COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH DYNAMICALLY FLEXIBLE STEM SUPPORT

Abstract

COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH DYNAMICALLY FLEXIBLE STEM SUPPORT Adjustable cosmetic applicators for ergonomic use, cosmetic composition products such as kits and methods of use. A cosmetic applicator (3) includes a first stem arm (4), a second stem arm (6) and at least one applicator arm (5) that can hold and deposit a cosmetic composition on a part of a person's body. The at least one applicator arm is flexibly connected to the first stem arm and the second stem arm, which interact securely. The first stem arm is adjustable relative to the second stem arm to define angle values ​​between the first stem arm and the at least one applicator arm and between the at least one applicator arm and the second stem arm.Adjusting these angles in turn sets an angle between the at least one applicator arm and the handle for customized and improved ergonomic use of the cosmetic applicator. Figure for abstract: 1A.

Description

Title of the invention: COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH DYNAMICALLY FLEXIBLE ROD SUPPORT ABSTRACT

[0001] According to one aspect, the disclosure provides a cosmetic applicator comprising: a plurality of arms secured by a plurality of hinges, the plurality of arms comprising a first stem arm and a second stem arm configured to securely interact to form a stem configuration and at least one applicator arm configured to contain and dispense a cosmetic composition; a position of the first stem arm relative to the second stem arm in the stem configuration defining one or more angles between two or more of the plurality of arms.

[0002] In some embodiments, the plurality of hinges are living hinges.

[0003] In some embodiments, the at least one applicator arm is flexibly connected to the first rod arm and the second rod arm by a first hinge of the plurality of hinges and a second hinge of the plurality of hinges, respectively.

[0004] In some embodiments, the at least one applicator arm includes an elongated groove configured to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition.

[0005] In some embodiments, the elongated groove extends over the at least one applicator arm to form an elongated opening.

[0006] In some embodiments, the rod configuration includes a hinge formed between a portion of the first rod arm and a portion of the second rod arm to secure the rod configuration against horizontal movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm.

[0007] In some embodiments, the portion of the first rod arm is a male portion and the portion of the second rod arm is a female portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm in the rod configuration adjusts the position of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm and adjusts one or more angles between the at least two of the plurality of arms.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cosmetic applicator further includes a threaded sleeve that includes threads on a corresponding interior portion that engage with threads on an exterior portion of the first rod arm, wherein rotation of the threaded sleeve relative to the rod configuration allows the vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm at the rod configuration.

[0010] In some embodiments, one or more angles include an angle alpha between the first rod arm and the at least one applicator arm and an angle beta between the at least one applicator arm and the second rod arm.

[0011] According to one aspect, the disclosure provides a cosmetic applicator comprising: a first rod arm, a second rod arm and at least one applicator arm configured to contain and dispense a cosmetic composition, the at least one applicator arm being flexibly connected to the first rod arm and being flexibly connected to the second rod arm, the first rod arm and the second rod arm being configured to securely interact to form a rod configuration; a position of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm in the rod configuration being adjustable with vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm to define an alpha angle between the first rod arm and the at least one applicator arm and a beta angle between the at least one applicator arm and the second rod arm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cosmetic applicator further includes a threaded sleeve that includes threads on a corresponding interior portion that engage threads on an exterior portion of the first rod arm, wherein rotation of the threaded sleeve relative to the rod configuration allows vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm at the rod configuration to adjust the position of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm in the rod configuration.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one applicator arm is flexibly connected to the first rod arm by a first living hinge and is flexibly connected to the second rod arm by a second living hinge.

[0014] In some embodiments, the at least one applicator arm includes an elongated groove configured to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition.

[0015] In some embodiments, the elongated groove extends over the at least one applicator arm to form an elongated opening.

[0016] This abstract is provided to present a selection of concepts in simplified form that are more fully described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA] shows a perspective view of an exemplary cosmetic applicator, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

[0018] [Fig.lB] [Fig.lB] shows a perspective view of an exemplary cosmetic applicator attached to a container for an applicator assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] shows a perspective view of an exemplary cosmetic applicator in a deployed configuration.

[0020] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] shows a perspective view of an exemplary cosmetic applicator in a partially collapsed configuration.

[0021] [Fig.2C] [Fig.2C] shows a perspective view of an exemplary cosmetic applicator in a folded configuration.

[0022] [Fig.2D] [Fig.2D] shows a perspective view of an example of an interface between the arms of a rod of the folded configuration.

[0023] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] shows a perspective view of an exemplary cosmetic applicator designed for dynamic adjustment of the angles of the arms of the cosmetic applicator, in a deployed and disassembled configuration.

[0024] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] shows a sectional side view of an exemplary cosmetic applicator designed for dynamic adjustment of the angles of the arms of the cosmetic applicator, in a collapsed and assembled configuration.

[0025] [Fig.3C] [Fig.3C] shows a side view of an exemplary cosmetic applicator designed for dynamic adjustment of the angles of the arms of the cosmetic applicator, in a collapsed and assembled configuration, with arrows indicating rotational movement of a sleeve of the applicator for adjustment of the angles α and β between the arms.

