COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH FLEXIBLE FLUID RETAINING PORTION

Abstract

A cosmetic package for applying a composition containing a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical composition to the keratinous substrate comprises a receptacle and a cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic applicator further comprises an applicator head (10), a stem and a closure. The applicator head comprises an application element (40) which comprises a spatula with a first application face (42) having a concave inner surface (46) and a second application face (44) having a convex outer surface (47). Figure for abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH FLEXIBLE FLUID RETAINING PORTION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119 from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 201911014979, filed April 14, 2019; Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 201911038606, filed September 24, 2019; Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 201911038628, filed September 25, 2019; and Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202011003942, filed January 29, 2020.

[0002] BACKGROUND - Field: The present description generally relates to a cosmetic applicator for applying a product comprising a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product to a keratinous substrate such as the skin, lips, dark circles, eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body. More particularly the description relates to an applicator for cosmetic products which provides a cavity for containing a quantity of the product from a container for application to the keratinous surface.

[0003] BACKGROUND - Description of Related Art: Devices exist for dispensing cosmetic or medical products. Such devices typically consist of a container containing the cosmetic or medical products, a delivery mechanism for moving the cosmetic or medical products, and an applicator. For example, in the medical industry, applicators are used for applying medical products such as ointments to body parts. In the cosmetic and personal care industries, applicators are used for applying lipstick, lip balm, skin creams, lotions, and other cosmetic products to body parts.

[0004] Many cosmetic products that are fluid or of indefinite shape are packaged and sold in a container that contains the cosmetic product and from which the cosmetic product is transported and applied to a user's skin by a cosmetic applicator.

[0005] Typically, the cosmetic applicator is provided at the end with a rod supported by a cap which rests on and closes the mouth or opening of the container, the cosmetic applicator being immersed in the cosmetic material contained in the container when the cap is in the container closing position. The cap serves as a handle for the user when the cosmetic applicator, containing a quantity of the cosmetic product, is removed from the container and applied to the skin.

[0006] In some cases, a flexible elastomeric scraper is mounted in the opening of the container so as to contact the cosmetic applicator when the cosmetic applicator is withdrawn through the opening, in order to remove excess cosmetic product that may be carried by the cosmetic applicator from the body of the cosmetic product within the container.

[0007] The applicator may be immersed in the container containing the cosmetic material and then removed from the jar to apply the product to a user's skin. Such applicators may retain the cosmetic product by adhesion to the surface of the applicator. This limits the amount of product that can be delivered each time the applicator is immersed and removed from the jar. It may be necessary to repeatedly immerse the applicator several times in succession in order to deliver a sufficient amount of product to complete the entire application process. Thus, many prior art applicators do not provide a location or area in which large volumes of cosmetic material can be retained within or on the head of the applicator.With limited surface area and no place or area to retain large volumes of cosmetic material, many prior art applicators are therefore unable to allow fewer insertions of the cosmetic applicator head into the container for an application process, for example, coating the lips with a lip gloss type cosmetic product.

[0008] Other conventional applicators include an internally fed applicator in which a quantity of cosmetic product is stored in a container fluidly connected to the applicator head. The product is supplied to the applicator head from the reservoir as application is performed. The product may be supplied, for example, by exerting pressure on the reservoir to compress the product onto the applicator head. In this way, the applicator head can be refilled without having to lower the applicator and re-dip it into the cosmetic container. However, providing a reservoir fluidly connected to the applicator may represent additional complexity and costs. In addition, it may be difficult for the user to control the quantity of product supplied to the applicator head.Additionally, the amount of material contained in the container in fluid connection with the applicator head may be limited by the dimensions of the applicator itself.

[0009] There therefore still exists a need for a cosmetic product packaging comprising an applicator with which a large quantity of product can be applied without having to re-dip the applicator into the cosmetic product container.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] The present invention relates to a system for applying a substance to a keratinous surface comprising:

[0012] a container for containing the substance;

[0013] a scraper disposed across an opening of the container, the scraper comprising an orifice;

[0014] an applicator comprising a rod and an applicator head, the rod and applicator head being sized and configured to movably pass through the orifice along a longitudinal axis, the applicator head comprising:

[0015] a tail connecting a proximal portion of the applicator head with a distal portion of the rod;

[0016] a base connected to a distal end of the tail; and

[0017] a spatula extending distally from the base, comprising one or more deformable portions, wherein the deformable portions have a transverse dimension relative to the longitudinal axis greater than a diameter of the orifice, wherein the deformable portions bend when pulled through the orifice such that the spatula defines a reservoir, wherein when the rod is extended through the orifice and when the applicator head is immersed in the substance, the substance adheres to the spatula, wherein when the rod and the applicator head are withdrawn proximally from the container, the deformable portions bend to define the reservoir and wherein a quantity of the substance is carried in the reservoir.

[0018] According to several characteristics of the system of the invention: • the spatula further comprises a flocked surface, the flocked surface covering at least a portion of the spatula; • the spatula comprises opposing curved edges forming the edges of the deformable portions and a concave internal surface and the concave surface forms an internal surface of the reservoir; • the opposite curved edges are asymmetrical to each other; • a first of the opposing curved edges comprises a first concave section connecting the base and a first convex section distal to the first concave section and a second of the opposing curved edges comprises a second convex section connecting the base and a second concave section distal to the second convex section; • the opposing curved edges meet at a distal end of the spatula to form a point; • the tip is offset from the longitudinal axis; • the spatula comprises a rigid portion and a deformable portion connected to the rigid portion and having a free edge and a concave internal surface, wherein the free edge has a curved shape and wherein, when the spatula is flexed to form the reservoir, the free edge contacts the rigid portion to form the reservoir; • the deformable portion further comprises a stiffener disposed on a surface opposite the concave inner surface, wherein the stiffener increases a rigidity of the deformable portion; • the stiffener has the shape of a spiral; • the deformable portion extends in the distal direction from the base to form a tip; • the tip is offset from the longitudinal axis; • the spatula comprises a central portion extending distally from the base, wherein the deformable portions comprise two lateral portions, each connected along an edge with the central portion, wherein each lateral portion has a free edge and wherein the central portion and the lateral portions form a C-shaped groove; • the free edges have a curvilinear shape; • the curvilinear shape of each free edge is of the same shape; • the base comprises one or more supports which extend in the distal direction and wherein the spatula comprises a generally circular body supported by the one or more supports, wherein the sides of the circular body extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis to form the deformable portions, wherein a face of the circular body is concave and wherein, when the spatula is flexed, the sides of the circular body bend to form the reservoir; • one face of the circular body opposite the concave face includes a textured surface.

[0019] The present invention also relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, this applicator comprising:

[0020] a rod having a longitudinal axis; and

[0021] an applicator head connected with a distal end of the shaft and extending in the distal direction, wherein the applicator head comprises:

[0022] a base at a proximal end;

[0023] a spoon connected to the base and having a transverse width relative to the longitudinal axis; and

[0024] a tip formed at a distal end of the spoon, wherein the spoon comprises a concave inner surface, a convex outer surface and two opposing free edges extending from the base towards the tip, wherein the spoon is formed of a flexible material and wherein, when the spoon is pulled through an orifice with a diameter less than the width, the spoon bends so that the free edges contact each other and the concave internal surface defines a reservoir.

[0025] The present invention also relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, this applicator comprising:

[0026] a rod having a longitudinal axis; and

[0027] an applicator head connected to a distal end of the shaft and extending in the distal direction, wherein the applicator head comprises:

[0028] a rigid base at a proximal end extending in the distal direction, the base having a tip and a curvilinear edge; and

[0029] a fin connected to the curvilinear edge and extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis, the fin having a width transverse to the longitudinal axis;

[0030] wherein the fin comprises a concave inner surface, a convex outer surface and a free edge opposite the curvilinear edge, wherein the fin is formed of a flexible material and wherein, when the applicator head is pulled through an orifice with a diameter less than the width, the fin bends such that the free edge contacts the curvilinear edge and the concave inner surface defines a reservoir.

[0031] The present invention also relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, this applicator comprising:

[0032] a rod having a longitudinal axis; and

[0033] an applicator head connected to a distal end of the shaft and extending in the distal direction, wherein the applicator head comprises:

[0034] a base at a proximal end;

[0035] a central wall connected to the base and extending distally from the base; and

[0036] two opposing side walls, each side wall being connected along an edge to the central wall, each side wall extending generally perpendicularly from the central wall, and having a free edge, wherein the central wall and the side walls form a C-shaped gutter, wherein the side walls extend transversely to the longitudinal axis and wherein the C-shaped gutter has a width transverse to the longitudinal axis;

[0037] wherein the C-shaped gutter comprises a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, wherein the side walls are formed of a flexible material and wherein, when the applicator head is pulled through an orifice with a diameter less than the width, the side walls bend such that the free edges come into contact with each other and the concave internal surface defines a reservoir.

[0038] The present invention also relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, this applicator comprising:

[0039] a rod having a longitudinal axis; and

[0040] an applicator head connected to a distal end of the shaft and extending in the distal direction, wherein the applicator head comprises:

[0041] a base at a proximal end comprising one or more supports extending in the distal direction; and

[0042] a fin connected to the base and supported by the supports and having a width transverse to the longitudinal axis, the fin being generally circular, with a diameter of the fin arranged along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the support is arranged at least partially along the diameter,

[0043] wherein the fin comprises a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface and two opposing free edges, wherein the fin is formed of a flexible material and wherein, when the fin is pulled through an orifice with a diameter less than the width, the fin bends such that the free edges contact each other and the concave inner surface defines a reservoir.

[0044] The present invention provides embodiments of a cosmetic package that can easily be configured to contain a cosmetic product and applicator.

[0045] The present invention provides embodiments of a cosmetic package comprising a cosmetic applicator with which a large amount of cosmetic product can be applied without having to dip the cosmetic applicator into the cosmetic container intermittently.

[0046] The present invention provides embodiments of an applicator that provides a relatively large surface area, is very simple to use, economical to manufacture, and aesthetically pleasing.

[0047] The present invention provides embodiments of a combination cosmetic package that includes separable components that securely fit together to provide a unitary package.

[0048] The present invention provides embodiments of a cosmetic applicator that is comfortable and easy to use.

[0049] Accordingly, a cosmetic package is provided, which comprises a receptacle and the cosmetic applicator. The receptacle is adapted to contain a product containing a cosmetic, hygienic or pharmaceutical product. In alternative embodiments, the receptacle may comprise a separate internal reservoir for containing a volume of the product to be administered. The cosmetic, hygienic product or pharmaceutical includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrow powder, lip gloss, hair coloring, cheek blush, facial care, cosmetics for dark circles, pharmaceutical products and the like.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the cosmetic packaging has an elongated cylindrical shape. In alternative embodiments, the cosmetic packaging may have an elongated square, oval, triangular, heart-shaped, or any other shape known in the art.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the cosmetic applicator comprises an applicator head, a stem and a closure or cap. The closure of the cosmetic package comprises threads on its inner surface which can be screwed onto threads formed on an outer surface of a neck of the receptacle. In alternative embodiments, the closure may snap onto the neck of the receptacle or some other type of mechanism may be used to mate with the closure of the receptacle.

[0052] A scraper is provided within the neck of the container for scraping excess cosmetic product from the cosmetic applicator. According to one embodiment, the scraper includes an annular bead on its outer surface, adapted to fit into a corresponding annular groove formed on an inner surface of the neck of the receptacle. The scraper includes a scraping orifice sized to fit with the applicator.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the receptacle and closure may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic material, or any other material known in the art. In alternative embodiments, the receptacle and closure are made of a flexible material, for example, a flexible polymer material or any other material known in the art.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head and the shaft are fitted together using a snap-fit ​​connection. In alternative embodiments, the applicator head and the shaft are fitted together by friction, gluing, crimping, magnetic bonding and the like. According to some embodiments, the distal end of the shaft includes an interior longitudinal cavity for housing and holding the applicator head. The applicator head includes said applicator element at its distal portion and a shaft element at its proximal portion. The shaft element is adapted to be housed and held in the interior longitudinal cavity of the shaft.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod may have a longitudinal axis that is rectilinear. In alternative embodiments, the rod is curved.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod has a circular cross-section. According to other embodiments, the cross-section of the rod has another shape, including an oval, elliptical or polygonal shape, for example, square, triangular or rectangular. The rod may be solid, as shown, or alternatively, it may be hollow.

