U.S. patent application number 16/146546 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-02 for cosmetic applicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to HCT PACKAGING, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is HCT PACKAGING, INC.. Invention is credited to Shipra Kukreja.
Application Number | 20190125059 16/146546 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66245301 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-02 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190125059 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kukreja; Shipra |
May 2, 2019 |
COSMETIC APPLICATOR
Abstract
A cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic or care product
includes an applicator head constructed from a thermal storage
material. The applicator head is retained at a distal end of a
stem. The applicator head comprises an applying member at a distal
portion of the applicator head. The applying member includes at
least one side face and an end face, and a longitudinal feed
channel is disposed within the applying member. A distal end of the
longitudinal feed channel opens to the end face of the applying
body and defines an opening at the end face.
Inventors: |
Kukreja; Shipra; (New Delhi,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HCT PACKAGING, INC. |
Bridgewater |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HCT PACKAGING, INC.
Bridgewater
NJ
|
Family ID: |
66245301 |
Appl. No.: |
16/146546 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2200/155 20130101;
A45D 40/264 20130101; A45D 34/045 20130101; A45D 34/046 20130101;
A45D 34/043 20130101; A45D 2200/157 20130101; A45D 40/267 20130101;
A45D 40/265 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20060101
A45D034/04; A45D 40/26 20060101 A45D040/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 29, 2017 |
IN |
201711038344 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic applicator for applying a product to a surface,
comprising: a stem having a proximal end and a distal end; and an
applicator head connected to the distal end of the stem, a distal
portion of the applicator head is formed as an applying member
having at least one side face and a distal end face; the applicator
head being constructed at least partially from a thermal storage
material; wherein the applicator head defines: a channel extending
longitudinally within the applicator head and having a distal end
defining an opening in the distal end face of the applicator head;
and an air vent extending from the side face of the applicator head
to the channel.
2. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the thermal storage
material is ceramic, glass, stone, metal, or a metal alloy.
3. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the channel has a
closed proximal end within the applicator head.
4. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator head
has a length and the channel extends over fifty percent of a length
of the applying member of the applicator head.
5. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the air vent extends
transversely through the applicator head between opposing sides,
the air vent intersecting the channel.
6. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the air vent
intersects the channel adjacent a proximal end of the channel.
7. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the channel has a
constant width along its length.
8. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the distal end face
of the applicator head is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of
the applicator head.
9. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the opening of the
channel occupies less than fifty percent of a total surface area of
the distal end face.
10. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1 wherein the channel has a
first diameter, and the air vent has a second diameter, and the
first diameter is greater than the second diameter.
11. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, further comprising a cap
connected to the proximal end of the stem.
12. A cosmetic package, comprising: a cosmetic applicator as in
claim 11, and a receptacle for holding a cosmetic product, wherein
the stem and applicator head are configured to be inserted into the
receptacle and the cap is configured to releasably connect with an
open end of the receptacle.
13. The cosmetic package of claim 12, further comprising a wiper
disposed in a neck of the receptacle adjacent the open end, the
wiper configured for wiping excess product from the applicator head
while the applicator head is removed from the receptacle.
14. The cosmetic package of claim 12, wherein the receptacle lacks
a wiper at the open end thereof.
15. A cosmetic package: a receptacle for holding a cosmetic
product, the receptacle having a closed distal end and an open
proximal end; an applicator configured to extend into the
receptacle, the applicator including a stem having a proximal end
and a distal end, an applicator head connected to the distal end of
the stem, a distal portion of the applicator head is formed as an
applying member having at least one side face and a distal end
face, the applicator head defining a channel extending
longitudinally within the applicator head and having a distal end
defining an opening in the distal end face of the applicator head
and an air vent extending from the side face of the applicator head
to the channel, the applicator head being constructed at least
partially from a thermal storage material; and a cap connected to
the proximal end of the stem, the cap configured to releasably
connect with the open proximal end of the receptacle.
16. The cosmetic package of claim 15, wherein the thermal storage
material is ceramic, glass, stone, metal, or a metal alloy.
17. The cosmetic package of claim 15, wherein the channel has a
first diameter, and the air vent has a second diameter, and the
first diameter is greater than the second diameter.
