U.S. patent application number 15/968286 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-08 for cosmetic sponge.
This patent application is currently assigned to HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED. Invention is credited to Denis Maurin, Armando Villarreal.
Application Number | 20180317628 15/968286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64013846 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180317628 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Villarreal; Armando ; et
al. |
November 8, 2018 |
COSMETIC SPONGE
Abstract
A cosmetic applicator includes a sponge and a removable cap. The
sponge has an upper portion and a lower portion and the cap fits
over the upper portion. The cap may be impermeable in some examples
to avoid absorbing cosmetic product to be applied, as a sponge
alone would. The cap may comprise a closed cell material, silicone,
and/or a gel material.
Inventors: |
Villarreal; Armando; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Maurin; Denis; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED |
Central |
|
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
CENTRAL
CN
|
Family ID: |
64013846 |
Appl. No.: |
15/968286 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62500388 |
May 2, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20130101;
A45D 33/18 20130101; A45D 40/26 20130101; A45D 2200/1018 20130101;
A45D 2033/001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20060101
A45D034/04; A45D 33/18 20060101 A45D033/18; A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic applicator comprising: a sponge including an upper
portion and a lower portion; and a removable cap configured to fit
over the upper portion.
2. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the upper portion
and the lower portion of the sponge are separated by a groove.
3. The cosmetic applicator of claim 2, wherein the groove extends
circumferentially around the sponge.
4. The cosmetic applicator of claim 2, wherein the cap includes a
lip extending inward from a bottom edge of the cap, the lip
configured to be received in the groove when the cap is disposed on
the sponge.
5. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the sponge is formed
from a single piece of material.
6. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the upper portion
and the lower portion of the sponge have different densities.
7. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the upper portion
and the lower portion of the sponge have different porosities.
8. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the sponge comprises
polyurethane.
9. The cosmetic applicator claim 1, wherein the cap is a
closed-cell material.
10. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the cap is
silicone.
11. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a
gel material.
12. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the upper portion
of the sponge and the cap are conical in shape, and the lower
portion of the sponge is spherical in shape.
13. The cosmetic applicator of claim 12, wherein the lower portion
of the sponge is weighted such that the cosmetic applicator remains
upright, with an apex of the cap pointing upward, when the cosmetic
applicator is placed on a horizontal surface.
14. A cosmetic applicator comprising: a single piece sponge
including an upper portion and a lower portion separated by a
groove; and a removable cap configured to fit over the upper
portion, the cap having an inwardly extending lip configured to fit
into the groove when the cap is disposed over the upper portion of
the sponge.
15. The cosmetic applicator of claim 14, wherein the sponge is
polyurethane.
16. The cosmetic applicator of claim 14, wherein the cap is a
closed-cell material.
17. The cosmetic applicator of claim 14, wherein the cap comprises
a gel material.
18. A cosmetic applicator comprising: a sponge including an upper
portion and a lower portion separated by a circumferential groove,
the upper and lower portions having different densities and/or
porosities; and a removable cap configured to fit over only the
upper portion.
19. The cosmetic applicator of claim 18, wherein the cap includes a
lip extending inward from a bottom edge of the cap, the lip
configured to be received in the groove when the cap is disposed on
the sponge.
20. The cosmetic applicator of claim 18, wherein the upper portion
and the lower portion of the sponge are made of the same material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/500,388, filed
May 2, 2017, titled COSMETIC SPONGE, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNOLOGY FIELD
[0002] The present application relates generally to a cosmetic
applicator, and in particular, to a sponge for applying a cosmetic
product.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are numerous applicators for liquid and powder
cosmetic products available, such as sponges and puffs. Such
sponges and puffs are often not designed or shaped for ease of use,
but to fit within a container holding a liquid or powder product,
such as a compact. Although different shaped sponges exist, there
is a continuing need for more and different sponge applicators.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one example of the present disclosure, a
cosmetic applicator comprises a sponge including an upper portion
and a lower portion, and a removable cap configured to fit over the
upper portion.
[0005] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the upper
portion and the lower portion of the sponge are separated by a
groove.
[0006] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the
groove extends circumferentially around the sponge.
[0007] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
includes a lip extending inward from a bottom edge of the cap, the
lip configured to be received in the groove when the cap is
disposed on the sponge.
[0008] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the
sponge is formed from a single piece of material.
[0009] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the upper
portion and the lower portion of the sponge have different
densities.
[0010] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the upper
portion and the lower portion of the sponge have different
porosities.
[0011] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the
sponge is polyurethane.
[0012] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
is a closed-cell material.
[0013] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
is silicone.
[0014] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
is made of a gel material.
[0015] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the upper
portion of the sponge and the cap are conical in shape, and the
lower portion of the sponge is spherical in shape.