[0057] When the rod does not have a circular cross-section, the closure may be secured to the receptacle by snap-fastening or other means without rotation relative to said receptacle. According to these embodiments, the scraper may include a non-circular scraper orifice that is complementary to the cross-section of the rod.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head is made, at least in part, of a material that is more flexible than a material of which the stem is made.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion and preferably all of the applicator head may be manufactured by molding, for example by injection molding. The applicator head may be formed from materials suitable for injection molding, including thermoplastic materials; elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; a thermoplastic polymer polyester such as HYTREL®; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP) and the like.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head comprises the application element and a tail portion. The tail portion is retained at a distal end of the stem for application of the cosmetic product. A closure having a shape for closing the cosmetic container is retained at a proximal end of the stem. The distal end of the stem comprises an interior longitudinal cavity for housing and holding the tail of the applicator head.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the application member is preferably formed from a thermoplastic urethane. According to a preferred embodiment, the urethane is Desmopan® 487. In alternative embodiments, the application member is formed from a suitable polymeric material or other material known in the art.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an external surface of the application element is covered with an application element made of flocked fibers. The fibers for flocking may be any material known in the art, including nylon, polyester or a natural fiber. The flocking fibers may be applied with an adhesive, such as an epoxy adhesive, to the surface to be flocked. The flocking finish on the outer surface of the application element may be carried out using a suitably chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking. According to one embodiment, the outer surface of the application element before being flocked is smooth and does not have a surface texture, i.e., it does not have a wrinkle finish or a matte finish. In other words, the outer surface of the application element, before being flocked, is smooth and slippery according to certain embodiments.

[0063] Preferably, the flocking process takes place in an electrostatic field, which allows for proper orientation of the fibers. Flocking onto the outer surface of the application member provides a layer that can hold a small amount of the cosmetic product needed for one or two applications. In alternative embodiments, the outer surface of the application member may include injection-molded fibers, protrusions, or grooves that are capable of retaining the cosmetic product.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the application element is covered with a flock coating. However, in alternative embodiments, the outer surface of the application element is not covered with a flock coating.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the application element comprises a base portion which has a cylindrical shape. According to alternative embodiments, the base portion is circular or of any other shape known in the art.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head may be made, at least in part, of a material that is more flexible than a material of which the stem is made. According to one embodiment, the receptacle and the cap may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic, or any other material known in the art. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle and the cap may be made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymeric material or any other material known in the art.

[0067] A first embodiment of the invention provides a cosmetic applicator comprising an application element, the application element further comprising a base portion and a spatula extending from the base portion. The spatula extends from the base portion and comprises an elongate support body extending along the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. The spatula comprises a first application face and a second application face. opposite the first application face. The first application face comprises a concave inner surface while the second application face comprises a convex outer surface. The concave inner surface creates a volume reservoir. The convex outer surface acts as a large mixing surface for easy application of the cosmetic product. Further, the spatula comprises a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. At least one of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge extends in all three spatial dimensions.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the volume reservoir of the concave inner surface of the first application face serves as a reservoir for the cosmetic product. A significant amount of the cosmetic product can be accommodated in said volume reservoir which is available for application to the user's skin or a keratinous substrate.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge of the spatula are asymmetrical relative to each other. At least one of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge extends in all three spatial dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge extend in all three spatial dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, the first longitudinal edge comprises a first curve that is outwardly convex and a second curve that is outwardly concave. When viewed from a proximal end to a distal end of the spatula, the first curve is followed by the second curve of the first longitudinal edge.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second curves of the first longitudinal edge differ from each other by the nature of their curves or by their radius of curvature. According to the invention, when the curve does not correspond to an arc of a circle, the "radius of curvature is measured at the apex of the curve". The first curve is produced around a first axis of curvature with a first radius of curvature. The second curve is produced around a second axis of curvature with a second radius of curvature. According to a preferred embodiment, the first axis of curvature and the second axis of curvature are not parallel and extend in different directions. The first radius of curvature may or may not be the same as the second radius of curvature.In a preferred embodiment, the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature, such that the first curve extends over at least 75% of a length of the first longitudinal edge.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second longitudinal edge comprises a third curve which is convex outwards, a fourth curve that is concave outward and a fifth curve that is convex outward. Viewed from the proximal end to the distal end of the spatula, the third curve is followed by the fourth curve and the fourth curve is followed by the fifth curve.

[0072] The third, fourth and fifth curves differ from each other in the nature of their curves by their radius of curvature. The third curve is produced around a third axis of curvature with a third radius of curvature. The fourth curve is produced around a fourth axis of curvature with a fourth radius of curvature. The fifth curve is produced around a fifth axis of curvature with a fifth radius of curvature.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the third, fourth, and fifth axes of curvature are not parallel and extend in different directions. The third, fourth, and fifth radii of curvature may or may not be equal. More particularly, the third radius of curvature and the fourth radius of curvature may or may not be equal. In the exemplary embodiment, the fifth radius of curvature is less than the third and fourth radii of curvature. More particularly, at least one of the third curve or the fourth curve extends at least 30% of a length of the second longitudinal edge. The fifth curve extends at least 10% of a length of the second longitudinal edge.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first application face comprises a recess which is generally closed by the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge except at the proximal end of the spatula. A gap exists between the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge, near the proximal end of the spatula. The recess promotes retention of the cosmetic product. When the cosmetic applicator is applied to a keratinous substrate, the cosmetic product present in the recess can be deposited and the surface area of ​​the cosmetic product coming into contact with the lips or any other part of the body can be relatively large, such that the lips or any other part of the body can be masked relatively quickly. The recess extends longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end of the spatula.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the recess extends along a longitudinal axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. More particularly, the recess is off-center relative to the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator and forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the recess is open outwards along the entire length of the spatula via the first application face for use in applying the cosmetic product.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment, the recess extends over more than half the width of the spatula, viewed at any point along the longitudinal axis. In alternative embodiments, the recess does not extend over more than half the width of the spatula.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the recess passes through an extremum between the proximal end and the distal end of the spatula. The extremum may be, for example, a maximum. More particularly, seen from the front, the recess has its widest part, the width of which gradually decreases from the widest part either towards the proximal end or towards the distal end of the spatula.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the recess may extend through more than half the length of the spatula. In alternative embodiments, the recess does not extend through more than half the length of the spatula.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge converge to form a narrow tip at the distal end of the spatula. The narrow tip promotes precise deposition of the cosmetic product when applying the cosmetic product to the user's skin or a keratinous substrate.

[0081] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the narrow tip does not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator. More particularly, the narrow tip is off-center relative to the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic application.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when using said cosmetic packaging, the user first separates the closure from the receptacle. In order to apply the product to the keratinous substrate such as the skin, lips, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body, the cosmetic applicator is dipped into the product in the receptacle and then it can be applied using the applicator head.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present invention, upon removal of the cosmetic applicator from the state of immersion in the cosmetic product, the cosmetic product is collected and retained over the entire surface of the spatula.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the widest portion of the spatula has a width greater than the widest portion of the scraper orifice. Therefore, when the cosmetic applicator is removed from the receptacle, the widest portion of the spatula engages in the scraper orifice. Because the spatula is made of an elastic deformable material in the present embodiment realization, it is deformed at the level of the widest part which is caught in the orifice of the scraper so as to be able to pass through the orifice of the scraper.

[0085] Because the first application face of the spatula, where the majority of the cosmetic is retained, comprises the concave inner surface, the spatula is curved generally into a C-shape, the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge approaching each other. Because the spatula is curved generally into a C-shape, the cosmetic product remains trapped in the C-shape while the spatula is in a deformed state. On the other hand, the second application face comprises the convex outer surface and is scraped by the scraper. The second application face is freed from the cosmetic product which is applied by the first application face of the spatula.

[0086] The scraper is made of an elastically deformable material, such that the spatula and the scraper orifice are deformed to reduce resistance against removal and insertion, further improving comfort of use.

[0087] Once the spatula passes through the scraper orifice, it returns to its original shape without any force being applied to it by the scraper orifice. Therefore, as the original shape is restored, the cosmetic is spread over the entire surface of the first application face of the spatula. As a result, the spatula is able to apply the cosmetic evenly to the lips or any other part of the body. At this time, there is very little retention of the cosmetic on the second application face of the spatula, such that a user can apply the cosmetic quickly and easily without worrying about unintentional application to an area other than the target area.

[0088] The scraper makes it possible to scrape not only the excess cosmetic product adhering to the spatula but also the cosmetic product adhering to the rod.

[0089] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the cosmetic applicator comprises an application element which comprises a support body and a fin extending from the support body, wherein the fin is curved about a horizontal axis Y. The support body supports the fin at a base portion and at a side edge of the fin. The fin comprises a concave front face and an opposite convex rear face. Furthermore, the fin is curved about the horizontal axis which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of the application element, i.e., the fin is curved from left to right such that the fin defines a longitudinal concavity at the concave front face of the fin.

[0090] Another aspect of the present invention provides a cosmetic package that includes a receptacle for holding a cosmetic product and the cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic applicator includes an applicator head, a stem and a cap. The cosmetic applicator cap has threads that can be screwed onto threads formed on a neck of the receptacle. The applicator head is held at a distal end of the stem for application of the product; and the cap at the proximal end of the stem.

[0091] In general, the use of the terms "distal" and "proximal" herein is intended to mean that the distal side / end is the side / end that faces the interior of the storage receptacle, while proximal side / end is the side or end that faces the receptacle's collection opening.

[0092] Furthermore, the distal end of the rod comprises an interior longitudinal cavity for housing and holding the applicator head. Furthermore, in the neck of the receptacle is inserted a scraper for scraping excess product from the cosmetic applicator.

[0093] In addition, the head of the cosmetic applicator can be used to apply the product comprising a cosmetic or care product. The cosmetic or care product includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrow powder, lip gloss, hair coloring, skin care, cosmetics for dark circles, pharmaceutical products and the like.

[0094] The applicator head comprises said application element at its distal end and a tail element at its proximal portion. The tail element is adapted to be housed and held in the interior longitudinal cavity of the rod.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support body extends along the longitudinal axis of the rod toward the fin. The fin extends laterally relative to the support body, such that the support body supports the fin laterally on the faces of the fin and at the base portion of the fin.

[0096] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the convex rear face of the fin provides a large mixing surface for smooth and efficient application of the cosmetic product. The application member collects a generous amount of product in the concave front surface of the fin such that re-dipping is not necessary during application. More particularly, the longitudinal concavity of the concave front face of the fin promotes retention of the cosmetic product. When the cosmetic applicator is applied to the keratinous substrate, the cosmetic product present in the longitudinal concavity of the fin can be deposited and the surface of the product coming into contact with the lips or any other part of the body can be masked relatively quickly.

[0097] According to one aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal concavity of the fin extends longitudinally from a proximal end toward the distal end of the fin, along a longitudinal axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis x of the application element / the rod. More particularly, the longitudinal concavity is off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the application element and forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis X of the application element.

[0098] According to one aspect of the present invention, the support body comprises two opposing main faces, namely a first front face, a second opposing rear face and two opposing lateral faces, namely a third lateral face and a fourth lateral face. The third lateral face is convexly curved along the longitudinal axis X as well as along an axis Z which is generally perpendicular to the axes X and Y. Furthermore, the fourth lateral face comprises a convex curve followed by a concave curve, viewed from the proximal portion towards the distal portion of the application element. The fin extends laterally from said fourth lateral face of the support body. A connecting edge of the fin connects along at least a portion of the convexly curved surface and the concavely curved surface of the fourth lateral face of the support body.

[0099] In alternative embodiments, the curves of the third and fourth side faces of the support body or the shape of the support body may be different and the invention is therefore not limited to the curves of the third and fourth side faces of the support body or the shape of the support body.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a width of the first front face and the second rear face of the support body decreases continuously from a proximal end of the application element toward the distal portion of the application element, as seen from a front view and a rear view of the application element.

[0101] Furthermore, the width of the third side face of the support body, as seen from the left side view of the application member, decreases continuously from a proximal end of the application member toward a distal portion of the application member. More particularly, the support body, in a left side view of the application member, has a shape that, toward the tip of the application member, is convexly curved and has sloping side edges. The third side face of the support body provides a narrow mixing surface for applying and mixing a cosmetic product, for example, at the corners of the lips and the corners of the eyes.

[0102] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the application element is made of an elastomer, more particularly a thermoplastic elastomer. The fin is thinner than the support body. More particularly, the fin is at least 2.3 times thinner than the support body. The fin is therefore more flexible and elastically pliable, more particularly compared to the support body. The fin is sufficiently flexible to bend during application along the contour of the human face or lips, so as to obtain a uniform application of the cosmetic product.

