APPLICATOR HEAD FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC PRODUCT

Abstract

An applicator head for applying a product including a cosmetic or a care product. The applicator head comprises a thermal member and a non-thermal member. A front face of the thermal member includes a distal surface that extends from a distal end of thermal member along at least 40% of a length of the front face. The non-thermal member includes a second applicator portion extending along a plane that matches the plane of the distal surface of the thermal member. The second applicator portion comprises an upper surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface closely matches and covers the distal surface of the first applicator portion. At least a portion of the upper surface of the second applicator portion.

Claims

1. An applicator head (100) for applying a cosmetic product comprising: a thermal member (2) defining at least a portion of a sidewall of said applicator head (10); a non-thermal member (12) defining at least a distal surface of said applicator head (10); wherein said thermal member (10) comprises a proximal portion (2a) and a distal portion (2b); said proximal (2a) portion is formed as a shank defining a longitudinal axis (X), and said distal portion (2b) is formed as a first applicator portion (4) that is accessible to a user for application; wherein said first applicator portion (4) includes a front face (4a); wherein said front face (4a) includes a proximal surface (5a) and a distal surface (5b); wherein said distal surface (5b) is an inclined surface, in respect of said longitudinal axis (X), that extends from a distal end (11) of said thermal member (2) along at least part said front face (4a); wherein said thermal member (2) includes a cavity (6) extending at least through a portion of a length of said thermal member (2); wherein an opening of said cavity (6) is defined on said distal surface (5a) of said first applicator portion (4); wherein the non-thermal member (12) comprises an connection portion (13) and a second applicator portion (14); wherein said second applicator portion (14) extends along a plane that enables said second applicator portion (14) to closely match at least part of said distal surface (5b) of said first applicator portion; wherein said second applicator portion (14) includes an upper surface (14a) and a bottom surface (14b); when said non-thermal member (12) is received and retained within said cavity (6) of said thermal member (2), a major portion of said connection portion (13) is housed within the cavity of said thermal member (2) and the second applicator portion (14) extends out from said opening such that said bottom surface (14b) of said second applicator portion (14) closely contacts said distal surface (5b) of said first applicator portion (4) of said thermal member (4).

2. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein said thermal member (10) is made of a thermal storage material selected from a group consisting of metal, ceramic, metal alloy, and a stone; and wherein the non-thermal member (12) is an insulator fabricated from a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, elastomer, wood, rubber, sintered or porous material and/or combinations thereof.

3. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion (13) is an elongated rod portion of said non-thermal member (12) has a length greater than a length of said cavity (6) of said thermal member (12) such that a distal portion of said elongated rod portion extends out from a proximal end of said cavity (6).

4. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein said first applicator portion (4) includes a rear face (4b), a right side face (4c), and a left side face (4d) and said rear face (4b) of said first applicator portion (4) is curved along a longitudinal axis of said applicator head (100) as well as in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the applicator head (100).

5. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein said second applicator portion (14) of said non-thermal member (12) and said distal surface of said thermal member (10) are both drop shaped; and wherein the second applicator portion (14) is shaped and dimensioned to fit over and cover the distal surface of the first applicator portion (4).

6. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the upper surface of the second applicator portion (4) is concavely curved; wherein the upper surface of the second applicator portion creates a volume reservoir; wherein the volume reservoir serves as a reservoir for the cosmetic product which is available to be applied to the user's skin or keratinous substrate.

7. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein said distal surface (5b) extends from a distal end (11) of said thermal member (2) along at least part 40% of a length of said front face (4a).

8. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of said upper surface (14a) of said second applicator portion (14) comprises flocking.

9. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein said upper surface (14a) of said second applicator portion is one of a convex surface and a flat surface.

10. Applicator head according to claim 9, wherein the elongated rod portion of the non-thermal member (12) is retained within the cavity of the thermal member by snap-fitment; wherein the thermal member includes an annular projection on its inner surface projecting inside said cavity of thermal member (10) and said elongated rod portion of said non-thermal member (12) includes an annular recess and an annular flange adjacent to said annular recess; and wherein said annular projection of said thermal member (10) is snap fitted into the corresponding annular recess of the non-thermal member.

11. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein said non-thermal member is oriented so that an apex of the non-thermal member is always in line with an apex of said thermal member.

