U.S. patent application number 14/553402 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-28 for cosmetic applicator with antimicrobial device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Olivia Anna Walker. Invention is credited to Olivia Anna Walker.
Application Number | 20150143652 14/553402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53181413 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150143652 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Olivia Anna |
May 28, 2015 |
COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH ANTIMICROBIAL DEVICE
Abstract
A cosmetic applicator has a base, a brush retained by the base
and a cap positioned on the base in a closed configuration of the
applicator to fully enclose the brush within the applicator. An
antimicrobial device is retained within the cap and is configured
for direct contact with the bristles of the brush in the closed
configuration of the applicator.
Inventors: |
Walker; Olivia Anna; (St.
Louis, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walker; Olivia Anna |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53181413 |
Appl. No.: |
14/553402 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61908978 |
Nov 26, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/021 20130101;
A46B 17/04 20130101; A46B 17/065 20130101; A46B 7/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/160 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/02 20060101
A46B009/02; A46B 17/06 20060101 A46B017/06; A46B 7/02 20060101
A46B007/02; A46B 17/04 20060101 A46B017/04 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic applicator comprising: a base; a brush comprising a
plurality of bristles retained by said base; a cap positioned on
the base in a closed configuration of said applicator to fully
enclose said brush within said applicator; and an antimicrobial
device retained within the cap and configured for direct contact
with bristles of said brush in said closed configuration of the
applicator.
2. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1 wherein the antimicrobial
device comprises a plurality of prongs extending longitudinally
within said cap and being retained by said cap for direct contact
with said bristles of said brush in said closed configuration of
said applicator.
3. The cosmetic applicator of claim 2 wherein said prongs are
generally cylindrical with rounded tips.
4. The cosmetic applicator of claim 2 wherein said prongs comprise
a metal having an oligodynamic effect.
5. The cosmetic applicator of claim 4, wherein at least one of said
base and said cap comprises a metal having an oligodynamic
effect.
6. The cosmetic applicator of claim 5 wherein said prongs comprise
at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.
7. The cosmetic applicator of claim 6 wherein said base and said
cap comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.
8. The cosmetic applicator of claim 4 wherein said prongs comprise
at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.
9. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1 wherein said base includes a
sleeve moveable relative to said base.
10. A cosmetic applicator comprising: a base; a brush comprising a
plurality of bristles retained by said base; and a cap including a
plurality of prongs extending within said cap, said plurality of
prongs having an antimicrobial on an outer surface thereof; wherein
said prongs are interspersed within said bristles of said brush
when said cap is positioned on said base in a closed configuration
so as to fully enclose said brush within said base and said
cap.
11. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said prongs are
formed from a metal having an oligodynamic effect.
12. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said prongs are
coated with a metal having an oligodynamic effect.
13. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said prongs are
formed from copper or an alloy thereof.
14. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said prongs are
coated with copper or an alloy thereof.
15. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said cap is formed
from a metal having an oligodynamic effect.
16. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said cap is coated
with a metal having an oligodynamic effect.
17. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said antimicrobial
is a source of metal ions.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/908,978, filed Nov. 26, 2013, the entire
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This disclosure is related to the field of cosmetic
applicators and more particularly to cosmetic applicators having
antimicrobial characteristics built into their cases for inhibiting
the growth of bacteria and microorganisms on and within such
applicators.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The world is full of microorganisms and while many of these
are beneficial, or even necessary, for human survival, a large
number are, in fact, detrimental and downright dangerous to humans.
It has long been recognized that a large number of human maladies
can be traced to microorganisms and specifically viruses and
bacteria. Maladies such as influenza, malaria, staphylococcus
(staph), athlete's foot, and even the common cold can be traced to
microorganisms or antigens acting on the human body. Further, even
more common conditions such as body odor can be traced to
microorganisms. The primary issue encountered with microorganisms
is that they are everywhere and it is often difficult to separate
the good from the bad. This can be particularly true in situations
where the human body is at an increased risk for infection. This
can occur when the skin is broken (either by accident, or
purposefully such as in surgery) or where a human has a decreased
immune response due to age, immunosuppressant drugs, or other
conditions.