[0103] A swirl-shaped extension extends from the support body toward the concave front face of the fin, which exerts a force on the fin during application. However, the swirl-shaped extension is an optional element, the application element may or may not include such extensions.

[0104] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the width of the fin first increases from a proximal end of the fin and forms the widest portion of the fin and then gradually decreases from the widest portion toward a distal end of the fin. A narrow tip is formed at the distal end of the fin that coincides with a distal end of the application member. Further, the narrow tip at the distal end allows the user to draw precise lines during application. Further, the narrow tip at the distal end of the application member may not coincide with the longitudinal axis X of the application member. More particularly, the narrow tip is off-center relative to the longitudinal axis X of the cosmetic applicator.

[0105] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the widest part of the application element coincides with the widest part of the fin.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the fin and the support body may be flocked.

[0107] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the application element may not be flocked.

[0108] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an external surface of the application element is covered with an application element which, in this case, is made of flocked fibers. In short, the fibers for flocking, which may be made of a commonly used material, such as nylon, polyester or any natural fiber, are applied with an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive, to the surface to be flocked. The flocking finish on the external surface of the application element may be carried out using any suitably chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking.

[0109] When using said cosmetic packaging, the user first separates the cap from the receptacle. In order to apply the cosmetic product to the keratinous substrate such as the skin, lips, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body, the cosmetic applicator is dipped into the cosmetic product in the receptacle and then the cosmetic product can be applied using the applicator head.

[0110] Upon removal of the cosmetic applicator from the state of immersion in the cosmetic product, the cosmetic product is collected and retained over the entire surface of the fin and the support body.

[0111] The widest portion of the applicator member has a width greater than that of the widest portion of the scraper orifice. Therefore, when the cosmetic applicator is removed from the receptacle, the widest portion of the applicator member is trapped in the scraper orifice. The fin is therefore made of an elastically deformable material in the present embodiment, it is deformed at the widest portion trapped in the scraper orifice so as to be able to pass through the scraper orifice. A free lateral edge, generally opposite the connecting edge of the fin which connects the fin to the support body, deforms to curve inwardly towards the concave front face of the fin, where the majority of the cosmetic is retained.Because the fin is curved, the cosmetic product is retained inside the longitudinal concavity of the fin while the fin is in a deformed state. On the other hand, the convex rear surface of the fin and the first surface of the supporting body is further scraped by the scraper and acts as a mixing surface to facilitate the application of the cosmetic product which is applied by the concave front face of the fin.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the scraper is made of an elastically deformable material so that the fin and the orifice of the scraper are deformed in order to reduce the resistance against removal and insertion, thereby improving the comfort of use.

[0113] Once the fin passes through the scraper orifice, it returns to its original shape when no force is exerted by the scraper orifice. Therefore, when the original shape is restored, the cosmetic is spread over the entire surface of the concave front face of the fin. As a result, the fin is able to apply the cosmetic evenly to the lips or any other part of the body. At this time, there is very little retention of the cosmetic on the convex back face of the fin, such that a user can apply the cosmetic quickly and easily without worrying about unintentional application to an area other than the target area.

[0114] The scraper serves to scrape not only the excess cosmetic product adhering to the fin but also the cosmetic product adhering to the rod.

[0115] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion and preferably all of the applicator head may be manufactured by molding, for example by injection molding. The applicator head may be made of materials known to those skilled in the art that are suitable for injection molding, including thermoplastic materials; elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic polyester elastomer such as HYTREL ®, for example; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); styrene-ethylene-butylene- styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP) and the like.

[0116] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod has a cross-section that is circular. According to other embodiments, the cross-section of the rod is oval, elliptical or polygonal, for example square, triangular or rectangular. The rod may be solid as shown or, alternatively, it may be hollow.

[0117] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, when the rod does not have a circular cross-section, the cap is secured to the receptacle by snap-fastening or other means without rotation relative to said receptacle. The scraper may thus have a non-circular scraper orifice which is complementary to the cross-section of the rod.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the receptacle and the cap may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic material or any other material known in the art. In alternative embodiments, the receptacle and the cap are made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer material or any other material known in the art.

[0119] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the head of the applicator may be made, at least in part, of a material that is more flexible than a material of which the stem is made. According to one embodiment, the receptacle and the cap may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic material, or any other material known in the art. In alternative embodiments, the receptacle and the cap are made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer material or any other material known in the art.

[0120] According to a preferred embodiment, the application element is elongated along a central longitudinal axis of the applicator head. The application element comprises a longitudinal axis which is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the rod. The application element is elongated, i.e. its extension in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is greater than its greatest extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. More particularly, the greatest extension of the application element in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is greater by at least a factor of 1.5, preferably greater by at least a factor of 2, than the greatest extension of the application element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator.

[0121] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the head of the applicator 10 and the rod are assembled by snap-fastening. In alternative embodiments, the applicator head and the stem are assembled by friction, gluing, crimping, magnetic interlocking and the like. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stem has a longitudinal axis which is rectilinear. In alternative embodiments, the stem is curved.

[0122] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head comprises an elongated application body at a distal portion of the applicator head, the elongated application body has a predominantly U-shaped cross-section and is elongated, i.e. a U-shaped cavity extends along a longitudinal axis of the applicator head. The application body comprises a curve in the horizontal axis, i.e. the application body has a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface opposite the inner surface. By curve in the horizontal axis, it is meant that the application body is curved in a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the application body (i.e. curved from left to right).

[0123] The applicator head is adapted to be loaded with product to be applied. The distal end of the rod includes an interior longitudinal cavity for housing and holding the applicator head. More particularly, a proximal portion of the applicator head has the shape of a cylindrical tail, which is adapted to be housed within the longitudinal cavity of the rod. The molded applicator head may be secured to the rod by force fit, more particularly by snap-fitting, gluing, welding or crimping, the tail of the applicator head in the longitudinal cavity of the rod being disposed at the end of the rod.

[0124] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator body comprises at least three vertical side walls, namely a first side wall, a second side wall and a third side wall, these three side walls together defining the longitudinal U-shaped cavity designed to accommodate the cosmetic product. The U-shaped cavity extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the applicator body and is open at the proximal and distal ends of the applicator body. The product accumulates in said U-shaped cavity, which allows the cosmetic applicator to be used at least for a time sufficient to allow a product such as a cosmetic or care product to be sufficiently applied. The first and second side walls form the lateral sides of the U-shaped cavity and the third side wall forms the base of the U-shaped cavity.The U-shaped cavity includes a longitudinal opening opposite the third side wall.

[0125] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second side walls are two generally parallel side walls of length equivalent and are horizontally aligned side walls. The first and second side walls are generally parallel and are horizontally spaced so as to form said U-shaped cavity with the third side wall. The first and second side walls extend generally orthogonally / perpendicularly from the third side wall.

[0126] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second side walls are adapted to bend to change their angle to a non-perpendicular angle relative to the third side wall, under the influence of external forces.

[0127] According to another embodiment, the first and second side walls act as two flexible flaps that extend transversely from the third side wall along generally the entire length of the application body. In use, at least one of the flexible flaps bends inwardly toward the third side wall during application to release the cosmetic product from the opening of the U-shaped cavity.

[0128] According to one embodiment of the present embodiment, the first and second side walls are configured to be flexed relative to the third side wall between a collapsed state and a resting state. In the resting state, the first and second side walls extend in generally parallel directions and orthogonally / perpendicularly from the connecting third side wall. In the collapsed state, the first and second side walls bend to collapse inwardly toward the third side wall and change their angle to a non-perpendicular angle relative to the third side wall.

[0129] According to the invention, the thickness, material and / or connection of the first and second side walls with the third side wall are selected such that the first and second side walls bend / pivot relative to the third side wall. More particularly, the first and second side walls bend inwardly toward the inner surface of the third side wall such that they abut against each other and form a partially collapsed flexed structure.More particularly, when the application body is under the influence of external forces which are exerted on the application body by the scraper and / or the neck of the container, the first and second side walls bend / pivot inwardly towards the inner surface of the third side wall to form a partially collapsed flexed structure and in which the first and second side walls abut against each other in the collapsed state. The external forces are exerted, on the application body, by the scraper and / or the neck of the container when the application body is pulled outwardly, as desired. by the scraper or the neck of the container or pushed back into the container in the reverse direction. Further when the force on the application body is removed, the first and second side walls return to their initial state in which the first and second side walls are generally perpendicular to the third side wall.

[0130] According to yet another embodiment, the U-shaped longitudinal cavity of the application body makes it possible to retain the cosmetic product which is available for loading, transport and application, after scraping the applicator head.

[0131] In the exemplary embodiment, each of said first and second side walls has a uniform thickness and a generally flat outer surface and inner surface. The third side wall has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first and second side walls. Further, the outer and inner surfaces of the third side wall are curved surfaces. The outer surface of each of the first and second side walls forms a smooth, curved corner with said outer surface of the third side wall. A corner thickness is therefore generally greater than the uniform thickness of said first and second side walls.

[0132] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second side walls are integral parts of the third side wall.

[0133] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a distance between the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second side walls defines a span significantly smaller than the length of the first and second side walls or the third side wall. In a preferred embodiment, the span being at least 2 times less than the length of the application body, preferably at least 3 times less than the length of the application body, preferably at least 5 times less than the length of the application body.

[0134] The term "generally perpendicular" includes the meaning that there is a slight variation from a particular direction. More particularly, the term "generally perpendicular" means a perpendicular state with a deviation of less than 10°.

[0135] The term "generally parallel" includes the meaning that there is a slight variation from a parallel direction. In other words, two objects or axes are at least 5 degrees or 10 degrees in parallelism (five or ten degrees from parallel), this means that they extend parallel to each other.

[0136] The term "proximal" refers to the side toward the cap or tail of the applicator head, while the term "distal" refers to the side facing away.

[0137] According to one aspect of the present invention, the head of the applicator may not be flocked.

[0138] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the applicator body of the applicator head may have application features on at least a portion of the inner or outer surface or at least one of the three side walls. The application features may be selected from a group of teeth, flocking, a textured surface, and the like.

[0139] According to a preferred embodiment, the application elements are flocking. The flocking can be carried out on a portion of the application body mechanically, electrostatically or using a combination of these two technologies.

[0140] According to yet another aspect of the present embodiment, each of the first and second side walls has a largest width greater than the largest width of the third side wall.

[0141] According to yet another embodiment, each of the first and second side walls has a width that varies along the longitudinal axis of the application body. More particularly, the width of the first and second side walls first increases from a distal end to a first portion of a length of the application body and then decreases to a second portion of the length of the application body and then increases again to a third portion of the length of the application body. The length of the second portion is greater than the length of the first portion and the length of the third portion; and the length of the first portion is greater than the length of the third portion.

[0142] Further, the free edges of each of the first and second side walls comprise a convex curve extending in the distal portion, the convex curve is followed by a straight edge in the central portion; and the straight edge is followed by a concave curve near the proximal end of the first and second side walls respectively.

[0143] According to one aspect of the present invention, the application body may not be flocked.

[0144] In another embodiment, the applicator head may include application elements. In a preferred embodiment, the application elements are flocking, however in alternative embodiments, the application elements may be protrusions, bristles, teeth, particles, ribs, grooves, discs, slots, cutouts, holes, depressions, foam, or other surface features or surface treatments (e.g., abrasion) that allow combing and / or loading, transporting, and to apply a cosmetic product, for example mascara, eye shadow and the like.

[0145] In alternative embodiments, the application body may have a generally C-shaped cross-section and a C-shaped longitudinal cavity.

[0146] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator body may be made of a material selected from a group consisting of an elastomeric or deformable plastic material, rubber, a sintered or porous material and / or combinations thereof. The applicator head according to the invention may be manufactured in a single injection molding step. The first and second side walls must be sufficiently thin so that, even if no soft elastic plastic material is used, the first and second side walls are capable of bending and causing a spring effect.

[0147] According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the applicator member of the applicator head comprises a columnar base portion that forms an applicator member base and a circular fin extending from the columnar base portion. The circular fin consists of a circular plate-like structure that is curved in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the applicator member. The thickness and width of the columnar base portion gradually decrease from a proximal end of the applicator member toward a proximal end of the circular fin. The circular fin defines a distal end of the applicator member.

[0148] Furthermore, the circular fin of the application element defines at least two opposite main application faces, namely a first application face and a second application face opposite the first application face. At least one of the first application face and the second application face is concave, more particularly the first application face has a concave external surface and the second application face has a convex external surface.