[0016] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the lower
portion of the sponge is weighted such that the cosmetic applicator
remains upright, with an apex of the cap pointing upward, when the
applicator is placed on a horizontal surface.
[0017] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
may be impermeable or of low permeability to avoid the absorption
of cosmetic product thereto, reducing the quantity used and making
cleaning easier.
[0018] According to another example, a cosmetic applicator
comprises a single piece sponge including an upper portion and a
lower portion separated by a groove, and a removable cap configured
to fit over the upper portion, the cap having an inwardly extending
lip configured to fit into the groove when the cap is disposed over
the upper portion of the sponge.
[0019] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the
sponge is polyurethane.
[0020] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
is a closed-cell material.
[0021] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
is silicone.
[0022] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
is made of a gel material.
[0023] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
may be impermeable or of low permeability to avoid the absorption
of cosmetic product thereto, reducing the quantity used and making
cleaning easier.
[0024] According to another example, a cosmetic applicator
comprises a sponge including an upper portion and a lower portion
separated by a circumferential groove, the upper and lower portions
having different densities and/or porosities, and a removable cap
configured to fit over only the upper portion.
[0025] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
includes a lip extending inward from a bottom edge of the cap, the
lip configured to be received in the groove when the cap is
disposed on the sponge.
[0026] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the upper
portion and the lower portion of the sponge are made of the same
material.
[0027] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
is silicone.
[0028] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
is made of a gel material.
[0029] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, the cap
may be impermeable or of low permeability to avoid the absorption
of cosmetic product thereto, reducing the quantity used and making
cleaning easier.
[0030] The above summary of some example embodiments is not
intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every
implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed
Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are
best understood from the following detailed description when read
in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings
embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the specific
instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the
following Figures:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative cosmetic
sponge;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a side view of the illustrative cosmetic sponge of
FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cosmetic sponge of FIG. 1 with
the cap removed;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a tilted view of the cosmetic sponge of FIG. 3,
showing the lower surfaces of the cap and sponge; and
[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in
FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The following description should be read with reference to
the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements
throughout the several views. The description and drawings show
several embodiments which are meant to be illustrative in
nature.
[0038] For convenience, the present disclosure may be described
using relative terms including, for example, left, right, top,
bottom, front, back, upper, lower, up, and down, as well as others.
It is to be understood that these terms are merely used for
illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting in any
manner.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator 100
according to embodiments disclosed herein. The cosmetic applicator
100 includes a removable and replaceable cap 110 and sponge 150.
The overall shape of the cosmetic applicator 100 may be teardrop
shaped, with a rounded conical upper portion defined by the cap 110
and a semi-spherical lower portion defined by the sponge 150. FIG.
2 illustrates proportions of the cap 110 relative to the entire
applicator 100. In the illustrated example, the cap 110 extends
from an apex 115 downward over more than half of the length of the
sponge 150, where the length extends between the apex 115 and the
bottom 185 of the sponge 150. However, the length of the cap 110
may vary such that the ratio of the covered portion to uncovered
portion of the sponge varies. The cosmetic applicator 100 may have
a height of 0.5 inch to 4.0 inches, and a width of 0.25 inches to 3
inches. In one example, the applicator 100 has a height of 2.5
inches and a width of 1.7 inches. In some examples, the cap 110 may
extend less than half the length of the sponge 150. In other
examples, the cap 110 may extend over the entire surface of the
sponge 150. An indentation 105 extending circumferentially around
the applicator 100 denotes the separation between the cap 110 and
the sponge 150.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows the cap 110 removed from the sponge 150. The
sponge 150 has a lower portion 155 and an upper portion 160,
separated by a groove 165 extending circumferentially around the
sponge. The groove 165 extends partially inward toward the center
of the sponge 150, leaving a central portion 170 connecting the
lower portion 155 to the upper portion 160. The lower edge 127 of
the cap 110 and/or the upper edge 157 of the lower portion 155 of
the sponge 150 may be chamfered, which may aid the user in removing
the cap 110 from the sponge 150. In the illustrated example, the
cap 110 covers only the upper portion 160 of the sponge, leaving
the entire lower portion 155 exposed.
[0041] The sponge 150 may be a single piece structure made of a
single material such that the upper portion 160, central portion
170, and lower portion 155 have identical physical properties. The
sponge 150 may be made of any foamed plastic or rubber polymer that
achieves a porous, open cell, sponge that absorbs water. In some
examples, the material for the sponge 150 may include natural
rubber, natural sponge, or synthetic materials such as nitrile
butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), NBR/SBR
blends, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), neoprene,
polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), porous urethane sponge such
as Rubicell from TOYO POLYMER CO., LTD., or any other material
resulting in a porous sponge. The sponge 150 may be latex-free.
