APPLICATION UNIT AND APPLICATOR

Abstract

APPLICATION ORGAN AND APPLICATOR An application organ intended to be mounted on a stem-forming organ constituting an applicator and to apply a cosmetic product to an application target, comprising: a bar-shaped stem mounted on the stem-forming organ and extending in an axial direction; and a head projecting outwards from one end of the stem; wherein the head has first and second application portions projecting outwards, wherein the thickness of the first and second application portions decreases towards a distal end of the first and second application portions, respectively, and wherein the width of the first application portion at the distal end of the first application organ is smaller than the width of the second application portion at the distal end of the second application organ. Figure for abbreviation: 1

Description

Title of the invention: APPLICATION MEMBER AND APPLICATOR Technical field

[0001] The invention of the present application relates to an application member and an applicator for the application of cosmetic liquids such as eyebrow makeup and eyeliner.

[0002] CONTEXT OF THE ART

[0003] Traditionally, an applicator such as that disclosed in US 2020 / 012058 A1, for example, has been proposed as an applicator for applying cosmetic product such as eyebrow makeup. The applicator comprises: a main cylinder; and two types of application members attached to both ends of the main cylinder, respectively. This applicator can draw various types of lines by switching the application member to be used for applying the cosmetic product from one application member to the other application member. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0004] However, in such an applicator, in order to draw lines with different application members, a user must change the way in which he or she holds the applicator. In addition, one of two application members that is not used after changing the way in which the user holds the applicator may apply cosmetic product to the user unintentionally. Therefore, it may be necessary to cap one of the application members. Therefore, there is a need for improving its functional capability in connection with drawing various cosmetic product lines.

[0005] Therefore, the invention of the present application aims to provide an application member and an applicator which are capable of drawing various lines of cosmetic product while improving their functional capacity.

[0006] The present invention employs the following means to solve the above problem. The application member according to the present invention is an application member for mounting on a rod member constituting an applicator and for applying a cosmetic product to an application target, comprising: a bar-shaped rod mounted on the rod member and extending in an axial direction; and a head projecting outwardly from one end of the rod; wherein the head has first and second application portions projecting outwardly, wherein the thickness of the first and second application portions decreases toward a distal end of the first and second application portions, res respectively, and wherein the width of the first application portion at the distal end of the first application member is smaller than the width of the second application portion at the distal end of the second application member.

[0007] According to the present invention, by making the shapes of the distal ends of the first and second application portions differ, it is possible to obtain various lines of the cosmetic product by using each of the first and second application portions. In addition, since the first and second application portions are formed on the head provided on one end of the rod, it is easy to switch from one application state with the first application portion to another application state with the second application portion, and vice versa. Thus, it is possible to draw various lines of the cosmetic product using the first application portion or the second application portion, and to improve the application functional capability of the application member. In addition, it is possible to draw a double line of the cosmetic liquid by using both the first application portion and the second application portion.

[0008] In addition, the first and second application portions may protrude from the rod in the axial direction.

[0009] According to the present invention, since the first and second application portions protrude in the axial direction, it becomes easier to apply cosmetic product with the applicator on which the application member is mounted, compared to the first and second application portions which protrude in other directions. In addition, it is easier to swap the application portion to be used for drawing lines of cosmetic product between the first and second application portions.

[0010] Additionally, a profile of the head at its proximal end may be larger than the profile of the stem.

[0011] According to the present invention, the enlargement of the profile of the head relative to the profile of the stem facilitates the positioning of the application member relative to the stem-forming member when mounting the application member on the stem-forming member.

[0012] In addition, the first application portion may have a conical shape, and the second application portion may have a gable shape.

[0013] According to the present invention, the first application portion with a fine tip is used to draw a finer line of the cosmetic product, and the second application portion with a ridge is used to draw a thicker line of the cosmetic product.

[0014] In addition, the first application portion may have a conical shape eccentric relative to the second application portion.

[0015] According to the present invention, since the tip of the first application portion is located further from the second application portion, in comparison with the tip of the first application portion which is located on the central axis of the first application portion, this makes it possible to more reliably avoid contact of the second application portion with the application object when using the first application portion to draw a fine line of the cosmetic product.

[0016] Additionally, the distal end of the second application portion may incline toward a proximal end of the second application portion from one side proximal to the first application portion to the other side away from the first application portion.

[0017] According to the present invention, since the edge of the second application portion is inclined, this makes it possible to more reliably avoid contact of the first application portion with the application object when using the second application portion to draw a thick line of the cosmetic product.

[0018] In addition, the application member may be porous.

[0019] According to the present invention, in the case where the rod-forming member contains a liquid cosmetic product, the liquid cosmetic product can be introduced into the first and second application portions through the application member.

[0020] Furthermore, the applicator according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises the application member as mentioned above; and a rod-forming member on which the application member is mounted.