12. Applicator head according to claim 11, wherein the elongated rod portion of said non-thermal member has a rectangular portion located close to said second applicator portion that corresponds to a rectangular portion of the cavity near the opening which helps to orient and prevent the rotation of the second applicator portion with respect to the thermal member.

13. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the thermal member is off-centred with respect to said longitudinal axis towards said rear face of said first applicator portion.

14. Applicator head according to claim 13, configurated to be associated with a cosmetic package; wherein said cosmetic package comprises a receptacle for holding a product and an applicator assembly; wherein said applicator assembly comprises said applicator head, a stem, and a cap; and wherein said applicator head is retained at a distal end of the stem for applying the product; and the cap is located at a proximal end of the stem.

15. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein said second applicator portion includes one or more through cavities.

16. Applicator head according to claim 1, wherein said rear face is lip-shaped along a length direction of the applicator head; and wherein said rear face includes a proximal convex portion followed by a central recessed area and a distal convex portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0044] 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:

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cosmetic package in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an applicator head of the cosmetic package of FIG. 1;

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the applicator head of FIG. 2;

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the applicator head of FIG. 2;

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the applicator head of FIG. 2;

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the applicator head of FIG. 2;

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the applicator head of FIG. 2;

[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates a transverse cross-section taken along a line A-A of the applicator head of FIG. 2;

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates a back perspective view of a second member of the applicator head of FIG. 6;

[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cosmetic package in a closed position according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of an applicator head of the cosmetic package of FIG. 10;

[0056] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the applicator head of FIG. 11;

[0057] FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the applicator head of FIG. 11;

[0058] FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the applicator head of FIG. 11;

[0059] FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of the applicator head of FIG. 11;

[0060] FIG. 16 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cosmetic package in a closed position according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an applicator of the cosmetic package of FIG. 16;

[0062] FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded view of an applicator head of the cosmetic package of FIG. 16;

[0063] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the applicator head of FIG. 16;

[0064] FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the applicator head of FIG. 16;

[0065] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of the applicator head of FIG. 16; and

[0066] FIG. 22 illustrates a rear view of the applicator head of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] 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 embodiments 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 to be limited by the following description.

[0068] 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.

[0069] FIG. 1 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic package 100 including an applicator head 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmetic package 100 is associated with the applicator head 10 and comprises a receptacle 20 for holding a product (not shown) and an applicator assembly 30. The applicator assembly 30 comprises the applicator head 10, a stem 40, and a cap 50. The cap 50 of the applicator assembly 30 has threads 52 which can be screwed onto threads 21, formed on a neck 22 of the receptacle 20. The applicator head 10 is retained at a distal end of the stem 40 for applying the product; and the cap 50 is at a proximal end of the stem 40.

[0070] In general, the use of the terms distal and proximal herein is supposed to mean that the distal side/end is the side/end facing towards the inside of the storage receptacle 20, whereas the proximal side/end is the side/end facing towards the opening of the receptacle 20.

[0071] Further, the distal end of the stem 40 includes an interior longitudinal cavity 42 for receiving and retaining the cosmetic applicator 10.

[0072] Inserted in the neck 22 of the receptacle 20 is a wiper 60 for wiping off excess product from the applicator assembly 30.

[0073] Further, the applicator head 10 of the applicator assembly 30 may be used to apply the product 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.

[0074] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the applicator head 10. The applicator head 10 may be used to apply the product including a cosmetic or a 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. The applicator head 10 is intended to be retained at a distal end of the stem 40.

