U.S. patent application number 16/022294 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-10 for airless pen.
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 RYAN L. GLEASON, ARMANDO VILLARREAL, JEREMY WILSON.
Application Number | 20190008260 16/022294 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64904163 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190008260 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WILSON; JEREMY ; et
al. |
January 10, 2019 |
AIRLESS PEN
Abstract
A cosmetic application device includes a housing for containing
a product and an applicator tip having an application surface with
an orifice for delivering the product from the housing. The
applicator tip includes a brush disposed on a side surface of the
applicator tip, spaced apart from the orifice. Various forms for
the brush are disclosed including a thermoplastic elastomer and/or
variously configured bristles.
Inventors: |
WILSON; JEREMY; (LOS
ANGELES, CA) ; VILLARREAL; ARMANDO; (LOS ANGELES,
CA) ; GLEASON; RYAN L.; (LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED |
Central |
|
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
CENTRAL
CN
|
Family ID: |
64904163 |
Appl. No.: |
16/022294 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62529705 |
Jul 7, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2200/055 20130101;
A45D 24/28 20130101; A45D 34/04 20130101; A45D 34/042 20130101;
A45D 40/262 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 24/28 20060101
A45D024/28; A45D 34/04 20060101 A45D034/04; A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic application device comprising: a housing for
containing product; and an elongated applicator tip coupled to the
housing, the applicator tip including an application surface with
an orifice and a channel extending through the applicator tip for
delivering product from the housing to the application surface, the
applicator tip including a brush disposed on a side surface of the
applicator tip, wherein the application surface and the side
surface are spaced apart.
2. The cosmetic application device of claim 1, wherein the
application surface is disposed on a top of the applicator tip,
spaced apart from the side surface.
3. The cosmetic application device of claim 1, wherein the
application surface is disposed on an opposite side of the
applicator tip from the brush.
4. The cosmetic application device of claim 1, wherein the brush
includes a plurality of bristles fixedly attached directly to the
applicator tip.
5. The cosmetic application device of claim 4, wherein the
plurality of bristles are arranged in a plurality of rows extending
longitudinally along a side of elongated applicator tip.
6. The cosmetic application device of claim 1, wherein the housing
has an open top end and an open bottom end.
7. The cosmetic application device of claim 6, wherein the housing
includes an airless pump mechanism.
8. The cosmetic application device of claim 7, wherein the airless
pump mechanism includes a push button disposed within the open
bottom end of the housing.
9. The cosmetic application device of claim 1, wherein the brush
includes a plurality of bristles attached to a core wire fixedly
attached to the applicator tip.
10. The cosmetic application device of claim 9, wherein the
applicator tip has a vertical cutout region, wherein the core wire
is disposed within the vertical cutout region, wherein the
plurality of bristles extend transverse to the core wire.
11. The cosmetic application device of claim 1, wherein the brush
includes a plurality of vertically spaced apart horizontal
ridges.
12. The cosmetic application device of claim 11, wherein the ridges
extend less than halfway around a circumference of the applicator
tip.
13. A device for dispensing and applying a cosmetic product, the
device comprising: a housing configured to hold a volume of
cosmetic product, the housing comprising an open top end and an
open bottom end; a cosmetic dispensing member coupled to the open
bottom end of the housing; and a cosmetic applicator coupled to the
open top end of the housing, the cosmetic applicator having an
outlet for dispensing cosmetic product, and a brush, wherein the
brush is disposed on a first face of the cosmetic applicator and
the outlet is disposed on a second face of the cosmetic applicator,
and the first and second faces are different; wherein the cosmetic
dispensing member includes an actuating element configured to be
actuated to enable delivery of a portion of the volume of cosmetic
product from the housing through the outlet.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the cosmetic dispensing member
is an airless pump.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the airless pump includes a
push button disposed within the open bottom end of the housing.
16. The device of claim 13, wherein the first face is on an
opposite side of the cosmetic applicator from the second face.
17. A combination dispenser and applicator, comprising: a bottle
designed to hold a cosmetic product, the bottle comprising a first
end and second end; a cosmetic applicator configured to be coupled
to the first end of the bottle, the cosmetic applicator including
an outlet for dispensing the cosmetic product, and a brush, wherein
the outlet is disposed on a first face of the cosmetic applicator
and the brush is disposed on a second face of the cosmetic
applicator, wherein the first and second faces are different; and a
cosmetic dispensing member coupled to the second end of the bottle,
the cosmetic dispensing member comprising an actuating element
configured to be actuated for delivery of a portion of the cosmetic
product through the outlet.