[0149] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the base portion comprises two extensions, namely a first extension and a second extension which extend longitudinally in opposite directions respectively on the first application face and the second application face of the circular fin, and along the longitudinal axis of the application element. Each of the first and second extensions extends along a longitudinal direction of the base portion of the application element up to at least half of a length respectively of the first application face and the second application face of the circular fin.

[0150] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second extensions are projections on the first application face and the second application face respectively. The first and second extensions define a rigid area on the application element which provides resistance to bending during application. The circular fin which is free of the first and second extensions defines a flexible area which is sufficiently flexible to bend and adjust to the contour of the application surface, thus allowing for a regular and smooth application of the product during application.

[0151] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second extensions of the base portion have identical shapes and dimensions and extend parallel to each other over their entire length.

[0152] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second extensions of the base portion do not have identical shapes and dimensions and may or may not extend in parallel directions. For example, in a second embodiment of the applicator head according to the present invention, the first and second extensions of the base portion are of non-identical shapes and have different lengths along a longitudinal direction of the application element.

[0153] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a length of each of the first and second extensions of the base portion is about at least 40% of a total length of the circular fin but less than 95% of the length of the circular fin.

[0154] Preferably, the total length of each of the first and second extensions of the base portion is greater than its width, for example several times greater than its width, i.e. more than 2, 3, 4, 5 or times its width.

[0155] The first and second extensions may have any geometric cross-section and may have, for example, a round, rectangular, triangular, square or irregular cross-section.

[0156] The circular fin is sufficiently flexible to bend during application along the contour of the human face or lips so as to obtain an even application of the cosmetic product. The application element collects a generous amount of cosmetic product in the concave outer surface of the first application face.

[0157] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an outer surface of the application element is covered with an application element which, in this case, is made of flocked fibers. Briefly, the fibers for flocking, which may be made of a commonly used material such as nylon, polyester or any natural fiber, are applied with an adhesive, such as an epoxy adhesive, to the surface to be flocked. The flocking finish on the outer surface of the application element may be carried out using a suitably chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking.

[0158] According to one aspect of the present invention, the application element may be flocked over its entire visible surface. Alternatively, at least one of the first and second extensions of the application element may be flocked. In another alternative, only the circular fin that is used to apply the composition may be flocked.

[0159] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circular fin may have a smooth or rough surface before flocking. Preferably, at least one of the first application face or the second application face has a textured surface. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the circular fin has a massage texture on the convex surface of the second application face, for stimulation of the face and to improve absorption of the cosmetic product, while the first application face has a concave surface for smooth application of the cosmetic product. The massage texture preferably comprises a faceted surface.

[0160] Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a cosmetic package that includes a receptacle for holding a product and the cosmetic applicator. The cap of the cosmetic applicator has threads that can be screwed onto threads formed on a neck of the receptacle. Further, the distal end of the stem may include an interior longitudinal cavity for housing and holding the head of the applicator.

[0161] It is possible to insert into the neck of the receptacle a scraper for scraping excess cosmetic product from the cosmetic applicator. In addition, the scraper comprises a scraper orifice.

[0162] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tail portion fixedly inserted into the stem is integrally molded with the circular fin. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, upon removal of the cosmetic applicator from the state of immersion in the cosmetic product, the cosmetic product is collected and retained over the entire surface of the circular fin due to the flocking. The widest portion of the circular fin has a width greater than that of the widest portion of the scraper orifice. Therefore, when the cosmetic applicator is removed from the receptacle, the widest portion of the circular fin is trapped in the scraper orifice. The fin is therefore made of an elastically deformable material in the present embodiment, in order to be able to pass through the scraper orifice.The first application face of the circular fin, where the majority of the cosmetic product is retained, therefore has a concave external surface, the circular fin is curved generally in the shape of a C. The circular fin is generally curved into a C-shape, the cosmetic product remains retained inside the C-shape while the circular fin is in a deformed state. On the other hand, the second application face has a convex outer surface and is scraped by the scraper. The second application face is more scraped and acts as a mixing surface to facilitate the application of the cosmetic product which is applied by the first application face of the circular fin.

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scraper is made of an elastically deformable material, such that the circular fin and the orifice of the scraper are deformed to reduce resistance against removal and insertion, thereby further improving comfort of use.

[0164] Once the fin has passed through the scraper orifice, it returns to its original shape without any force being exerted on it by the scraper orifice. Therefore, when the original shape is restored, the cosmetic is spread over the entire surface of the first application face of the circular fin. As a result, the circular fin is able to apply the cosmetic evenly to the lips or any other part of the body. At this time, there is very little retention of the cosmetic on the second application face of the circular fin, such that a user can apply the cosmetic quickly and easily without worrying about unintentional application to an area other than the target area.

[0165] The scraper serves to scrape not only the excess cosmetic product adhering to the circular fin but also the cosmetic product adhering to the rod.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the container and the cap may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic material or any other material known in the art. However, in alternative embodiments, the container and the cap may be made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer material or any other material known in the art.

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod has a cross-section that is circular, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention for it to be otherwise. According to another embodiment, the cross-section of the rod is oval, elliptical or polygonal, for example, square, triangular or rectangular. The rod may be solid, as shown, or, alternatively, it may be hollow.

[0168] Where the rod does not have a circular cross-section, the cap may be secured to the receptacle by snap-fastening or other means without rotation relative to said receptacle. The scraper may thus have a non-circular scraper orifice of a cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the rod.

[0169] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head may be made, at least in part, of a material that is more flexible than a material of which the stem is made. In one embodiment, the receptacle and the cap may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic material, or any other material known in the art. In alternative embodiments, the receptacle and the cap are made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer material or any other material known in the art.

[0170] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head and the stem are assembled by snap-fitting. However, in alternative embodiments, the applicator head and the stem may be assembled by friction, gluing, crimping, magnetic bonding, and the like.

[0171] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod may have a longitudinal axis Y that is rectilinear as shown. In alternative embodiments, the rod is curved.

[0172] The present invention is not limited to this, the broadest scope being in accordance with the basic idea described herein. It should be interpreted as a range of options. The person skilled in the art can implement the model by combining, replacing the form of the described embodiments, this will not depart from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art can easily change or make modifications to the described embodiments based on the present descriptions, such changes or modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0173] A more complete appreciation of the present invention and several advantages associated therewith will be readily apparent when better understood with reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures which show:

[0174] [Fig. 1] A longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic packaging in the closed position according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] [Fig.2] An exploded view of a cosmetic applicator of the cosmetic packaging of [Fig. 1].

[0176] [Fig.3] a front view of an applicator head of the cosmetic applicator of [Fig.2],

[0177] [Fig.4] a top view of the applicator head of [Fig.3].

[0178] [Fig.5A] a right side view of the applicator head of [Fig.3].

[0179] [Fig.5B] a left side view of the applicator head of [Fig.3].

[0180] [Fig.6A] A perspective view of a portion of the cosmetic applicator of [Fig.2] showing an application element of the cosmetic applicator in a resting or undeformed state as shown in [Fig. 1].

[0181] [Fig.6B] Another perspective view of the portion of the cosmetic applicator of [Fig.6A] showing the application element of the cosmetic applicator in a deformed state.

[0182] [Fig.7] a perspective view of the applicator head of [Fig.2] with flocking on the application element of the applicator head.

[0183] [Fig.8] a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic packaging provided with a cosmetic applicator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0184] [Fig.9] a perspective view of the cosmetic applicator of [Fig.8].

[0185] [Fig. 10] A perspective view of an applicator head of the cosmetic applicator of [Fig.9].

[0186] [Fig. 11] a front view of the applicator head of [Fig.9].

[0187] [Fig. 12] a rear view of the applicator head of [Fig.9].

[0188] [Fig. 13] a top view of the applicator head of [Fig. 16].

[0189] [Fig. 14] a left side view of the applicator head of [Fig. 16].

[0190] [Fig. 15] a right side view of the applicator head of [Fig. 16].

[0191] [Fig. 16] A perspective view of the applicator head of [Fig.9], showing the application element of the cosmetic applicator in a deformed state.

[0192] [Fig. 17] a perspective view of the applicator head of [Fig. 11] with flocking on an application element of the applicator head.

[0193] [Fig. 18] A longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic package comprising a cosmetic applicator, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] [Fig. 19] An enlarged perspective view of an applicator head of the cosmetic applicator of [Fig. 18].

[0195] [Fig.20] a left side view of the applicator head of [Fig. 19].

[0196] [Fig.21] a front view of the applicator head of [Fig.19].

[0197] [Fig.22] a rear view of the applicator head of [Fig. 19].

[0198] [Fig.23] a top view of the applicator head of [Fig. 19].

[0199] [Fig.24] a perspective view of the applicator head of [Fig. 19] in a collapsed position.

[0200] [Fig.25] an isometric view of the applicator head of [Fig. 19], with flocking.

[0201] [Fig.26] a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic packaging provided with a cosmetic applicator of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] [Fig.27] an exploded view of the cosmetic applicator of the cosmetic packaging of [Fig.26].

[0203] [Fig.28] A perspective view of an applicator head of the cosmetic applicator of [Fig.27].

[0204] [Fig.29] a front view of the applicator head of [Fig.27].

[0205] [Fig.30] a top view of the applicator head of [Fig.27].

[0206] [Fig.31] a rear view of the applicator head of [Fig.27].

[0207] [Fig.32] a top view of the applicator head of [Fig.27].

[0208] [Fig.33] a side view of the applicator head of [Fig.27].

[0209] [Fig.34] A perspective view of the applicator head of [Fig.27] in the deformed state when the applicator head is scraped using a scraper from the cosmetic packaging of [Fig.26].

[0210] [Fig.35] A perspective view of an applicator head of the cosmetic applicator of [Fig.27] with flocking on an application element of the applicator head.

[0211] [Fig.36] a perspective view of an applicator head according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0212] [Fig.37] a front view of the applicator head of [Fig.36].

[0213] [Fig.38] a rear view of the applicator head of [Fig.36]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0214] As shown in the figures, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding elements. Although representative embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are examples of the invention and should not be construed as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention should not be construed as limited by the foregoing description.

[0215] In this description, the terms "includes", "comprising" and the like, are intended to consistently mean that a set of objects is not limited to the specifically mentioned objects.

[0216] [Fig.l] shows a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic package 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The cosmetic package 1 comprises a receptacle 200 and a cosmetic applicator 100. The receptacle 200 is adapted to contain a product (not shown) comprising a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle 200 may comprise a separate internal reservoir to contain a volume of product to be dispensed. The cosmetic, personal care or pharmaceutical product includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrow powder, lip gloss, hair color, cheek blush, skin care, cosmetics for dark circles, a pharmaceutical product and similar products.

[0217] As shown in [Fig.l], the cosmetic packaging 1 has an elongated cylindrical shape. However, in alternative embodiments, the cosmetic packaging 1 has a square, elongated polygonal, oval, triangular, heart, or any other shape known in the art.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the cosmetic applicator 100 comprises an applicator head 10, a stem 20 and a closure 30. The closure 30 of the cosmetic package 1 comprises threads 32 on its inner surface which can be screwed onto threads 202 made on an outer surface of a neck 204 of the receptacle 200. However, in alternative embodiments, the closure 30 snaps onto the neck 204 of the receptacle 200 or any other type of mechanism can be used to couple the closure 30 with the receptacle 200.

[0219] A scraper 206 for scraping excess cosmetic product from the cosmetic applicator 100 is inserted into the neck 204 of the receptacle 200. The scraper 206 also includes an annular bead 208 on its outer surface which fits into a corresponding annular groove 210 formed on an inner surface of the neck 204 of the receptacle 200. In addition, the scraper 206 includes a scraping orifice 215.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the receptacle 200 and the closure 30 may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic material, or any other material known in the art. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle 200 and the closure 30 are made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer material or any other material known in the art.

[0221] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head 10 and the rod 20 are assembled by snap-fitting. However, in alternative embodiments, the applicator head 10 and the rod 20 may be assembled by friction, gluing, crimping, magnetic bonding and the like. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod 20 may have a longitudinal axis XX that is rectilinear as shown. However, in alternative embodiments, the rod is curved.

[0222] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod 20 has a circular cross-section. According to other embodiments, the cross-section of the rod 20 is oval, elliptical or polygonal, for example square, triangular or rectangular. The rod 20 may be solid as shown or, alternatively, it may be hollow.

[0223] When the rod 20 does not have a circular cross-section, the closure 30 can be fixed on the receptacle 200 by snap-fastening or by other means without rotation relative to said receptacle 200. The scraper 206 can thus have a non-circular orifice 215 whose cross-section is complementary to the cross-section of the rod 20.

