U.S. patent application number 09/534436 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-20 for cosmetic application and mixing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Blackburn , Julie Mae. Invention is credited to Hoenig , David, Lebras Brown , Robert Nathan, Thalheimer , James J..
Application Number | 20030053844 09/534436 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22623698 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030053844 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lebras Brown , Robert Nathan ;
et al. |
March 20, 2003 |
Cosmetic Application and Mixing System
Abstract
A cosmetic application and mixing system for liquid or
semi-solid cosmetic products comprising, in combination: (a) a
reservoir for containing the cosmetic product, the reservoir having
an internal diameter D1, and at least one open end having threaded
engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface thereof; (b) an
applicator for the cosmetic product comprising a cosmetic
applicator portion on a stationary curved rod attached to a cap,
the cosmetic applicator portion having a free end, and the cap
having threaded engaging means of pitch P1, designed to mate with
threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface of the
reservoir, wherein when the cap is rotated to affix or remove it
from the reservoir, the free end of the cosmetic applicator portion
moves in a pitch circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2,
wherein P1 = P2 and D1 > D2.
Inventors: |
Lebras Brown , Robert Nathan;
( New York, NY) ; Hoenig , David; ( Edison,
NJ) ; Thalheimer , James J.; ( Toms Riger,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Julie Blackburn
Julie Blackburn
Revlon Consumer Products Corporation
625 Madison Avenue
New York
NY
10022
US
julie.mae.blackburn@revlon.com
212-527-5531
212-527-5653
|
Assignee: |
Blackburn , Julie Mae
Revlon Consumer Products Corporation
625 Madison Avenue julie.mae.blackburn@revlon.com 212-527-5531
212-527-5653
New York
10022
NY
|
Family ID: |
22623698 |
Appl. No.: |
09/534436 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60/171430 |
22, 199 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/130 ;
401/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B43M 11/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/130 ;
401/126 |
International
Class: |
A45D 033/00 |
Claims
Claims
1. A cosmetic application and mixing system for cosmetic products
comprising, in combination: (a) a reservoir for containing the
cosmetic product, the reservoir having an internal diameter D1, and
at least one open end having threaded engaging means having pitch
P1 on the outer surface thereof; (b) an applicator for the cosmetic
product comprising a cosmetic applicator portion on a stationary
curved rod attached to a cap, the cosmetic applicator portion
having a free end, and the cap having threaded engaging means of
pitch P1, designed to mate with threaded engaging means having
pitch P1 on the outer surface of the reservoir, wherein when the
cap is rotated to affix or remove it from the reservoir, the free
end of the cosmetic applicator portion moves in a helical pitch
circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2, wherein P1 = P2 and D1
> D2.
2. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is a
cylindrical vial.
3. The cosmetic system of claim 2 wherein D1 ranges from 0.1 to 2
inches.
4. The cosmetic system of claim 3 wherein P1 and P2 range from
0.001 to 0.5 inch.
5. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein the cosmetic applicator
portion is a flocked applicator.
6. The cosmetic system of claim 5 wherein the free end of the
flocked applicator has an angled surface on one side thereof.
7. The cosmetic system of claim 6 wherein the angled surface forms
about a 35 to 65.sup.o angle to a plane which passes through the
axis of the rod.
8. The cosmetic system of claim 6 wherein the angled surface is
positioned on the inner portion of the stationary curved rod.
9. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein D1 is 0.35 to 0.55
inch.
10. The cosmetic system of claim 8 wherein the stationary curved
rod is bent at an angle of 1 to 20.sup.o.
11. The cosmetic system of claim 10 wherein D1 = D2.
12. The cosmetic system of claim 11 wherein D1 > D2.
13. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein the cosmetic product is
lipstick.
14. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein the cosmetic product is
mascara.
15. The cosmetic system of claim 13 wherein the cosmetic applicator
portion is a mascara brush.
16. The cosmetic system of claim 14 wherein the mascara brush is
made from twisted metal wire.
17. The cosmetic system of claim 1 wherein the stationary curved
rod has a length L, and the rod is bent at an angle .o slashed.,
and the the length of the rod up to the bend is X, and the
relationship between X, L, and .o slashed.is expressed according to
the formula:D2 = -2(L-X)Tan .o slashed.
18. The cosmetic system of claim 17 wherein L is 3 inches, X is 2
inches, and .o slashed.ranges from 160 to 176.sup.o.
19. The cosmetic system of claim 18 wherein .o slashed.is 171.sup.o
and D2 is 0.32 inch.
