U.S. patent application number 12/856014 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-16 for apparatus for application of cosmetic materials.
Invention is credited to Robert John Rossi.
Application Number | 20120037180 12/856014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45563889 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120037180 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rossi; Robert John |
February 16, 2012 |
APPARATUS FOR APPLICATION OF COSMETIC MATERIALS
Abstract
An apparatus and a system for the application of cosmetic
material, such as eye liner, is disclosed. For instance, in one
embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an applicator
having a core layer, a first layer of fibrous material disposed
above the core layer, and a second layer of fibrous material
disposed beneath the core layer. The first layer and the second
layer each include an outer surface having a surface texture
sufficient to pick up and retain cosmetic material when said
applicator contacts cosmetic material. The core layer of the
applicator can be constructed of a fibrous material, such as a
non-woven fibrous material.
Inventors: |
Rossi; Robert John;
(Spartanburg, SC) |
Family ID: |
45563889 |
Appl. No.: |
12/856014 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2200/1018 20130101;
A45D 2200/1072 20130101; A45D 40/26 20130101; A45D 2200/25
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/320 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26 |
Claims
1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic material, said applicator
comprising: a core layer; a first layer of fibrous material, said
first layer being disposed above said core layer; a second layer of
fibrous material, said second layer being disposed beneath said
core layer, wherein said first layer and said second layer each
comprise an outer surface having a surface texture sufficient to
pick up and retain cosmetic material when said applicator contacts
cosmetic material.
2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said first layer and said
second layer each comprise a plurality of fibers, said plurality of
fibers having a linear mass density of about 0.1 denier to about 15
denier.
3. The applicator of claim 2, wherein said plurality of fibers have
a linear mass density of about 6.0 denier.
4. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said first layer and said
second layer each comprise a plurality of polyester fibers,
polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers, or acrylic fibers.
5. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said first layer and said
second layers of fibrous material have undergone a lofting
process.
6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said core layer comprises a
fibrous material.
7. The applicator of claim 6, wherein said core layer comprises a
plurality of fibers having a linear mass density of about 1.5
denier to about 15 denier.
8. The applicator of claim 6, wherein said core layer comprises a
plurality of heat fusible fibers, said heat fusible fibers having
been processed such that said core layer has a stiffness greater
than the stiffness of said first layer and said second layer.
9. The applicator of claim 8, wherein said core layer comprises
about 3% to about 50% heat fusible fibers.
10. The applicator of claim 6, wherein said core layer has been
treated with a resin material such that said core layer has a
stiffness greater than the stiffness of said first layer and said
second layer.
11. The applicator of claim 6, wherein said fibrous material
comprises a plurality of polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers,
nylon fibers, or acrylic fibers.
12. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said applicator comprises: a
first bonding layer disposed between said core layer and said first
layer; and a second bonding layer disposed between said core layer
and said second layer.
13. The applicator of claim 12, wherein said first and second
bonding layers comprise a thermoplastic material.
14. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said outer surface of said
first layer and second layer has been subjected to as skiving
process.
15. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator is configured
for releasable engagement with a holder.
16. The applicator of claim 1, wherein said core layer defines a
plurality of passages for the passage of cosmetic material through
the core layer and into the first layer and the second layer.
17. A system for applying cosmetic materials, said system
comprising: a plurality of applicator tips, each said applicator
tip having a base portion and an applicator portion, each said
applicator tip comprising: a core layer; a first layer of non-woven
fibrous material disposed above said core layer; and a second layer
of non-woven fibrous material disposed beneath said core layer,
said first layer and said second layer each comprising an outer
surface having a surface texture sufficient to pick up and retain
cosmetic material when said applicator tip contacts cosmetic
material; and a holder adapted to receive a base portion of at
least one of said plurality of applicator tips.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein said system further comprises a
housing configured to store said plurality of applicator tips.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein said housing has a plurality of
slots, each said slot having a size sufficient to receive said
applicator portion of one of said plurality of applicator tips,
said base portion of said applicator tip extending from said slot
when said applicator tip is received into said slot.