[0224] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head 10 may be made, at least in part, of a material that is more flexible than a material of which the stem 20 is made.

[0225] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion and preferably all of the applicator head 10 may be manufactured by molding, for example by injection molding. It is made of a material known to those skilled in the art as being suitable for injection molding, including thermoplastic materials; elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers; a thermoplastic elastomer polyester such as HYTREL ®, for example; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP); this list is not exhaustive.

[0226] As shown in [Fig.2], the applicator head 10 comprises an application element 40 and a tail portion 60. The tail portion 60 is held at a distal end 21 of the stem 20 for application of the cosmetic product; and the closure 30 is held at a proximal end 23 of the stem 20. The distal end 21 of the stem 20 comprises an interior longitudinal cavity 22 (see [Fig.l]) for housing and holding the applicator head 10.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the application element 40 is preferably made of Desmopan® 487. Desmopan® 487 is a thermoplastic polyurethane. In alternative embodiments, the application element 40 may be made of any suitable polymeric material or any other material known in the art.

[0228] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an external surface of the application element 40 is covered with an application element which, in this case, is made of flocking fibers, see [Fig.7]. In short, the fibers for flocking, which can be made of any commonly used material, such as nylon, polyester or any other natural fiber, are applied with an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive, to the surface to be flocked. The flocking finish on the external surface of the application element 40 can be carried out using a suitably chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking.

[0229] The outer surface of the application element 40 is smooth over its entire surface before being flocked. This means that the outer surface of the application element 40 does not have surface textures such as a wrinkled finish or a matte finish over its entire surface before being flocked. In other words, the outer surfaces of the application element 40 are smooth and slippery before being flocked.

[0230] Preferably, the flocking process takes place in an electrostatic field that allows for proper orientation of the fibers. Flocking onto the outer surface of the application member 40 provides a layer that can retain a small amount of cosmetic product needed for one or two applications. In alternative embodiments, the outer surface of the application member 40 may include injection-molded fibers, protrusions, or grooves that are capable of retaining the cosmetic product.

[0231] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the application element 40 is covered with a flock coating. However, in alternative embodiments, the outer surface of the application element 40 may not be covered with a flock coating.

[0232] As shown in [Fig. 3], the application element 40 comprises a base portion 65 and a spatula 80. The spatula 80 extends from the base portion 65. The base portion 65 is cylindrical in shape. However, according to alternative embodiments, the base portion 65 may be circular or of any other shape known in the art.

[0233] The spatula 80 comprises an elongated support body 15 extending along the longitudinal axis XX of the cosmetic applicator 100 (see [Fig.l]). The spatula 80 comprises at least two application faces, namely a first application face 42 and a second application face 44. The first application face 42 comprises a concave inner surface 46 while the second application face 44 comprises a concave inner surface 47 (see [Fig.5A]). The concave inner surface 46 creates a volume reservoir. This volume reservoir serves as a reservoir for the cosmetic product. A significant quantity of cosmetic product can be accommodated in said volume reservoir, which is available for application to the user's skin or to a keratinous substrate.

[0234] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the second application face 44 includes a convex outer surface 47 which acts as a large mixing surface to facilitate application of the cosmetic product.

[0235] As shown in [Fig.3], the spatula 80 comprises two free edges, a first longitudinal edge 51 and a second longitudinal edge 53. The first longitudinal edge 51 and the second longitudinal edge 53 of the spatula 80 are asymmetrical with respect to each other and are each curvilinear. The first longitudinal edge 51 extends in all three spatial dimensions. As shown in [Fig.5A], the first longitudinal edge 51 includes a first curve 52 that is outwardly convex and a second curve 54 that is outwardly concave. When viewed from a proximal end 41 to a distal end 43 of the spatula 80, the first curve 52 is followed by the second curve 54 on the first longitudinal edge 51.

[0236] The first and second curves differ from each other by the nature of their curves or by their radii of curvature. According to the invention, when the curve does not correspond to an arc of a circle, the "radius of curvature is measured at the apex of the curve". The first curve 52 is produced around a first axis of curvature with a first radius of curvature. The second curve 54 is produced around a second axis of curvature with a second radius of curvature. The first axis of curvature and the second axis of curvature are not parallel and extend in different directions. The first radius of curvature may or may not be the same as the second radius of curvature. More particularly, the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature, such that the first curve 52 extends to at least 75% of a length of the first longitudinal edge 51.

[0237] As shown in [Fig.5B], the second longitudinal edge 53 also extends in all three spatial dimensions. The second longitudinal edge 53 includes a third curve 55, which is outwardly convex, a fourth curve 57, which is outwardly concave, and a fifth curve 59, which is outwardly convex.

[0238] The third, fourth, fifth curves 55, 57, 59 differ from each other by the nature of their curves or by their radii of curvature. The third curve 55 is produced around a third axis of curvature with a third radius of curvature. The fourth curve 57 is produced around a fourth axis of curvature with a fourth radius of curvature. The fifth curve 59 is produced around a fifth axis of curvature with a fifth radius of curvature.

[0239] The third, fourth, fifth axes of curvature are not parallel and extend in different directions. The radii of curvature of the third, fourth, fifth curves may or may not be equal. In the exemplary embodiment shown in [Fig.5B], the fourth radius of curvature is greater than the third radius of curvature. The fifth radius of curvature is less than the fourth and fifth radii of curvature. More particularly, at least one of the third curve 55 or the fourth curve 57 extends to at least 30% of a length of the second longitudinal edge 53. The fifth curve 59 extends to at least 10% of a length of the second longitudinal edge 53.

[0240] Viewed from the proximal end 41 towards the distal end 43 of the spatula 80, the third curve 55 is followed by the fourth curve 57 which is itself followed by the fifth curve 59 on the second longitudinal edge 53.

[0241] As shown in [Fig. 3], the first application face 42 comprises a recess 45 which is generally surrounded by the first longitudinal edge 51 and the second longitudinal edge 53 except at the proximal end 41 of the spatula 80. A gap 70 exists between the first longitudinal edge 51 and the second longitudinal edge 53, near the proximal end 41 of the spatula 80. The recess 45 promotes retention of the cosmetic product.

[0242] When the cosmetic applicator 100 is applied to a keratinous substrate, the cosmetic product present in the recess 45 can be deposited and the surface area of ​​the cosmetic product coming into contact with the lips or any other part of the body can be relatively large, such that the lips and any other part of the body can be masked relatively quickly.

[0243] The recess 45 extends longitudinally from the proximal end 41 to the distal end 43 of the spatula 80. Furthermore, the recess 45 extends along a longitudinal axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis XX of the cosmetic applicator 100 (see [Fig.l]). More particularly, the recess 45 is off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis XX of the cosmetic applicator 100 and forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis XX of the cosmetic applicator 100. The recess 45 is open outwardly over the entire length of the spatula 80 via the first application face 42 for application of the product.

[0244] According to a preferred embodiment, the recess 45 extends over more than half the width of the spatula 80. However, in alternative embodiments, the recess 45 may not extend over more than half the width of the spatula 80. The width of the recess 45 passes through an extremum between the proximal end 41 and the distal end 43 of the spatula 80. The extremum is for example a maximum. More particularly, seen from the front, the recess comprises a widest part whose width gradually decreases from the widest part either towards the proximal end 41 or towards the distal end 43 of the spatula 80.

[0245] According to a preferred embodiment, the recess 45 may extend through more than half the length of the spatula 80. However, in alternative embodiments, the recess 45 may not extend through more than half the length of the spatula 80.

[0246] The first longitudinal edge 51 and the second longitudinal edge 53 converge to form a narrow tip 50 at the distal end 43 of the spatula 80. The narrow tip 50 allows for precise deposition of the cosmetic product when applying the cosmetic product to the user's skin or keratinous substrate.

[0247] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the narrow tip 50 does not coincide with the longitudinal axis XX of the cosmetic applicator 100 (see [Fig.l]). More particularly, the narrow tip 50 is off-center relative to the longitudinal axis XX of the cosmetic applicator 100.

[0248] When using said cosmetic package 1, the user first separates the closure 30 from the receptacle 200. In order to apply the cosmetic product to the keratinous substrate such as the skin, lips, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body, the cosmetic applicator 100 is dipped into the cosmetic product in the receptacle 200 and can then be applied using the applicator head 10. When removing the cosmetic applicator 100 from the state of immersion in the cosmetic product (the state shown in [Fig.l]), the cosmetic product is collected and retained over the entire surface of the spatula 80.

[0249] As shown in [Fig.l], the widest portion of the spatula 80 has a width greater than that of the widest portion of the orifice 215 of the scraper. Therefore, when the cosmetic applicator 100, shown in [Fig.l], is removed from the receptacle 200, the widest portion of the spatula 80 is caught in the orifice 215 of the scraper 206. Because the spatula 80 is made of an elastically deformable material in the present embodiment, it is deformed at the widest portion caught in the orifice 215 of the scraper 215 so as to be able to pass through the orifice 215 of the scraper.

[0250] Because the first application face 42 of the spatula 80, where the majority of the cosmetic is retained, has the concave inner surface 46, the spatula 80 is curved generally into a C-shape, with the first longitudinal edge 51 and the second longitudinal edge 53 approaching each other as shown in [Fig.6B]. Because the spatula 80 is curved generally into a C-shape, the cosmetic product remains retained within the C-shape while the spatula 80 is in a deformed state. On the other hand, the second application face 44 has the convex external surface 47 and is scraped by the scraper 206. The second application face 44 is freed from the cosmetic product and acts as a mixing surface to facilitate the application of the cosmetic product which is applied by the first application face 42 of the spatula 80.

[0251] The scraper 206 is made of an elastically deformable material, such that the spatula 80 and the scraper orifice 215 are deformed to reduce resistance against removal and insertion, thereby further improving comfort of use.

[0252] Once the spatula 80 has passed through the scraper orifice 215, it returns to its initial shape, as shown in [Fig.6A], when no force is exerted on it by the scraper orifice 215. Therefore, when the initial shape is restored, the cosmetic product is spread over the entire surface of the first application face 42 of the spatula 80. As a result, the spatula 80 is able to apply the cosmetic product evenly to the lips or any other part of the body. At this time, there is very little retention of the cosmetic product on the second application face 44 of the spatula 80, such that a user can apply the cosmetic product quickly and easily without worrying about unintentional application to an area other than the target area.

[0253] The scraper 206 serves to scrape not only the excess cosmetic product adhering to the spatula 80 but also the cosmetic product adhering to the rod 20.

[0254] [Fig. 8] shows a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic package 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. The cosmetic package 1 is similar to the cosmetic package described with reference to FIGS. 1, 18 and 24 and comprises a receptacle 200 for containing a 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 cap 30 of the cosmetic applicator 100 has threads 32 which can be screwed onto threads 202, formed on a neck 204 of the receptacle 200. The applicator head 10 is held at a distal end of the stem 20 for application of the product; and the cap 30 is held at a proximal end of the stem 20.

[0255] In general, the use of the terms "distal" and "proximal" means, in this document, that distal side / end is the side / end that faces the interior of the storage receptacle 200, while proximal side / end is the side / end that faces the collection opening of the receptacle 200. Furthermore, the distal end of the rod 20 includes an interior longitudinal cavity 22 for housing and holding the applicator head 10.

[0256] A scraper 206 for scraping excess product from the cosmetic applicator 100 is inserted into the neck 204 of the receptacle 200. Further, the applicator head 10 of the cosmetic applicator 100 may be used to apply the product, including a cosmetic or care product. The cosmetic or care product includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrow powder, lip gloss, hair color, skin care, cosmetics for dark circles, pharmaceutical products and the like. As shown in Figures 10-12, the applicator head 10 according to this embodiment comprises an application element 8 at its distal portion and a tail element 7 at its proximal portion. The tail element 7 is designed to be housed and held in the interior longitudinal cavity 22 of the rod 20 (see [Fig.8]).

[0257] The application element 8 further comprises a support body 8a and a fin 8b extending from the support body 8a. The support body 8a extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis X of the applicator 100. According to Figures 11 and 13, the fin 8b is curved about a horizontal axis Y which is perpendicular to the X axis, i.e., the fin 8b is curved from left to right such that the fin 8b defines a longitudinal concavity 11. The fin 8b comprises a concave front face 9a and a convex rear face 9b opposite the concave front face 9a. The convex rear face 9b provides a large mixing surface for smooth and efficient application of the cosmetic product. The application element 8 collects a generous amount of product in the concave front face 9a of the fin 8b so that further dipping is not necessary during application.