20. A cosmetic application and mixing system for liquid or
semi-solid lipstick products comprising, in combination: (a) a
reservoir for containing the cosmetic product, the reservoir having
an internal diameter D1, and at least one open end having threaded
engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface thereof; (b) an
applicator for the lipstick product comprising a stationary curved
rod bent at an angle .o slashed., having affixed thereto an
applicator portion having a free end, said rod with applicator
portion having a total length (L), and wherein the length of the
rod up to the bend is X, and the cap having threaded engaging means
of pitch P1, designed to mate with threaded engaging means having
pitch P1 on the outer surface of the reservoir, wherein when the
cap is rotated to affix or remove it from the reservoir, the free
end of the cosmetic applicator portion moves in a helical pitch
circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter D2, wherein P1 = P2 and D1
> D2, and wherein the relationship between D2, X, L, and .o
slashed.is expressed according to the formula:D2 = -2(L-X)Tan .o
slashed.
Description
Cross Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional patent
application serial number 60/171,430, filed December 22, 1999.
Background of Invention
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The invention is in the field of cosmetic application
devices, in particular, application devices which are also capable
of mixing the cosmetic product found within the device.
[0004] One of the problems with liquid or semi-solid cosmetic
products sold in cylindrical vials, such as liquid lipstick,
eyeshadow, mascara, and the like, is that there is no way to mix
the cosmetic in the vial prior to application. This causes
considerable waste in addition to reducing shelf life of such
products. For example, if mixing of cosmetic products in the vial
prior to application were possible, cosmetic products that had
separated would still be usable. In addition, this would reduce the
problems inherent in the build up of cosmetic product along the
side walls of the vial, in places the cosmetic applicator does not
reach as it is inserted and removed from the vial. A typical
example is the standard mascara application system, which consists
of a cap, rod, and brush assembly, which is inserted into a vial
containing the mascara. When the mascara rod and brush are inserted
into the vial to load the brush with mascara, the stationary
straight rod and brush remain in the center of the vial, permitting
the mascara build up along the sides of the vial. Similar problems
are encountered with cosmetic products such as lipsticks,
eyeshadows, and other color cosmetic products dispensed from vial
type containers with cap, rod, and applicator assemblies.
[0005] Various types of cosmetic application systems with internal
mixing capability are known in the art.
[0006] For example, U.S. Patent No. 2,793,012 teaches a nail enamel
container with a sediment stirrer. The stirrer forms a bent rod
affixed to a cylindrical sleeve which, when rotated, causes the rod
to move within the container and stir the enamel.
[0007] Other types of cosmetic application systems have
cap/rod/applicator assemblies having jointed rods which are capable
of moving from one position to another as the rod is inserted and
removed from the cosmetic container. An example of this type of
system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,328,282. One of the
problems with jointed rods is that cosmetic tends to collect in the
joints and sometimes interferes with the operation of the joint. In
addition, such systems are expensive to manufacture, which limits
their usefulness for mass market cosmetic products.
[0008] Another type of cosmetic application systems for mascaras is
taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,137,038, which illustrates a mascara
cap/rod/brush assembly where the mascara brush itself is adjustable
from a straight to curved position by rotating a cuff found on the
cap. Often, however, these types of systems malfunction because the
rotating cuff which causes the brush to extend and retract is
easily damaged. Also, this type of system requires internal
components that are expensive to manufacture.
[0009] U.S. Design 282,494 teaches another type of jointed
applicator which has a universal joint. The applicator is made from
material that enables the rod to move from a curved to straight
position as desired by the user.
[0010] None of the above references teach a cosmetic application
system where the cap/rod/brush assembly is stationary, yet is
capable of mixing the cosmetic found within the container provided
certain geometric specifications are observed.
[0011] There is a need for a cosmetic application and mixing system
which is capable of mixing the cosmetic prior to application. The
system must be inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and effective for
its intended purpose.
[0012] The object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic
application system that is capable of mixing the cosmetic product
found therein prior to application.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic
application and mixing system for liquid or semi-solid cosmetic
products.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic
application and mixing system that can be incorporated into
standard mascara, lipstick, and color cosmetic product
componentry.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic
application and mixing system for cosmetic products dispensed in
cylindrical vials using cap, rod, applicator assemblies.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic
application and mixing system where the degree of mixing is
controlled by the cosmetic user.