20. An applicator for applying cosmetic material, said applicator
comprising: a core layer of non-woven fibrous material, said core
layer having a stiffness greater than a stiffness of said first
layer and said second layer; a first layer of non-woven fibrous
material disposed above said core layer, said first layer
comprising a plurality of fibers having a linear mass density of
about 0.1 denier to about 15.0 denier; a second layer of non-woven
fibrous material disposed beneath said core layer, said second
layer comprising a plurality of fibers having a linear mass density
of about 0.1 denier to about 15.0 denier; wherein said core layer,
said first layer, and said second layer each comprise a plurality
of polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers, or acrylic
fibers.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to fibrous products
and more particularly to fibrous applicators for the application of
cosmetic materials.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cosmetics materials are widely used by many individuals to
enhance personal appearance. Cosmetic materials include skin-care
creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe
nail polish, eye and facial makeup, and many other types of
products. Cosmetics are available in many different forms,
including, for instance, powder form, wax form, semi-liquid form,
and liquid form.
[0003] There are many different types of applicators for applying
cosmetic materials to a user's skin. For instance, various types of
applicators exist for applying eye liner, lip gloss, powder,
foundation, or other cosmetic material to a user's skin. These
applicators are constructed from a variety of materials, including
natural fibrous materials and foam materials.
[0004] For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,214 discloses a cosmetic
applicator constructed from a polymeric foam material. A
disadvantage of applicators constructed of foam materials is that
certain foam materials can have a tendency to break down the
cosmetic material. Moreover, after a user has finished using the
foam applicator, cosmetic material may remain in the cells defined
in the foam material and harden. It may be difficult to remove the
hardened cosmetic material from the foam applicator so that the
applicator can be suitable for repeated use.
[0005] Cosmetic applicators constructed of fibrous materials are
also known. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,398 discloses an
apparatus comprising a support stick having mounted on at least one
end thereof a one-piece swab formed of a fibrous, non-woven
material having an outer flock surface.
[0006] While various cosmetic applicators have been developed, no
cosmetic applicator has emerged that generally encompasses all of
the desired characteristics as presented herein in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
SUMMARY
[0007] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0008] One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is
directed to an applicator for applying a cosmetic material. The
applicator includes a core layer, a first layer of fibrous material
disposed above the core layer, and a second layer of fibrous
material disposed beneath the core layer. The first layer and the
second layer each include an outer surface having a surface texture
sufficient to pick up and retain cosmetic material when the
applicator contacts cosmetic material. For example, in one
embodiment, the first layer and the second layer of fibrous
material may have undergone a lofting process such that the first
layer and the second layer each include an outer surface having a
surface texture sufficient to pick up and retain cosmetic material.
The lofting process can include a low profile needling process or
other inefficient needling process.
[0009] Various additions or modifications can be made to this
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0010] For instance, in a variation of this exemplary embodiment,
the first layer and the second layer can each include a plurality
of polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic
fibers or other suitable fibers.
[0011] In another variation of this exemplary embodiment, the first
layer and the second layer can each include a plurality of fibers
having a linear mass density of about 0.1 denier to about 15
denier, such as about 6.0 denier.
[0012] In another variation of this exemplary embodiment, the core
layer can be constructed from a fibrous material, such as a fibrous
material comprising a plurality of polyester fibers, polypropylene
fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fibers or other suitable fibers. The
core layer can include a plurality of fibers having a linear mass
density of about 1.5 denier to about 15 denier, such as about 3.0
denier to 6.0 denier.
[0013] In yet another variation of this exemplary embodiment, the
core layer can have a stiffness that is greater than a stiffness of
the first layer and the second layer. For example, the core layer
may have been treated with a resin material such that the core
layer has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the first layer
and the second layer. In another variation of this exemplary
embodiment, the core layer has undergone a needling process such
that the core layer has a stiffness greater than the first layer
and the second layer. In another variation of this exemplary
embodiment, the core layer includes a plurality of heat fusible
fibers that have been processed such that said core layer has a
stiffness greater than the stiffness of said first layer and said
second layer. For example, the core layer can include about 3% to
about 50% heat fusible fibers.
[0014] In still another variation of this exemplary embodiment, the
applicator can include a first bonding layer disposed between said
core layer and said first layer and a second bonding layer disposed
between said core layer and said second layer. The first and second
bonding layers can include a thermoplastic material.