[0006] The human immune system is incredibly effective at
destroying dangerous microorganisms and supplies a multitude of
different responses and attacks when the body is invaded by a
non-recognized microorganism. However, even with this powerful
response, there are microorganisms that the body can, and regularly
does, miss. There is also the issue that while the body may respond
to the presence of an antigen, the body may be unable to react fast
enough to prevent the human host from suffering permanent injury or
death.
[0007] In order to assist the body in the destruction of harmful
microorganisms, a variety of things are used. Many of these are
antibacterial compounds which target specific features of bacteria
to kill them off. These are commonly used in conjunction with the
human immune response to result in bacterial death. A concern with
antibacterials is that while antibacterials can be very effective,
they can have the side-effect of allowing bacteria to evolve which
are immune to particular antibacterials. For this reason, they are
commonly used sparingly.
[0008] Another classification of assistance devices are
antimicrobials. Antimicrobials, and specifically, non-specific
antimicrobials, have a major advantage over most antibiotics and
other antigen specific responses in that they often have a much
greater lethality which can readily prevent the spread of resistant
bacteria. Certain antimicrobials (such as chlorine bleach) are so
effective that they are readily accepted in widespread use.
[0009] Via the oligodynamic effect, a number of metals, or more
specifically the ions of metals, including copper, silver, gold,
mercury, iron, lead, zinc, bismuth, aluminum, and others can be
effective non-specific antimicrobials. It is understood that these
ions deactivate structural and metabolic membrane proteins, which
will lead to microbial death and many microbes view certain forms
of metal ions as a food source, allowing the ions to enter the
microbe easier. The incorporation of certain other antimicrobial
materials into a variety of products has, therefore, become
increasingly commonplace.
[0010] Technologies that prevent the production and growth of
miscellaneous bacteria and microorganisms in cosmetic applicators
such as cosmetic brushes have not utilized antimicrobials, but
instead generally focus on the use of synthetic bristles and/or the
treating bristles with chemical agents having antibacterial
properties. Synthetic and chemically treated bristles, however, are
not permanently antimicrobial. Accordingly, these bristles must
still be cleaned regularly.
SUMMARY
[0011] The following is a summary of the invention in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention.
This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements
of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The
sole purpose of this section is to present some concepts of the
invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed
description that is presented later.
[0012] Because of these and other problems in the art, described
herein, among other things, is a cosmetic applicator generally
comprising a base, a brush comprising a plurality of bristles
retained by the base, and a cap positioned on the base in a closed
configuration of the applicator to fully enclose the brush within
the applicator. An antimicrobial device is retained within the cap
and is configured for direct contact with the bristles of the brush
in the closed configuration of the applicator.
[0013] In an embodiment, there is described a cosmetic applicator
comprising: a base; a brush comprising a plurality of bristles
retained by said base; a cap positioned on the base in a closed
configuration of said applicator to fully enclose said brush within
said applicator; and an antimicrobial device retained within the
cap and configured for direct contact with bristles of said brush
in said closed configuration of the applicator.
[0014] In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the
antimicrobial device comprises a plurality of prongs extending
longitudinally within said cap and being retained by said cap for
direct contact with said bristles of said brush in said closed
configuration of said applicator.
[0015] In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the prongs are
generally cylindrical with rounded tips.
[0016] In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the prongs
comprise a metal having an oligodynamic effect.
[0017] In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, at least one of
said base and said cap comprises a metal having an oligodynamic
effect.
[0018] In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the prongs
comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.
[0019] In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the base and
said cap comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.
[0020] In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the prongs
comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.
[0021] In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the base
includes a sleeve moveable relative to said base.
[0022] There is also described herein, a cosmetic applicator
comprising: a base; a brush comprising a plurality of bristles
retained by said base; and a cap including a plurality of prongs
extending within said cap, said plurality of prongs having an
antimicrobial on an outer surface thereof; wherein said prongs are
interspersed within said bristles of said brush when said cap is
positioned on said base in a closed configuration so as to fully
enclose said brush within said base and said cap.
[0023] In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the
prongs are formed from a metal having an oligodynamic effect.
[0024] In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the
prongs are coated with a metal having an oligodynamic effect.
[0025] In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the
prongs are formed from copper or an alloy thereof.
[0026] In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the
prongs are coated with copper or an alloy thereof.
[0027] In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the cap
is formed from a metal having an oligodynamic effect.
[0028] In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the cap
is coated with a metal having an oligodynamic effect.