18. The cosmetic package of claim 15, wherein the air vent extends
transversely through the applicator head between opposing sides,
the air vent intersecting the channel.
19. The cosmetic package of claim 15, wherein the air vent
intersects the channel adjacent a proximal end of the channel.
20. A cosmetic applicator for applying a product to a surface,
comprising: a stem having a proximal end and a distal end; an
applicator head connected to the distal end of the stem, a distal
portion of the applicator head is formed as an applying member
having at least one side face and a distal end face; a channel
extending longitudinally within the applicator head and having a
distal end defining an opening in the distal end face of the
applicator head and a proximal end which is closed within the
applicator head; and an air vent extending from the side face of
the applicator head to the channel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority
to Indian Patent Application Serial Number 201711038344, filed on
Oct. 29, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a
cosmetic applicator for applying a flowable cosmetic or
pharmaceutical product, in particular a liquid, viscous or
semi-viscous liquid, an emulsion, a gel or a suspension, to a
surface, in particular to a biological surface, for example skin or
keratinous materials of the human body. More particularly, the
present disclosure generally relates to a cosmetic applicator
formed from a thermal storage material and including at least one
feed channel.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Cosmetic applicators such as dip or wand applicators are
known in the cosmetic industry. Cosmetic packages often include
such applicators for dispensing a particular cosmetic contained in
the package reservoir. The cosmetic applicator generally includes a
stem with a cap at one end and an applicator head in the form of a
brush, spatula or other applicator structure suitable for applying
a cosmetic or a care product including viscous cosmetics, mascara,
eye liner, lip gloss, hair color, wound care, skin care, under eye
cosmetics, pharmaceutical and like products.
[0004] One such applicator is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,085
for applying and transporting a quantity of cosmetic product to a
user's skin. The applicator comprises a generally cylindrical
elastomeric tip with a long axis, the tip including a distal end
portion having a distal extremity with at least one
material-holding concavity formed therein, and said concavity
having a rim.
[0005] Another U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,591 discloses an applicator
comprising a rod and an application surface formed of a plurality
of cones. These cones have a certain elasticity and movability and
can therefore massage the cosmetic product, which is stored between
the plurality of cones.
[0006] While such applicators are generally satisfactory, there
still exists a need for a cosmetic applicator for applying a
satisfactory amount of a cosmetic product to a biological surface
and is able to provide a treatment, therapy, and/or sensation
during use.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there
is provided a cosmetic package comprising a cosmetic applicator for
applying a product including a cosmetic or a care product. The
cosmetic or care product includes viscous cosmetics, such as
mascara, eyebrow stain, lip gloss, hair color, skin care, under eye
cosmetics, pharmaceutical and like products.
[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
applicator comprises an applicator head retained at a distal end of
a stem for applying the product; and a cap at a proximal end of the
stem.
[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the
cosmetic package comprises a receptacle configured to contain the
product and the cosmetic applicator. The applicator head is
configured to be inserted into the receptacle so as to become
loaded with the product and transport the product onto a surface
where the product needs to be applied.
[0010] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a wiper is
inserted into a neck of the receptacle for wiping off excess
product from the cosmetic applicator while the cosmetic applicator
is being removed from the receptacle.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
cap of the cosmetic applicator has threads which can be screwed
onto threads formed on the neck of the receptacle.
[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
the distal end of the stem includes an interior longitudinal cavity
for receiving and retaining the applicator head.
[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
the applicator head is constructed, at least partially, from a
thermal storage material that is capable of retaining heat or cold
for application. The thermal storage material may comprise, for
example, a metal, ceramic, glass, stone, alloy and/or other
material with a relatively high thermal storage capacity and/or
thermal conductivity.
[0014] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
the applicator head has a body comprising a proximal portion and a
distal portion. The proximal end portion of the applicator head is
formed as shank which is configured to be received and retained
within a longitudinal cavity of the stem in a mating relationship.
The distal portion of the applicator head is formed as an applying
member that is used for applying the cosmetic product to a target
biological surface. The applying member of the applicator head
further includes at least one side face and an end face.