[0258] More particularly, the longitudinal concavity 11 of the concave front face 9a of the fin 8b promotes the retention of the cosmetic product. When the cosmetic applicator 100 is applied to a keratinous substrate, the cosmetic product present in the concavity 11 can be deposited and the surface area of ​​the cosmetic product coming into contact with the lips or any other part of the body can be relatively large, such that the lips or any other part of the body can be masked relatively quickly.

[0259] According to one aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal concavity 11 extends longitudinally along a length of the fin 8b, along a longitudinal axis A which does not coincide with the longitudinal axis X of the application element / rod 20 (see [Fig.8]). More particularly, the longitudinal concavity 11 is off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the application element 8 and forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis X of the application element 8.

[0260] As shown in [Fig.l 1], the fin 8b has a first lateral edge 9c and a second lateral edge 9d opposite the first lateral edge 9c. At least a portion of the first lateral edge 9c is a connecting edge 9c which connects with the support body 8a such that the support body 8a supports the fin 8b laterally on both faces 9a, 9b of the fin 8b. In other words, the support body 8a supports the fin 8b laterally. At least a major portion of the support body 8a of the application element 8 constitutes at least a major portion of a proximal portion 11a of the application element 8.

[0261] A proximal end 12 of the support body 8a is connected to the tail portion 7 and the fin 8b of the application element 8 is connected to an area of ​​the support body 8a located opposite the tail portion 7 and in which the fin 8b constitutes a major portion of a distal portion 11b of the application element 8.

[0262] According to Figures 11 to 15, the support bodies 8a comprise two opposite main faces, namely a first front face 6a, a second opposite rear face 6b and two opposite side faces, namely a third side face 6c and a fourth side face 6d. The third side face 6c is convexly curved along the longitudinal axis X as well as along an axis Z which is generally perpendicular to the axes X and Y. Furthermore, the fourth side face 6d comprises a convex curve 14a followed by a concave curve 14b, viewed from the proximal portion 11a towards the distal portion 11b of the support body 8a, see [Fig. 12].

[0263] The fin 8b extends laterally from said fourth lateral face 6d of the support body 8a. The connecting edge 9c of the fin 8b connects along at least a portion of the convexly curved and concavely curved surfaces of the fourth lateral face 6d of the support body 8a. In alternative embodiments, the curves of the third and fourth lateral faces 6c, 6d or the shape of the support body 8a may be different and the invention is therefore not limited by the curves of the third and fourth lateral faces 6c, 6d or the shape of the support body 8a.

[0264] A width D of the support body 8a and / or the first front face 6a / the second rear face 6b decreases continuously from a proximal end of the application element 8 towards the distal portion 11b of the application element 8, as seen in Figures 11 and 12, representing a front view and a rear view of the application element 8. The application element 8 is made of an elastomer, more particularly a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0265] As seen in Figures 13 to 15, the fin 8b is relatively thinner than the support body 8a. More particularly, the fin 8b is at least 2.3 times thinner than the support body 8a. The fin 8b is therefore more flexible and elastically pliable, more particularly compared to the support body 8a. The fin 8b is sufficiently flexible to bend during application along the contours of the human face or lips so as to allow for smooth application of the cosmetic product.

[0266] Further, as shown in [Fig. 11], a swirl-shaped extension 6e extends from a distal end portion of the support body 8a toward the concave front face 9a of the fin 8b and exerts a force on the fin 8b during application. However, the swirl-shaped extension 6e is an optional feature, the application member may or may not include such extensions.

[0267] Furthermore, a width of the fin 8b first increases from a proximal portion 15 of the fin 8b and forms the widest portion W and then gradually decreases from the widest portion W toward a distal end 13 of the fin 8b. A narrow tip 13 is formed at the distal end 13 of the fin 8b, which coincides with the distal end 13 of the application element 8. In addition, the narrow tip 13 at level of the distal end allows the user to draw precise lines during application. In addition, the narrow tip 13 at the distal end 13 may not coincide with the longitudinal axis X of the application element 8 (see [Fig. 11]). More particularly, the narrow tip 13 is off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the cosmetic applicator 100.

[0268] Furthermore, the width of the third lateral face 6c of the support body 8a, seen from the left lateral view of the application element 8, decreases continuously from a proximal end 12 of the application element 8 towards a distal portion of the application element 8, see Figures 12 to 14. More particularly, the support body 8a has, in a left lateral view of the application element 8, a shape which is convexly curved towards the tip 13 of the application element 8 and which has sloping lateral edges. The third lateral face 6c of the support body 8a makes it possible to obtain a narrow mixing surface in order to apply and mix a cosmetic product for example at the corners of the lips and at the corners of the eyes.

[0269] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an outer surface of the application element 8 is covered with an application element 16 which, in this case, is made of flocked fibers, see [Fig. 17]. Briefly, the fibers for flocking, which may be made of any commonly used material, such as nylon, polyester or any natural fiber, are applied to the outer surface with an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive, on the surface to be flocked. The flocking finish on the outer surface of the application element 8 may be carried out using a suitably chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking. According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the fin 8b and the support body 8a may be flocked. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the application element 8 may not be flocked.

[0270] When using said cosmetic packaging 1, the user first separates the closure 30 from the receptacle 200. In order to apply the cosmetic product to the keratinous substrate such as the skin, lips, eyelids, cheeks, nails or any other part of the body, the cosmetic applicator 100 is dipped into the cosmetic product in the receptacle 200 and can then be applied by the applicator head 10.

[0271] When removing the cosmetic applicator 100 from the state of immersion in the cosmetic product (state shown in [Fig. 8]), the cosmetic product is collected and retained over the entire surface of the fin 8b. As shown in [Fig. 12], the widest portion of the application member 8 is located at the widest portion W of the fin 8b. The widest portion W of the application member 8 has a width greater than that of the widest portion of the scraper orifice 215. Therefore, when the cosmetic applicator 100, shown in [Fig.8], is removed from the receptacle 200, the widest part W of the application element 8 engages in the orifice 215 of the scraper 206. Because the fin 8b is made of an elastically deformable material in the present embodiment, it is deformed at the widest part W which engages in the scraper orifice 215 so as to be able to pass through the scraper orifice 215.

[0272] According to [Fig.13], the second free lateral edge 9d, generally opposite the connecting edge 9c connecting the fin 8b to the support body 8a, deforms to curve inwardly toward the concave front face 9a of the fin 8b, where most of the cosmetic is retained. Because the fin 8b is curved, the cosmetic is retained within the longitudinal concavity 11 while the fin 8b is in a deformed state. On the other hand, the convex rear face 9b of the fin 8b is scraped by the scraper 206 and is freed from the cosmetic and acts as a mixing surface to facilitate the application of the cosmetic which is applied by the concave front face 9a of the fin 8b.

[0273] The scraper 206 is made of an elastically deformable material such that the fin 8b and the scraper hole 215 are deformed to reduce resistance against removal and insertion, thereby further improving the comfort of use. Once the fin 8b has passed through the scraper hole 215, it returns to its original shape, as shown in [Fig. 13], when no force is exerted on it by the scraper hole 215. Therefore, when the original shape is restored, the cosmetic is spread over the entire surface of the concave front face 9a of the fin 8b. As a result, the fin 8b is capable of applying the cosmetic evenly to the lips or any other part of the body.

[0274] At this time, there is very little retention of the cosmetic product on the convex rear face 9b of the fin 8b, such that a user can apply the cosmetic product quickly and easily without worrying about unintentional application to an area other than the target area. The scraper 206 can scrape off not only the excess cosmetic product adhering to the fin 8b but also the cosmetic product adhering to the rod 20.

[0275] According to one embodiment, the container 10 and the cap 30 may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic material, or any other material known in the art. However, in alternative embodiments, the container 10 and the cap 30 may be made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer material or any other material known in the art.

[0276] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion and preferably all of the applicator head 10 may be manufactured by molding, for example by injection molding, for example from a material selected from the list following: thermoplastic materials; elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic polyester elastomer such as HYTREL ®, for example; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP); this list is not exhaustive.

[0277] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod 20 has a cross-section that is circular, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention for it to be otherwise, more particularly when the cross-section of the rod 20 is oval, elliptical or polygonal, for example square, triangular or rectangular. The rod 20 may be solid, as shown, or, alternatively, it may be hollow.

[0278] When the rod 20 does not have a circular cross-section, the cap 30 can be fixed on the receptacle 200 by snap-fastening or by other means without rotation relative to said receptacle 200. The scraper 206 can thus have a non-circular scraper orifice 215 whose cross-section is complementary to the cross-section of the rod 20.

[0279] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head 10 may be made, at least in part, of a material that is more flexible than a material of which the stem 20 is made. According to one embodiment, the receptacle 200 and the cap 30 may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic material, or any other material known in the art. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle 200 and the cap 30 may be made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer material or any other material known in the art.

[0280] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 12, the application element 8 is elongated along a central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10. As seen in Figures 8 and 11, the application element 8 has a longitudinal axis X which is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the rod 20. The application element 8 is elongated, that is to say its extension in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X is greater than its greatest extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0281] More particularly, the greatest extension of the application element 8 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X is greater by at least a factor of 1.5, preferably is greater by at least a factor of 2, than the greatest extension of the application element 8 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0282] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head 10 and the rod 20 are assembled by snap-fitting. However, in alternative embodiments, the applicator head 10 and the rod 20 may be assembled by friction, gluing, crimping, magnetic bonding, and the like.

[0283] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod 20 may have a longitudinal axis that is rectilinear as shown. In alternative embodiments, the rod is curved.

[0284] [Fig. 18] represents a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic packaging 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention. Like the cosmetic packages shown in [Fig.l], 8 and 24, the cosmetic package 1 comprises a container 200 for containing a 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 cap 30 of the applicator 100 has threads 32 which can be screwed onto threads 202 provided on a neck 204 of the container 200. A scraper 206 for scraping excess cosmetic product from the cosmetic applicator 100 is inserted into the neck 204 of the container 200. The distal end of the stem 20 comprises an interior longitudinal cavity 22 for housing and holding the applicator head 10.

[0285] The cosmetic applicator 100 may be used to apply the product (not shown) comprising a cosmetic or care product. Cosmetic or care product includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrow powder, lip gloss, hair color, skin care, cosmetics for dark circles, pharmaceutical products and the like. The applicator head 10 is adapted to be loaded with the product to be applied.

[0286] As shown in [Fig. 18], the cosmetic applicator 100 includes the applicator head 10 held at a distal end of the rod 20 for application of the product; and the cap 30 is held at a proximal end of the rod 20.

[0287] According to one aspect of the present invention, as seen in Figures 19 to 22, a proximal portion of the applicator head 10 has the shape of a cylindrical tail 7 which is adapted to be housed inside the cavity 22 of the rod 20. The applicator head 10 is a molded applicator head. The molded applicator head 10 may be secured to the rod 20 by force, more particularly by snapping, gluing, welding or crimping, the tail portion 7 of the applicator head 10 into the cavity 22 of the rod 20 provided at the distal end of the rod 20.

[0288] Figures 19 to 23 show the applicator head 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the applicator head 10 comprises an elongated application body 2 at a distal portion of the applicator head 10, the elongated application body 2 having a predominantly U-shaped cross-section and an elongated shape, i.e. a U-shaped longitudinal cavity 3 extends along a longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10. According to one embodiment, the U-shaped cavity forms a spoon for retaining and transporting a quantity of the product.

[0289] The application body 2 has a curve on the Y axis with a concave inner surface 17 and a convex outer surface 25, opposite the inner surface 17. By curve on the Y axis, it is meant that the application body 2 is curved on a horizontal axis Y. More particularly, the application body 2 comprises at least three vertical side walls, namely a first side wall 2a, a second side wall 2b and a third side wall 2c; the three side walls together define the U-shaped cavity 3 which is designed to house the cosmetic product P. The U-shaped cavity 3 extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the application body 2 and is open at the proximal and distal ends of the application body 2.

[0290] The product P accumulates in said cavity 3, which allows the cosmetic applicator to be used for at least a sufficient time to allow the product, such as a cosmetic or care product, to be sufficiently applied. The first and second side walls 2a, 2b form lateral sides of the U-shaped cavity 3 and the third side wall forms the base of the U-shaped cavity 3. The U-shaped cavity 3 has a longitudinal opening 3a opposite the third side wall 2c.

