U.S. patent application number 13/869794 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for cosmetic applicator with paddle-shaped applicator tip.
The applicant listed for this patent is Stephen G. Dudienski, Thomas F. Holloway. Invention is credited to Stephen G. Dudienski, Thomas F. Holloway.
Application Number | 20130276817 13/869794 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49378968 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130276817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holloway; Thomas F. ; et
al. |
October 24, 2013 |
Cosmetic Applicator with Paddle-Shaped Applicator Tip
Abstract
A cosmetic applicator with a paddle-shaped applicator tip for
retaining and applying a volume of cosmetic material. The
applicator tip has a paddle-shaped head portion with first and
second opposed, egg-shaped oval faces separated by a thickness of
the head portion. The head portion of the applicator tip is
retained by a neck portion that is retained by a base rod. An
applicator wand, which can have a cap fixed thereto, retains the
base rod and the applicator tip in general. The head and neck
portions of the applicator tip can be enveloped in applicator
material, such as bristles or fibers applied by flocking, for
retaining and applying cosmetic material. A cosmetic bottle with a
flexible wiper can selectively receive the applicator tip for
wiping excess cosmetic material from the applicator tip.
Inventors: |
Holloway; Thomas F.;
(Southbury, CT) ; Dudienski; Stephen G.; (Ansonia,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Holloway; Thomas F.
Dudienski; Stephen G. |
Southbury
Ansonia |
CT
CT |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49378968 |
Appl. No.: |
13/869794 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61637445 |
Apr 24, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20130101;
A45D 40/267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/320 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic applicator with a paddle-shaped applicator tip for
retaining and applying a volume of cosmetic material, the cosmetic
applicator comprising: an applicator tip with a head portion
wherein the head portion is paddle shaped with first and second
opposed faces.
2. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1 wherein the head portion of
the applicator tip comprises a substantially flat member of a given
thickness.
3. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1 wherein the head portion has
an egg-shaped profile and wherein the first and second opposed
faces comprise first and second opposed, egg-shaped oval faces
separated by the thickness of the head portion.
4. The cosmetic applicator of claim 3 wherein the oval faces of the
head portion are substantially flat.
5. The cosmetic applicator of claim 4 wherein the head portion has
radiused edges spanning from the first oval face to the second oval
face.
6. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1 further comprising a neck
portion coupled to the head portion of the applicator tip by first
and second jaws that are disposed to overlie the first and second
faces of the head portion.
7. The cosmetic applicator of claim 6 wherein the head portion has
radiused edges spanning from the first oval face to the second oval
face and wherein the neck portion and the head portion are coupled
by smoothly radiused connections between the first and second jaws
and the first and second faces of the head portion whereby the head
and neck portions and the first and second opposed faces present
curved surfaces only with no sharp corners.
8. The cosmetic applicator of claim 6 further comprising a base rod
connected to the neck portion.
9. The cosmetic applicator of claim 8 wherein the head portion is
disposed at an angle of approximately seventeen degrees in relation
to a longitudinal axis of the base rod.
10. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1 wherein the head portion of
the applicator tip is at least partially enveloped in applicator
material for retaining and applying cosmetic material.
11. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein the applicator
material comprises an array comprising fibers or bristles.
12. The cosmetic applicator of claim 11 wherein the applicator tip
further comprises a neck portion coupled to the head portion of the
applicator tip and wherein the applicator material envelops
substantially the entire head portion and at least a portion of the
neck portion.
13. The cosmetic applicator of claim 11 wherein the applicator
material is applied to the head portion of the applicator tip by
flocking.
14. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1 further comprising an
applicator wand wherein the applicator wand retains the applicator
tip for the retention and application of cosmetic material.
15. The cosmetic applicator of claim 14 wherein the applicator tip
further comprises a neck portion coupled to the head portion of the
applicator tip and wherein the applicator wand retains the neck
portion of the applicator tip.
16. The cosmetic applicator of claim 14 further comprising a cap
coupled to the applicator wand and a cosmetic bottle for retaining
a volume of cosmetic material and selectively receiving the head
portion of the applicator tip wherein the cosmetic bottle has a
neck.
17. The cosmetic applicator of claim 16 further comprising a
flexible wiper retained within the neck of the cosmetic bottle for
wiping excess cosmetic material from the applicator tip.
18. The cosmetic applicator of claim 17 wherein the wiper is formed
from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and wherein the wiper has a
cylindrical wall and a frusto-conical portion connected to the
cylindrical wall wherein the cylindrical wall and the
frusto-conical portion have a thickness beginning at 0.8 mm (0.0315
inches) at a proximal end of the cylindrical wall and tapering to
0.635 mm (0.0265 inches) at a tip of the frusto-conical
portion.
