AU756653B2 - Ergonomic cosmetic applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

An ergonomic cosmetic applicator (1) designed to work with the contours of the face comprises at least five surfaces, one upper surface (2), one lower surface (3), and at least three lateral surfaces (4, 5, 6). One lateral surface (4) is concave in shape, one lateral surface (6) is substantially linear or flat in shape, and any two lateral surfaces meet to form a tip portion (7). The lateral concave surface (4) allows precision application of a makeup, for example, to the outer side of the face, under the jawline, and under the eye. The lateral linear of flat surface (6) of the applicator (1) enables application of the makeup to the flat surfaces of the face, such as the cheek. The tip portion (7) allows the consumer to reach into the corners of the eye, and around the mouth and nose.

Description

ERGONOMIC COSMETIC APPLICATOR Field of the Invention The present invention relates to cosmetic applicators. More particularly, it relates to cosmetic applicators which, by the shape and angles of intersection of the surfaces, are ergonomically and anatomically designed to provide precisely controlled application of a makeup product to the face.

Background of the Invention Cosmetic sponge or puff applicators are typically shaped so that they can fit within a cosmetic compact. Generally, these applicators are round, square, rectangular, 10 teardrop, or wedge shaped. These traditional design applicators are not shaped for ease of use, but rather for ease of packaging within a compact.

The use of these traditionally designed applicators by the consumer has certain drawbacks. In order for a consumer to be able to effectively use a traditionally designed o •applicator for applying a makeup foundation, for example, the consumer is required to manipulate and distort the applicator to accommodate each of the varying contours of the face. This constant manipulation of the applicator increases the amount of time required for proper application of the intended makeup product.

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention In a broad aspect, the present invention provides An ergonomic cosmetic applicator comprising at least five surfaces, wherein: one surface is an upper surface; one surface is a lower surface; and three surfaces are lateral surfaces, at least one lateral surface being concave such that a portion of a user's face can be received into the concave surface, at least one lateral surface being substantially linear, and any two of the lateral surfaces intersecting at an angle less than 900 to form a rounded tip portion.

AThe lateral concave surface allows precision application of a makeup, for

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S example, to the outer side of the face, under the jawline, and under the eye. The lateral 7 3; linear or flat surface of the applicator enables application of the makeup to the flat 500026795 _.DOC/BSW surfaces of the face, such as the cheek. The tip portion allows the consumer to reach into the comers of the eye, and around the mouth and nose.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Brief Description of the Drawings Further objects, features and drawings of the present invention will better be understood in light of the embodiment examples which are discussed below with the aid of a drawing wherein: FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the applicator of the present invention.

FIG.2 is a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1.

FIGS.3 through 5 are partial side views of the lateral surface having various profiles.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the applicator of the present invention with convex shaped upper and lower surfaces.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the applicator of the present invention with a convex shaped upper surface.

20 FIG. 8 is a side view of the applicator of the present invention with a finger recess provided on the each of the convex upper and lower surfaces.

o• FIG. 9 is a top view of the applicator of FIG. 8.

o Detailed Description of the Invention i Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the cosmetic applicator 1 of the present invention. The applicator 1 has one upper surface 2, one lower surface 3, and at least three lateral surfaces 4, 5, and 6, wherein any two of the lateral surfaces meet to form a tip portion 7. Preferably, the applicator 1 has only three lateral surfaces, giving o an overall triangular appearance to the applicator. These three lateral surfaces, when o o combined together, provide a single applicator capable of effectively applying makeup o to all areas of the face. 30 to all areas of the face. 0 52oaupOO.docKLS WO 99/48403 PCT/US98/06117 The first lateral surface 4 of the applicator is concave in shape. Preferably, one or more lateral surfaces of the applicator are concave in shape. Most preferably, when the applicator is triangular in shape as in FIG. 1, the first lateral surface 4 and second lateral surface 5 of the applicator are concave. The lateral concave surface 4 of the applicator allows the consumer to easily apply makeup to the outer side of the face, under the jawline, and under the eye without the consumer having to further manipulate the shape of the applicator.

A third lateral surface 6 of the applicator is substantially linear or flat in shape.