[0015] In still another variation of this exemplary embodiment, the
first layer and the second layer may be directly connected to the
core layer and bonded to the core layer through, for instance, a
needling process.
[0016] In still another variation of this exemplary embodiment, the
outer surface of the first layer and the second layer may be
subjected to a skiving process such that the outer surface of the
first layer and the second layer is smooth relative to the surface
of the core layer. The outer surface of the first layer and the
second layer can also be made smooth using a singe process,
calendar process, or roller press process.
[0017] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is
directed to a system for applying cosmetic materials. The system
includes a plurality of applicator tips. Each of the plurality of
applicator tips has a base portion and an applicator portion and
includes a core layer, a first layer of non-woven fibrous material
disposed above the core layer, and a second layer of non-woven
fibrous material disposed beneath the core layer. The first layer
and the second layer each include an outer surface having a surface
texture sufficient to pick up and retain cosmetic material when the
applicator tip contacts cosmetic material. The system further
includes a holder adapted to receive a base portion of at least one
of said plurality of applicator tips.
[0018] In another variation of this exemplary embodiment, the
system can further include a housing configured to store the
plurality of applicator tips. The housing can have a plurality of
slots. Each slot can have a size sufficient to receive the
applicator portion of one of the plurality of applicator tips. The
base portion can extend from the slot when the applicator tip is
received into the slot.
[0019] A further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is
directed to an applicator for applying cosmetic material. The
applicator includes a core layer of non-woven fibrous material
having a plurality of heat fusible fibers. The applicator further
includes a first layer of non-woven fibrous material disposed above
the core layer having a plurality of fibers having a linear mass
density of about 0.1 denier to about 15.0 denier and a second layer
of non-woven fibrous material disposed beneath said core layer
having a plurality of fibers having a linear mass density of about
0.1 denier to about 15.0 denier. The core layer, the first layer,
and the second layer each include a plurality of polyester fibers,
polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fibers or other
suitable fibers.
[0020] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary holder
and exemplary applicator according to one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of an exemplary
applicator according to one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
applicator according to one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a plurality of
applicator tips for use in a system for applying cosmetic material
according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of an exemplary
applicator tip being inserted into an exemplary housing of a system
for applying cosmetic material according to one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of an exemplary
applicator tip being retrieved from an exemplary housing with an
exemplary holder according to one exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used
with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications
and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0029] In general, the present disclosure is directed to an
apparatus and to a system for the application of cosmetic material,
such as eye shadow. For instance, in one embodiment, the present
disclosure is directed to an applicator having a core layer, a
first layer of fibrous material disposed above the core layer, and
a second layer of fibrous material disposed beneath the core layer.
The first layer and the second layer each include an outer surface
having a surface texture sufficient to pick up and retain cosmetic
material when the applicator contacts cosmetic material.
[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, the cosmetic applicator may be
used to apply eye shadow to a user's skin. In use, the applicator
is placed into contact with the eye shadow material. The outer
surface of the first and second layers of the applicator has a
surface texture sufficient to pick up and retain the eye shadow
material. For example, fibers protruding from the outer surface of
the first and second layers may pick up the eye shadow material.
The eye liner material can then be stored in voids defined in the
fibrous material of the first and second layers. Once the
applicator has been charged with the eye shadow material (i.e. the
applicator has picked up and retained the eye liner material), the
user can apply the eye shadow material to the user's skin by simply
contacting the applicator against the user's skin. This causes the
eye shadow material retained in the first and second layers to be
forced from the fibrous material and to be deposited onto the
user's skin.
[0031] Due to the wide variety of different cosmetic materials and
different uses for cosmetic materials, often times it is necessary
to use cosmetic applicators that have different shapes, sizes, and
configurations. In this regard, another exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure is directed to a system for applying cosmetic
materials. The system includes a plurality of applicator tips. The
applicator tips can be available in a variety of different shapes
and sizes. Each applicator tip has a base portion and an applicator
portion and includes a core layer, a first layer of non-woven
fibrous material disposed above the core layer, and a second layer
of non-woven fibrous material disposed beneath the core layer. The
first layer and the second layer can each include an outer surface
having a surface texture sufficient to pick up and retain cosmetic
material when the applicator tip contacts cosmetic material.