[0021] In addition, the rod member may contain cosmetic product therein, and the cosmetic liquid in the rod member may be introduced into the application member.

[0022] According to the present invention, in the same spirit as mentioned above, it is possible to draw various features of the cosmetic product using the first and second application portions, and to improve the functional application capacity of the application member. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] shows a plan view of an applicator according to a method of rea lization of the present invention.

[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows an axial sectional view of the applicator of [Fig.l].

[0025] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a plan view of the applicator of [Fig.l], with a hood removed.

[0026] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows an axial sectional view of the applicator of [Fig.3].

[0027] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows an elongated perspective view of the applicator of the [Fig.3].

[0028] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows the applicator in use.

[0029] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] also shows the applicator in use.

[0030] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] also shows the applicator in use.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the application member and the applicator according to the present invention will be described, based on the figures. In the figures used in the following description, each element is scaled accordingly in order to make each element recognizable.

[0033] The applicator 1 according to the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprises: a cylindrical rod member with a bottom 11 containing a cosmetic liquid; a round columnar application member 12 mounted on the rod member 11; and a cylindrical top cap 13 detachably mounted on the rod member 11 and covering the application member 12.

[0034] The rod member 11, the application member 12 and the cap 13 are arranged along an applicator axis. Hereinafter, the direction toward the cap 13 along the applicator axis O is called the proximal-distal direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the proximal-distal direction and parallel to the arrangement direction of the first and second application portions 34, 35 is called the lateral direction, and the direction perpendicular to the proximal-distal direction and the lateral direction is called the front-rear direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the applicator axis O is called the radial direction, and the direction around the applicator axis O is called the circumferential direction.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the rod member 11 comprises: a cylindrical container main body with a bottom 21; a cylindrical fixing member 22 mounted on the distal end of the container main body 21; a cylindrical mounting member 23 mounted on the distal end of the fixing member 22; a stopper 24 disposed inside the container main body 21; and a round columnar impregnated body 25 impregnated with the cosmetic liquid.

[0036] The main container body 21 is formed from polypropylene, for example, and has a cylindrical shape with a bottom extending along the applicator axis O.

[0037] The fixing member 22 is formed of polypropylene, for example, and has a cylindrical shape extending along the applicator axis O. An engagement protrusion 22A abutting a distal edge of the container main body 21 is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member 22. In addition, a first proximal portion 22B of the fixing member 22 extending rearwardly further than the engagement protrusion 22A is fitted into the container main body 21. An outer diameter of a distal end of a first distal portion 22C of the fixing member 22 extending forwardly further than the engagement protrusion 22A gradually decreases toward the distal direction.

[0038] The mounting member 23 is formed of polypropylene, for example, and has a cylindrical shape extending along the applicator axis O. A step is formed on an outer circumferential surface of a connecting portion connecting a second distal portion 23A and a second proximal portion 23B of the mounting member 23. The outer diameter of the second distal portion 23A gradually decreases toward the distal direction. An angle of inclination of the second distal portion 23A of the mounting member 23 relative to the applicator axis is substantially identical to an angle of inclination of the distal end of the first distal portion 22C of the fixing member 22. The second proximal portion 23B is disposed inside the first distal portion 22C of the fixing member 22. In addition, the second proximal portion 23B extends proximally further than the step of the fixing member 22.

[0039] The plug 24 is formed of polyethylene and has a double cylindrical shape with a bottom. In addition, the plug 24 comprises: a cylindrical outer cylinder 26, an inner cylinder 27 with a bottom disposed radially inside the outer cylinder 26; and an annular connecting wall 28 connecting the distal edge of the outer cylinder 26 and the distal edge of the inner cylinder 27. An annular flange 26A projecting radially outward is provided on the proximal end of the outer cylinder 26, and the distal face of the flange 26A abuts against the proximal edge of the first proximal portion 22B of the fixing member 22.

[0040] The impregnated body 25 is formed of polyester fibers, for example, and is impregnated with the cosmetic product such as liquid eyebrow makeup or eyeliner. The impregnated body 25 is disposed in a space delimited by the fixing member 22 and the cap 24, and is located proximal to the fixing member 23.

[0041] The application member 12 is formed from polyethylene or polypropylene, and is porous. The application member 12 is formed by sintering a polymer powder such as polyethylene, and is porous following the sintering.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the application member 12 comprises: a round columnar rod 31 extending along the applicator axis O; and an oval columnar head 32 projecting outwardly from the distal end of the rod 31.

[0043] The rod 31 is inserted into the rod member 23, and is disposed within the mounting member 23, the fixing member 22 and the main container body 21.

[0044] The head 32 comprises: a head main body 33 connected at the distal end of the rod 31; the first and second application portions 34, 35 projecting in the distal direction and arranged in the lateral direction with a spacing between them.