This lateral surface 6 allows the consumer to apply makeup to the flat surfaces of the face, such as the cheek. Also, when this linear surface 6 is combined with either the upper surface 2 or the lower surface 3, an ample surface area with which to apply or blend the makeup on the skin is provided.

The applicator 1 is further provided with a tip portion 7. This portion 7 is defined by the intersection of any two lateral surfaces of the applicator at an angle less than degrees. As seen in FIG. 1, lateral surface 4 and 5 intersect to form the tip portion 7.

The tip portion 7 enables the consumer to reach into the corners of the eye, and around the mouth and nose. Having this portion incorporated into the design allows the consumer to utilize the applicator without having to bend, contort, or otherwise deform the applicator in order to apply makeup to the hard to reach areas of the face that generally require a smaller applicator surface for proper application. Preferably, the tip portion 7 has a rounded edge 8, as seen in FIG. 1.

As seen in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the lateral surfaces 5, and 6) of the applicator can be provided with various profiles, such as flat, round, or angled. The choice of which profile to use will depend upon the type of makeup product which is intended to be applied by the applicator. For example, if the product is a creme foundation, then the profile of the lateral surfaces would preferably be angled, as seen in FIG. 5. The angled surface provides a larger applicator surface area for collecting product on the lateral surfaces before application. When an angled surface is used, the angled surface can be flared outward from either the upper surface 2, the bottom surface 3, or WO 99/48403 PCT/US98/06117 both as seen in FIG. 5 If the product is a pressed powder, then the profile of the lateral surfaces would preferably be rounded, as in FIG. 4.

Additionally, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper surface 2 and lower surface 3 of the applicator can be of varying design. Either the upper surface 2, the lower surface 3, or both, are flat or convex in design. By making either the upper surface 2 or the lower surface 3 convex in design imparts a greater thickness to the applicator, making handling of the applicator by the consumer simpler. Additionally, either the upper surface 2, the lower surface 3, or both, can further be provided with a finger recess 10, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. The finger recess 10 allows the consumer to retain a more secure grip on the applicator during use.

Common materials used in the manufacture of cosmetic applicators include rubbers, such as latex (polyisoprene), neoprene, nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and the like; foamed plastics, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like; natural sponge materials; and flocked fabrics, for example, a cotton fabric puff with nylon flocking, velour flocking, or a felt coating.

The invention, and its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details shown and described; rather, various modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, all of which are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (9)

1. An ergonomic cosmetic applicator comprising at least five surfaces, wherein: one surface is an upper surface; one surface is a lower surface; and three surfaces are lateral surfaces, at least one lateral surface being concave such that a portion of a user's face can be received into the concave surface, at least one lateral surface being substantially linear, and any two of the lateral surfaces intersecting at an angle less than 90' to form a rounded tip portion.

2. An ergonomic cosmetic applicator as in claim 1 wherein the applicator is 10 triangular in shape.

3. An ergonomic cosmetic applicator as in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the lateral surfaces have flat, round, or angled profiles.

4. An ergonomic cosmetic applicator as in any one of the preceding claims wherein i •the material comprising the applicator is chosen from the group consisting of rubbers, foamed plastics, natural sponges, and flocked fabrics.

An ergonomic cosmetic applicator as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the material comprising the applicator is chosen from the group consisting ofnitrile- butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, latex rubber, neoprene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon flocked fabric, and cotton flocked fabric.

6. An ergonomic cosmetic applicator as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper surface, the lower surface, or both the upper surface and the lower surface are substantially flat.

7. An ergonomic cosmetic applicator as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper surface, the lower surface, or both the upper surface and the lower surface are convex.

8. An ergonomic cosmetic applicator as in any one of the previous claims wherein the upper surface, the lower surface, or both the upper surface and the lower surface are provided with a finger recess. 500026795 I.DOC/BSW

9. An ergonomic cosmetic applicator substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. DATED this 19 th Day of November 2002 COLOR ACCESS, INC Attorney: PAUL G. HARRISON Fellow Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia of BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS 0* S. S* S S S S S S.. 55 S S .5 S 5 S S S S 555555 S *SSS S S S. S S p\U S7 0 F1C~ 500026795_.Doc/BSW