[0042] In other examples, one or more of the upper portion 160,
central portion 170, and lower portion 155 may be made of different
materials or the same material having different properties such as
density, porosity, etc. For example, the lower portion 155 may be
made of a firmer material to provide a firm gripping surface while
the upper portion 160 may be made of a softer material to provide a
soft surface for applying products to the skin, especially the
face. In other examples, the upper portion 160 may have smaller
pores than the lower portion 155, or the upper portion 160 may have
larger pores than the lower portion 155. In some examples, the
entire sponge 150 may be made of polyurethane, but the density of
polyurethane may be different for the different portions. The upper
portion 160 may have a density lower than the density of the lower
portion 155 and/or central portion 170. In examples where the upper
portion 160 and lower portion 155 are made of different materials,
the upper and lower portions 160, 155 may be attached by adhesive,
thermal joining, or any other joining process that achieves a
stable and secure attachment. In some examples, the sponge 150,
especially the upper portion 160, may be covered with a flocked
fabric such as nylon flocking, velour flocking, or a felt coating.
In some examples, an anti-bacterial agent and/or an anti-hardening
agent may be added to the material of the sponge.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the cap 110 may have a flexible bottom
lip 120 extending circumferentially inward from the lower edge 127
of the cap 110. The cap 110 is hollow with an interior cavity 130
shaped to receive the upper portion 160 of the sponge 150. When the
cap 110 is placed over the upper portion 160 of the sponge 150, the
bottom lip 120 stretches to fit over the upper portion 160 and then
extends into the groove 165 in the sponge 150. The bottom lip 120
may extend partially into the groove 165, or the width of the
bottom lip 120 may be similar to the width of the groove 165 such
that the bottom lip 120 extends fully into the groove 165. In some
examples, the bottom lip 120 may be thinner than the remainder of
the cap 110. In other examples, the entire cap 110 may have the
same thickness.
[0044] The lower edge 167 of the upper portion 160 of the sponge
150 has a diameter d that may be smaller than the diameter D of the
upper edge 157 of the lower portion 155 of the sponge 150. In use,
the lower portion 155 may be gripped and the upper portion 160 may
be used to apply cosmetic product. In some examples, the lower
portion 155 may have protrusions, concave regions, or indentations
shaped to receive the user's thumb and fingers (not shown) to aid
the user in gripping the applicator 100. When the cap 110 is
disposed on the sponge 150, the outer diameter of the lower edge
127 of the cap 110 and the diameter of the upper edge 157 of the
lower portion 155 of the sponge 150 may be substantially the same,
providing a uniform outer appearance, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0045] In some examples, the lower portion 155 of the sponge may be
weighted so the applicator 100 remains upright, with the apex 115
pointing upward, when the applicator 100 is placed on a horizontal
surface. The lower portion 155 of the sponge may be made of a
material having a higher density and/or weight than the upper
portion 160 to provide the desired weight. In other examples, the
lower portion 155 may have an added weight inserted within it.
[0046] The cosmetic applicator 100, including both the cap 110 and
sponge 150 may be intended to be reusable and washable. The cap 110
may provide a smooth surface that may be used for product
application. The combination of sponge upper portion 160 and cap
110 provide two different application surfaces, which may have
different properties such as different textures and/or different
temperatures. In some examples, the cap 110 is non-porous,
providing an extremely smooth surface that does not retain product,
as opposed to the porous sponge 150, which may provide a textured
surface. A non-porous cap 110 also allows for the application of
product without absorbing product into the sponge 150. This may aid
in application of small amounts of product without loss of any
product into the sponge 150. The cap 110 also serves to cover and
protect the upper portion 160 of the sponge.
[0047] In some examples, the entire cap 110 is made of a single
piece of a single material. The thickness of the bottom lip 120 and
remainder of the cap 110 may be the same or the bottom lip 120 may
be thinner. In other examples, the bottom lip 120 may be made of a
different material from the remainder of the cap 110. The cap 110
may be made of a flexible and/or soft material, such as soft
plastic, silicone, rubber, or a gel material. In one example, the
cap 110 may be made of a closed cell material. In other examples,
the cap 110 may be made of a hard material such as a hard plastic,
metal, stone, glass, ceramic, etc. The bottom lip 120 is made of a
flexible material such as flexible plastic, silicone, rubber, etc.,
attached to the hard material of the remainder of the cap 110 in
order to fit over the upper portion 160 of the sponge. In further
examples, the cap 110 may be made from a thermal storage material
that is capable of retaining heat or cold for application to a
body. The thermal storage material may comprise, for example, a
metal, ceramic, glass, and/or other material with a relatively high
thermal storage capacity and/or thermal conductivity. When used to
apply a cosmetic product to the body, the thermal storage material
of the applicator may impart a cooling or warming treatment,
therapy, or sensation to the body, thereby accentuating the
application of the cosmetic product.