[0291] As shown in [Fig.19], the first and second side walls 2a, 2b are two generally parallel side walls of equivalent lengths and are horizontally aligned side walls 2a, 2b. The first and second side walls 2a, 2b are generally parallel and are horizontally spaced apart so as to form said U-shaped cavity 3 with the connecting side wall 2c. The first and second side walls 2a, 2b extend generally orthogonally / perpendicularly from the third connecting side wall 2c, as shown in Figures 18 and 23.

[0292] In alternative embodiments, the first and second side walls may be of different lengths. According to another aspect of the present invention, as shown in [Fig.24], the first and second side walls 2a, 2b are adapted to bend to change their angle to a non-perpendicular angle relative to the third side wall 2c, under the action of external forces.

[0293] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first and second side walls 2a, 2b are made in one piece with the third side wall 2c.

[0294] According to another aspect of the present invention, a distance between the opposing inner surfaces 17a, 17b and the first and second side walls 2a, 2b defines a span S significantly less than the length of the first and second side walls 2a, 2b or the third side wall 2c. In a preferred embodiment, the span S is at least 2 times less than the length of the application body 2, preferably at least 3 times less than the length of the application body 2, more preferably at least 5 times less than the length of the application body 2.

[0295] In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 19 and 23, each of said first and second side walls 2a, 2b has a generally uniform thickness and generally flat vertical outer surfaces 25a, 25b and respectively inner surfaces 17a, 17b. The third side wall 2c has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first and second side walls 2a, 2b. Furthermore, an outer surface 25c and an inner surface 17c of the third side wall 2c are curved surfaces. The outer surface 25a, 25b of each of the side walls 2a, 2b forms a smooth, curved corner with said outer surface 25c of the third side wall 2c. A corner thickness is therefore generally greater than the uniform thickness of said first and second side walls 2a, 2b.

[0296] According to another aspect of the present embodiment, the first and second side walls 2a, 2b act as two flexible flaps which extend transversely from the third side wall 2c along generally the entire length of the application body 2. In use, the flexible flaps 2a, 2b bend inwardly towards the third side wall 2c during application in order to release the cosmetic product from the opening 3a of the U-shaped cavity 3.

[0297] According to another aspect of the present embodiment, the first and second side walls 2a, 2b are adapted to be flexed relative to the third side wall 2c between a collapsed state and a resting state, as shown respectively in Figures 24 and 19.

[0298] In the rest state shown in [Fig. 19], the first and second side walls 2a, 2b extend in generally parallel directions and generally orthogonally / perpendicularly from the third side wall 2c. In the collapsed state, the first and second side walls 2a, 2b bend to collapse inward toward the third side wall 2c and change their angle to a non-perpendicular angle relative to the third side wall 2c.

[0299] According to the invention, the thickness, material and / or connection of the first and second side walls 2a, 2b to the third side wall 2c are selected such that the first and second side walls 2a, 2b can bend / pivot by relative to the third side wall 2c. More particularly, the first and second side walls 2a, 2b bend inwardly toward the inner surface 17c of the third side wall 2c such that they abut against each other and form a partially collapsed flexed structure.

[0300] More particularly, when the application body 2 is under the influence of the external forces which are exerted on the application body 2 by the scraper and / or the neck of the container, the first and second side walls 2a, 2b bend / pivot inwardly towards the inner surface 17c of the third side wall 2c to form a partially collapsed flexed structure and in which the first and second side walls 2a, 2b abut against each other in the collapsed state. The external forces are exerted on the application body 2 by the scraper and / or the neck of the container when the application body is pulled outwardly, as desired, by the scraper 206 or the neck of the container or pushed back into the container again in the reverse direction. Furthermore, when the force exerted on the application body 2 disappears, the first and second side walls 2a, 2b are generally perpendicular to the third side wall 2c..

[0301] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the U-shaped cavity 3 of the application body 2 promotes the retention of the cosmetic product P which is available for loading, transport and application after scraping of the applicator head 10.

[0302] The term "generally perpendicular" includes the meaning that there is a slight deviation from a particular direction. More particularly, the term "generally parallel" means a perpendicular state with a deviation of less than 10°. The term "generally parallel" includes the meaning that there is a slight variation from the parallel direction. In other words, two objects or axes are at least 5 degrees or 10 degrees in parallelism (five or ten degrees of parallelism), i.e., they are parallel to each other.

[0303] The term "proximal" refers to the side toward the cap 30 or the tail 7, while the term "distal" refers to the side facing away.

[0304] According to one aspect of the present invention, the applicator head 10 may not be flocked, as shown in Figures 18 to 24.

[0305] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, as seen in [Fig.25], the application body 2 of the applicator head 10 may comprise application elements 16 on at least a portion of the inner or outer surface or at least on one of the three side walls 2a, 2b, 2c. The application elements 16 may be selected from a group consisting of teeth, flocking, a textured surface and the like.

[0306] As seen in [Fig.25], the application elements 16 are flocking. The flocking may be performed on a portion of the application body 2 mechanically, electrostatically, or with a combination of both technologies. In alternative embodiments, the application elements may be protrusions, bristles, teeth, particles, ribs, grooves, discs, slots, cutouts, holes, depressions, foam, or other surface features or surface treatments (e.g., abrasion) that are suitable for combing and / or loading, transporting, and applying a cosmetic product such as mascara, eye shadow, etc.

[0307] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, each of the first and second side walls 2a, 2b has a largest width W1 greater than a largest width W of the third side wall 2c, as shown in Figures 20 and 21. According to yet another aspect of the present embodiment, each of the first and second side walls 2a, 2b has a width that varies along the longitudinal axis of the application body 2, see [Fig. 20]. More particularly, the width of the first and second side walls 2a, 2b first increases from a distal end over a first portion P1 of a length of the application body 2 and then decreases over a second portion P2 of the length of the application body 2 and then increases again over a third portion P3 of the length of the application body 2.

[0308] As seen in [Fig.20], the length of the second portion P2 is greater than the length of the first portion PI and the length of the third portion P3; and the length of the first portion PI is greater than the length of the third portion P3.

[0309] Further, as seen in [Fig. 19], the free edges of each of the first and second side walls 2a, 2b comprise a convex curve extending in the distal portion, the convex curve being followed by a straight edge in the central portion; and the straight edge is followed by a concave curve near the proximal end of the first and second side walls 2a, 2b respectively.

[0310] In alternative embodiments, the application body 2 may have a generally C-shaped cross-section and a C-shaped longitudinal cavity.

[0311] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the application body 2 may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric or deformable plastic material, rubber, a sintered or porous material and / or combinations thereof.

[0312] The applicator head 10 according to the invention can be manufactured in a single injection molding step. The first and second side walls 2a, 2b must be sufficiently thin such that, even if no soft elastic plastic material is used, the first and second side walls 2a, 2b can bend and develop a spring effect.

[0313] More particularly, at least a portion and preferably all of the applicator head 10 may be manufactured by molding, for example by injection molding, for example with a material selected from the following list: thermoplastic materials; elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic polymer polyester such as HYTREL®; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP); this list not being exhaustive.

[0314] [Fig. 26] shows a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic package 1 comprising an applicator 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The cosmetic package 1, which is similar to the packages described with reference to FIGS. 1, 8 and 18, comprises a receptacle 200 for containing a 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 cap 30 of the cosmetic applicator 100 has threads 32 which can be screwed onto threads 202 formed on a neck 204 of the receptacle 200.

[0315] The applicator head 10 is held at a distal end of the rod 20 for application of the product; and the cap 30 is held at a proximal end of the rod 20. In general, the use of the terms "distal" and "proximal" herein is intended to mean that the distal side / end is the side / end that faces the interior of the storage receptacle 200, while the proximal side or proximal end is the side or end that faces the collection opening of the receptacle 200. Further, the distal end of the rod 20 includes an interior longitudinal cavity 22 for housing and holding the applicator head 10.

[0316] A scraper 206 for scraping excess product from the cosmetic applicator 100 is inserted into the neck 204 of the receptacle 200. Further, the scraper 206 includes a scraper orifice 215. Further, the applicator head 10 of the cosmetic applicator 100 may be used to apply the product, including a cosmetic or care product. The cosmetic or care product includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrow powder, lip gloss, hair color, skin care, cosmetics for dark circles, pharmaceutical products and the like.

[0317] As shown in Figures 26 to 28, the applicator head 10 comprises an application element 8 at its distal end and a tail element at its proximal portion. The tail element 7 is designed to be housed and held within the cavity 22 of the stem 20.

[0318] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 27 to 30, the application element 8 is elongated along a central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10. As seen in Figures 26 and 29, the application element 8 has a longitudinal axis X which is aligned with a longitudinal axis Y of the rod 22. The application element 8 is elongated, that is to say its extension in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X is greater than its greatest extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0319] More particularly, the greatest extension of the application element 8 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X is greater by at least a factor of 1.5, preferably is greater by at least a factor of 2 than the greatest extension of the application element 8 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0320] Figures 26 to 33 show an applicator head 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The application element 8 of the applicator head 10 comprises a column-shaped base portion which constitutes a base of the application element 8 and a circular fin 5 extending from a distal end 26a of the column-shaped base portion 4. The circular fin 5 consists of a circular plate-shaped structure which is curved in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the application element 8.

[0321] The thickness and width of the column-shaped base portion 4 gradually decrease from a proximal end of the application element 8 toward a proximal end of the circular fin 5. According to one aspect of the present invention, as shown in Figures 27 and 28, the circular fin 5 has a diameter such that the circular fin 5 protrudes outwardly beyond an outer diameter of the column-shaped base portion 4 and an outer diameter of the stem 20.

[0322] By forming the circular fin 5 into a wide and curved shape, a sufficient amount of cosmetic product can be scooped and the cosmetic can easily be applied widely onto an application surface.

[0323] According to one aspect of the present invention, the tail portion 7 fixedly inserted into the stem 20 is molded integrally with the application element 8. As shown in [Fig.28], the circular fin 5 defines a distal end 13 of the application element 8.

[0324] As seen in Figures 28 to 32, the circular fin 5 defines at least two main application faces opposite each other, namely a first face application face 5a and a second application face 5b, opposite the first application face 5a. At least one of the first application face 5a and the second application face 5b is concave, more particularly, as seen in [Fig.29], the first application face 5a has a concave external surface 9a and the second application face 5b has a convex external surface 9b.

[0325] According to Figures 28 to 32, the base portion 4 comprises two extensions which extend from a distal end 26a of the base portion 4, namely a first extension 4a and a second extension 4b which extend longitudinally in opposite directions respectively on the first application face 5a and the second application face 5b of the circular fin 5, along the longitudinal axis X of the application element 10. Each of the first and second extensions 4a, 4b extends along a longitudinal direction of a base portion 4 of the application element up to at least half of a length respectively of the first application face 5a and the second application face 5b.

[0326] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first and second extensions 4a, 4b define a rigid area on the application element 8, which provides resistance to folding during application. A portion of the circular fin 5, which is free of the first and second extensions 4a, 4b, defines a flexible area which is sufficiently flexible to fold and adjust to the contour of the application surface, thus allowing for a regular and smooth application of the product during application.

[0327] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 30 to 32, the first and second extensions 4a, 4b have identical shapes and dimensions and extend parallel to each other along their entire length. However, in an alternative embodiment, the first and second extensions 4a, 4b may not be of identical shapes and dimensions and may or may not extend in parallel directions. For example, in yet another embodiment of the applicator head 10 according to the present invention, and an applicator head 10' as shown in Figures 36 to 38, the first and second extensions 4a, 4b are not of identical shapes and dimensions and have different lengths along a longitudinal axis of the application element 8.

[0328] According to one aspect of the present invention, a length of each of the first and second extensions 4a, 4b is about at least 40% of a total length of the circular fin 5 but less than 95% of the length of the circular fin 5. Preferably, the total length of each of the first and second extensions 4a, 4b is greater than its width, for example several times greater than its width.

[0329] The first and second extensions 4a, 4b may have a cross-section of any geometric shape and may have, for example, a cross-section of the rounded or rectangular, triangular, square or irregular shape.

[0330] The circular fin 5 is sufficiently flexible to bend during application along contours of the human face or lips in order to obtain an even application of the cosmetic product. The application element 8 collects a generous quantity of product in the concavity of the first application face 5a.

[0331] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an external surface of the application element 8 is covered with an application element 16 which, in this case, is made of flocked fibers 16, see [Fig.35]. In short, the fibers 16 for flocking, which can be made of any commonly used material such as nylon, polyester or any natural fiber, are applied with an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive, to the surface to be flocked.