19. A cosmetic applicator with a paddle-shaped applicator tip for
retaining and applying a volume of cosmetic material, the cosmetic
applicator comprising: an applicator tip with a head portion
wherein the head portion comprises a substantially flat,
paddle-shaped member with a given thickness and first and second
opposed, flat faces separated by the thickness of the head portion
and wherein the head portion has radiused edges spanning from the
first face to the second face; a neck portion coupled to the head
portion; a base rod connected to the neck portion; wherein the head
portion of the applicator tip is at least partially enveloped in
applicator material for retaining and applying cosmetic material;
and an applicator wand wherein the applicator wand retains the
applicator tip for the retention and application of cosmetic
material.
20. The cosmetic applicator of claim 19 further comprising a cap
coupled to the applicator wand and a cosmetic bottle for retaining
a volume of cosmetic material and selectively receiving the head
portion of the applicator tip.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to cosmetic
applicators. More particularly, disclosed and protected herein is a
cosmetic applicator with a paddle-shaped applicator tip to permit
the retention and application of makeup product in an efficient and
advantageous manner and, in certain embodiments, a cosmetic bottle
with a conforming cosmetic wiper to remove excess cosmetic material
with improved consistency.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cosmetic applicators for lip gloss and other liquid or pasty
cosmetics are commonly founded on two pieces, a cosmetic bottle and
a cap that retains a rod or wand for being dipped into a volume of
cosmetic retained within the container. Cosmetic applicators have
an applicator tip fixed to the distal end of the wand for dipping
into the volume of cosmetic. The applicator tip can, for example,
comprise a flocked member, a brush, or any other structure capable
of retrieving cosmetic from the open inner volume of the bottle and
applying the cosmetic to a body surface of a user, such as the
user's lips, eyebrows, or eyelashes.
[0003] When the applicator tip is dipped in the cosmetic, it
becomes loaded with the liquid or pasty cosmetic. The wand and
applicator tip are then withdrawn from the container, typically
passing through a wiper for removing excess cosmetic from the
applicator tip. With this, the user is able to undertake a
controlled application of the cosmetic. The cosmetic dispenser can
be sealed during periods of nonuse by a threaded engagement between
the cap and a neck of the bottle.
[0004] During application of the cosmetic, a user will typically
hold the cap with one hand and the bottle in the other. With
repeated dipping into the volume of cosmetic material, the
applicator tip or other structure can be employed in the successful
application of the cosmetic. Lip gloss is commonly applied in such
a manner as are other liquid, semi-liquid, pasty and other
cosmetics, including, by way of example and not limitation,
mascara, concealer, and eye shadow.
[0005] A fundamental goal of most cosmetic applicators is to retain
an increased volume of cosmetic material to minimize the number of
times one must dip the wand into the volume of cosmetic to achieve
a given application of makeup. Applicator tips typical of the prior
art, particularly those with simple round cross sections, provide
limited surface area for the retention of cosmetic material. With
limited surface area, many prior art applicators consequently
require repeated insertions of the cosmetic applicator tip into the
container.
[0006] To obtain greater surface area for the retention of
increased volumes of cosmetic material, deviations from a round
applicator tips are possible. However, the applicator tip normally
must pass through an orifice of a wiper on exiting the cosmetic
bottle so that excess cosmetic material can be wiped from the
applicator tip. Wipers typically have round orifices. Accordingly,
where the applicator tip is other than round, the wiper will tend
to remove too much cosmetic along certain areas of the profile of
the applicator tip while leaving too much cosmetic material in
other areas of the applicator tip.
[0007] With a knowledge of the state of the art summarized above,
the present inventors have appreciated that it would be
advantageous to provide a cosmetic applicator with an applicator
tip capable of retaining an enhanced volume of cosmetic material as
a result of a dipping operation while enabling a wiping of cosmetic
material from the applicator tip with enhanced consistency even
across a non-round applicator tip profile.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a
cosmetic applicator that enables the achievement of a finished
appearance expeditiously with as few introductions of the
applicator tip into the cosmetic material reservoir as
possible.
[0009] A further object of embodiments of the invention is to
provide a cosmetic applicator package with a wiper capable of
wiping cosmetic material from a non-round applicator tip with
enhanced consistency.
[0010] A related object of embodiments of the invention is to
provide a cosmetic applicator that enables the optimal application
of cosmetic material in an aesthetically pleasing and functionally
advantageous manner.