[0075] As seen in FIG. 2, the applicator head 10 elongates along a longitudinal axis X. The applicator head 10 preferably comprises a thermal member 2 and a second member 12. The thermal member 2 defines at least a portion of a sidewall of the applicator head 10 and the second member 12 defines a portion of a distal surface of the applicator head 10. The thermal member 2 is configured to receive and retain at least a portion of the second member 12.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the thermal member 2 preferably comprises a proximal portion 2a and a distal portion 2b. The proximal portion 2a is formed as shank portion 3 and is configured to be received within the cavity 42 of the stem 40. The distal portion 2b of the thermal member is located outside the stem 40 and is formed as a first applicator portion 4 that is accessible to the user for application purpose.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, preferably the first applicator portion 4 of the thermal member 2 includes at least two main faces i.e. a front face 4a and a rear face 4b. The first applicator portion 4 further includes a right-side face 4c and left side face 4d. As seen in FIG. 6, the front face 4a includes a proximal surface 5a and a distal surface 5b. Referring to FIG. 5, the thermal member 2 when seen from a side view thereof, the distal surface 5b extends from a distal end 11 of thermal member 2 and/the applicator head 10 towards a front side of the applicator head 10. The distal surface 5b is an inclined surface that extends along at least 50% of a length of the front face 4a of the first applicator portion 4 of the thermal member 2. The distal surface 5b of the front face 4a of thermal member 2 is concave and the proximal surface 5a of the front face 4a is convex.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, the rear face 4b of the first applicator portion 4 of the thermal member 2 preferably provides a large convex surface that may be used for massaging. The rear face 4b of the first applicator portion 4 preferably is curved along the longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10 as well as in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10, see FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0079] Further, as seen in the FIG. 7, the distal end 11 of the thermal member 2 is preferably slightly off-centred with respect to the longitudinal axis X towards the rear face 4b of the first applicator portion 4. In various embodiments (not shown), however, the distal end 11 of the thermal member 2 and/or the applicator head 10 may or may not be located at the longitudinal axis X.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the distal surface 5b of the first applicator portion 4 has preferably a drop shape with an apex forming at the distal end 11 thereof. However, in alternate embodiments, the distal surface 5b of the first applicator portion 4 may have any other desirable shape.

[0081] As seen in FIGS. 6 & 7, preferably the thermal member 2 has a cavity 6 that extends through at least a portion a length of thermal member 2. At least a portion of the second member 12 preferably is received within the cavity 6 of the thermal member 2.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6, an opening 7 for the cavity 6 is preferably defined on the distal surface 5b of the first applicator portion 4 of the thermal member 2. As the distal surface 5b is curved and inclined, the opening 7 also extends oblique with respect to the central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10. The opening 7 may have any desirable shape including spatulate, obovate, elliptic, oblong, deltoid, a cross, rectangular, square, triangular, or an irregular shape for example.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the thermal member 2 is preferably made of a thermal storage material such as metal, ceramic, metal alloy, or a stone. Therefore, the thermal member 2 may be used for massaging the user's skin.

[0084] The first applicator portion 4 of the thermal member 2 may also include at least one application element is adapted to convey and apply cosmetic product. In such a case the application element may be tine, projection, bristle, flocking, rib, groove, disc, slit, cut, hole, dimple, foam or other surface features or surface treatments (e.g., abrading) that are suitable for combing and/or loading, transporting and applying the cosmetic product.

[0085] Preferably, a diameter of the shank portion 3 is less than a maximum diameter of the distal portion 2b of the thermal member 2.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the non-thermal member 12 comprises an elongated rod portion 13 and a second applicator portion 14. When the non-thermal member 12 is received within the cavity 6 of the thermal member 2, the second applicator portion 14 projects or extends out from the opening 7 of the cavity 6 at the distal surface 5b of the first applicator portion 4 of the thermal member 2, and a major portion of the elongated rod portion 13 is housed within the cavity 6 of the thermal member 2. The second applicator portion 14 is connected (e.g. fixedly) to, or molded integrally with the elongated rod portion 13.

[0087] The elongated rod portion 13 of the non-thermal member 12 has a length greater than a length of the cavity 6 of the thermal member 2 and therefore, the elongated rod portion 13 extends out from a proximal end of the cavity 6 of the thermal member 2.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second applicator portion 14 has preferably an upper surface 14a and a bottom surface 14b. Moreover, the upper surface 14a has preferably a gradually and continuously concavely curved surface and the bottom surface 14b has a similarly shaped convexly curved surface. The second applicator portion 14 extends along a plane that enables the second applicator portion 14 to closely match a surface of the distal surface 5b of the first applicator portion 4. The bottom surface 14b is designed and dimensioned to closely contact the distal surface 5b of the first applicator portion 4 of the thermal member 2. As seen, the second applicator portion 14 is drop-shaped similar to size of the distal surface 5b. The second applicator portion 14 is shaped and dimensioned to fit over and cover the distal surface 5b of the first applicator portion 4. The elongated rod portion 13 extends downwards from the bottom surface 14b.

