator of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a portion of the applicator of FIG. 1, after being flocked;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a portion of the applicator after treatment of flocked applicator of FIG. 3;

(6) FIGS. 5-11 illustrate perspective views of portions of variant applicators according to other embodiments of the disclosure.

(7) FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an applicator connected to a receptacle according to a variant embodiment of the disclosure.

(8) 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 invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) An applicator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. The applicator 1 may be used to apply a composition, such as a cosmetic or a personal care composition including lip gloss, mascara, eye liner, hair color, wound care, pharmaceutical and like products.

(10) In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator 1 is a lip applicator for applying lip gloss or other composition. In various other embodiments, the applicator 1 may be a face applicator, an eyeliner, mascara etc.

(11) As shown in FIG. 1, the applicator 1 includes a stem 2, a handle 4 and an applicator element 6. Further, the applicator 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X-X. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the stem 2 and the handle 4 may be substantially rigid members, whereas the applicator element 6 may be a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible member of the applicator 1. It may be contemplated that some or all parts, i.e., the stem 2, the handle 4 and the applicator element 6 of the applicator 1 may be manufactured separately and may be assembled together to form the applicator 1. Alternately, the stem 2 and the handle 4 can be manufactured as one part.

(12) The stem 2 has a proximal end 8 and a distal end 10. The handle 4 may be attached to the proximal end 8 of the stem 2. In various embodiments, the proximal end 8 of the stem 2 may be attached to the handle 4 by using any type of locking mechanism known in the art, such as snap fit locking mechanism, threaded locking mechanism, etc. In another embodiment, the stem 2 and the handle 4 may be molded together as a single component of the applicator 1.

(13) Further, the handle 4 may be detachably attached to a receptacle (not shown) containing a composition to form a packaging device (not shown) for the composition. In various embodiments, the handle 4 may be attached to the receptacle by any type of known locking mechanisms, such as snap fit locking mechanism, threaded locking mechanism, etc.

(14) Further, the applicator element 6 is disposed at the distal end 10 of the stem 2. The applicator element 6 extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis X-X of the applicator 1.

(15) As shown in FIG. 2, the applicator element 6 includes a support 12. The support 12 is of a shape of a spatula. The support 12 may be obtained, for example, by molding it as a single piece with the stem 2. Alternatively, the support 12 may be snap-fastened, adhesively bonded, and/or welded to the stem 2.

(16) At least a portion 14 of the support 12 comprises a smooth and a contiguous surface. The at least portion 14 of the support 12 has a planar surface. The term planar surface means a flat surface. Further, the at least portion 14 of the support 12 has no substantial surface features or the at least portion 14 of the support 12 is substantially even.

(17) The term no substantial surface features or substantially even means that the features if any on the portion 14 of the support 12 do not represent themselves after the support 12 is flocked. When the support 12 with no substantial surface features is covered with flocking including solely substantially identical fibers, the surface of the flocked support may have no surface features or irregularities visible to the naked eye.

(18) FIG. 3 shows the applicator element 6 having fibers 16 flocked on at least a portion 14 of the support 12 (shown in FIG. 2). The fibers 16 extend substantially perpendicular to a plane of the support 12.

(19) As used herein, the term substantially perpendicular means that an angle is in the range of 45 to 135 degrees.

(20) FIG. 4 shows the applicator element 6 having a layout of fibers 16 defining a pattern or a graphic print on flocked applicator element 6 comprising at least a first group of fibers 18 and a second group of fibers 20 wherein the first group of fibers 18 extends outwardly from the support 12 and the second group of fibers 20 is deformed in their structure. The second group of fibers 20 is deformed in their structure as they are pressed towards the support 12. The second group of fibers 20 forms a reservoir or a cavity for holding the composition.

(21) Also, FIG. 4 shows the first group of fibers 18 extends outwardly away from the support and the second group of fibers 20 extends in a direction towards the support. Alternatively, the first group of fibers 18 may extend outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support 12 and the second group of fibers 20 may be substantially parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support 12.

(22) As used herein, the term substantially parallel means that an angle is in the range of 0 to 45 degrees.

(23) The applicator 1 shown in FIG. 4, having a layout of fibers 16 defining a pattern comprising at least a first group of fibers 18 and a second group of fibers 20 is formed by following steps:

(24) Firstly, the fibers 16 are flocked to at least a portion 14 of the support 12 of applicator 1 in FIG. 2, for example by electrostatic delivery of fibers 16 to an adhesive coating located on the at least portion 14 of the support 12. Such a method cause the fibers 16 being oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane of the support 12. The fibers 16 may hence be distributed relatively uniformly over the adhesive-coated surface of the support 12 as shown in FIG. 3. The applicator element 6 covered with flocked fibers 16 may therefore has substantially the same overall shape as that of the support 12 before it is covered with the flocked fibers 16, except, for example, for the added thickness achieved by the length/height of the fibers 16 as measured along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support 12. However, other methods of flocking may also be used. While the fibers 16 generally consist of soft and light material, stiffer fibers such as bristles may also be flocked.

(25) Secondly, the support 12 covered with flocked fibers 16 is treated with at least one ornamental die (not shown) having a raised pattern so that the flocked support 12 retains the pattern of the ornamental die without any alteration in the substantially even surface of the support 12 wherein the pattern is defined by a first group of fibers 18 and a second group of fibers 20. Alternatively, the ornamental die may have a recessed portion.