[0332] The flocking finish on the outer surface of the application element 8 may be carried out using a suitably chosen known technique such as electrostatic flocking. The application element 8 may be flocked over substantially its entire visible surface. Alternatively, at least one of the first and second extensions 4a, 4b of the application element 8 may be flocked. In yet another alternative, only the circular fin 5 which is used to apply the composition may be flocked.

[0333] According to one aspect of the present invention, the circular fin 5 may have a smooth surface or a rough surface before flocking. Preferably, at least one of the first application face 5a and the second application face 5b has a textured surface.

[0334] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 36 to 38, the circular fin 5 has a massage texture on the convex surface 9b of the second application face 5b for stimulation of the skin and improvement of absorption of the cosmetic product, while the first application face 5a has a concave surface for smooth application of the cosmetic product. The massage texture comprises a faceted surface. When removing the cosmetic applicator 100 from the state of immersion in the cosmetic product (state shown in [Fig. 26]), the cosmetic product is collected and retained on the entire surface of the circular fin 5 due to the flocking 16. As shown in [Fig. 26], the widest part of the circular fin 5 has a larger width than the widest part of the scraper orifice 215.Therefore, when the cosmetic applicator 100 shown in [Fig. 26] is removed from the receptacle 200, the wider portion of the circular fin 5 engages in the scraper hole 215 of the scraper 206, see [Fig. 34]. Because the circular fin 5 is made of an elastically deformable material in the present embodiment, it is deformed at the wider portion that engages in the scraper hole 215 so as to be able to pass through the scraper hole 215.

[0335] Because the first application face 5a of the circular fin 5, where the majority of the cosmetic product is retained, has the concave outer surface 9a, the circular fin 5 is curved generally into a C-shape. Because the circular fin 5 is curved generally into a C-shape, the cosmetic product remains retained within the C-shape while the circular fin 5 is in a deformed state. On the other hand, the second application face 5b has the convex outer surface and is scraped by the scraper 206. The second application face 5b is more scraped and acts as a mixing surface to facilitate the application of the cosmetic product which is applied by the first application face 5a of the circular fin 5.

[0336] According to one aspect of the present invention, the scraper 206 is made of an elastically deformable material such that the circular fin 5 and the scraper orifice 215 are deformed to reduce resistance against removal and insertion, thereby further improving comfort of use.

[0337] Once the circular fin 5 has passed through the scraper orifice 215, it returns to its original shape, as shown in [Fig. 29], when no force is exerted on it by the scraper orifice 215. Therefore, when the original shape is restored, the cosmetic is spread over the entire surface of the first application face 5a of the circular fin 5. As a result, the circular fin 5 is capable of applying the cosmetic evenly to the lips or any other part of the body. At this time, there is very little retention of the cosmetic on the second application face 5b of the circular fin 5, such that a user can apply the cosmetic quickly and easily without worrying about unintentional application to an area other than the target area.The scraper 206 makes it possible to scrape not only the excess cosmetic product adhering to the circular fin 5 but also the cosmetic product adhering to the rod 20.

[0338] According to one embodiment, the container 10 and the cap 30 may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic material or any other material known in the art. However, in alternative embodiments, the container 10 and the cap 30 may be made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer material or any other material known in the art.

[0339] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion and preferably all of the applicator head may be manufactured by molding, for example by injection molding. The applicator head may be formed from materials suitable for injection molding, including thermoplastic materials; elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic polymer polyester such as HYTREL®; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP); this list is not exhaustive.

[0340] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod 20 has a cross-section that is circular, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention for it to be otherwise, more particularly when the cross-section of the rod 20 is oval, elliptical or polygonal, for example square, triangular or rectangular. The rod 20 may be solid, as shown, or, alternatively, it may be hollow. When the rod 20 does not have a circular cross-section, the closure 30 is secured to the receptacle 200 by snap-fastening or other means without rotation relative to said receptacle 200. The scraper 206 may thus have a non-circular scraper orifice 215 whose cross-section is complementary to the cross-section of the rod 20.

[0341] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head 10 is made, at least in part, of a material that is more flexible than a material of which the stem 20 is made. According to one embodiment, the receptacle 200 and the cap 30 may be made of a rigid material such as glass, metal, a hard plastic material, or any other material known in the art. In alternative embodiments, the receptacle 200 and the cap 30 are made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer material or any other material known in the art.

[0342] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head 10 and the rod 20 are assembled by snap-fitting. However, in alternative embodiments, the applicator head 10 and the rod 20 may be assembled by friction, gluing, crimping, magnetic bonding, and the like. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod 20 has a longitudinal axis Y that is rectilinear, as shown. In alternative embodiments, the rod is curved.

[0343] It is understood that the foregoing only illustrates the principles of the invention and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the shapes and / or dimensions of various components may be different from the shapes and sizes shown herein. To give another example, the materials used for various components may be different from those specifically mentioned herein.

Claims

1. Claims A system for applying a substance to a keratinous surface comprising: a container (200) for containing the substance; a scraper (206) disposed across an opening of the container (200), the scraper (206) comprising an orifice (215); an applicator (100) comprising a shaft (20) and an applicator head (10, 10'), the shaft (20) and the applicator head (10, 10') being dimensioned and configured to movably pass through the orifice (215) along a longitudinal axis, the applicator head comprising:a tail (7, 60) connecting a proximal portion of the applicator head (10, 10') with a distal portion of the shaft;a base (4, 65) connected with a distal end of the tail (7, 60); and a spatula (80) extending distally from the base (4, 65), comprising one or more deformable portions,wherein the deformable portions have a transverse dimension relative to the longitudinal axis greater than a diameter of the orifice (215), wherein the deformable portions bend when pulled through the orifice (215) such that the spatula (80) defines a reservoir, wherein when the rod is extended through the orifice (215) and the applicator head (10, 10') is immersed in the substance, the substance adheres to the spatula (80), wherein when the rod and the applicator head (10, 10') are withdrawn from the container (200) in the proximal direction, the deformable portions bend to define the reservoir and wherein a quantity of the substance is carried into the reservoir, wherein the spatula (80) comprises opposed curved edges (51, 53) which are asymmetrical to each other forming the edges of the deformable portions and a concave inner surface and wherein the concave surface forms an internal surface of the reservoir,wherein a first (51) of the opposing curved edges (51, 53) comprises a first concave section connecting the base (65) and a first convex section distal to the first concave section and wherein a second (53) of the opposing curved edges (51, 53) comprises a second convex section connecting the base (65) and a second concave section distal to the second convex section.,

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the spatula (80) further comprises a flocked surface, the flocked surface covering at least a portion of the spatula (80).

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the opposing curved edges (51, 53) meet at a distal end (43) of the spatula (80) to form a tip (50).

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the tip (50) is offset from the longitudinal axis.

5. A system for applying a substance to a keratinous surface comprising: a container (200) for containing the substance; a scraper (206) disposed across an opening of the container (200), the scraper (206) comprising an orifice (215); an applicator (100) comprising a rod (20) and an applicator head (10, 10'), the rod (20) and the applicator head (10, 10') being dimensioned and configured to movably pass through the orifice (215) along a longitudinal axis, the applicator head comprising: a tail (7, 60) connecting a proximal portion of the applicator head (10, 10') with a distal portion of the rod; a base (4, 65) connected with a distal end of the tail (7, 60); and a spatula (80) extending distally from the base (4, 65), comprising one or more deformable portions,wherein the deformable portions have a transverse dimension relative to the longitudinal axis greater than a diameter of the orifice (215), wherein the deformable portions bend when pulled through the orifice (215) such that the spatula (80) defines a reservoir, wherein when the rod is extended through the orifice (215) and the applicator head (10, 10') is immersed in the substance, the substance adheres to the spatula (80), wherein when the rod and the applicator head (10, 10') are withdrawn from the container (200) in the proximal direction, the deformable portions bend to define the reservoir and wherein a quantity of the substance is carried in the reservoir wherein the spatula (10, 80) comprises a rigid portion (8a) and a deformable portion (8b) connected to the rigid portion and having a free edge (9d) and a concave inner surface (9a), in which the free edge, (9d) has a curved shape and wherein, when the spatula (10, 80) is flexed to form the reservoir, the free edge (9d) comes into contact with the rigid portion (8a) to form the reservoir.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the deformable portion (8b) further comprises a stiffener (6e) disposed on a surface opposite the concave inner surface, wherein the stiffener (6e) increases a rigidity of the deformable portion (8b).

7. System according to claim 6, in which the stiffener (6e) has the shape of a spiral.

8. A system according to claim 5, wherein the deformable portion (8b) extends distally from the base (12, 65) to form a tip (13, 50).

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the tip (13, 50) is offset from the longitudinal axis.

10. An applicator (100) for applying a cosmetic, the applicator (100) comprising: a rod (20) having a longitudinal axis; and an applicator head (10, 10') connected to a distal end of the rod (20) and extending in the distal direction, wherein the applicator head (10, 10') comprises: a base (65) at a proximal end; a spoon (80) connected to the base (65) and having a width transverse to the longitudinal axis;and a tip (50) formed at a distal end of the spoon (80), wherein the spoon (80) comprises a concave inner surface, a convex outer surface and two opposed free edges (51, 53) extending from the base (65) towards the tip (50), wherein the spoon (80) is formed of a flexible material and wherein, when the spoon is pulled through an orifice (215) with a diameter less than the width, the spoon (80) bends such that the free edges (51, 53) contact each other and the concave inner surface defines a reservoir.;

11. An applicator (100) for applying a cosmetic, the applicator (100) comprising: a rod (20) having a longitudinal axis; and an applicator head (10, 10') connected to a distal end of the rod and extending in the distal direction, wherein the applicator head (10, 10') comprises: a rigid base (65) at a proximal end extending in the distal direction, the base (65) having a tip (50) and a curvilinear edge; and a fin (8b) connected to the curvilinear edge and extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, the fin (8b) having a width transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the fin (8b) comprises a concave inner surface, a convex outer surface and a free edge opposite the curvilinear edge, wherein the fin (8b) is formed of a flexible material and wherein, when the applicator head (10, 10') is pulled through an orifice with a diameter less than the width, the fin (8b) bends such that the free edge contacts the curvilinear edge and the concave inner surface defines a reservoir.

12. An applicator (100) for applying a cosmetic, the applicator (100) comprising: a shaft (20) having a longitudinal axis; and an applicator head (10, 10') connected to a distal end of the shaft and extending in the distal direction, wherein the applicator head (10, 10') comprises: a base (65) at a proximal end; a central wall (2c) connected to the base and extending in the distal direction from the base; and two opposing side walls, each side wall connected along an edge to the central wall, each side wall extending generally perpendicularly from the central wall and having a free edge, wherein the central wall and the side walls form a C-shaped gutter, wherein the side walls extend transversely to the longitudinal axis and wherein the C-shaped gutter has a width transverse to the longitudinal axis;wherein the C-shaped gutter comprises a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, wherein the side walls (2a, 2b) are formed of a flexible material and wherein, when the applicator head (10, 10') is pulled through an orifice with a diameter less than the width, the side walls bend such that the free edges contact each other and the concave inner surface defines a reservoir.;

13. An applicator (100) for applying a cosmetic, the applicator (100) comprising: a rod (20) having a longitudinal axis; and an applicator head (10, 10') connected to a distal end of the rod and extending in the distal direction, wherein the applicator head (10, 10') comprises: a base (4) at a proximal end comprising one or more supports extending in the distal direction; and a fin (5) connected to the base (4) and supported by the supports and having a width transverse to the longitudinal axis, the fin (5) being generally circular, with a diameter of the fin (5) arranged along the longitudinal axis, wherein the support is arranged at least partially along the diameter, wherein the fin (5) comprises a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface and two opposing free edges, wherein the fin (5) is formed of a flexible material and wherein, when the fin (5) is pulled through an orifice with a diameter less than the width, the fin (5) bends such that the free edges contact each other and the concave inner surface defines a reservoir.

14. An applicator according to claim 13, wherein each free edge (51, 53) has a curvilinear shape and the curvilinear shapes are of the same shape.

15. An applicator according to claim 13, wherein the base (4, 65) comprises one or more supports (4a, 4b) which extend in the distal direction and wherein the spatula (8, 80) comprises a generally circular body (5) supported by the one or more supports (4a, 4b), wherein the sides of the circular body (5) extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis to form the deformable portions, wherein a face (5a, 5b) of the circular body is concave and wherein, when the spatula is flexed, the sides of the circular body fold to form the reservoir.

16. An applicator according to claim 15, wherein a face (5a, 5b) of the circular body opposite the concave face comprises a textured surface.

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