[0045] The outer diameter of the head main body 33 is larger than the diameter internal of the distal edge of the mounting member 23. Thus, the proximal edge of the main head body 33 abuts against the distal edge of the mounting member 23.

[0046] The width in the lateral direction and the thickness in the front-rear direction of the first application portion 34 gradually decrease in the distal direction, in other words, the first application portion 34 has a round conical shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases in the distal direction. In addition, the distal end of the first application portion 34 is eccentric relative to the second application portion 35 in the lateral direction. A portion of the side surface of the first application portion 34 extends from the circumferential surface of the head main body 33.

[0047] The thickness in the front-rear direction of the second application portion (35) gradually decreases in the distal direction, in other words, the second application portion 35 has a gable-top shape of which a distance between two side surfaces (only one side surface 35A shown) opposite in the front-rear direction of the second application portion 35 gradually decreases in the distal direction. The distal edge of the second application portion 35 extends in the lateral direction, and slopes toward the proximal side in the lateral direction away from the first application portion 34. The distal end of the second application portion 35 is slightly proximal compared to the first application portion 34.

[0048] The cap 13 is formed of polypropylene, for example, and, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a cylindrical shape with a top extending along the applicator axis O. The cap 13 is releasably fitted over the first distal portion 22C of the fixing member 22, and the proximal end of the cap 13 abuts against the distal surface of the engagement protrusion 22A.

[0049] Now, the method using the application member 12 and the applicator 1 with the above structure will be explained.

[0050] First, as shown in [Fig. 6], the user removes the cap 13 and brings the distal end of the second application portion 35 into contact with a skin S which is an application object. While bringing the second application portion 35 into contact with the skin S, the user moves the second application portion 35 along the skin S to draw a line of the cosmetic product. Since the rod 31 of the application member 12 is inserted into the impregnated body 25 of the rod member 11, the cosmetic liquid contained in the impregnated body 25 is supplied to the application member 12. In addition, since the application member 12 is porous, the cosmetic liquid in the impregnated body 25 is stably supplied to the head 32 of the application member 12.

[0051] Furthermore, since the distal edge of the second application portion 35 is inclined, when the distal edge of the second application portion 35 comes into contact with the skin S, the first application portion 34 is substantially spaced from the skin S. This therefore prevents contact of the first application portion 34 with the skin S and unintentional tracing of the line of the cosmetic liquid, when using the second application portion 35.

[0052] Then, as shown in [Fig.7], the user brings the first application portion 34 into contact with the skin S. In this case, the user can switch the application portions to be used for drawing the line of the cosmetic liquid from the second application portion 35 to the first application portion 34 only by slightly changing the way the user holds the applicator 1. The user moves the first application portion 34 along the skin S. In this way, the user draws the line of the cosmetic liquid. In this case, since the first application portion 34 has a round conical shape, the line drawn by the first application portion 34 is thinner than the line drawn by the second application portion 35.Furthermore, since the distal end of the first application portion 34 is eccentric relative to the second application portion 35, this prevents contact of the second application portion 35 with the skin S and unintentional tracing of the line of the cosmetic liquid, when using the first application portion 34.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in [Fig.8], it is possible to draw a double line of the cosmetic liquid using both the first application portion 34 and the second application portion 35.

[0054] After having drawn the lines of cosmetic liquid with the first and second application portions 34, 35, the user fixes the cap 13. The application member 12 and the applicator 1 are used in the manner described above.

[0055] As described above, according to the application member 12 and the applicator 1 comprising the application member 12, by making the shapes of the distal ends of the first and second application portions 34, 35 differ from each other, it is possible to obtain various strokes of the cosmetic liquid by using each of the first and second application portions 34, 35. In addition, it is easy to switch from one application state with the first application portion 34 to another application state with the second application portion 35, and vice versa. Thus, it is possible to draw various strokes of the cosmetic liquid using the first and second application portions, and to improve the application functional capability of the application member.

[0056] In addition, since the first and second application portions 34, 35 protrude in the distal direction, it becomes easier to apply cosmetic liquid with the applicator 1 on which the application member 12 is mounted, and it is easier to swap the application portion to be used for drawing lines of cosmetic liquid. between the first and second application portions 34, 35.

[0057] In addition, the enlargement of the profile of the head 32 relative to the profile of the rod 31 facilitates the positioning of the application member 12 relative to the rod-forming member 11 when mounting the application member 12 on the rod-forming member 11.

[0058] Furthermore, the first application portion 34 with a fine tip is used to draw a finer line of the cosmetic liquid, and the second application portion 35 with a ridge is used to draw a thicker line of the cosmetic liquid. In this case, since the tip of the first application portion 34 is located further away from the second application portion 35, compared with the tip of the first application portion 34 which is located on the central axis of the first application portion 34, it is possible to more reliably avoid contact of the second application portion 35 with the skin S when using the first application portion 34 to draw a fine line of the cosmetic liquid.Similarly, since the edge of the second application portion 35 is inclined, it is possible to more reliably avoid contact of the first application portion 34 with the skin S when using the second application portion 35 to draw a thick line of the cosmetic liquid.