(26) The pattern comprising a first group of fibers 18 and a second group of fibers 20 on the flocked support 12, as shown in FIG. 4, is the resultant of altering the effective height of at least one of the groups of fibers 18, 20 as measured along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support 12, due to deformation of the at least one of the groups of fibers 18, 20 or due to change in direction of orientation of the at least one of the groups of fibers 18, 20 on the support 12. As specifically shown in FIG. 4, the effective height of the group of fibers 20 is altered as they are oriented in a direction towards the support 12 due to treatment of the fibers 16 with the ornamental die.

(27) The flocked support 12 can be treated with the ornamental die (not shown) in many ways as for e.g. the flocked support 12 is contacted, while the adhesive is still wet, under pressure with the ornamental die containing a raised pattern. The pressure from the raised pattern of the ornamental die forces the fibers 16 contacting the raised pattern down into the adhesive. The support 12 can then be cooled and an embossed pattern comprising at least a first group of fibers 18 and a second group of fibers 20 results.

(28) According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the flocked support 12 is contacted, under pressure with a heated die containing a raised pattern. The heat and pressure from the raised pattern of the ornamental die results in deforming the structure or changing in direction of orientation of some of the fibers 16 resulting in the group of fibers 20 which are oriented in a direction towards the support due to treatment of the fibers 16 with the ornamental die. This results in formation of a layout of fibers 16 defining a pattern of fibers comprising at least a first group of fibers 18 and a second group of fibers 20.

(29) FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show a portion of an applicator 30 and an applicator 40 respectively. Both the applicators 30 and 40 comprise an applicator element 6 and a stem 2. The applicators 30 and 40 are similar to the applicator 1 except, the shape of the applicator element 6 and the pattern defined by a layout of fibers 16 are different. However, the process used to achieve the pattern is similar to the process used for the applicator 1. The applicator 30 comprising an applicator element 6 has a layout of fibers 16 which define a pattern comprising a drop shaped reservoir 32 in center of the applicator element 6. The applicator 40 comprising an applicator element 6 has a layout of fibers 16 defining a pattern comprising a heart shaped reservoir 42 in center of the applicator element 6.

(30) The pattern of fibers 16 achieved will depend on the raised pattern or recessed portion of the ornamental die.

(31) FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the applicator 30 and 40 comprising a pattern of fibers 16 which further comprises a first group of fibers 18 and a second group of fibers 20 wherein the first group of fibers 18 has a height greater than the second group of fibers 20. Alternatively, the first group of fibers 18 extends outwardly from the support 12 (not visible as it is covered by the fibers) and the second group of fibers 20 is deformed in their structure. The second group of fibers 20 is deformed in their structure as they are pressed towards the support 12 (not visible as it is covered by the fibers). The second group of fibers 20 forms a drop shaped reservoir 32 in the applicator 30 and a heart shaped reservoir 42 in the applicator 40.

(32) FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a portion of an applicator 50 and an applicator 60 respectively. Both the applicators 50 and 60 comprise an applicator element 6 and a stem 2. The applicators 50 and 60 are similar to the applicator 1 except, the shape of the applicator element 6 and the pattern defined by a layout of fibers 16 are different. However, the process used to achieve the pattern is similar to the process used for the applicator 1. The applicator 50 comprising an applicator element 6 has a layout of fibers 16 defining a pattern comprising a plurality of reservoirs 52 extending along whole length of the applicator element 6. The fibers 16 comprises a first group of fibers 18 and a second group of fibers 20 wherein the first group of fibers 18 has a height greater than the second group of fibers 20. The second group of fibers 20 is deformed in their structure as they are pressed towards the support 12 (not visible as it is covered by the fibers) and form the plurality of reservoirs 52. The applicator 60 comprising an applicator element 6 has a layout of fibers 16 defining a pattern comprising at least one reservoir 62 extending along whole length and along the central longitudinal axis of the applicator element 6 and a plurality of reservoirs 64 extending laterally from the reservoir 62. The reservoirs 62 and 64 forming a leaf like pattern on the applicator element 6.

(33) FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show a portion of an applicator 70, an applicator 80 and an applicator 90. These applicators are also similar to the applicator 1 except, the shape of the applicator element 6 and the pattern defined by a layout of fibers 16 are different.

(34) Thus, by using the ornamental dies having variable raised patterns or recessed portions; it is possible to make applicators having a variety of patterns of flocked fibers.

(35) FIG. 12 shows an applicator 100 comprising a flocked applicator element 6 wherein the applicator element 6 is configured to be connected to a neck 120 of a receptacle 110 containing a composition (not shown). The composition flows from the receptacle 110 towards the flocked applicator element 6 through an aperture 140 present in the applicator element 6. The applicator element 6 having a layout of fibers 16 defining a pattern comprises at least a first group of fibers 18 and a second group of fibers 20 wherein the first group of fibers 18 extends outwardly from its support (not visible as it is covered by flocking) and the second group of fibers 20 is deformed in their structure. The second group of fibers 20 is deformed in their structure as they are pressed towards the support (not visible as it is covered by flocking). The second group of fibers 20 forms a reservoir 130 or a cavity for holding the composition.

(36) Although the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. Accordingly, the appended claims should be construed to encompass not only those forms and embodiments of the invention specifically described above, but to such other forms and embodiments as may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from its true spirit and scope.