Summary of Invention
[0017] A cosmetic application and mixing system for liquid or
semi-solid cosmetic products comprising, in combination: (a) a
reservoir for containing the cosmetic product, the reservoir having
an internal diameter D1, and an open end having threaded engaging
means having pitch P1 on the outer surface thereof; (b) an
applicator for the cosmetic product comprising a cosmetic
applicator portion on a stationary curved rod attached to a cap,
the cosmetic applicator portion having a free end, and the cap
having threaded engaging means of pitch P1, designed to mate with
threaded engaging means having pitch P1 on the outer surface of the
reservoir, wherein when the cap is rotated to affix or remove it
from the reservoir, the free end of the cosmetic applicator portion
moves in a helical pitch circle having a pitch P2 and a diameter
D2, wherein P1 = P2 and D1 > D2.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0018] Figure 1: is a front perspective view of one type of
cosmetic application system in accordance with the invention, in
the closed position.
[0019] Figure 2: is a cutaway view of the system of Figure 1.
[0020] Figures 3(A), (B), and (C): illustrates a number of
embodiments for cosmetic applicators in accordance with the
invention showing variations in the curvature of the stationary
rod.Figure 4: illustrates the rotational movement of the cosmetic
applicator as it is removed from the reservoir, and the helical
pitch circle formed by the free end of the applicator.
[0021] Figure 5: illustrates the illustrates the reservoir with the
cap removed.
[0022] Figure 6: is a close up view of the threaded engaging means
found on the outer surface of the reservoir.
[0023] Figure 7: is a cross sectional view taken across 5-5 of
Figure 5.
[0024] Figure 8: is an enlarged view of the applicator showing an
angled surface.
[0025] Figure 9: is a cross sectional view taken across 1-1 of
Figure 1.
[0026] Figure 10: illustrates another embodiment of the invention
where the cosmetic product is mascara, and the applicator is a cap
rod, mascara brush assembly.
Detailed Description
[0027] Figure 1 illustrates the general outward appearance of one
type of cosmetic application system in accordance with the
invention. The application system contains a reservoir 1 for
cosmetic product having at least one opening 2. Examples of
suitable reservoirs may be described by their length (L) and Width
(W) where L = 1-12 X W; or where W = 1-12 X L. In other words, the
length of these reservoirs may range from one to twelve times the
width of the reservoir or vice versa. Preferably, the reservoir 1
is a vial, more particularly a cylindrical vial. The length of the
vial may range from one to ten times the width of the vial. The
reservoir may be made of any suitable synthetic thermoplastic
material suitable for use with cosmetic products, including
polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butyl styrene,
polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and so on. In
certain instances in may be desirable to have a reservoir made from
vitreous materials such as glass. Preferably, the reservoir used in
the system of the invention is made from a synthetic thermoplastic
material. The cosmetic product 3 found within the reservoir 1 may
be any liquid or semi-solid cosmetic product such as mascara,
lipstick, eyeshadow, cheek color, foundation makeup, concealer, and
so on. The products which are best suited for use in the system of
the invention are those that improve with mixing. Suitable products
have representative viscosities in the range of about 25 to
1,000,000 centipoise at 25.sup.o C. The reservoir 1 has a
relatively constant internal diameter 4 (see Figure 7) defined as
D1. However, various different types of reservoirs may be used in
accordance with the invention. In general, the internal diameter of
suitable reservoirs is not critical so long as the cosmetic
applicator functions in the manner further described to mix the
cosmetic product 3 found therein. Preferably, the reservoirs
selected for use in the system will have internal diameters varying
from about 0.2 to 2 inches, more preferably 0.3 to 1 inch, most
preferably from about 0.4 to 0.8 inch. The reservoir 1 has at least
one opening 2 having an outer surface 5 and an inner surface 6. On
the outer surface 5 of the reservoir 1 are threaded engaging means
7 which are in a screw thread configuration having helices 8, the
threaded engaging means having a helical pitch P1. Figure 6 is a
close up view of the reservoir showing the threaded engaging means
7 which are found on the neck 21 of the reservoir 1. The distance
between successive helices 8 on the threaded engaging means is
constant and is defined as P1.
[0028] The system further comprises an applicator for the cosmetic
product 9 comprised of a cap 10, curved rod 11, and applicator
portion 12. The cap 10 has an inner surface 13 and an outer surface
14. On the inner surface 13 are threaded engaging means15 designed
to mate with the threaded engaging means 7 of the reservoir when
the cap is affixed to the reservoir 1. The curved rod 11, has a
proximal end 16 and a distal end 17. The proximal end 16 is
attached to the cap 10 inner surface 13. The curved rod 11 is
stationary. The degree of bending found in the rod will vary
depending on the internal diameter of the reservoir used. On the
distal end of the curved rod 11 is an applicator portion 12 for the
cosmetic product 3 having a free end 3a. The applicator portion 12
may be a flocked applicator, a mascara brush, or any other type of
brush or device suitable for application of the cosmetic product 3
found within the reservoir. Preferably, the applicator portion 12
is a flocked applicator. It is particularly preferred that the
flocked applicator have an angled surface 18, as illustrated in
Figure 8. The angled surface 18 will preferably have an angle 19
ranging from about 10 to 65.sup.o, more preferably about 35 to
50.sup.o from a plane which is parallel to the broken line
designated 19a in Figure 8.