[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applying
member of the applicator head further includes at least one curved
side face and an end face. The applying member of the applicator
head further includes a curved applicator tip with the end face
disposed at a given non-zero angle relative to a central
longitudinal axis of the applicator head. More specifically, the
end face of the applicator head is inclined with respect to a
central longitudinal axis of the applicator head. In this
embodiment, that angle is approximately 45 degrees but in alternate
embodiments the end face may be at any other angle with respect to
the central longitudinal axis of the applicator head. The presence
of an inclined end face enables the applicator head to be used with
different contact areas. In particular, the product can be applied
more quickly while restricting the number of applications. It will
be appreciated that the angle of the end face may vary within the
scope of the invention depending on, for instance, the type of
cosmetic material to be applied, the goals of the manufacturer and
user, and other factors. As an example, a steeper angle will
provide a greater surface area and will consequently permit the
retention of more cosmetic product. The inclined end face of the
applicator head may also be slightly concavely or convexly
curved.
[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
the applicator head comprises a longitudinal feed channel disposed
within the applicator head. A distal end of the longitudinal feed
channel opens to the end face of the applicator head, defining an
opening at the end face of the applicator head. The longitudinal
feed channel makes it possible to fill the applicator head, which
thus serves as cosmetic product reserve or a capillary reservoir.
In other words, applying member holds the cosmetic product
substantially within the longitudinal feed channel via capillary
attraction. Furthermore, the cosmetic product reserve is delivered
only when the end face including the opening of the longitudinal
feed channel is applied to a biological surface to be treated, for
example, to surface of the nail or skin to be cared for or treated.
The dose of the cosmetic product to be delivered depends on the
viscosity of the product to be delivered and on the dimensions of
the longitudinal feed channel. Thus, by altering its width, depth
and length, it is possible to deliver exactly the required dose of
product depending on its viscosity. It is to be noted that the
longitudinal feed-channel has same width throughout its length,
however in alternate embodiments, the width of the longitudinal
feed-channel may vary along its length.
[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
the longitudinal feed channel may or may not be concentric with the
body of the applicator head.
[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
when the applicator head is lowered into the cosmetic product
contained in the receptacle, the longitudinal feed channel becomes
charged with the cosmetic product forming said capillary reservoir
of the cosmetic product within the longitudinal feed channel of the
applicator head. When the cosmetic applicator is separated from the
associated receptacle, the longitudinal feed channel of the
applicator head remains charged with the cosmetic product.
[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
the longitudinal feed channel of the applicator head extends over
fifty percent of the length of the applying member of the
applicator head.
[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
longitudinal feed channel of the applicator head is constructed
from a thermal storage material, such as metal, ceramic, glass, or
other material which is capable of retaining and conducting heat or
cold for application to a body.
[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
the applying member of the applicator head is provided with an
air-vent which communicates with longitudinal feed channel by
intersecting the longitudinal feed channel adjacent a proximal end
of the longitudinal feed channel. In some examples, the
longitudinal feed channel has a first diameter, and the air vent
has a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the
second diameter. Such a difference in diameters may be useful, for
example, to allow a cosmetic product to remain in the longitudinal
feed channel without escaping via the air vent. The difference in
diameters may further facilitate the cosmetic product being drawn
out using the capillary action described below. In other examples,
the air vent and longitudinal feed channel have the same
diameter.
[0022] According to another embodiment, the air-vent transversally
intersects the longitudinal feed channel at a proximal portion of
the longitudinal feed channel. In alternate embodiments, the air
vent may intersect the longitudinal feed channel at right angle or
any other angle. The transverse air-vent has two diametrically
opposing openings at the at least one curved side face of the
applicator head. The air is admitted to the longitudinal feed
channel and hence to the capillary reservoir formed in the
longitudinal feed channel through the openings of the air vent.
When the end face of the applicator head is moved over the surface
to be treated, sufficient air is admitted to the capillary
reservoir through the air vent and the cosmetic product is
compelled to pass through this longitudinal feed channel thereby
insuring an even and uniform flow of the cosmetic product to the
end face. It will thus be seen that the openings of the air vent
and the longitudinal feed-channel automatically regulate the flow
of the cosmetic product to the end face of the applicator head from
the capillary reservoir, this being due to the fact that the
partial vacuum in the capillary reservoir of the longitudinal feed
channel is caused by the initial discharge of the cosmetic product
which permits the air to pass through the openings of the air vent
to said capillary reservoir.