[0011] One will appreciate that the foregoing broadly outlines
certain goals of the invention to enable a better understanding of
the detailed description that follows and to instill a better
appreciation of the inventors' contribution to the art. These and
in all likelihood further objects and advantages of the present
invention will become obvious not only to one who reviews the
present specification and drawings but also to those who have an
opportunity to make use of an embodiment of the applicator
construction disclosed herein. However, it will be appreciated
that, although the accomplishment of each of the foregoing objects
in a single embodiment of the invention may be possible and indeed
preferred, not all embodiments will seek or need to accomplish each
and every potential advantage and function. Nonetheless, all such
embodiments should be considered within the scope of the present
invention.
[0012] In carrying forth the objects of the invention, one
embodiment of the cosmetic applicator with a paddle-shaped
applicator tip for retaining and applying a volume of cosmetic
material is founded on an applicator tip with a head portion. The
head portion of the applicator tip can be a substantially flat
member of a given thickness. The head portion can be paddle shaped
with first and second opposed faces. The head portion can in
certain embodiments have an egg-shaped profile with the first and
second opposed faces comprising first and second opposed,
egg-shaped oval faces, which can be substantially flat, separated
by the thickness of the head portion. A neck portion can be coupled
to the head portion of the applicator tip by first and second jaws
disposed to overlie the first and second faces of the head portion.
The neck portion of the applicator tip can be retained by a base
rod, and the head portion can be disposed at an angle of
approximately seventeen degrees in relation to a longitudinal axis
of the base rod.
[0013] As disclosed herein, the head portion can incorporate
radiused edges spanning from the first oval face to the second oval
face. Similarly, the neck portion and the head portion can be
coupled by smoothly radiused connections between the first and
second jaws and the first and second faces of the head portion.
With that, the head and neck portions and the first and second
opposed faces present curved surfaces only with no sharp
corners.
[0014] For retaining and applying cosmetic material, the head
portion of the applicator tip can be at least partially enveloped
in applicator material. The applicator material can take the form
of an array fibers or bristles, which could be applied by flocking.
Where the applicator tip includes a head portion and a neck
portion, the applicator material can envelop substantially the
entire head portion and at least a portion of the neck portion.
[0015] An applicator wand can be coupled to the applicator tip for
retaining and applying cosmetic material, such as by dipping the
applicator tip in a volume of cosmetic and applying it to a
person's eyes, lips, or elsewhere. A cap can be coupled to the
applicator wand, and a cosmetic bottle with a neck can be provided
for retaining a volume of cosmetic material and selectively
receiving the head portion of the applicator tip. A flexible wiper
can be retained within the neck of the cosmetic bottle for wiping
excess cosmetic material from the applicator tip. To permit the
flexible wiper to flex and adapt to the unique shape of the
applicator tip, the wiper can be formed from low-density
polyethylene (LDPE). Where the wiper has a cylindrical wall and a
frusto-conical portion connected to the cylindrical wall, the
cylindrical wall and the frusto-conical portion can have a
thickness beginning at 0.8 mm (0.0315 inches) at a proximal end of
the cylindrical wall and tapering to 0.635 mm (0.0265 inches) at a
tip of the frusto-conical portion.
[0016] One will appreciate that the foregoing discussion broadly
outlines the more important goals and features of the invention to
enable a better understanding of the detailed description that
follows and to instill a better appreciation of the inventors'
contribution to the art. Before any particular embodiment or aspect
thereof is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the
following details of construction and illustrations of inventive
concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the accompanying drawing figures:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paddle-shaped cosmetic
applicator pursuant to the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the paddle-shaped cosmetic
applicator of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a view in front elevation of the paddle-shaped
cosmetic applicator of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a view in left side elevation of the paddle-shaped
cosmetic applicator of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a view in rear elevation of the paddle-shaped
cosmetic applicator of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the paddle-shaped cosmetic
applicator of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the paddle-shaped cosmetic
applicator with flocking;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a view in side elevation of the paddle-shaped
cosmetic applicator again with flocking;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the paddle-shaped cosmetic
applicator with flocking;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a view in left side elevation of the
paddle-shaped cosmetic applicator of FIG. 1 with dimensioning;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the paddle-shaped cosmetic
applicator of FIG. 1 again with dimensioning;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator kit
with a paddle-shaped cosmetic applicator according to the
invention;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a partially sectioned view in side elevation of a
cosmetic applicator cap and wand retaining a paddle-shaped cosmetic
applicator as taught herein;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectioned view in side elevation of a
cosmetic bottle and wiper for use with a paddle-shaped cosmetic
applicator pursuant to the invention;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wiper for use with a
paddle-shaped cosmetic applicator pursuant to the invention;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a view in front elevation of the wiper of FIG.