18. The combination dispenser and applicator of claim 17, wherein
the cosmetic dispensing member is an airless pump.
19. The combination dispenser and applicator of claim 18, wherein
actuating element includes a push button disposed within an open
second end of the bottle.
20. The combination dispenser and applicator of claim 17, wherein
the first face is on an opposite side of the cosmetic applicator
from the second face.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/529,705, filed
on Jul. 7, 2017, titled AIRLESS PEN, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional eyebrow products typically take the form of a
pencil or powder for adding only color and a gel, cream, paste, or
liquid cosmetic for defining and controlling eyebrow hairs, as well
as possibly adding color. Gel, cream, paste, or liquid cosmetic
products are typically applied using a cylindrical brush on the end
of a handle, similar to a mascara brush. The brush is typically
inserted into a container of gel, cream, paste, or liquid cosmetic
product and removed each time the product is used. Alternative
designs for applicators are desired.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present inventors have recognized, among other things,
that a problem to be solved is a need for new and alternative
designs that allow a user to apply eyebrow gel, cream, paste, or
liquid cosmetic products without introducing air and contaminants
into the container of product each time it is used.
[0004] In an illustrative, non-limiting example, a cosmetic
application device may comprise a housing for containing product,
and an elongated applicator tip coupled to the housing, the
applicator tip including an application surface with an orifice and
a channel extending through the applicator tip for delivering
product from the housing to the application surface, the applicator
tip including a brush disposed on a side surface of the applicator
tip, wherein the application surface and the side surface are
spaced apart.
[0005] Alternatively or additionally to the example above, in
another example, the application surface is disposed on a top of
the applicator tip, spaced apart from the side surface.
[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the application surface is disposed on an
opposite side of the applicator tip from the brush.
[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the brush includes a plurality of bristles
fixedly attached directly to the applicator tip.
[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the plurality of bristles are arranged in a
plurality of rows extending longitudinally along a side of
elongated applicator tip.
[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the housing has an open top end and an open
bottom end.
[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the housing includes an airless pump
mechanism.
[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the airless pump mechanism includes a push
button disposed within the open bottom end of the housing.
[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the brush includes a plurality of bristles
attached to a core wire fixedly attached to the applicator tip.
[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the applicator tip has a vertical cutout
region, wherein the core wire is disposed within the vertical
cutout region, wherein the plurality of bristles extend transverse
to the core wire.
[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the brush includes a plurality of vertically
spaced apart horizontal ridges.
[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the ridges extend less than halfway around a
circumference of the applicator tip.
[0016] In another example, a device for dispensing and applying a
cosmetic product may comprise a housing configured to hold a volume
of cosmetic product, the housing comprising an open top end and an
open bottom end, a cosmetic dispensing member coupled to the open
bottom end of the housing, and a cosmetic applicator coupled to the
open top end of the housing, the cosmetic applicator having an
outlet for dispensing cosmetic product, and a brush, wherein the
brush is disposed on a first face of the cosmetic applicator and
the outlet is disposed on a second face of the cosmetic applicator,
and the first and second faces are different, wherein the cosmetic
dispensing member includes an actuating element configured to be
actuated to enable delivery of a portion of the volume of cosmetic
product from the housing through the outlet.
[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the cosmetic dispensing member is an airless
pump.
[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the airless pump includes a push button
disposed within the open bottom end of the housing.
[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the first face is on an opposite side of the
cosmetic applicator from the second face.
[0020] In a further example, a combination dispenser and applicator
may comprise a bottle designed to hold a cosmetic product, the
bottle comprising a first end and second end, a cosmetic applicator
configured to be coupled to the first end of the bottle, the
cosmetic applicator including an outlet for dispensing the cosmetic
product, and a brush, wherein the outlet is disposed on a first
face of the cosmetic applicator and the brush is disposed on a
second face of the cosmetic applicator, wherein the first and
second faces are different, and a cosmetic dispensing member
coupled to the second end of the bottle, the cosmetic dispensing
member comprising an actuating element configured to be actuated
for delivery of a portion of the cosmetic product through the
outlet.