[0023] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure,
the applicator head has the opening of the longitudinal feed
channel at the end face of the applicator head and the opening
being slanted/inclined. More particularly, the opening is a
substantially oval opening. In other words, the opening is oriented
in a plane which is oblique with respect to the central
longitudinal axis of the applicator head. In variant embodiments,
the opening may have any other desirable shape, circular,
spatulate, obviate, elliptic, oblong, deltoid for example.
[0024] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure,
the end face of the applicator head is inclined with respect to a
central longitudinal axis of the applicator head and extends over
at least one-fifth of the length of the applying member of the
applicator head. In another embodiment of the present disclosure,
however, the end face of the applicator head extends over at least
half a length of the applying member of the applicator head, thus
providing a larger contact area during application.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
opening of the longitudinal feed channel at the end face of the
applicator head occupies less than 50% of a total surface area of
the end face.
[0026] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure,
the opening of the longitudinal feed channel at the end face of the
applicator head occupies more than 50% of a total surface area of
the end face. In some examples, the opening of the longitudinal
feed channel at the end face of the applicator head occupies more
than 80% of a total surface area of the end face of the applicator
head.
[0027] In some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the at
least one side face of the applying member comprises a constricted
side face portion providing a neck like portion in the applying
portion.
[0028] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least a
portion of an outer surface of the applying member of the
applicator head may be flocked.
[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
applicator head may be of any other desirable shape.
[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
proximal end portion of the applicator head is formed as a shank
which is configured to be received and retained within a
longitudinal cavity of the stem in a mating relationship. The
applicator head and the stem may be fit together by friction fit,
snap fit, by gluing, crimping, magnetic engagement and any other
suitable means known in the art.
[0031] In variant embodiments, outer surface of the applying member
may include projections, ribs, grooves, discs, slits, cuts, holes,
dimples, or other surface features or surface treatments (e.g.,
abrading) that are suitable for loading, transporting and applying
cosmetic product.
[0032] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
receptacle may be polypropylene, while the cap and the stem may be
formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or any other suitable
polymeric material. The stem may be formed of polyacetal or any
other suitable polymeric material.
[0033] The material for forming a wiper may be low-density
polyethylene, foam, sponge, sintered block, aggregate of natural or
synthetic fibers, woven or non-woven fibers, plastic, or a
combination of such materials. The aforementioned materials for
forming various parts of the package of the present disclosure are
an example, however other suitable materials may also be used.
[0034] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present disclosure will become clear from the following description
when the same is read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a
cosmetic package comprising a cosmetic applicator of present
disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of an applicator head of FIG.
1;
[0038] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the applicator head of FIG.
2;
[0039] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the applicator head of FIG.
2;
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the applicator head of FIG.
2;
[0041] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of an applicator head
according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the applicator head of FIG.
6;
[0043] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the applicator head of FIG.
6;
[0044] FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the applicator head of FIG.
6;
[0045] FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of an applicator head
according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 11 shows a front view of the applicator head of FIG.
10;
[0047] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the applicator head of FIG. 10;
and
[0048] FIG. 13 shows a bottom view of the applicator head of FIG.
10.
[0049] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals
have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements
that are common to the figures. It is to be noted, however, that
the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this
disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its
scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] Throughout this specification, the terms "comprise,"
"comprises," "comprising" and the like, shall consistently mean
that a collection of objects is not limited to those objects
specifically recited.
[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a
cosmetic package 1. The cosmetic package 1 comprises a receptacle
200 for holding a cosmetic product (not shown) and a cosmetic
applicator 100. The cosmetic applicator 100 comprises an applicator
head 10, a stem 20 and a cap 30. The cosmetic applicator 100
according to one embodiment of the disclosure, may be used to apply
the product (not shown) including a cosmetic or a care product. The
cosmetic or care product includes viscous, semi-viscous or liquid
cosmetics, mascara, lip gloss, hair color, skin care, under eye
cosmetics, pharmaceutical and like products.
[0052] The cap 30 of the cosmetic applicator 100 has threads 32
which can be, during period of non-use, screwed onto threads 202,
formed on a neck 204 of the receptacle 200.