[0029] When the cap 10 is affixed to the reservoir 1 by the
consumer, the cap 10 is rotated as shown in Figure 4. This will
cause the free end 3a of the applicator 12 to move in a helical
pitch circle having a pitch of P2 and a diameter D2. In other
words, as the cap 10 is affixed to the reservoir 1, the free end 3a
of the applicator moves in a screw thread manner the screw thread
having helices where the distance from helix to helix in the screw
thread defines the pitch P2 of the helical pitch circle. Similarly,
when the cap 10 is removed from the reservoir 1, the free end 3a
moves in a pitch circle in a direction opposite to the direction of
movement when the cap is being affixed. In both instances P1 and P2
are identical.
[0030] As is seen in Figures 3(A) through (C), the curvature of the
rod 11 may occur at any place along the length of the rod 11.
Generally D2/2 is the radius of the circle formed by the rotational
movement of the free end 3a as the cap 10 is affixed or removed
from the container. D2/2 is a function of X, which is the distance
from the proximal end of the rod 16 to the point where the curve
begins 20 and .o slashed., which is the angle of the curve, and L
which is the total length of the rod. With L remaining constant, as
X increases, .o slashed. correspondingly decreases, and vice versa,
such that the radius of the circle D2/2 remains constant no matter
where the curve in the rod occurs. In comparing Figures 3(A)
through (C) it can be seen that in all cases that D2/2 and L remain
constant, and X and .o slashed.vary. Comparing Figures 3(A) and
3(B) it is seen that with D2/2 and L remaining constant,
X.sub.1< X.sub.2 and .o slashed..sub.1 > .o slashed..sub.2.
Further comparing Figures 3(B) and 3(C), it is seen that with D2/2
and L remaining constant, X.sub.2 > X.sub.3 and and .o
slashed..sub.2 < .o slashed..sub.3.
[0031] The relationship between D2, X, L, and .o slashed., may be
expressed by the following formula:
[0032] D2 = -2(L-X)Tan .o slashed.
[0033] For example, in Figure 3(A), if .o slashed.is 170.sup.o, L=
2 inches and X1 = 1 inch, then:
[0034] D2 = -2(2-1)Tan 170.sup.o = -2(1)(-0.32)= 0.32 inch.
[0035] In the preferred embodiment of the invention .o
slashed.ranges from 150 to 176.sup.o, more preferably 160 to
174.sup.o, most preferably 171.sup.o. In some instances, the rod 11
may be curved such that D2 = D1. This will enable the free end 3a
to be in contact with the inner wall surface 21 of the reservoir 1,
moving in a helical pitch circle having a pitch of P1 and a
diameter of D2, wherein P1 = P2, and D1 = D2, to facilitate mixing
of the cosmetic product 3 as the cap 10 is removed from the
reservoir 1 by the consumer. In some cases it may be desirable that
the free end 3a is not in contact with the inner wall surface 21 of
the reservoir 1, in other words, that D1 > D2. In the preferred
embodiment of the invention, where D1 is within the preferred range
of 0.1 to 1 inch, and when D1 > D2, the distance between the
free end 3a and the inner wall surface 21 will preferably range
from 0.001 to 0.2 inches. In the preferred embodiment of the
invention D1 = D2, which enables the free end 3a to be in contact
with the inner wall surface 21 of the reservoir 1, and thereby
completely mix the cosmetic product 3.
[0036] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken across 1-1
of Figure 1, showing the reservoir 1 with cosmetic product 3
therein, and the manner in which then angled surface 18 of the
applicator 12 rides flush against the inner sidewall 21 of the
reservoir (in this instance D1 = D2).
[0037] Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention
where the application system is for cosmetic applied with a brush,
in particular, mascara and the applicator is a brush. The free end
3a of the brush also moves in a pitch circle defined by P2 and D2,
and P1 = P2 and D1 > D2.
[0038] The cosmetic applicator system of the invention is a simple,
economical, and effective component for dispensing cosmetic
products that should be mixed prior to use. The mixing capability
of the claimed cosmetic application system is obtained by
maintaining the geometric specifications and relationships taught
herein.
* * * * *