[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the cosmetic dispensing member is an airless
pump.
[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, actuating element includes a push button
disposed within an open second end of the bottle.
[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the first face is on an opposite side of the
cosmetic applicator from the second face.
[0024] 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
[0025] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
like numerals may describe similar components in different views.
Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent
different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate
generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various
embodiments discussed in the present document.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative cosmetics
applicator tip and container;
[0027] FIG. 2 shows an illustrative cosmetics container in an
exploded view;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the cosmetics container
of FIG. 2;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a side view of the cosmetic applicator tip of FIG.
1;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a front view of the cosmetic applicator tip of
FIG. 4;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a top view of the cosmetic applicator tip of FIG.
4;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional view of the cosmetic
applicator tip of FIG. 4;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a front view of another illustrative cosmetics
applicator tip;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a side cross sectional view of the cosmetic
applicator tip of FIG. 8;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a top view of the cosmetics applicator tip of
FIG. 8;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further illustrative
cosmetic applicator tip;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a side view of the cosmetic applicator tip of
FIG. 11;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a side cross sectional view of the cosmetic
applicator tip of FIG. 11; and
[0039] FIG. 14 is a front view of the cosmetic applicator tip of
FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Conventional eyebrow gel applicators typically take the form
of a cylindrical straight brush on the end of a stem or handle. The
brush is inserted into a container holding the gel product, and the
brush and container have the structure of a typical mascara
applicator. These conventional brush applicators are stored in the
product, and are withdrawn and re-inserted each time the product is
used. The volume of product withdrawn with the brush is not readily
adjusted, other than manually wiping the brush after it is
withdrawn from the container. The repeated withdrawal and insertion
of the brush into the container introduces air into the product
which may degrade the product, and may introduce contaminants as
well. The present inventors have identified a new and different
cosmetic application device that allows for a variable amount of
product to be dispensed, and prevents air and contaminants from
entering the product container.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative cosmetic application device
configured to apply a product to the eyebrow area, and to then comb
or brush the product through the eyebrow hairs, dispersing the
product along individual hairs. The product may be a gel, cream,
paste, liquid, or other product type suitable for being dispensed
via an airless pump through an aperture. While the cosmetic
application device is described herein as being used to apply a
cosmetic product to the eyebrows, it will be understood that the
device may also be used to apply a product to hair on other parts
of the body, and the product may include a coloring agent. For
example, the application device may be used to apply a gel and/or
coloring agent to a mustache or beard.
[0042] The cosmetic application device 5 shown in FIG. 1 includes a
housing 10, an actuator 20 for actuating an internal dispensing
mechanism, and an applicator tip 200. The applicator tip 200 has an
orifice 202 for dispensing product and a brush including a
plurality of bristles 204 for distributing the product. In the
example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the internal dispensing mechanism
is an airless pump. The term airless pump refers to a pump that
provides dispensing of a product from a container without
permitting reverse (intake) flow of air via the pump. That is, as
product is pumped from the container, the pumped product is not
replaced with a corresponding volume of air through the pump. In
addition to preventing reverse intake flow of air, an airless pump
typically does not allow intake of any other substances to replace
the volume of product pumped out of the container. For example, an
airless pump may include a one-way valve, such as a check
valve.
[0043] FIGS. 2 and 3 show the components of an exemplary airless
pump mechanism, which is disposed inside the housing 10. The
applicator tip 200 has been removed for clarity. The housing 10 has
an open top 12 for receiving the applicator tip 200, and an open
bottom 14 for receiving the airless pump mechanism. The pump
mechanism may include an actuator 20, an inner tube 30, a crank
shaft 40, a rotating nut 70, a spring press 80, a thrust collar 50,
and a plunger 90. A jack screw 60 may extend within and connect the
actuator 20, crank shaft 40, rotating nut 70, spring press 80,
thrust collar 50, and plunger 90, as shown in FIG. 3. The pump
mechanism is positioned within the housing beneath the product
chamber 16, with the plunger 90 forming the bottom of the product
chamber 16. When the airless pump is activated (e.g., by depressing
or rotating the actuator 20 on the bottom portion of the pump), the
plunger is advanced by the jack screw 60 into the chamber 16,
forcing the cosmetic product from the product chamber 16 up through
the neck portion 13 of the housing 10 and into the applicator tip
200 (FIG. 1, for example) for dispensing through the orifice 202
(FIG. 1, for example).