[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 1, inserted in the neck 204 of
the receptacle 200 is a wiper 206 for wiping off excess product
from the applicator 100. The wiper 206 also comprises an annular
bead 208 for engaging into a corresponding annular groove 210 on
the inside of the neck 204 of the receptacle 200. In other
examples, the neck 204 of the receptacle 200 is devoid of any wiper
structure. In such an example, any excess product may be drained as
the applicator 100 is removed from the receptacle 200.
Alternatively, the applicator head 10 may be pressed or wiped
against the inside surface of the neck 204 as the applicator 100 is
removed from the receptacle 200.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the cap 30 is retained at a proximal end
of the stem 20 for gripping, and the applicator head 10 is retained
at a distal end of the stem 20 for applying the cosmetic product.
The applicator head 10 in this example is constructed, at least
partially, from a thermal storage material that is capable of
retaining heat or cold for application. The thermal storage
material may comprise, for example, a metal, ceramic, glass, stone,
alloy and/or other material with a relatively high thermal storage
capacity and/or thermal conductivity.
[0055] According to an exemplary first embodiment shown in FIGS.
2-5, the applicator head 10 has a body comprising a proximal
portion 10a and a distal portion 10b. In the present embodiment,
the applicator head 10 is substantially cylindrical in shape, in
alternate embodiments, the applicator head 10 may be of any other
desirable shape.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the proximal end portion 10a of
the applicator head 10 is formed as shank 10a which is configured
to be received and retained within a longitudinal cavity 22 of the
stem 20 in a mating relationship (see FIG. 1).
[0057] The applicator head 10 and the stem 20 may be fit together
by friction fit, snap fit, by gluing, crimping, magnetic engagement
and any other suitable means known in the art. In an exemplary
embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the applicator head 10 and the stem
20 are fitted together by friction fitment.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the distal portion 10b of the
applicator head 10 is an applying member 10b which includes at
least one side face 12 and a distal end face 14. In this example,
the applicator head 10 has a curved applicator tip 16 with the end
face 14 disposed at a given angle relative to a central
longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10. The presence of an
inclined end face 14 enables the applicator head 10 to be used with
different contact areas. In particular the product can be applied
more quickly while restricting the number of applications. In this
example, that angle is approximately 45 degrees. It will be
appreciated that the angle of the end face 14 may vary within the
scope of the invention depending on, for instance, the type of
cosmetic material to be applied, the goals of the manufacturer and
user, and other factors. As an example, a steeper angle will
provide a greater surface area and will consequently permit the
retention of more cosmetic product. The at least one side face 12
of the applicator head 10 is curved because of a cylindrical body
of the applying member 10b.
[0059] As can be appreciated by reference to FIG. 3, the applicator
head 10 comprises a longitudinal feed channel 18 disposed within
the applicator head 10 which is concentric with the cylindrical
body of the applicator head 10a. A distal end of the longitudinal
feed channel 18 opens to the end face 14, defining an opening 18a
at the end face 14. The longitudinal feed channel 18 serves as
cosmetic product reserve or a capillary reservoir. In other words,
the applying member 10 holds the cosmetic product substantially
within the longitudinal feed channel 18 via capillary attraction.
Furthermore, the cosmetic product reserve is delivered only when
the end face 14 including the opening 18a is applied to a
biological surface to be treated, for example, to surface of the
nail or skin to be cared for or treated. The dose of the cosmetic
product to be delivered depends on the viscosity of the product to
be delivered and on the dimensions of the longitudinal feed channel
18. Thus, by altering its width, depth and length, it is possible
to deliver exactly the required dose of product depending on its
viscosity. It is to be noted that the longitudinal feed-channel 18
illustrated in FIG. 3 has the same width throughout its length. In
alternate embodiments, the width of the longitudinal feed-channel
18 may vary along its length.