15; and
[0034] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectioned view of the wiper taken along
the line A-A in FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The paddle-shaped cosmetic applicator disclosed herein is
subject to varied embodiments. To ensure that one skilled in the
art will be able to understand and, in appropriate cases, practice
the present invention, certain preferred embodiments of the broader
invention revealed herein are described below and shown in the
accompanying drawing figures.
[0036] In carrying forth the objects of the invention, an
applicator tip for a cosmetic applicator pursuant to the present
invention is indicated generally at 12 in FIGS. 1 through 11.
There, the applicator tip 12 has a head portion 14 that is paddle
shaped. More particularly, the head portion 14 comprises a
substantially flat plate of a given thickness with an egg-shaped
profile and radiused edges. With that, the head portion 14 has
first and second opposed substantially flat, egg-shaped oval faces
separated by the thickness of the head portion 14.
[0037] The head portion 14 is retained at a proximal end thereof by
a neck portion 16 with first and second jaws that are respectively
disposed to overlie the first and second faces of the head portion
14. The junctions between the neck portion 16 and the head portion
14 are smoothly radiused whereby the head and neck portions 14 and
16 present curved surfaces only with no sharp corners. The neck
portion 16 is in turn retained by a base rod 18 with a faceted
portion. In this presently preferred embodiment, the head portion
14 is disposed at an angle of approximately seventeen degrees in
relation to the longitudinal axis of the base rod 18. As seen, for
example, in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6, the neck portion 16 is broadened
relative to the base rod 18 at a shoulder.
[0038] The head and neck portions 14 and 16 and the base rod 18
could be separately formed and joined as by adhesive, sonic or heat
welding, or some other method. Alternatively, as in the present
embodiment, the head and neck portions 14 and 16 and the base rod
18 could be unitarily formed as by molding or any other effective
method.
[0039] Under certain practices of the invention as seen in FIGS. 7
through 9, the head and neck portions 14 and 16 can be enveloped in
applicator material 20. The applicator material 20 terminates at
the proximal end of the neck portion 16, and the base rod 18 in the
present embodiment carries no applicator material 20. The
applicator material 20 can comprise an array of fibers, bristles,
or other material capable of retaining cosmetic. The applicator
material 20 is thus carried by the head and neck portions 14 and 16
to permit and facilitate the retention and application of cosmetic
material. The head and neck portions 14 and 16 act as a core, and
the applicator material 20 is attached to the core such that the
bristles extend radially outwardly therefrom to form an array
surrounding the head and neck portions 14 and 16 over a substantial
portion thereof.
[0040] The applicator material 20 can be applied by flocking.
Flocking is a process under which a surface is covered with densely
packed, upstanding fibers, typically of short length and fine
diameter. The fibers typically are delivered to an adhesive coating
already applied to the surface. Flocking can be carried out by any
effective method. In one contemplated practice of the invention,
flocking can be achieved by electrostatic delivery of fibers to the
adhesive coating. The flocked applicator material 20 can be
consistent in length, density, and other characteristics over the
surface area of the head and neck portions 14 and 16, or it can
vary in one or more characteristics dependent on surface
location.
[0041] It will be noted that particular dimensions and,
additionally or alternatively, for the several components,
including the head and neck portions 14 and 16, the base rod 18,
and the applicator material 20 may be indicated in several of the
drawings. These absolute and relative dimensions and orientations
have been found to be particularly preferable and may reasonably be
argued to be inventive as exactly depicted and within a given
margin thereof. However, the invention should not be limited to the
same except as may be expressly required by the claims.
[0042] A cosmetic applicator kit, which is complete but for the
actual cosmetic material to be applied, is indicated generally at
10 in FIG. 12, and components thereof are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
By combined reference to FIGS. 12 through 14, one can perceive that
the applicator tip 12 is retained by having the base rod 18 thereof
received into the distal end of an applicator wand 22. A base cup
40 is fixed to the proximal end of the applicator wand 22, such as
by being formed integrally therewith, and a cylindrical cap 24 is
retained by the base cup 40, such as by a crimping of the material
of the cap 24, adhesive, a pressure fit, or any other effective
mechanism or combination thereof. The cap 24 is threaded for
engaging a threaded neck 42 of a cosmetic bottle 26 that retains a
volume of cosmetic material (not shown).