[0044] The user may dispense product from the housing 10 by
rotating the actuator 20 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise
direction. In some examples, the actuator 20 may have a plurality
of defined stops so that rotation occurs between clicks, where each
click rotates the actuator 20 a defined circumferential distance
and corresponds to a defined amount of product being dispensed. In
other examples, the actuator 20 may be a push button that is
pressed upwards into the housing 10 to activate the airless pump.
The actuator 20 may be configured to be pushed up a defined
distance and may have a plurality of stops or clicks, each
configured to dispense a defined amount of product. Alternatively,
the user may push the actuator 20 upwards into the housing 10 a
number of times to dispense more product.
[0045] The housing 10 may be a rigid container such as a glass or
hard plastic bottle, with the airless pump mechanism providing the
force needed to dispense the product. Another example delivery
mechanism for dispensing the product may be a squeeze operation.
The housing 10 may be a squeezable tube, bottle, or tottle
(combination of tube and bottle common in the cosmetics industry),
with or without an interior pump mechanism. In certain embodiments
wherein the delivery mechanism is a squeeze operation, when
pressure is applied to a housing containing a reservoir, the
product in the reservoir may be forced, by the squeezing action,
through the orifice 202 in the applicator tip 200 for application
to the user's eyebrow area.
[0046] In yet another example, a delivery mechanism for dispensing
the product may be by a pressurized dispenser, such as an aerosol
dispenser. In certain embodiments wherein the delivery mechanism is
an aerosol delivery mechanism, the composition will be held under
pressure in a container and will be dispersed along with an aerosol
propellant in response to actuation by a user. Actuation may be by
depressing, rotating, tilting, or otherwise manipulating the
applicator tip, pressing a button, and/or by any other suitable
dispensing mechanism. Details of the construction and propellant of
an aerosol dispenser are within the skill of one of ordinary skill
in the art and will, therefore, not be described in detail
herein.
[0047] FIGS. 4-14 illustrate three different applicator tip
structures 100, 200, 300. FIGS. 4-7 illustrate an applicator tip
200 with an orifice 202 disposed on an application surface 205 of
the applicator body 201 and a plurality of bristles 204 attached to
a side surface 220 of the applicator body 201. In this example, the
brush includes a central twisted wire core 210 containing a
plurality of bristles 204. The wire core 210 is a twisted wire core
typically made by forming a soft metal wire into a "U" shape. A
plurality of bristles 204 are placed between the segments of wire,
which are then twisted about the longitudinal axis to clamp
bristles 204 at approximately a midpoints of the bristles 204. The
bristle ends extend radially outward from the twisted wire core 210
in a semi-circular pattern, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0048] The wire core 210 may be inserted into a vertical cutout
region 207 extending between a top region 212 and a base 206 of the
applicator body 201. The brush may be held in place by an extension
of the wire core 210 without bristles fitting into an upper hole
214 in the top region 212 and a lower hole 216 in the base 206 of
the applicator body 201. The cutout region 207 may extend along a
side surface 220 of the applicator body 201. As shown in FIG. 7,
the applicator tip 200 may have a channel 203 extending
longitudinally from the orifice 202 in the application surface 205
to an opening in the base 206 such that when the applicator tip 200
is inserted into the neck portion 13 of the housing 10, the channel
203 is in fluid communication with the product chamber 16. The
channel 203 may be formed with the applicator body 201, or it may
be a separate tube formed of a different material from the
applicator body 201, and inserted into the applicator body 201. The
application surface 205 is spaced apart from the side surface 220
such that product expelled through the orifice 202 does not contact
the bristles 204. This structure allows for the product to be
applied directly to the eyebrow area, and then the bristles 204 may
be used to comb and shape the eyebrow. The orifice 202 may be
substantially centered within the applicator body 201 when viewed
from the top as shown in FIG. 6. In other examples, the orifice 202
may be positioned off-center relative to the applicator body
201.
[0049] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another example of an applicator tip
100 with an orifice 102 disposed on an application surface 105 of
the applicator body 101 and a plurality of bristles 104 attached to
a side surface 120 of the applicator body 101. The application
surface 105 is spaced apart from the side surface 120 such that
product expelled through the orifice 102 does not contact the
bristles 104. The application surface 105 may be disposed on the
top surface of the applicator tip 100, with the bristles 104
extending radially outward from the side surface 120, as shown in
FIG. 9. The orifice 102 may be substantially centered within the
applicator body 101 when viewed from the top as shown in FIG. 10.