[0060] When the applicator head 10 is lowered into the cosmetic
product contained in the receptacle 200, the longitudinal feed
channel 18 becomes charged with the cosmetic product forming said
capillary reservoir of the cosmetic product within the longitudinal
feed channel 18 of the applicator head 10. When the cosmetic
applicator 100 is separated from the associated receptacle 200, the
longitudinal feed channel 18 of the applicator head 10 remains
charged with the cosmetic product. Here, the longitudinal feed
channel 18 is generally concentric with the applying member 10a of
the applicator head 10, but non-concentric dispositions are
possible within the scope of the disclosure.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, the applicator head 10 is provided with
an air-vent 17 which communicates with the longitudinal channel 18
adjacent a proximal end of the longitudinal feed channel 18, i.e.
air-vent 17 intersects at the proximal end of the longitudinal feed
channel 18. The air-vent 17 may transversally intersect the
longitudinal feed channel 18 at the proximal end of the
longitudinal feed channel 18, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In other
embodiments, the air-vent 17 may intersect the longitudinal feed
channel 18 at a non-perpendicular angle. The transverse air-vent 17
has two diametrically opposing openings 17a, 17b present at the
cylindrical side face 12 of the applicator head 10. The air is
admitted to the longitudinal feed channel 18 and hence to the
capillary reservoir formed in the longitudinal feed channel 18
through the openings 17a, 17b of the longitudinal vent or passage
17. When the end face 14 of the applicator head 10 is moved over
the surface to be treated, sufficient air is admitted to the
capillary reservoir through the air vent 17 and the cosmetic
product is compelled to pass through this longitudinal feed channel
18 thereby insuring an even and uniform flow of the cosmetic
product to the end face 14.
[0062] In some examples, the longitudinal feed channel 18 has a
first diameter, and the air vent has a second diameter, the first
diameter being greater than the second diameter. Such a difference
in diameters may be useful, for example, to allow a cosmetic
product to remain in the longitudinal feed channel without escaping
via the air vent. The difference in diameters may further
facilitate the cosmetic product being drawn out using the capillary
action described below. In other examples, the air vent and
longitudinal feed channel have the same diameter.
[0063] It will thus be seen that the openings 17a, 17b of the air
vent 17 and the feed-channel 18 automatically regulate the flow of
cosmetic product to the end face 14 of the applicator head 10 from
the capillary reservoir, this being due to the fact that the
partial vacuum in the capillary reservoir of the feed channel 18 is
caused by the initial discharge of the cosmetic product which
permits the air to pass through the openings 17a, 17b to said
capillary reservoir.
[0064] According to an aspect of the present embodiment, the
longitudinal feed channel 18 extends over fifty percent of the
length of the applying member 10b of the applicator head including
the curved tip 16, see FIG. 3. In other embodiments, the
longitudinal feed channel 18 extends over less than fifty percent,
or over the entirety of the length of the applying member 10b of
the applicator head, including the curved tip 16.
[0065] The longitudinal feed channel 18 is constructed from a
thermal storage material, such as metal, ceramic, glass, or other
material which is capable of retaining and conducting heat or cold
for application to a body.
[0066] The applicator head 10 may be designed/configured to retain
cosmetic product not only relative to the large surface area
presented by the side face 12 of the applying member 10b, the
applicator tip 16, and the end face 14, but also within the feed
channel 18. With this, the cosmetic product can be successfully
applied to a user's body with fewer required insertions of the
applicator 100 into the open inner volume of the receptacle 200.
Additionally, the surface contouring and surface variations
provided by the cylindrical side face 12, the curved applicator tip
16, and the end face 14 can enable cosmetic to be applied with
varying characteristics according to the user's goals.
[0067] According to another aspect of the present embodiment and as
shown in FIGS. 2-4, the applicator head has the opening 18a at the
end face 14 being slanted. More particularly, the opening 18a is a
substantially oval opening. In other words, the opening 18a is
oriented in a plane which is oblique with respect to a longitudinal
axis X of the applicator head 10. In variant embodiments, the
opening 18a may have any other desirable shape, spatulate, obviate,
elliptic, oblong, deltoid for example.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, these figures show an applicator
head 300 according to a second embodiment of the present
disclosure. Similar to the applicator head 10, the applicator head
300 is also made up from a thermal storage material selected from a
group of a metal, ceramic, glass, stone, alloy and/or combinations
thereof. The applicator head 300 differs from the applicator head
10 in respect to shape of the applying member as explained herein.