[0032] The system also includes a holder adapted to receive a base
portion of at least one of said plurality of applicator tips. The
applicator tip and the holder may be configured for releasable
engagement with each other such that a plurality of different
applicator tips can be used with a single holder. For instance, the
holder may be used to receive the base portion of a first
applicator tip. When a user is finished with the first applicator
tip, the user may release the first applicator tip from the holder
and engage a second applicator tip with the holder. The second
applicator tip can then be used in a desirous manner.
[0033] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the core layer of the applicator is also constructed of a fibrous
material. For instance, the core layer may include a plurality of
heat fusible fibers that have been processed such that the core
layer of fibrous material has a stiffness greater than the
stiffness of the first layer and the second layer of fibrous
material. In another embodiment, the core layer may have been
subjected to a needling process such that the core layer of fibrous
material has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the first
layer and the second layer.
[0034] The applicator of this exemplary embodiment can be
constructed from a single type of fibrous material, such as a
fibrous material having a plurality of polyester fibers,
polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fiber or other suitable
fibers.
[0035] By forming the core layer of a fibrous material, the core
layer could also act as a reservoir for cosmetic material or as a
wick for cosmetic material. For instance, in one embodiment the
core layer may be able to retain cosmetic material stored in the
voids defined by the fibers of the fibrous material of the core
layer. In another embodiment, the core layer can be adapted to
contact a source of cosmetic material. The cosmetic material may
then travel through passages defined in the core layer and into the
first and second layer of fibrous material. The cosmetic material
could be released from the first layer and the second layer by
applying pressure to the first and second layer of fibrous
material.
[0036] With reference now to FIG. 1, an exemplary holder 100 and
applicator 200 are illustrated. Applicator 200 is used to pick up
and retain cosmetic materials and apply cosmetic materials to a
user's skin. Applicator 200 includes a base portion 210 and an
applicator portion 220. Applicator portion 220 is the part of
applicator 200 that is used to pick up and retain cosmetic
materials and to apply cosmetic materials to a user's skin. Base
portion 210 is configured for releasable engagement with holder
100.
[0037] For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 1, base portion 210 is
received into a slot 130 defined in holder 100. Slot 130 is bounded
on a first side by surface 120 of holder 100 and on a second side
by engagement clip 110. Engagement clip 110 can be biased such that
engagement clip 110 applies pressure to base portion 210 of
applicator 200 when a user has not depressed tab 115 of engagement
clip 110. The pressure provided by engagement clip 110 can be used
to frictionally secure or otherwise retain applicator 200 in
releasable engagement with holder 100. A user may release
applicator 200 from holder 100 by applying pressure to tab 115 of
engagement clip 115. This causes engagement clip 110 to be
deflected away from surface 120 such that applicator 200 can be
released from slot 130.
[0038] While the holder 100 depicted in FIG. 1 utilizes engagement
clip 110 to engage and retain applicator 200, those of ordinary
skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will
readily understand that any method or technique for engaging and/or
retaining applicator 200 with holder 100 can be used without
deviating from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For
instance, base portion 220 may simply be received into an aperture
defined in holder 100. The aperture can retain applicator 200
through the frictional engagement between base portion 210 and the
walls of the aperture defined in holder 100.
[0039] With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, various features of
exemplary applicator 200 will now be discussed in detail. As shown
in FIG. 2, applicator 200 includes base portion 210 and applicator
portion 220. The base portion 210 may be integral with applicator
portion 220, or may be bonded to applicator portion 220 using a
suitable adhesive or bonding technique. Those of ordinary skill in
the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will readily
understand that the shape and configuration of applicator 200,
including the shape and configuration of base portion 210 and
applicator portion 220, may vary depending on the particular
application and use of applicator 200. The present disclosure is
thus intended to encompass any various shape, size, and
configuration of applicator 200, base portion 210 and/or applicator
portion 220.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 3, applicator 200 includes a
composite of layered materials. These layers include a core layer
230, a first layer 240 of fibrous material, and a second layer 250
of fibrous material. First layer 240 is disposed above core layer
230. Second layer 250 is disposed beneath core layer 230. First
layer 240 and second layer 250 may be directly in contact with core
layer 230. For instance, first layer 240 and second layer 250 can
be secured to core layer 230 by, for example, a needling process.