In other examples, the orifice 102 may be positioned off-center
relative to the applicator body 101. As shown in FIG. 8, clusters
of bristles 104 may be attached in a plurality of rows extending
longitudinally along the side of the applicator body 101. The
bristles 104 may be attached directly to the applicator body 101,
such as by being embedded in the side surface 130, as shown in FIG.
9. Similar to the applicator tip 200 shown in FIGS. 4-7, the
applicator tip 100 may have a channel 103 extending longitudinally
from the orifice 102 in the application surface 105 to the base
106. In some examples, the applicator body 101 may have a
monolithic construction with the bristles 104 attached, such as
with adhesive, after forming the applicator body 101.
Alternatively, the bristles 104 may be molded onto the applicator
body 101.
[0050] FIGS. 11-14 illustrate an applicator tip 300 in which the
applicator brush includes a plurality of ridges or protrusions 304
extending radially outward from a side surface 320 of the
applicator body 301. The applicator tip 300 has an orifice 302
disposed on an application surface 305 of the applicator body 301.
Applicator tip 300 has a channel 303 extending longitudinally from
an orifice 302 in the application surface 305 to an opening in the
base 306. The side surface 320 with protrusions 304 extending
radially outward therefrom may be substantially opposite the
application surface 305, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. The
application surface 305 is spaced apart from the side surface 320
such that product expelled through the orifice 302 does not contact
the protrusions 304. This structure allows for the product to be
applied directly to the eyebrow area, and then the protrusions 304
may be used to comb and shape the eyebrow.
[0051] The protrusions 304 may be formed from the same material as
the applicator body 301, such as by molding. Alternatively, the
protrusions 304 may be formed from a different material and
attached to a recess in the side surface 320 of the applicator body
301. The protrusions 304 may be formed from thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE) to provide a soft, flexible surface. The protrusions 304 may
be a plurality of vertically spaced apart horizontal ridges, as
shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, or they may have other geometries
including but not limited to vertical protrusions, wavy ridges,
semi-circular ridges, etc. The protrusions 304 may extend less than
halfway around the circumference of the applicator tip 300, as
shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. In other examples, the protrusions 304
may extend more than halfway round the applicator tip 300, but do
not intersect the application surface 305. In some embodiments,
either the protrusions 304 or the applicator tip 300 may be made of
metal.
[0052] In some examples, any of the applicator tips 100, 200, 300
may include a collar 330, as shown in FIG. 13, which forms the base
306 and includes ridges 308 for connecting to the neck portion 13
of the housing 10 (FIGS. 2-3). A check valve to prevent backflow of
product and/or ingress of air or contaminants may be provided
inside of the collar 330.
[0053] The applicator tip 100, 200, 300 may be affixed to the
housing 10 by, for example, a snap fit or any other known
attachment including adhesive, screw, heat welding, etc. The
applicator tip 100, 200, 300 may include various features which
allow it to be affixed to the housing 10. Alternatively, these
features may be designed to allow the applicator tip 100, 200, 300
to be removed by an end user, allowing the product chamber 16 in
the housing 10 to be refilled with additional cosmetic product or
even replaced. The applicator tip 100, 200, 300 is illustrated as
having a base 106, 206, 306 configured to be received inside the
neck portion 13 of the housing 10. For example, one or more grooves
18 may be present on an inner surface of the neck portion 13 of the
housing 10, as shown in FIG. 3. The grooves 18 may be configured to
receive one or more ridges 108, 208, 308 disposed on the outer
surface of the base 106, 206, 306 of the applicator tip 100, 200,
300, as shown in FIGS. 4, 8, and 11. The base 106, 206, 306 of the
applicator tip 100, 200, 300 may be inserted into the neck portion
13 of the housing 10 to engage the housing 10 in a snap or friction
fit.
[0054] In other examples, a screw-type mechanism may be used, with
base 106, 206, 306 of the applicator tip 100, 200, 300 including
threads on its exterior portion designed to be received by threads
on the interior of the neck portion 13 of the housing 10.