[0029] In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the
antimicrobial is a source of metal ions.
[0030] Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation
to the above-mentioned aspects. Further features may also be
incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects as well. These
refinements and additional features may exist individually or in
any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in
relation to any of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated
into any of the above-described aspects, alone or in any
combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a cosmetic applicator in
accordance with one embodiment with the applicator illustrated in a
closed configuration;
[0032] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cosmetic applicator of
FIG. 1 with a cap of the applicator removed from a body thereof to
define an opened configuration of the applicator.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross section of the cap of FIG.
2;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a side view of the applicator of FIG. 2 with the
cap omitted with the applicator in its opened configuration and a
brush positioned longitudinally outward of the body; and
[0035] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the cosmetic applicator of
FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0036] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1
and 2, a cosmetic applicator (10) of an embodiment is illustrated
in the form of a cosmetic brush for use in applying makeup. The
cosmetic applicator (10) includes a cap (20) that is removably
positionable on a base (50) that houses a brush (70), such as, but
not limited to, a bristle brush. In this manner the applicator is
configurable between a closed configuration as illustrated in FIG.
1 in which the cap (20) is positioned on the base (50) to fully
enclose the brush (70) within the applicator (10) and an opened
configuration in which the cap (20) is removed for using the brush
(70) as best illustrated in FIG. 2. One of ordinary skill in the
art would understand that the brush (70) can be rigidly positioned
in the base (50) so as to not move, or can be moveable relative to
the base (50) allowing it to extend and retract form the base (50)
to assist in placing the cap (20) over the brush (70)
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, in an embodiment, the base
(50) of the applicator (10) includes a generally cup-shaped body
(52) and a cylindrical sleeve (60) that is telescopically
positioned within the cup-shaped body (52) to provide sliding
movement in relation to the body (52). A brush (70) comprising a
mounting head (72) and a plurality of bristles (74) secured thereto
is retained (e.g., such as by using a suitable adhesive, mechanical
fastening, springs, or other known retention techniques) within the
cup-shaped body (52) and may remain stationery upon sliding
movement of the sleeve (60) relative to the body (52) between a
retracted position as shown in FIG. 4 in which the bristles (74) of
the brush (70) extend longitudinally outward of the body (52) and
sleeve (60) and an extended position as shown in FIG. 2 in which
the bristles (74) of the brush (70) are substantially entirely
surrounded by the body (52) and sleeve (60).
[0038] The cap (20) of the illustrated applicator (10) is
configured for releasable connection with the sleeve (60) generally
through the use of a close friction fit. However, other methods and
systems may be used as understood by those of ordinary skill. The
cap (20) is attached to the sleeve (60) and/or body (52) to hold
the cap (20) on the base (50) and fully enclosing the brush (70)
within the applicator (10).
[0039] The bristles (74) of the brush (70), in an embodiment, are
soft hairs composed of either synthetic or natural fibers. However,
the bristles may be of any material suitable for use in applying
makeup, cosmetics, soaps (such as shaving soaps), moisturizers, or
other externally applied products to a user's skin.
[0040] The cap (20) and the base (50) are generally in the form of
hollow tubes being closed at one respective end thereof. In the
depicted embodiment, the tubes are generally cylindrical, but this
is by no means required, and the tubes may have any cross-sectional
shape. Generally, when the applicator (10) is in the closed
position, e.g. in the orientation shown in FIG. 1, the closed end
(56) of the base (50) is at the bottom of the applicator (10) and
the closed end (26) of the cap (20) is at the top of the applicator
(10) generally sealing the brush (70) inside the hollow interior of
the applicator (10).
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the cap (20) includes an
antimicrobial device (30) disposed therein. The antimicrobial
device (30) is configured to provide for an antimicrobial material
on its external surface where the device (30) can be positioned
within the bristles (74) of the brush (70) and in contact with at
least a subset of the bristles (74) of the brush (70) when the cap
(20) is positioned on the base (50) in the closed configuration of
the applicator (10) as shown in FIG. 1. Generally, the
antimicrobial device (30) will be arranged in the form of one or
more extensions or prongs (40) which project from the underside of
the of the end (26).
[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the antimicrobial device (30)
is formed of a plurality of prongs (40) extending longitudinally in
spaced relationship with each other from a mounting plug (32). The
plug (32) is generally sized and shaped to fit within the cap (20)
with a first or securement side (36) abutting against the inner
surface of the closed top (26) of the cap (20). In particular, the
securement side (36) of the plug (32) is secured to the inner
surface of the top of the cap (20) by suitable adhesive, mechanical
fastening or other known securement technique so that the cap (20)
and antimicrobial device (30) are retained in assembly for conjoint
positioning on and removal from the base (50) of the applicator
(10).
[0043] The prongs (40) will generally be attached to the plug (32)
by any suitable manner and in an embodiment are co-formed with the
plug (32) by any technique such as, but not limited to, casting.
Alternatively, the prongs (40) may be woven or pushed through the
plug (32) or attached by any other means and methods known to those
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0044] The prongs (40) extend longitudinally from a second or
unsecured side (38) of the plug (32) so as to extend toward the
open end of the cap (20). In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 3,
each prong (40) is generally cylindrical and has a generally
rounded distal end (42) but that is not required. It should be
understood that the prongs (40) may have any cross-sectional shape
including, but not limited to square, rectangular, pyramidal, and
oval and may be of any dimensions. Further, the prongs (40) may be
tapered or structured with bulges, protrusions or other structures
along their length or may be generally flattened structures such
as, but not limited to flat plates or leaf shapes. Further, while
the prongs (40) are depicted as solid, this is also not required
and they may be hollow or partially hollow to allow some of the
bristles (40) to pass into each prong (40). Still further, the
prongs (40) may be angles, bent, twisted, or otherwise shaped so as
to form curves, hard angles (bends), helixes, spirals or other
related structures. Regardless of shape, the prongs (40) will
generally be suitably strong so as to resist permanent deformation
when the cap (20) is placed onto the base (50) and the prongs (40)
are pushed within spaces within the bristles (74).
[0045] In an embodiment, the prongs (40) are suitably constructed,
at least along an outer surface thereof, of a material such as, but
not limited to, a metal or alloy having antimicrobial properties.
Generally, this will be a metal having an oligodynamic effect, such
as, but not limited to, copper, silver, gold, mercury, iron, lead,
zinc, bismuth, aluminum, or alloys thereof, but may also comprise a
non-metallic source of metal ions such as, but not limited to,
impregnated or coated glass. In an embodiment the material
comprises copper or an alloy thereof including, without limitation,
brasses, bronzes, cupronickel and copper-nickel-zinc. In an
embodiment, each of the prongs (40) is constructed entirely of the
material having antimicrobial properties. In other embodiments, the
one or more of the prongs (40) may be constructed of any suitable
base material and then impregnated or coated with a material having
antimicrobial properties to provide antimicrobial effect.
[0046] In the closed configuration of the applicator (10) as seen
in FIG. 1, the cap (20), with the prongs (40) extending
longitudinally therein, is placed on the base (50) in releasable
connection with the sleeve (60). When in such configuration, the
prongs (40) extend into the bristles (74) of the brush (70) and
will generally place at least a subset of the bristles (74) in
direct contact with the outer surfaces of the prongs (40). This
arrangement directly exposes the bristles (74) in such contact with
the antimicrobial. Microbes which are on the bristles (74), such
as, but to limited to, those that may be residing on or in the
bristles (74) and/or were picked up from the surface of the skin
when the brush was used, are therefore in direct contact with the
antimicrobial of the prongs (40) which can result in microbe death.
As should be apparent, even microbes not in direct contact, will
still generally have the antimicrobial prongs (40) in close
proximity and this can result in further microbe death. Generally,
it is believed that the placement of the prongs (40) both within
and near the bristles (74) will reduce the number of bacteria and
other microorganisms found within the bristles (74).
[0047] While the above specifically contemplates that the prongs
(40) are constructed on antimicrobial material, it should be
recognized that to enhance the effect, one or more of the other
components of the applicator (10), such as, but not limited to, the
cap (20), the sleeve (60) and/or the body (50) may be constructed
in whole or in part of a material having antimicrobial properties.
In an embodiment, this can result in the body (50), cap (20), and
sleeve (60) being constructed from or lined with a metal such as
copper.
[0048] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a
limitation to all of the provided details. Modifications and
variations of the described embodiments may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and other
embodiments should be understood to be encompassed in the present
disclosure as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art.
* * * * *