In other embodiment, first layer 240 and second layer 250 can be
bonded to core layer 230 by processing a plurality of heat fusible
fibers contained in core layer 230.
[0041] In other embodiments applicator 200 can include intermediate
layers between core layer 230 and first and second layers 240, 250.
The applicator 200 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a first bonding
layer 260 disposed between core layer 230 and first layer 240 and a
second bonding layer 270 disposed between core layer 230 and second
layer 250. These bonding layers may include any suitable adhesive,
bonding or other materials to secure first layer 240 and second
layer 250 to core layer 230. For instance, first bonding layer 260
and the second bonding layer 270 can include a thermoplastic
material that bonds or adheres first and second layers 240, 250
respectively to core layer 230. The thermoplastic may bond first
and second layer 240, 250 to core layer 230 when applicator 200
undergoes a heating process. In a particular embodiment, the first
bonding layer 260 and the second bonding layer 270 can include a
Delnet.RTM. spaced film manufactured by Delstar Technologies,
Inc.
[0042] Core layer 230 acts as a spine to provide structural support
to applicator 200. To provide structural support, core layer 230
can have a stiffness greater than the stiffness of first layer 240
and second layer 250. As used herein, the term "stiffness" is
intended to refer to a measure of the resistance of a body to
deformation by an applied force. To provide the requisite
stiffness, the core layer 130 may comprise a plastic, metal or
other suitable material having a stiffness greater than the
stiffness of first layer 240 and second layer 250 of fibrous
material.
[0043] In other embodiments, the core layer 130 can comprise a
fibrous material, such as a synthetic non-woven fibrous material.
The fibrous material can include a plurality of fibers having a
linear mass density of about 1.5 denier to about 15 denier, such as
about 3.0 denier to about 6.0 denier. The core layer 130 can
include polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers,
acrylic fiber or other suitable fibers. In certain instances,
synthetic fibers are preferred over natural fibers because the many
cosmetic materials are water-based and natural fibers would have a
tendency to retain water from such water-based cosmetics. This can
lead to the growth of bacteria which raises hygienic concerns.
[0044] When core layer 230 comprises a fibrous material, core layer
230 can be processed such that core layer 230 has a stiffness
greater than the stiffness of first layer 340 and second layer 350.
For instance, in one embodiment, core layer 230 can be treated with
a resin material such that core layer 230 has a stiffness greater
than a stiffness of first layer 240 and second layer 250. In
another embodiment, core layer 230 can be subjected to a needling
process such that core layer 230 has a stiffness greater than the
stiffness of first layer 240 and second layer 250.
[0045] In other embodiments, core layer 230 can include a plurality
of heat fusible or heat activated fibers. The heat fusible fibers
can be processed (i.e. subjected to a heating process) such that a
percentage of the heat fusible fibers fuse together and provide
core layer 230 with a stiffness greater than the stiffness of first
layer 240 and second layer 250. In a particular embodiment, core
layer 230 can be constructed of about 3% to about 50% heat fusible
fibers, such as about 10% to about 35%, such as about 25%, about
30%, or any other percentage or range of percentages of heat
fusible fibers therebetween. By using a heat fusible fiber, core
layer 230 can be constructed of the same material as first layer
240 and second layer 250 and still be provided with a stiffness
greater than the stiffness of first layer 240 and second layer
250.
[0046] First layer 240 and second layer 250 are the layers of
applicator 200 used to pick up and retain cosmetic material so that
the cosmetic material can be applied in a desirous manner. First
layer 240 and second layer 250 can be constructed of fibrous
material, such as a synthetic non-woven fibrous material. First
layer 240 and second layer 250 can include a plurality of fibers
having a linear mass density of about 0.1 denier to about 15
denier, such as about 6.0 denier. The fibers of first layer 240 and
second layer 250 can be polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers,
nylon fibers, acrylic fibers or other suitable fibers.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 2, first layer 240 and second layer
250 can be bonded together at junction 215 around a periphery of
first layer 240 and second layer 250. First layer 240 and second
layer 250 can be bonded together using, for instance, a heating
process. Using the teachings disclosed herein, those of ordinary
skill in the art should appreciate that first layer 230 and second
layer 240 can be connected together in any manner, if at all,
without deviating from the scope or spirit of the present
invention.