[0059] In addition, since the rod-forming member 12 is porous, the cosmetic liquid contained in the rod-forming member 11 can be introduced into the first and second application portions 34, 35 through the application member 12.

[0060] The inventions of the present application are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the concept of the inventions of the present application.

[0061] For example, in the above embodiment, although the application member and the applicator comprising the application member are intended to apply the eyebrow cosmetic liquid, the application member and the applicator may be intended to apply another cosmetic liquid such as eyeliner cosmetic liquid, and may be intended to apply another type of cosmetic, such as a powder cosmetic, other than a cosmetic liquid. Similarly, although the applicator contains the eyebrow cosmetic liquid, it may contain other cosmetic liquids, such as eyeliner cosmetic liquid. In addition, although the applicator comprises the impregnated body which is impregnated with the cosmetic liquid, the applicator may contain cosmetic liquid in a sealed manner.Furthermore, although the applicator comprises the rod-forming member containing the cosmetic liquid, the applicator may comprise a rod-forming member which does not contain the cosmetic liquid. In this case, the application member is supplied with cosmetic liquid by immersing the application member in the cosmetic liquid contained in a container other than the applicator.

[0062] The application member may comprise three or more application portions. In addition, two or more application portions may be used to apply a plurality of cosmetic product strokes simultaneously by contacting the two or more application portions simultaneously with an application object, such as skin.

[0063] Although the tip of the first application portion is eccentric relative to the second application portion in relation to the central axis of the first application portion, it is possible that the tip of the first application portion is not eccentric or is eccentric toward the second application portion. Similarly, although the edge of the second application portion is inclined toward a proximal end of the second application portion from one side proximal to the first application portion to the other side away from the first application portion, it is possible that the edge of the second application portion is not inclined, or is inclined toward a proximal end of the second application portion from one side away from the first application portion to the other side proximal to the first application portion.

[0064] Although the first application portion has a round conical shape, the first application portion may have another conical shape, such as a triangular conical shape, or may have a frustoconical shape, such as a round frustoconical shape. In other words, the first application portion may have another shape, as long as the thickness of the first application portion decreases toward a distal end of the first application portion and the width of the first application portion at the distal end of the first application member is smaller than the width of the second application portion at the distal end of the second application member.Similarly, the second application portion may have another shape, as long as the thickness of the second application portion decreases toward a distal end of the second application portion and the width of the second application portion at the distal end of the second application member is greater than the width of the first application portion at the distal end of the first application member.

[0065] The first and second application portions may extend in a direction other than the proximal-distal direction, and may extend in a direction inclined relative to the applicator axis.

[0066] Although the profile of the head at its proximal end is larger than that of the stem, the head may have a profile at its proximal end less than or equal to that of the stem.

[0067] Although the applicator member is porous, it is possible that the applicator member is not porous. In addition, although the applicator member is formed by sintering a polymer powder, the applicator member may be formed by other process, and can be formed by any suitable material other than a polymer powder.

[0068] The shape of the application member is not limited to a round columnar shape, and may be another shape such as an oval columnar shape or a polygonal columnar shape. Similarly, the shape of the container main body is not limited to a round cylindrical shape with a bottom, and may be an oval cylindrical shape with a bottom or a polygonal cylindrical shape with a bottom.

Claims

Claims

1. An application member (12) for mounting on a rod member (11) constituting an applicator and for applying a cosmetic product to an application target, comprising: a rod (31) in the form of a bar mounted on the rod member and extending in an axial direction; and a head (32) projecting outwardly from one end of the rod;wherein the head has first (34) and second (35) outwardly projecting application portions, wherein the thickness of the first and second application portions decreases toward a distal end of the first and second application portions, respectively, wherein the width of the first application portion at the distal end of the first application member is smaller than the width of the second application portion at the distal end of the second application member, wherein the first application portion (34) has a conical shape, and wherein the second application portion (35) has a gable shape.;

2. An application member according to claim 1, wherein the first and second application portions (34, 35) protrude from the stem in the axial direction.

3. An applicator member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a profile of the head (32) at its proximal end (33) is larger than a profile (23) of the stem.

4. An application member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first application portion (34) has a conical shape eccentric relative to the second application portion (35).

5. An applicator member according to any preceding claim, wherein the distal end of the second application portion (35) slopes toward a proximal end of the second application portion from one side proximal to the first application portion (34) to the other side away from the first application portion.

6. An applicator member according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator member (12) is porous.

7. An applicator (1) comprising: the application member (12) of any preceding claim; and a rod member (11) on which the application member is mounted.

Images