Alternative structures for attaching the applicator tip 100, 200,
300 to the housing 10 include crimping, adhesive, press-fit,
snap-fit, retaining ribs or barbs on the outside of the applicator
tip 100, 200, 300 and/or the inside of the neck portion 13 of the
housing, and/or by any other suitable attachment means.
[0055] While the cosmetic application devices 5 shown in the
figures are comprised of a separate applicator tip 100, 200, 300
and housing 10, in other implementations, and to decrease
manufacturing costs, or for any other desired reason, some or all
of the applicator tip and some or all of the housing may be formed
as a monolithic structure.
[0056] The cosmetic application device 5 may also include a cap
(not shown) that encapsulates the applicator tip 100 when the
device is not in use. The neck portion 13 of the housing 10 may
include a structure, such as groove 19, to engage the cap in a snap
fit or friction fit. Alternatively the outer surface of the neck
portion 13 may be threaded to engage a threaded cap.
[0057] In any of the exemplary applicator tips 100, 200, 300, the
application surface 105, 205, 305 may be angled relative to the
longitudinal axis L-L of the applicator tip 100, 200, 300, as shown
in FIGS. 4, 9, and 12. This may aid in applying the product to the
eyebrow area. In other examples, the application surface 105, 205,
305 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The application
surface 105, 205, 305 may have a cross-sectional shape that
generally resembles a tear drop, as shown in FIGS. 6, 10, and 11.
However, the application surface 105, 205, 305 may take any
cross-sectional shape desired, such as, but not limited to,
circular, ovoid, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc. In some
examples, the cross-section of the applicator tip 100, 200, 300 may
generally increase in size from the application surface 105, 205,
305 to the base 106, 206, 306. The cross-sectional shape may
change, such as from the teardrop shape of the application surface
105, 205, 305 to the circular base 106, 206, 306, as shown in FIGS.
6, 10, and 11. The change in size and/or shape may be gradual,
sloping, abrupt, or step-wise, as desired. The reverse
configuration is also contemplated. The cross-sectional size and
shape of the application tip may also remain constant or
substantially constant along a length thereof.
[0058] The housing 10 and applicator body 101, 201, 301 as shown
and described above may be made of any suitable material such as,
for example, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), low density
polyethylene (LDPE), synthetic polymer, partially of a resin such
as, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene
acrylonitrile (SAN), pentachlorothioanisole (PCTA), polypropylene
(PP), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane, rubber, silicone, nylon,
ceramic, glass, metal, or composite material, and/or combinations
thereof. Moreover, various elements may be made of any combination
of substantially clear, substantially opaque, and/or translucent
materials. Natural materials as wood, stone or leather may be used
as well for decorative or other purposes.
[0059] The applicator bristles 104, 204 and protrusions 304 may be
formed in part or in whole from various materials. In addition to
allowing the user to comb or brush hair, such as the eyebrows, the
applicator bristles 104, 204 and protrusions 304 may be made of a
material configured to provide the user with a tactile experience.
Some example materials, may include, but are not limited to a
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, silicone, metals, ceramics,
stone, rubber, etc. Additional materials may include, but are not
limited to natural bristles (hair, cellulose fibers, cotton, hemp,
flax or composites thereof), synthetic bristles (e.g. plastic,
silicone, latex or composites thereof), or composites thereof.
Magnetic bristles may be used, if desired.
[0060] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be
applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or
elsewhere in this specification. In this document, the terms "a" or
"an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or
more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of "at
least one" or "one or more" unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first,"
"second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not
intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. The
above description is intended to be illustrative, and not
restrictive.
[0061] As used in the above description and the appended claims,
the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or"
unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0062] Relative terms such as "front", "back", "side", "top",
"bottom", variants thereof, and the like, may be generally be
considered with respect to the positioning, direction, and/or
operation of various elements relative to a user and/or other
components of the device. It is to be understood that relative
terms are not intended to be limiting and are only exemplary.
[0063] The above detailed description should be read with reference
to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are
numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to
scale, show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which
the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred
to herein as "examples." Such examples can include elements in
addition to those shown or described. However, the present
inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements
shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors
also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of
those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof),
either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects
thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects
thereof) shown or described herein. For example, the above examples
(or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with
each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of
ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
[0064] Although the invention has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to
the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific
features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of
implementing the invention.
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