[0048] The outer surface of first layer 240 and second layer 250
has a surface texture sufficient to pick up and retain cosmetic
material. For instance, portions of fibers protruding from the
outer surface of first layer 240 and second layer 250 can pick up
or grab the cosmetic material. The cosmetic material can then be
retained in voids defined in the fibrous material of first and
second layers 240, 250 until an individual uses applicator 200 to
apply cosmetic material to the individual's skin. In particular
embodiments, first layer 240 and second layer 250 have been
subjected to a lofting process to provide a surface texture
sufficient to pick up and retain cosmetic material. This lofting
process may include an inefficient needling process or a low
profile needling process.
[0049] The outer surface of first layer 240 and second layer 250
can also have been processed such that the outer surface of first
and second layers 240, 250 is smoother than a surface of core layer
230. For instance, outer surface of first layer 240 and second
layer 250 can be subjected to a skiving process, a singe process, a
calendaring process, or a roller press process such that the outer
surface of first and second layer 240, 250 is smoother than a
surface of core layer 230. In this manner, the outer surface can
provide a smooth to the touch surface against a user's skin.
[0050] Core layer 230, first layer 240, and second layer 250 can
all be constructed from a single type of fibrous material, such as
a synthetic fibrous material. The synthetic fibrous material can
have a plurality of polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, nylon
fibers, acrylic fiber or other suitable fibers. Synthetic fibers
can have advantages over natural fibers. For instance, synthetic
fibers do not have as a high a tendency to break down certain
cosmetic materials as certain natural fibers. In addition, hardened
cosmetic material left over in an exemplary applicator can be
easily removed by subjecting the applicator to deformation in order
to force the hardened cosmetic material from the applicator.
[0051] With reference now to FIGS. 4-6, an exemplary system for
applying cosmetic materials will be discussed in detail. As
discussed above, due to the wide variety of different cosmetic
materials and different uses for cosmetic materials, it can be
advantageous to provide a plurality of cosmetic applicators having
different shapes, sizes, and configurations. FIG. 4 illustrates a
plurality of applicator tips for use in a system for applying
cosmetic material having a variety of different shapes, sizes and
configurations. The applicator tips can be constructed similar to
the layered applicator depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0052] Each of the applicator tips can be adapted to be received
into a holder, such as holder 100 depicted in FIG. 1. When a user
is finished with an applicator tip, the user may release the
applicator tip from the holder and engage a different applicator
tip with the holder. The different applicator tip can then be used
to apply cosmetic material. In this manner, a user can interchange
a variety of different applicator tips to apply different cosmetic
materials in a desirous manner.
[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the system for applying
cosmetic material can include a housing 300 for storing the
plurality of applicator tips when not in use. An applicator tip 200
can be inserted into one of a plurality of slots 310 defined in
housing 300. The slots 310 can have a size sufficient to receive
the applicator portion 220 of applicator tip 200. The base portion
210 of applicator tip 220 can extend from slot 310 when applicator
tip 200 is received into slot 310. As shown in FIG. 6, this allows
holder 100 to readily engage base portion 210 of applicator tip 200
and remove applicator tip 200 from slot 310 of housing 300 for
intended use.
[0054] For example, holder 100 can be used to engage base portion
210 of applicator tip 200 having a shape and size configured to
apply eye liner. After applicator tip 200 has been used to apply
eye liner to a user's skin, the applicator tip 200 can be
reinserted into slot 310 of housing 300. Holder 100 can then be
used to engage base portion 200 of a different applicator tip 200
having a shape and size configured to apply lip gloss. In this
manner, the system for applying cosmetic material according to this
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides for the
efficient application of different types of cosmetic material to a
user's skin.
[0055] While the present subject matter has been described in
detail with respect to specific exemplary embodiments and methods
thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon
attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce
alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments.
Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of
example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject
disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications,
variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would
be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
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