[0048] Additionally, any suitable gel technology may be employed
for the cap 110. The gel is generally a polymer composition which
exhibits both liquid and solid characteristics, depending upon the
particular composition, that is, the gel can range from a
semi-liquid to a semi-solid. In some aspects, the gel composition
may contain a three-dimensional network of cross-linked molecular
chains (gels), or it may merely behave as if it contained such a
network (gelloids). In some instances, the gel may be encased by a
coating, membrane, or shell, or be capable of standing alone or
combinations of such materials. When a coating, membrane, or shell
is used, it can be a polymeric or other material capable of
containing even semi-liquid gels, and providing resilient structure
for the gel which permits a desired amount of deformation, while
enough resiliency to return to its original shape. The gel may also
include phase change materials which are useful in conveying the
cooling sensation, since phase change materials, by definition
absorb heat energy when changing phases. The gel of embodiments
described in this document may be any liquid-extended polymer or a
gelatinous composition having a molecular weight and hardness
characteristics that allow the gel to deform yet have a resilience
that allows it to rebound into its original shape quickly, such as
within one second or less, when the load is removed. Examples of
gels used in aspects of the invention include, without limitation,
oil-extended triblock copolymer compositions such as that disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,787, U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,387, U.S. Pat. No.
3,827,999, U.S. Pat. No. 4,176,240, U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,540, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,351,913, U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,607, U.S. Pat. No.
4,492,428, U.S. Pat. No. 4,497,538, U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,821, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,709,982, U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,183, U.S. Pat. No.
4,833,193, U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,270, U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,736, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,331,036, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,450; and thermoplastic
elastomer gelatinous compositions such as that disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,369,284, U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,213, U.S. Pat. No.
5,262,468, U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,334, U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,254, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,334,646, U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,273, U.S. Pat. No.
5,475,890, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,708. Each of the above
references is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0049] The gel can comprise any gel that is stable, nontoxic, and
generally known to provide a cushioning effect while maintaining a
degree of structural stability and support. Polyurethane gels are
particularly useful. Further, other gels that are resistant to
hardening over time, have limited expandability, and are resistant
to substance degradation (e.g., from migration of volatile agents,
such as plasticizers) could also be useful as the gel in the
present invention.
[0050] Examples of polyurethane gels capable of use according to
the invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,216, United
States Published Patent Application No. 2004/0058163 (application
Ser. No. 10/618,558) and U.S. Published Patent Application No.
2004/0102573 (application Ser. No. 10/656,778), which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0051] Examples of other types of gels useful according to the
invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,296, U.S. Pat. No.
4,456,642, and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2007/0061978
(application Ser. No. 11/365,473),which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0052] Any gel technology or combinations of such technologies may
be used. In some embodiments, a gel material such as those
available from Technogel are used. The Technogel materials are
moldable, and deformable upon contact. These materials also convey
a sensation of coolness, without requiring refrigeration or
external cooling. Many suitable gel materials, including the
Technogel material, provide a sensation of coolness when touched to
the skin, and to the extent it eventually heats up during contact,
returns to a cooling state when returned to ambient temperature. In
the past, such materials have generally not been incorporated into
cosmetics products, packaging, or applicators.
[0053] Unlike other materials such as metal, plastic, and even
silicone, which have been used in cosmetics applicators previously,
the gel material wipes product onto the skin much like a fingertip.
The other materials tend to push product around rather than
distribute it evenly. When product is applied to the skin using the
gel material, the result is a smooth, even finish on the skin. The
concept is difficult to quantify, but the softness, deformability,
and resiliency of the gel more closely resemble the feeling,
texture, resiliency, and other characteristics of a human finger.
Thus making the applicator feel like an extension of your hand,
rather than an outside object, and allowing for a more precise,
controlled application of product. The gel material can be
configured to have any desired surface texture.
[0054] In some embodiments, the gel material, and its outer
membrane if present, is designed to allow for proper application of
product, but substantially will not absorb or adsorb the product to
allow the gel applicator to be wiped, washed, or otherwise cleaned
of excess product to be ready for a subsequent use. The lack of
absorption or adsorption means less wasted product and the ability
to clean the applicator means less chance for bacterial growth or
contamination of fresh product with old product left. For example,
sponge, cloth, or flocked applicators absorb relatively large
amounts of product in their pores and between fibers resulting in
staining of the applicator and retention of product within the
applicator, which can reduce the ability of the applicator to
effectively apply product, harbor bacteria, contaminate freshly
applied product with old (possibly degraded) product, or simply
require a new applicator before each use.
[0055] Although the invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may
be made to the embodiments of the invention and that such changes
and modifications may be made without departing from the true
spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended
claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall
within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *