CN102176844B

CN102176844B - Ergonomic mascara applicator

Info

Publication number: CN102176844B
Application number: CN200980139802.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·切鲁蒂; G·A·奥诺斯基; P·厄肖恩; D·斯通豪斯
Original assignee: Avon Products Inc
Current assignee: Avon Products Inc
Priority date: 2008-10-10
Filing date: 2009-10-09
Publication date: 2014-06-25
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-09
Also published as: CA2739839C; JP5587326B2; JP2012505051A; CN102176844A; HK1156816A1; PL2330941T3; MX338389B; WO2010042878A1; US20110174328A1; BRPI0914022B1; CA2739839A1; EP2330941A1; WO2010042878A8; MX2011003845A; EP2330941A4; EP2330941B1; BRPI0914022A2

Abstract

An ergonomic applicator is provided for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes. The applicator comprises a handle portion and a head portion wherein the longitudinal axis of the head portion is positioned or can be rotatably positioned at an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The handle being suitable dimensioned for holding between the thumb and fingers without rotation of the handle. The head portion having at its distal end means for holding a charge of cosmetic composition and transferring it to the eyelashes on contact therewith, such as but not limited to, bristles, projections, indentations fins, tines, velcro, teeth, grooves, sponges and flocked surfaces.

Description

Meet the mascara applicator of ergonomics

The application requires the priority of following patent application according to 35U.S.C. § 119 (e): the sequence number that on October 10th, 2008 submits to is No.61/104,368 U.S. Provisional Patent Application; The sequence number that on October 10th, 2008 submits to is No.61/104,369 U.S. Provisional Patent Application; And be No.61/104 in the sequence number of submission on October 10th, 2008,373 U.S. Provisional Patent Application, the disclosure of described patent application is incorporated into this by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to the applicator for cosmetics.More specifically, the present invention relates to for cosmetic composition being applied to the applicator that meets ergonomics (ergonomic mascara applicator) on eyelash.

Background technology

Generally include for traditional applicator that mascara is applied on eyelash the brush being held in elongate rod, described elongate rod is connected to brush holder.The bristle of brush extends radially out from elongate rod.Brush and bar are contained in cylindrical vessel conventionally.When mascara applicator is during at unused state, brush holder is formed for the locking device of described container.

In the time that hope is used mascara applicator, thereby pull brush holder to make it away from the mobile brush that loads mascara of container.By mascara application in ciliary process, brush holder support is in substantially parallel relationship to face location, and with brush holder parallel orientation, for the ease of manipulation and object that brush is aimed at eyelash, brush holder is remained near cheek or temple.

Mascara being transferred in ciliary process, brush reverses or rotates along its central axis, and moves with vertical knee-action, remains on horizontal level simultaneously, so upwards arrive forehead to smear upper eye eyelashes, and downward to smear lower eye eyelashes from forehead.

Some users will with the right hand grip mascara brush holder in case by mascara application to right eye eyelashes, and brush holder is transformed to left hand so as by mascara application to left eye eyelashes.Other users have a preference for the right hand or left hand, and use usual that hand by mascara application to the eyelash of two eyes in left and right.

But, even when that hand with usual by mascara application on the eyelash of two eyes in left and right time, with another hand grip mascara applicator in case arrive apart from strong hand farthest or the end eyelash of the close bridge of the nose be also necessary.

Should be noted that using traditional mascara applicator to smear mascara need to carry out repeatedly replotting and rotation or torsion conventionally, to obtain required eyelash outward appearance.Due to gripping and the control mode of traditional mascara applicator, smearing mascara can be very difficult and be annoying behavior.

Therefore be desirable to provide a kind of mascara applicator, this mascara applicator easily manipulates to smear mascara with usual or non-usual hand.It would also be desirable to provide a kind of mascara applicator, it can be so that by being located immediately at face above instead of gripping away from that hand of first side.Further be desirable to provide a kind of mascara applicator, it is easy to be manipulated so that by whole eyelash of mascara application to two eye by the same hand.

Summary of the invention

Provide a kind of for cosmetic composition being applied to the applicator that meets ergonomics on eyelash, described applicator comprises: (i) handle portion and (ii) head.The size of handle portion is made for suitably applicator is held between thumb and other finger on the relative face of described handle.Described relative mask has the enough width with respect to the thickness that described relative face is separated, to prevent that handle from rotating in the time being held between thumb and other finger.The ratio of the maximum ga(u)ge preferably, the relative face of described handle portion being separated and the Breadth Maximum of described handle portion was from about 1: 5 to about 1: 50.Described head has at least one transfer element at its far-end, and described transfer element comprises structurized surface, to keep the cosmetic composition loading and described cosmetic composition is transferred on the eyelash contacting with described transfer element.Described transfer element substantially on the whole width of head along extending with the orthogonal direction of the longitudinal axis of handle.The longitudinal axis of described head becomes obtuse angle orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of described handle, or the longitudinal axis of described head can rotate to become obtuse angle orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of described handle.Described obtuse angle is preferably from about 120 degree to about 170 degree.In a preferred embodiment, described applicator has the total length from about 35mm to about 80mm from the near-end of applicator to the far-end of applicator.

In certain embodiments, described head has the end curved edge at its far-end, and described curved edge is recessed with respect to head.Described head can also have around the arc-shaped cross-section of the longitudinal axis of head.In alternative, described head can have the first support portion and the second support portion, and described the first support portion and the second support portion are defined for the opening of receiving described transfer element between the two.Described transfer element can be arranged between described the first and second support portions.In addition, described handle portion can comprise finger grip enhancing portion or otch, to increase the frictional force between handle portion and thumb or other finger.

On a face in the relative face of head or two faces, can comprise transfer element.Alternatively, transfer element is arranged on the far-end of head along terminal edge.Transfer element can comprise at least one structurized surface, such as bristle, projection, depression, fin, pointed tooth, Velcro part, tooth, groove, sponge or raised surfaces.Preferably, described structurized surface comprises fin or bristle.More preferably, described bristle can have the length that is less than 5mm.

In certain embodiments, described head can be rotated adjusting with respect to described handle portion, to regulate the described obtuse angle between the described longitudinal axis of described head and the described longitudinal axis of described handle portion.Preferably, described head and described handle portion can be around rotating with the described longitudinal axis of described head and the orthogonal axis of the described longitudinal axis of described handle portion.Described applicator can also comprise the hinge that allows described head to rotate with respect to described handle portion.

A kind of complete utensil is also provided, and described complete utensil comprises applicator of the present invention and loads for being applied to the container of the liquid make-up on keratin fiber.Described container structure becomes to receive the head of described applicator in the time that described applicator inserts in described container, to described transfer element is contacted with described composition.Tube scraper is attached to described container, to the unnecessary composition on described transfer element is removed take out described transfer element from described container time.

In addition, for mascara application is used to described applicator to the method on eyelash.Described method comprises the mascara measuring on the transfer element that is loaded into described applicator, then in the time keeping described applicator in substantially vertical position, by making described transfer element contact and described composition is transferred on eyelash with described eyelash.

For those skilled in the art, after having read the following detailed description that comprises accompanying drawing and claims of the present invention, these and other aspect of the present invention will become apparent.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates the side view of the mascara applicator of main embodiment according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates that the present invention shows the perspective view of an example embodiment, and this embodiment has bristle and has fin-shaped projection at the far-end of applicator on the relative face of head;

Fig. 3 illustrates the different perspective views of the exemplary embodiment of the present shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 illustrates the front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the present shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 illustrates the front perspective view of alternate exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and this embodiment has the bristle density of reduction and only on a face of head, has bristle;

Fig. 6 illustrates the front perspective view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and this embodiment has the bristle density of further reduction and only on a face of head, has bristle;

Fig. 7 illustrates the different front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 illustrates the different front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 9 illustrates the different front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 6;

Figure 10 illustrates the bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 6;

Figure 11 illustrates the bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 5;

Figure 12 illustrates the bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4;

Figure 13 illustrates the perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and this embodiment has the parallel fin that holds terminal edge at the far-end of applicator;

Figure 14 illustrates the side perspective view of the exemplary applicator of the present invention shown in Figure 13;

Figure 15 illustrates the perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and this embodiment has the side leg of formation so that the recessed terminal edge of attached elongated transfer element end in head;

Figure 16 illustrates the perspective view of the exemplary applicator shown in Figure 13, in this embodiment, has removed transfer element.

Detailed description of the invention

Of the present inventionly mainly comprise providing and meet the shape of ergonomics to improve angle and/or the curvature of the comfortableness of user in the time smearing cosmetic composition for smearing the applicator of cosmetic composition.Particularly, applicator according to the present invention is particularly useful for being applied on the eyelash of eyes such as the cosmetic composition of mascara.Applicator according to the present invention also helps various cosmetics and personalized care product (including but not limited to eyeliner, hair dye, lipstick, lipstick, lip gloss etc.) is applied on keratin fiber or is applied on skin.As used herein, term " keratin fiber " can include but not limited to the hair at eyelash, eyebrow or any position of health, comprises scalp.It is believed that, compared with traditional cosmetic applicator, applicator of the present invention has favourable shape, is held in user's hand, thereby and more easily smears cosmetic composition by the manipulation of single hand in mode effectively and stably to allow applicator to be more convenient for.In addition, it is believed that compared with traditional cosmetic applicator, applicator of the present invention is described being more uniformly distributed of the mascara that the eyelash coverage rate of increase can be provided and cross eyelash length for single.The in the situation that of bound by theory not, the eyelash coverage rate that it is believed that the increase of describing for single is because favourable size and dimension is realized, and described size and dimension provides the ciliary contact area of contact increasing.Therefore, it is believed that described applicator can utilize than traditional applicator describing number of times and more effectively mascara being rendered on eyelash still less.

Shown in Figure 1 according to the main embodiment of applicator 10 of the present invention.For the applicator 10 being applied to such as the cosmetic composition of mascara on eyelash is comprised to the handle portion 16 at near-end 80 places and the head 14 at far-end 70 places.Handle portion 10 can operatively be attached to (linked to) head 14 in any suitable manner.In one embodiment, head 14 and handle portion 16 can be into entirety and form together integral piece.Alternatively, head 14 and handle portion 16 can be formed as independent structure, and utilize any suitable technology of this area to combine.For example, head 14 and handle portion 16 can combine by following: by hinge, by frictional fit mechanism, by locking mechanism, by adhesive or by by the near-end welding of the far-end of handle portion 16 and head 14.In one embodiment, head 14 can be attached to handle portion 16 removedly.Particularly, handle portion 16 can disassemble and can alternatively be attached to multiple heads 14 from multiple heads 14.

Handle portion 16 can be connected with any suitable orientation with head 14.In one embodiment, the handle portion 16 of applicator 10 can with head 14 conllinear.Preferably, handle portion 16 with form the angle of curved shape be connected to head 10 or with 10 one-tenths entirety of head, described handle portion is attached to the concave that has convex shape substantially in a side of handle portion 16 and have cardinal principle on opposite side at head 14.Described curved shape can depart from collinear structure slightly or significantly, thereby forms the biasing between head 10 and handle portion 16.It is believed that compared with traditional mascara applicator, this is biased to applicator 10 shape that more meets ergonomics is provided, and can so that with more effectively and more uniform mode by mascara application to eyelash.In certain embodiments, applicator 10 can be the widest at far-end 70 places, and convergent on applicator 10, head 14 is attached to the narrowest position in the knee of handle portion 16.The shape that meets ergonomics that it is believed that in addition applicator 10 can improve comfortableness, allows applicator 10 can be held in more easily in user's hand, and the better performance with single hand manipulation applicator 10 is provided.

Applicator 10 of the present invention can become any suitable size and dimension.Preferably, the size and dimension of applicator 10 can facilitate applicator and cosily uses with arbitrary hand, and regardless of user whether with usual hand by mascara application to eyelash.In the case of user only use usual hand to grip applicator 10 in case by mascara application on the eyelash of two eyes in left and right, applicator 10 can easily approach whole eyelash of two eyes, comprise the usual hand of distance farthest or those eyelash of the most close bridge of the nose.

Preferably, applicator 10 can become relatively little size easily, so that by client's portable use.More preferably, the size that applicator 10 can have allows applicator 10 be held in firmly between thumb and other finger and prevent that applicator 10 from moving radially in the process that is used and manipulated by client.For example, applicator 10 can be from about 15mm to about 80mm, from about 25mm to about 80mm, from about 25mm to about 75mm, from about 35mm to about 80mm, from about 35mm to about 65mm or in the scope from about 40mm to about 60mm in the total length L of the longest position from far-end 80 to near-end 70.In a specific embodiment, applicator 10 can be approximately two inches (or approximately 50.8mm) in the total length L of long position, wherein handle portion 16 has the length of being slightly longer than one inch (approximately 25.4mm), and head 14 has the length that is slightly shorter than one inch (approximately 25.4mm).As used herein, the total length of applicator 10 is determined by the length on leg-of-mutton the 3rd limit measuring two limits and limited by head 14 and handle portion 16.At head 14 and handle portion 16 conllinear and in length in nonoverlapping some embodiment, total length L is the summation of the length of head 14 and the length of handle portion 16.Comprise the width of far-end 70 of head 14 and applicator 10 width in its narrowest position for other suitable size of relatively little size easily, the width of the far-end 70 of head 14 from about 10mm to about 50mm, from about 12.5mm to about 45mm, from about 15mm to about 40mm, from about 17.5mm to about 35mm or from about 3/4ths inches (approximately 19.1mm) in the scope of about one and one-quarter inch (about 31.8mm); Applicator 10 the width of its narrowest position from about 5mm to about 30mm, from about 7.5mm to about 20mm, from about 8mm to about 15mm or from about 5/16ths inches (approximately 7.9mm) in the scope of about 3/8ths inches (about 9.5mm).

Can be expected by the present invention, the head 14 of applicator 10 and handle portion 16 can comprise other shape and size that can cosily be gripped and manipulate in ergonomics.

In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal axis I-I of handle portion 16 is positioned to or can be positioned to become obtuse angle θ with respect to the longitudinal axis II-II of head 10.Obtuse angle refers to that described angle is greater than 90 degree but is less than 180 degree.The handle portion 16 of applicator 10 and head 10 can be fixed on and the longitudinal axis I-I of handle portion 16 and the orthogonal axis place of the longitudinal axis II-II of head 14, or can be adjusted to rotationally and the longitudinal axis I-I of handle portion 16 and the orthogonal axis place of the longitudinal axis II-II of head 14, or can along with the longitudinal axis I-I of handle portion 16 and the orthogonal axis deformation of the longitudinal axis II-II of head 14 so that angulation θ.In one embodiment, handle portion 16 can be connected to head 14 by the hinge (not shown) that can regulate.Particularly, the described range of movement of hinge that can regulate can be limited to and only forms obtuse angle.In another embodiment, applicator 10 can be formed by flexible material, to allow user by applicator 10 bendings and be deformed to suitable angle θ.Preferably, the angle θ between the longitudinal axis I-I of handle portion 16 and the longitudinal axis II-II of head 14 from about 95 degree to about 175 degree, more preferably from about 115 degree to about 170 degree, even more preferably from about 120 degree to about 170 degree, still more preferably from about 130 degree to about 165 degree and most preferably from about 140 degree to about 160 degree scopes in.

The handle portion 14 of applicator 10 can have permission applicator and is held between thumb and other finger and prevents any suitable size that handle rotates in the time being held between thumb and other finger.Preferably, handle portion 16 is narrower than head 14.In one embodiment, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 2-16, handle portion 16 comprises two

relative faces

86,88,

relative face

86,88 has the enough width with respect to the thickness that described face is separated, to prevent that handle portion 14 from rotating in the time being held between thumb and other finger.The thickness that separates two faces can be homogeneous all the time, or can be to change.The ratio of the width of the size of the maximum ga(u)ge particularly, the relative face of handle portion 14 being separated and the Breadth Maximum position of handle portion 14 is from about 1: 2 to about 1: 50, from about 1: 5 to about 1: 50, from about 1: 3 to about 1: 25 or from about 1: 4 to about 1: 20, in the scope of about 1: 5 to about 1: 10.In certain embodiments, separating the maximum ga(u)ge of described relative face can be in the scope from about 1mm to about 10mm, from about 1.25mm to about 5mm, from about 1.5mm to about 3mm.In certain embodiments, handle portion 14 can be substantially in linearity or bending face.In another embodiment, handle portion 14 can be smooth.

Handle portion 14 can also comprise and improves the comfortableness of applicator 10 in the time being held between thumb and other finger and/or any improvement of stability.The convex surface profile of the

relative face

86 and 88 that suitable improvement is included in handle portion 14 on one of at least.Another suitable improvement can be the convex surface profile that is suitable for being gripped by thumb on the face 88 of handle portion 14 and be suitable for the concave surface profile by other finger grip on the relative face 86 of handle portion 14.Alternatively, another the suitable improvement for handle portion 14 has been shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2-12.Described improvement can comprise the finger grip enhancing portion 94 that is attached to handle portion 14 or integrally forms with handle portion 14.Finger grip enhancing portion 94 can comprise for increasing any device of handle portion 14 against the frictional force of thumb and/or other finger, and described device is such as, but not limited to semicircle, protrusion, depression, the projection of other shape or the space between described projection of projection.Finger grip enhancing portion 94 can integrally form with handle portion 14 or can be attached to handle portion 14 by any suitable means, described means comprise finger grip is strengthened to portion 94 and handle portion 14 is bonding or fusion.Finger grip enhancing portion 94 can utilize any suitable technology to form, and described technology comprises molded and process for treating surface, processes or coextrusion such as the soft touch of polymer.

In another suitable improvement shown in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 13,15 and 16.Handle portion 14 can be modified to and comprises the otch or the opening 58 that increase the frictional force between handle portion 14 and thumb and/or other finger, is convenient to thus gripping handle 16.Otch or opening 58 can become any suitable shape.Preferably, otch or opening 58 are narrow or elongated.In the specific embodiment shown in Figure 13,15 and 16, otch or opening 58 have oval shape.In addition,, as shown in Figure 13,15 and 16, otch or opening 58 can be arranged to be parallel to each other.More preferably, otch or opening 58 have the length vertical with the longitudinal axis I-I of handle portion 14.

Head 16 is contacting to smear the part of cosmetic composition with at least one transfer element (transfer element) 56 of applicator 10.Preferably, head 14 is narrower at far-end 70 at its proximal end ratio, and head 14 is attached to handle portion 16 in proximal end.Head 16 is provided for the support structure of transfer element 56.In addition, structuring (textured) can be carried out to form transfer element 56 in the surface of head 14.Preferably, transfer element 56 substantially on the whole width of head 14 along extending with the orthogonal direction of the longitudinal axis I-I of handle portion 16." substantially exist ... whole width on " refer to that transfer element 56 extends beyond 70%, preferably exceedes 80%, more preferably exceed 90%, and most preferably exceed the width of 95% head 14.Transfer element 56 can also extend on the whole width of head 14.In addition, transfer element 56 can have any suitable shape.Particularly, transfer element 56 can have the external shape of arc, the external shape of this arc substantially meet or meet the profile that formed by eyelash or eyelid 1/1/4, at least three, half or all at least.In certain embodiments, the external shape of arc is convex surface, and in other embodiments, the external shape of arc can be concave surface.In certain embodiments, such as in the case of 16 one-tenth overall structurized surfaces of transfer element 56 formations and head, head 16 and transfer element 56 can be one.For example, head 16 and transfer element 56 can be molded as single by injection-molded.

In a preferred embodiment, such as in those exemplary embodiments shown in Fig. 2-14, head 16 can have two relative faces 40,42, between two relative faces 40,42, has thickness.Thickness between relative face 40,42 can be all the time homogeneous or can be to change.In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of head 16, and reduces along with the increase of the distance apart from longitudinal axis II-II in maximum along the longitudinal axis II-II of head.Transfer element 56 can a face or two faces from relative face 40,42 extend.Transfer element 56 also can extend from the far-end of the head of applicator 10 14 70.The maximum ga(u)ge of head 16 can be less than the width of the width position of head 16.Particularly, separate and can have from about 1: 2 to about 1: 50, from about 1: 5 to about 1: 25 compared with the width of the maximum ga(u)ge of relative face 40,42 and the width position of head 16 or from the ratio of about 1: 10 to about 1: 20.In specific embodiment, the maximum ga(u)ge that separates the relative face of head 16 can be in the scope from about 1mm to about 10mm, from about 1mm to about 10mm, from about 1.25mm to about 5mm, from about 1.5mm to about 3mm.

Head 16 can also comprise the additional rotation axis (not shown) vertical with the longitudinal axis II-II of head 16.Head 16 can further regulate around this additional axis.Particularly, head 16 can be formed along each other can be rotationally attached two of this additional axis by the hinge by regulating.The described range of movement of hinge that can regulate can be limited to and only forms obtuse angle.Preferably, described can regulate hinge can be limited to carry out from about 95 degree to about 175 degree, more preferably from about 100 degree to about 170 degree, even more preferably from about 100 degree to about 170 degree, still more preferably from about 105 degree to about 165 degree and most preferably from about 110 degree to about 160 degree motions.

Preferably, head 16 can have 1/4 any suitable shape that substantially meets or meet the profile that formed by eyelash or eyelid.In a preferred embodiment as shown in Fig. 2-12, can there is arcuate shape around any cross section of the longitudinal axis II-II of head 16.Preferably, described arcuate shape substantially meet or meet the profile that formed by eyelash or eyelid 1/1/4, at least three, half or all at least.Head 16 can be along the convex surface of end face 40 and along the concave surface of bottom surface 42 around the arc-shaped cross-section of longitudinal axis II-II.Alternatively, head can be concave surface/concave surface, convex surface/convex surface, plane/plane or their any combination along the cross section of end face 40 and bottom surface 42.In a further advantageous embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4-6 and 13, head 16 has the end curved edge at far-end 70 places, preferably concave edge edge of described end curved edge.End concave edge edge substantially meet or meet the profile that formed by eyelash or eyelid 1/1/4, at least three, half or all at least.

In an alternative, as shown in exemplary embodiment as shown in Figure 15 and 16, head 16 can comprise first support portion on the longitudinal axis II-II right side that is positioned at head 16, such as the first side leg 30 and be positioned at second support portion in longitudinal axis II-II left side, such as the second side leg 32.The first and second support portions form opening to receive and support transfer element 56 between the two.In the specific embodiment shown in Figure 15 and 16, the first and second support portions can be formed by the end concave edge edge at head 16 far-end 70 places.Transfer element 56 can be arranged between the first and second support portions rotationally or non-rotatingly along its length.Transfer element 56 can have elongated shape, such as, but not limited to cylindrical or have an elongated oval shape of circular cross section.

Transfer element 56 comprises for keeping and discharging the device such as the cosmetic composition of mascara, and can comprise cosmetic composition for keeping loading and described cosmetic composition be transferred to the structurized surface of any type of the keratin fiber of the eyelash that for example contacted or skin.Any suitable structurized surface that can keep and shift the cosmetic composition loading can be used as transfer element 56.Described structurized surface can also give eyelash various types of aesthetic exhilarating outward appearances, such as dense outward appearance, the outward appearance of dispersion (namely eyelash is separated independently of one another), curling outward appearance etc.The example on suitable structurized surface comprises bristle (bristles), projection, depression, fin, pointed tooth, Velcro part (velcro), tooth, groove, sponge or raised surfaces.Structurized surface is formed by any suitable material.In certain embodiments, structurized surface can be formed by silicone or other soft touch material.But it should be understood that, all like smearing in cosmetics (paintbrush), when becoming, bristle there is sufficient length to hold in flexible situation, to no longer think that described bristle forms structurized surface, and in said case, on the terminal edge of head, should not comprise described bristle.But, in certain embodiments, what can expect is, for example from about 10mm to about 20mm compared with long brush hairs also within the scope of the invention, as long as described bristle is not on the terminal edge of head, for example, on face in the relative face of head or multiple, can comprise suitably compared with long brush hairs.Bristle according to the present invention by typically have be less than 10mm length, be less than 7.5mm length, be less than 5mm length, be less than the length of 2.5mm.In the situation that not limiting, bristle can become with the main body of head entirety, or can be the staple fibre being implanted in head.In one embodiment, transfer element 56 is not all-in-one-piece with head 14, and bristle is less than about 5mm apart from the base portion of transfer element 56.In certain embodiments, from the end of applicator, any bristle of extending abreast with the face that substantially comprises head 14 will be less than about 5mm, will be less than about 4.5mm, will be less than about 4mm, will be less than about 3.5mm, will be less than about 3mm, will be less than about 2mm or will be less than about 1mm.In other embodiments, transfer element 56 is by the bristle that does not have to extend abreast with the face that substantially comprises head 14.In another embodiment, the terminal edge of described head does not have bristle substantially, this means from terminal edge along be parallel to head 14 longitudinal axis II-II direction extend brush amount be suitable low, described like this bristle can be to not making contribution in essence by mascara application in conventional use procedure to a large amount of eyelash.In other embodiments, terminal edge will not have bristle.

In a preferred embodiment, structurized surface can comprise into the columnar protrusions, fin-shaped projection of array and/or with any suitable shape or patterned arrangement and there is no need as symmetric bristle.The example of suitable pattern comprises row and column or the random pattern of the parallel row separating, the row and column staggering, linearity.The array of protrusions of arranging with parallel row in the direction identical with the longitudinal axis II-II of head 14 can be given the outward appearance that eyelash disperses.The array of protrusions of arranging with the row and column staggering by contrast, can give eyelash dense outward appearance.As shown in exemplary embodiment as shown in Fig. 3-5, according to the characteristic of the cosmetic composition of being smeared, the density of array can change.The difference of the density of array of protrusions can also give eyelash different aesthetic appearance.

Cosmetic applicator 10 of the present invention can be placed in complete utensil, has reservoir or uses together with reservoir, and described reservoir holds or is mounted with cosmetic composition, and described cosmetic composition is preferably such as the liquid cosmetic composition of mascara.Described reservoir can comprise at least one tube scraper (wiper) for unnecessary mascara is removed from transfer element 56.In one embodiment, applicator 10 can play the effect for the closure elements of reservoir, and without the independent locking device using such as cap or lid.Applicator 10 can be combined with reservoir by following: first head 14 is placed in reservoir, to transfer element is contacted with mascara, subsequently head 14 is extracted to the mascara of metering is loaded on transfer element 56 from reservoir.When the head of applicator 10 14 is extracted from reservoir, tube scraper removes unnecessary mascara unnecessary mascara is pushed back in reservoir from transfer element 56 by gently smearing action.

In order to use for mascara being applied to the applicator 10 on eyelash, user can be held in the handle portion of applicator 10 16 between thumb and other finger, and by head 14 with substantially vertical position be placed directly into ciliary before, will be parallel to or be basically parallel to eyelid in described position transfer elements 56." substantially vertical " refers to and is in substantially parallel relationship to De Salle's line.Then can easily applicator 10 be moved up and down to (upwards towards the crown, downwards towards lower jaw) with single action, transfer element 56 engages and throws in mascara in uniform mode like this.

The size and dimension of handle portion 16 makes user can meet ergonomics and stably applicator 10 is held between thumb and forefinger, and manipulates applicator 10 to mascara is applied on eyelash.Particularly, the size of applicator 10 can be made for suitably user's hand can be leaned on cheek or forehead, to provide additional support in the process of smearing mascara.Lean to such as the performance in the facial of cheek or forehead the stability increasing be provided, and make user can be more accurately by mascara application to eyelash and avoided fuzzy outward appearance.

Fig. 2-12 illustrate some currently preferred embodiments according to applicator 10 of the present invention.Applicator 10 comprises head 14, and head 14 is attached to handle portion 16 with obtuse angle, forms convex surface 22 substantially, and on opposite side, form concave surface 24 substantially thereby be attached at head 14 in a side of handle portion 16.Head 14 has the lateral edges 32 on the longitudinal axis II-II right side that is positioned at head 14 and is positioned at the relative lateral edges 30 in longitudinal axis II-II left side.Head 14 comprises far-end 70, and far-end 70 has the recessed a little profile between relative lateral edges 30 and 32.As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2-12, compared with the far-end 70 of head 14, head 14 is narrower in its proximal end that is attached to handle portion 16.

Embodiment shown in Fig. 2 also comprises the head 14 with end face 40 and bottom surface 42.End face 40 can be plane, but the convex surface between relative

lateral edges

30 and 32 preferably.Bottom surface 42 is the concave surface between relative

lateral edges

30 and 32 preferably.End face 40 and bottom surface 42 can also have concave surface/concave surface, convex surface/convex surface, plane/flat relation of plane or their any combination.

Thickness between end face 40 and the bottom surface 42 of head 14 can be maybe changing of homogeneous.Preferably, head 14 at the thickness between end face 40 and bottom surface 42 the mid portion maximum between the relative

lateral edges

30 and 32 at head 14.Head 14 can have the minimum thickness at relative

lateral edges

30 and 32 places.

The end face 40 of head 14 comprises the transfer element 56 that substantially extends to left side edge 30 from right side edge 32.Transfer element 56 also extends a preset distance from far-end 70 towards near-end 80.Transfer element 56 comprises the structurized surface of any type, to keep the cosmetic composition loading and described cosmetic composition is transferred on the eyelash contacting.That the structurized surface of this exemplary embodiment comprises staggering or linear row and column or be arranged to columnar protrusions or the bristle 57 of array with random pattern.As shown in Fig. 4-14, according to the characteristic of the cosmetic composition of being smeared, the density of bristle 57 can change.

In the specific embodiment shown in Fig. 2,3,4,7,8 and 12, the bottom surface 42 of head 14 comprises the transfer element 56 that substantially extends to left side edge 30 from right side edge 32.Transfer element 56 on bottom surface 42 also from far-end 70 towards near-end 80 distance to a scheduled volume of downward-extension.Transfer element 56 on bottom surface 42 also comprises the structurized surface of any type, to keep the cosmetic composition loading and described cosmetic composition transferred on the eyelash contacting, the mode that described structurized surface comprises being similar to the layout of columnar protrusions on end face 40 or bristle 57 is arranged to into columnar protrusions or the bristle 57 of array.

In other embodiments of the invention, can omit the transfer element 56 on transfer element 56 or the bottom surface 42 on end face 40.

In the specific embodiment shown in Fig. 2-12, the far-end 70 of head 14 can also comprise transfer element 56.Transfer element 56 comprises the structurized surface of any type, to keep the cosmetic composition loading and described cosmetic composition is transferred on the eyelash contacting.Particularly, described structurized surface can be formed with isolated fin-shaped projection, and described fin-shaped projection is given prominence to and extends to bottom surface 42 from end face 40 from the edge of far-end 70.Alternatively, the edge at far-end 70 places can comprise the structurized surface for end face 40 and bottom surface 42 described any types.Comprise that the structurized surface of fin-shaped projection of the edge at far-end 70 on applicator 10 is also for for providing additional areas by mascara application to the applicator 10 on eyelash.Particularly, the surperficial base portion that described fin-shaped projection can have a distance structure is from the height of about 0.001 inch to about 0.5 inch.Described fin-shaped projection can be with spacing the arranged in arrays from about 0.001 inch to about 0.25 inch.

The handle portion 16 of these exemplary embodiments has the lateral edges 76 in the longitudinal axis I-I left side that is positioned at handle portion 16 and is positioned at the relative lateral edges 78 on longitudinal axis I-I right side.These exemplary embodiments of applicator 10 also comprise the handle portion 16 with near-end 80, and near-end 80 has the convex surface profile between left side edge 76 and right side edge 78.

Exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2-12 also comprises handle end face 86 and handle bottom surface 88.Handle end face 86 is the convex surface between left side edge 76 and right side edge 78 preferably, and the preferably plane between left side edge 76 and right side edge 78 of handle bottom surface 88.Compared with the far-end that is attached to head 14 of handle portion 16, handle portion 16 is wider at near-end 80 places.These exemplary embodiments of applicator 10 also comprise the finger grip enhancing portion 94 being formed on handle end face 86 and handle bottom surface 88.

Figure 13 and 14 illustrates according to applicator 10 of the present invention alternative preferred embodiment, this embodiment comprises the head 14 and the handle portion 16 that can be operatively link with obtuse angle, applicator 10 have with above for the identical general shape of the described shape of the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2-12.

Embodiment shown in Figure 13 and 14 provides an alternative of the head 14 of applicator 10.Be similar to the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2-12, alternative shown in Figure 13 and 14 comprises: the far-end 70 of head 14 has the recessed a little profile between relative

lateral edges

30 and 32, compared with the far-end 70 of head 14, head 14 is narrower in its proximal end that is attached to handle portion 16.Head 14 also comprises substantially smooth end face 40 and the smooth bottom surface 42 of cardinal principle.

Transfer element 56 is positioned at far-end 70 places of applicator 10.Transfer element 56 comprises the structurized surface of any type, to keep the cosmetic composition loading and described cosmetic composition is transferred on the eyelash contacting.Particularly, described structurized surface can comprise the isolated and substantially parallel fin 48 of embarking on journey.Fin 48 can have bending profile at far-end 70 places, such as convex surface profile.The profile of described bending can become shape or the tear drop shape shape of sphering.Fin 48 can be arranged abreast with longitudinal axis II-II.In addition, fin 48 can be attached to end face 40 and bottom surface 42, or overall with 42 one-tenth of end face 40 and bottom surfaces, and holds the edge at far-end 70 places between relative lateral edges 30 and 32.Fin 48 can have the top leg 52 of extending a scheduled volume distance on end face 40 towards near-end 80.Fin 48 can also have the bottom leg 50 of extending a scheduled volume distance on bottom surface 42 towards near-end 80.As shown in Figure 14, bottom leg 50 can be downwards towards bottom surface 42 convergents, and top leg 52 can be outstanding equably from end face 40.In addition, supporting leg 50 and 52 can be a part continuous and fin one.Fin 48 from the outstanding projection of far-end 70 can have distance structure surface (such as the edge of end face 40, bottom surface 42 or far-end 70) base portion from the maximum height of about 0.001 inch to about 0.5 inch.Fin 48 can be arranged to spacing in the scope from about 0.001 inch to about 0.25 inch.

Embodiment shown in Figure 13 also provides an alternative of the handle portion 16 of applicator 10.Handle portion 16 is narrower than head 14, and comprises otch or the opening 58 of being convenient to gripping handle 16.Otch or opening 58 can become any suitable shape.Preferably, otch or opening 58 are narrow or elongated.In the specific embodiment shown in Figure 13, otch or opening 58 have oval shape.In addition, as shown in Figure 13, otch or opening 58 can be arranged to be parallel to each other.More specifically, otch or opening 58 have the length vertical with the longitudinal axis I-I of handle portion 14.

Figure 15 and 16 illustrates another preferred embodiment according to applicator 10 of the present invention, and this embodiment comprises head 14 and the handle portion 16 that can operatively link with obtuse angle.Identical with described in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 13 of the handle portion 16 of this specific embodiment.

Exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 15 and 16 provides another alternative of the head 14 of applicator 10.Head 16 can comprise the side leg with end 38 30 on the longitudinal axis II-II right side that is positioned at head 16 and be positioned at the side leg with end 39 32 in longitudinal axis II-II left side.Right side supporting leg 30 and left side supporting leg 32 are formed for receiving the opening of transfer element 56 between the two.As shown in Figure 15 and 16, right side supporting leg 30 can be recessed into excision by far-end 70 places at head 16 with left side supporting leg 32 and form.In right part 38, be provided with right support opening 46, and in left part 39, be provided with corresponding left support opening 47.

Comprised by

side leg

30 and 32 transfer elements 56 that support

relative structurized surperficial

54,58, to keep the cosmetic composition loading and described cosmetic composition transferred on the eyelash contacting.Particularly, transfer element 56 can be the form of traditional mascara brush, or can have cylinder form, or can have the elongated oval shape of circular cross section.Transfer element 56 has

relative end

64 and 66, and described relative end has corresponding supporting

72 and 74, and described supporting pin is the

support openings

46 and 47 in engage

side supporting leg

30 and 32 correspondingly.

Supporting

72 and 74 and

support openings

46 and 47 between can set up joint, to transfer element 56 can be rotated with respect to side leg 30 and 32.Alternatively, this joint can be on-rotary type.In another embodiment, transfer element 56 can disassemble from

side leg

30 and 32, and can replace with other transfer element 56 with difformity or size, other transfer element 56 is such as the roller shape transfer element 56 with the cylinder form of sphering or the elongated oval shape of sphering.

In scope, be not subject to the restriction of specific embodiment disclosed herein in the present invention of this description and prescription, because these embodiment are intended to as explaining to the several aspects of the present invention.Any embodiment being equal to expects within the scope of the invention.In fact,, after having read above stated specification, except those embodiment shown and described herein, various improvement of the present invention are apparent for a person skilled in the art.Described improvement is also expected and is fallen in the scope of claims.All publications of quoting at this are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in full with it.

Claims

1. for cosmetic composition being applied to the applicator that meets ergonomics on eyelash, described applicator comprises:

Handle portion, the size of described handle portion is made for suitably applicator is held between thumb and other finger on the relative face of described handle, described relative mask has the enough width with respect to the thickness that described relative face is separated, to prevent that handle from rotating in the time being held between thumb and other finger; And

Head, described head has multiple the first bristles and multiple the second bristle at its far-end, to keep the cosmetic composition loading and described cosmetic composition transferred on the eyelash contacting with described the first and second bristles;

Wherein said the first bristle does not extend along the direction parallel with the face that substantially comprises head, and the second bristle is arranged along the terminal edge at described head far-end;

The longitudinal axis of wherein said head becomes obtuse angle orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of described handle, or the longitudinal axis of described head can rotate to become obtuse angle orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of described handle.

2. applicator according to claim 1, wherein said head has the end curved edge at its far-end, and described curved edge is recessed with respect to described head.

3. applicator according to claim 1, wherein said head has around the arc-shaped cross-section of the longitudinal axis of described head.

4. applicator according to claim 1, wherein comprises described the first bristle on a face in the relative face of described head or two faces.

5. applicator according to claim 1, wherein said the first and second bristles have the length that is less than 5mm.

6. applicator according to claim 1, wherein said handle portion also comprises finger grip enhancing portion or otch, to increase the frictional force between handle portion and thumb or other finger.

7. applicator according to claim 1, wherein said obtuse angle is from about 120 degree to about 170 degree.

8. applicator according to claim 1, the ratio of the maximum ga(u)ge wherein relative face of described handle portion being separated and the Breadth Maximum of described handle portion was from about 1: 5 to about 1: 50.

9. applicator according to claim 1, wherein said applicator in its longest position from about 35mm to about 80mm.

10. applicator according to claim 1, wherein said head can be rotated and regulate with respect to described handle portion, to regulate the described obtuse angle between the described longitudinal axis of described head and the described longitudinal axis of described handle portion.

11. applicators according to claim 10, wherein said head and described handle portion can be around rotating with the described longitudinal axis of described head and the orthogonal axis of the described longitudinal axis of described handle portion.

12. applicators according to claim 11, described applicator also comprises the hinge that allows described head to rotate with respect to described handle portion.

13. 1 kinds of complete utensils, described complete utensil comprises applicator according to claim 1 and is mounted with the container for being applied to the liquid make-up on keratin fiber, described container structure becomes to receive in the time that described applicator inserts in described container the head of described applicator, to described the first and second bristles are contacted with described composition, and tube scraper is attached to described container, to the unnecessary composition on described the first and second bristles is removed take out described applicator from described container time.

14. 1 kinds for by mascara application to the method on eyelash, described method comprises the mascara measuring on the first and second bristles that are loaded into applicator according to claim 1, then in the time keeping described applicator in substantially vertical position, by making described the first and second bristles contact and described composition is transferred on eyelash with described eyelash.