[0089] The upper surface 14a of the second applicator portion 14 of the non-thermal member 12 is preferably configured to apply/spread the product on the user's skin. In use, when the applicator head 10 is withdrawn from the receptacle 20, the wiper 60 cleans the applicator head 10 in a manner such that an optimal amount of product is retained on the upper surface 14a of the second applicator portion 14 so that a user may use the second applicator portion 14 of the non-thermal member 12 to transfer product to a human keratinous surface. Thus, the upper surface 14a of the second applicator portion 14 creates a volume reservoir. This volume reservoir serves as a reservoir for the cosmetic product. A significant quantity of the cosmetic product may be accommodated in said volume reservoir which is available to be applied to the user's skin or keratinous substrate.

[0090] As seen in FIGS. 5, & 6, at least a part of the upper surface 14a of the second applicator portion 14 preferably comprises flocking 19 or, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper surface 14a of the second applicator portion 14 may not be flocked.

[0091] The upper surface 14a of the second applicator portion 14 may also comprise projections, ribs, grooves, other surface features or surface treatments (e.g., abrading) that are suitable for loading, transporting and applying cosmetic product. The second applicator portion 14 may be made of a material capable of retaining a fluid or semi-solid cosmetic product, the material for e.g. may be an material such as a sponge, elastomer, foam, woven or non-woven material, or any porous material including sintered materials.

[0092] The elongated rod portion 13 of the non-thermal member 12 can be retained within the cavity 6 of the thermal member 2, by locking means known in the art such as a j-lock, a threaded engagement, an interference engagement, magnetic engagement or the like. In FIGS. 1 and 7, the thermal member 2 and the non-thermal member 12 are preferably secured to each other by snap-fitment. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the thermal member 2 includes an annular projection 15 on its inner surface and the elongated rod portion 13 of the non-thermal member 12 includes an annular recess 16 and an annular flange 17 adjacent to said annular recess 16. When the applicator head 10 is assembled, the elongated rod portion 13 of the non-thermal member 12 is inserted into the cavity 6 of the thermal member 2 through the distal portion 5b of the thermal member 2, the annular projection 15 of the thermal member 2 is snap fitted into the corresponding annular recess 16 of the non-thermal member 12, and thus the further insertion of the non-thermal member 12 with respect to the thermal member 2 is limited. Further, the annular flange 17 of the non-thermal member 12 is locked against the annular projection 15 making removal of the non-thermal member 12 difficult towards the opening 7.

[0093] The annular projection 15 may be on the non-thermal member 12 in which case, the annular recess 16 is on the thermal member 2.

[0094] There are preferably provided complimentary orientation features on the thermal member 2 and on the elongated rod portion 13 of the non-thermal member 12 to orient the non-thermal member 12 with respect to the thermal member 2 in a predetermined desirable position. Preferably, the non-thermal member 12 is so oriented that an apex of the non-thermal member 12 is always in line with an apex of the thermal member 2. Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the elongated rod portion 13 has preferably a rectangular portion 13a located close to the second applicator portion 14 that corresponds to a rectangular portion of the cavity 6 near the opening 7 which helps to orient and prevent the rotation of the second applicator portion 14 with respect to the thermal member 2.

[0095] The applicator head 10 and the stem 40 may be fit together by friction fit, snap fit, by gluing, crimping, magnetic engagement and the like. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the application head 10 and the stem 40 are fitted together by snap fitment. The shank portion 2a of the thermal member 2 includes at least one annular bead 2c and the inner surface of the stem cavity 42 includes corresponding annular recess 43. When the shank portion 2a of the applicator head 10 is inserted into the interior longitudinal cavity 42 of the stem 40, the at least one annular bead 2c is snap-fitted into a corresponding annular recess 43.

[0096] The non-thermal member 12 preferably is a non-thermal material and preferably it is fabricated from a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, wood, rubber, sintered or porous material and/or combinations thereof and it is preferably a polymer and more preferably a thermoplastic polymer.

[0097] FIG. 10 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic package 1000 including an applicator head 200 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second embodiment, the applicator head 200 is similar to the applicator head 10 in the first embodiment, preferably with the exception that the shapes of the thermal member and non-thermal member differ between these two embodiments.