An applying member 300b of the applicator head 300 includes an end
face 314 and at least one curved side face 312. The end face 314 is
inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis Y of the applicator
head 300 and extends over at least half a length of the applying
member 300b, thus providing a larger contact area during
application. The applying member 300b includes a longitudinal feed
channel 318 disposed within the applicator head 300, and wherein a
distal end of the longitudinal feed channel 318 opens to the end
face 314, defining an opening 318a at the end face 314. The opening
318a of the longitudinal feed channel 318 occupies less than 50% of
a total surface area of the end face 314. The applying member 300b
is provided with a transverse air-vent 317 which communicates with
longitudinal feed channel 318 adjacent a proximal end of the
longitudinal feed channel 318. In other embodiments, the air-vent
317 may intersect the longitudinal feed channel 318 at a
non-perpendicular angle. The transverse air-vent 17 has two
diametrically opposing openings 317a, 317b present at the side face
312 of the applying member 300b. Further, the at least one curved
side face 312 of the applying member 300b comprises a constricted
side face portion 312b providing a neck like appearance.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 10-13, these views show an applicator
head 400 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.
Similar to the applicator head 10, the applicator head 400 is also
made up from a thermal storage material selected from a group of a
metal, ceramic, glass, stone, alloy and/or combinations thereof.
The applicator head 400 differs from the applicator head 10 in
respect to shape of the applying member as explained herein. An
applying member 400b of the applicator head 400 is spheroid or
ovoid in shape and includes a distal end face 414 and at least one
curved side face 412. The end face 414 is at a non-zero angle with
respect to a central longitudinal axis Y of the applicator head
300, more particularly the end face 414 forms 90 degree angle with
respect to the central longitudinal axis Y of the applicator head
400. The applying member 400b includes a longitudinal feed channel
418 disposed within the applicator head 400, and wherein a distal
end of the longitudinal feed channel 418 opens to the end face 414,
defining an opening 418a at the end face 414. In some examples, the
opening 418a of the longitudinal feed channel 418 occupies more
than 50% of a total surface area of the end face 414. In other
examples, the opening 418a occupies more than 80% of the total
surface area of the end face 414 as seen in the FIG. 10. The
applying member 400b is provided with a transverse air-vent 417
which communicates with the longitudinal channel 418 adjacent a
proximal end of the longitudinal feed channel 418. In other
embodiments, the air-vent 417 may intersect the longitudinal feed
channel 418 at a non-perpendicular angle. The transverse air-vent
417 has two diametrically opposing openings 417a, 417b present at
the side face 412 of the applying member 400b. The at least one
side face 412 of the applying member 400b comprises a constricted
side face portion 412b providing a neck like appearance. Since, the
opening 418a of the longitudinal feed channel 418 occupies more
than 50% or more than 80% of a total surface area of the end face
414, the user may use end face 414 only to dispense the product out
from longitudinal feed channel 418 and spread it using curved side
face 412.
[0070] According to an aspect of the present embodiment, at least a
portion of an outer surface of the applicator head 10, 300, 400 may
be flocked.
[0071] According to an aspect of the present embodiment, when the
applicator head 10, 300, 400 is withdrawn from the receptacle 200,
the wiper 206 cleans the applicator head 10, 300, 400 in a manner
such that a minimal amount of product is retained on the side face
12, 312, 412. In embodiments in which the receptacle 200 is devoid
of any wiper structure, any excess product may be drained from the
applicator head 10, 300, 400 as it is withdrawn from the receptacle
200.
[0072] However, in a variant embodiment, the outer surface of the
applying member 10b, 300b, 400b may include projections, ribs,
grooves, discs, slits, cuts, holes, dimples, or other surface
features or surface treatments (e.g., abrading) that are suitable
for loading, transporting and applying cosmetic product.
[0073] The receptacle may be made of, for example, be polypropylene
while the cap and the stem may be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene or any other suitable polymeric material. The stem may be
formed of polyacetal or any other suitable polymeric material.
[0074] The material for forming the wiper, if present, may be
low-density polyethylene, foam, sponge, sintered block, aggregate
of natural or synthetic fibers, woven or non-woven fibers, plastic,
or a combination of such materials. The aforementioned materials
for forming various parts of the package of the present disclosure
are an example, however other suitable materials may also be
used.
[0075] It will be understood that the foregoing is only
illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, and that various
modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example,
the shapes and/or sizes of various components can be different from
the shapes and sizes shown herein. As another example, the
materials used for various components can be different from those
mentioned specifically herein.
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