[0043] With the cosmetic applicator kit 10 so configured, the
applicator tip 12 projects into the cosmetic material in the
cosmetic bottle 26 when the applicator wand 22 is inserted through
the neck 42 of the bottle 26. The cosmetic bottle 26 can be
selectively sealed by threadedly engaging the cap 24 with the
bottle 26. Upon removal of the cap 24, applicator wand 22, and
applicator tip 12 from the bottle 26, the applicator tip 12 will be
loaded with cosmetic material, such as lip gloss, mascara, or any
other liquid or pasty cosmetic. A flexible wiper 28 is retained
within the neck 42 of the applicator bottle 26 for wiping excess
cosmetic material from the applicator tip 12.
[0044] Properly loaded with cosmetic material, the applicator tip
12 can then be manipulated to deliver and apply the product to the
user's body with the cap 24 serving as a handle for the applicator
tip 12. Advantageously, with its broad paddle shape and flat paddle
surfaces, the applicator tip 12 will tend to retain greater volumes
of cosmetic material thereby enabling increased material
application per dip of the applicator tip 12 into the cosmetic
bottle 26. Moreover, the paddle-shaped applicator tip 12 provides
application characteristics not possible with traditional round
applicator tips. Accordingly, the paddle-shaped applicator tip 12
provides useful advantages to the consumer.
[0045] However, the paddle shape of the applicator tip 12 presents
challenges not encountered with round applicator tips. For
instance, to achieve optimal cosmetic material retention and
application, excess material will be wiped from the applicator tip
12 consistently across its surfaces so that the flat faces and the
radiused edges will be loaded with cosmetic material in a
substantially consistent manner. However, that would be unlikely
using a traditional wiper (not shown) according to the prior art.
Instead, wipers of the prior art would be likely to wipe too much
cosmetic material off of the lateral edges of the applicator tip 12
and not enough from the opposed flat faces of the applicator tip
12.
[0046] Recognizing this, the present inventors devised the cosmetic
wiper 28 first shown in FIG. 14 and then alone in FIGS. 15 through
17. The wiper 28 is crafted in material, shape, thickness, and
other characteristics with the goal of having the wiper 28 change
shape to conform to the shape of the applicator tip 12 as the tip
12 is pulled through the wiper 28. With the conforming shape of the
wiper 28, more cosmetic product will tend to be removed from the
flat surfaces of the applicator tip 12 while the lateral edges will
tend to retain a greater amount of product and not be scraped
bare.
[0047] As illustrated, the wiper 28 is formed with an annular upper
shoulder 30 for overlying the edge of the neck 42 of the bottle 26
to permit a fluidic seal between the base cup 40 and cap 24
relative to the bottle 26. A cylindrical wall 32 extends
concentrically from the upper shoulder 30, and a frusto-conical
portion 34 extends concentrically from the cylindrical wall 32. The
distal end of the frusto-conical portion 34 has a beveled aperture
36 for receiving the applicator tip 12 therethrough, and an annular
ridge 38 is formed adjacent to the proximal end of the cylindrical
wall 32 for matingly engaging an annular channel 44 on the cosmetic
bottle 26.
[0048] To facilitate the desired flexing and stretching of the
wiper 28, the cosmetic wiper 28 is unitarily formed as by molding
from a highly flexible material, preferably low-density
polyethylene (LDPE). Moreover, the cosmetic wiper 28 has a
preferred thinness beginning with 0.8 mm (0.0315 inches) at the
proximal end of the cylindrical wall 32 and tapering to 0.635 mm
(0.0265 inches) at the tip of the frusto-conical portion 34. It has
been found that this preferred combination of material and
dimensions permits wiping of the applicator tip 12 with enhanced
consistency as preferred and described.
[0049] With certain details and embodiments of the of the present
invention disclosed, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the
art that numerous changes and additions could be made thereto
without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. This
is particularly true when one bears in mind that the presently
preferred embodiments merely exemplify the broader invention
revealed herein. Accordingly, it will be clear that those with
major features of the invention in mind could craft embodiments
that incorporate those major features while not incorporating all
of the features included in the preferred embodiments.
[0050] Therefore, the following claims are intended to define the
scope of protection to be afforded to the inventors. Those claims
shall be deemed to include equivalent constructions insofar as they
do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. It must
be further noted that a plurality of the following claims may
express certain elements as means for performing a specific
function, at times without the recital of structure or material. As
the law demands, these claims shall be construed to cover not only
the corresponding structure and material expressly described in
this specification but also all equivalents thereof that might be
now known or hereafter discovered.
* * * * *