[0098] Similar to the first embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 11-15, a thermal member 202 forms part of a sidewall of the applicator head 200, while the non-thermal member 212 contributes to a distal surface of the applicator head 200. A proximal portion of the thermal member 202 is a shank portion 203 which is configured to be fitted into a cavity 42 of the stem 40. A distal portion the thermal member 202 is a first applicator portion 204 which is located outside the stem for user application.

[0099] Further, the first applicator portion 204 of the thermal member 202 consists of a front face 204a, rear face 204b, right-side face 204c, and left-side face 204d as seen in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15. The front face 204a includes a proximal surface 205a, and a distal surface 205b. The proximal surface 205a is a convex surface. The distal surface 205b is a slanted and flat surface that extends along at least 40% of a length of the first applicator portion 204.

[0100] Preferably, the rear face 204b is lip-shaped along the length direction of the applicator head 200. More particularly, the rear face 204b includes a proximal convex portion 207 followed by a central recessed area 208 and a distal convex portion 209 as seen in FIG. 15. The distal surface 205b of the first applicator portion 204 has a drop shape with an apex at the distal end 211 as seen in FIG. 11.

[0101] Similar to the first embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, a cavity 206 runs through at least a portion of the thermal member 202, with at least a portion of the non-thermal member 212 fitting inside it. An opening 207 for the cavity 206 is situated on the inclined and flat distal surface 205b of the first applicator portion 204. The non-thermal member 212 consists of an elongated rod portion 213 and a second applicator portion 214. When the non-thermal member 212 is placed inside the cavity 206 of the thermal member 202, the second applicator portion 214 extends out from the opening 207 of the cavity 206 on the distal surface 205b of the first applicator portion 204.

[0102] The second applicator portion 214, seen in FIGS. 10, 11 and 14, has preferably an upper surface 214a and a bottom surface 214b. Unlike the first embodiment, the second applicator portion 214 in the second embodiment is a flat surface instead of a concave surface. Both the upper surface 214a and the bottom surface 214b of the second applicator portion 214 are flat surfaces.

[0103] FIG. 16 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic package 2000 including an applicator head 300 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The applicator head 300 is preferably rounded and oval-shaped. The applicator head 300 includes one or more through cavities 315 as seen in FIG. 17. These one or more through cavities serve to optimize product application, control product release, enhance flexibility, and contribute to the overall aesthetics.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 18-22, the applicator head 300 includes a thermal member 302, which forms part of a sidewall of the applicator head 300, and a non-thermal member 312 which contributes to a distal surface of the applicator head 300.

[0105] Similar to other embodiments, a proximal portion of the thermal member 302 is preferably a shank portion 303 which is configured to be fitted into a cavity 42 of the stem 40 as seen in FIG. 16. A distal portion of the thermal member 302 is preferably a first applicator portion 304 that is located outside the stem for user application. The first applicator portion 304 includes at least one sidewall 304a and a distal surface 305, refer to FIG. 18. The distal face 305 is a slanted and flat surface.

[0106] Preferably, the distal surface 305 extends along at least 50% of the length of the first applicator portion 304. The distal surface 305 of the first applicator portion 304 has an oval shape.

[0107] Similar to other embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 16 and 18, a cavity 306 runs through at least a portion of the thermal member 302, with at least a portion of the non-thermal member 312 fitting inside it. An opening 307 for the cavity 306 is situated on the distal surface 305 of the first applicator portion 304. The non-thermal member 312 consists of an elongated rod portion 313 and a second applicator portion 314. When the non-thermal member 312 is placed inside the cavity 306 of the thermal member 302, the second applicator portion 314 extends out from the opening 307 of the cavity 306 on the distal surface 305 of the first applicator portion 304.

[0108] Preferably, the second applicator portion 314 has a convex body that aligns with the distal surface 305 of the first applicator portion 304 to form an oval and rounded applicator head 300. The second applicator portion 314 preferably includes one or more through cavities 315 which extend transverse to a length direction of the applicator head 300, refer FIGS. 18-20. The one or more cavities 315 may differ in their sizes or shapes. However, it is within the scope of the current disclosure that the one or more cavities 315 may have same sizes or shapes.

[0109] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the second applicator portions 14, 214, 314 of the applicator heads 10, 200, 300 of the present disclosure may or may not include flocking.

[0110] 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.