[0026] The foregoing aspects and numerous attendant advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Many existing cosmetic applicators have rigid or non-adjustable designs that can cause discomfort or strain when used for the application of cosmetics. These cosmetic applicators can be particularly problematic for individuals whose hand movements are limited or painful. In these and other cases, there is a need for a cosmetic applicator that has a flexible and adjustable design to avoid discomfort or strain when used for the application of cosmetics. The present disclosure addresses these and other long-standing and unmet needs in the art.

[0028] [Fig.1A], 2A-2D and 3A-3C show examples of cosmetic applicators designed to be customized and adapt to the ergonomic needs of a person. A cosmetic applicator 3 comprises a plurality of arms (4, 5, 6) secured by a plurality of hinges (7, 8). In the embodiments shown, the plurality of arms comprises a first stem arm 4 and a second stem arm 6 configured to securely interact to form a stem configuration 14. Further, at least one applicator arm 5 is included and is configured to hold and deposit a cosmetic composition onto a surface, such as a part of a person's body, during use. A position of the first stem arm 4 relative to the second stem arm 6 in the stem configuration 14 defines one or more angles (e.g., angles α, β of [Fig. 3B] and 3C) between two or more of the plurality of arms. Adjusting the angles corresponds to adjusting an angle between the at least one applicator arm 5 and the stem configuration 14 and a handle 2 when present.In this way, by adjusting the angles, the ergonomic functionality of the cosmetic applicator can be customized for use by one or more people.

[0029] In some embodiments, the at least one applicator arm 5 is flexibly connected to the first rod arm 4 and the second rod arm 6 by a first hinge 7 of the plurality of hinges and a second hinge 8 of the plurality of hinges, respectively. In some embodiments, the hinges of the plurality of hinges (7, 8) are living hinges. For example, the first hinge 7 and the second hinge 8 may be living hinges, such that the first rod arm 4 and the second rod arm 6 are flexibly connected to the at least one cosmetic applicator 5 by living hinges. However, in other embodiments, hinges other than living hinges may be used for the flexibly connecting the first rod arm 4 and the second rod arm 6 to the at least one cosmetic applicator 5.In this way, any suitable hinges can be implemented, provided that flexible connections are provided between the arms.

[0030] In some embodiments, the at least one applicator arm 5 includes an elongated groove configured to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition. In some embodiments, the elongated groove extends over the at least one applicator arm 5 to form an elongated opening, as shown by way of example in [Fig.lA]-lB and 2A-2C. The elongated groove allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of the at least one applicator arm 5, for example, to remove dirt or substance buildup within the elongated groove.

[0031] In some embodiments, the at least one applicator arm 5 may include a metal or alloy component that conducts thermal energy, and / or that may be of rigid structure. In other embodiments, the at least one applicator arm 5 may include a brush, or other application surface, for smoothly applying a cosmetic composition. In some embodiments embodiment, the at least one applicator arm 5 may be insert molded onto a plastic material that may be used for the arms and / or hinges. Further, in the embodiments shown, the arms and hinges are discrete structural features, but in other embodiments, the cosmetic applicator may be a one-piece structure, such as one that may be formed by a single mold to form a single continuous structure between the arms and hinges to form the cosmetic applicator.

[0032] In some embodiments, and as shown by way of example in [Fig. 2D], the rod configuration 14 includes a hinge formed between a portion 11 of the first rod arm (see, for example, reference 4 of [Fig. 1A]) and a portion 13 of the second rod arm (see, for example, reference 6 of [Fig. 1A]) to secure the rod configuration 14 against horizontal movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm. In some embodiments, the hinge is configured to allow vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm for adjusting angles of the cosmetic applicator, as described herein. In the embodiment shown, the portion 11 of the first rod arm is a male portion 15 and the portion 13 of the second rod arm is a female portion 16.This "tongue and groove" configuration is shown for example purposes only; other articulations may be implemented in certain embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure, including, but not limited to, a "lock and key" configuration, a "circle and half-circle" configuration, and the like to prevent horizontal movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm.

[0033] As shown by way of example in [Fig.3A]-3C, vertical movement of the first rod arm 4 relative to the second rod arm 6 in the rod configuration may be implemented, in some embodiments, to adjust the at least one applicator arm 5 relative to the rod configuration (and any handle attached thereto) for improved ergonomic gripping and use. As shown, vertical movement of the first rod arm 4 relative to the second rod arm 6 in the rod configuration adjusts the position of the first rod arm 4 relative to the second rod arm 6 and adjusts one or more angles (e.g., angles α, |3) between two or more of the plurality of arms.In the embodiment shown, the cosmetic applicator 3 further comprises a threaded sleeve 17 which comprises a thread on an associated inner portion which engages a thread on a portion 11 of the first rod arm 4 (e.g., an associated outer portion), to form a pinion-like configuration. In this manner, rotation of the threaded sleeve 17 relative to the rod configuration allows vertical movement of the first rod arm 4 by . relative to the second rod arm 6 in the rod configuration, thereby setting one or more angles (e.g., angles a, |3) between two or more of the plurality of arms. In some embodiments, one or more angles include an angle alpha (a) between the first rod arm 4 and the at least one applicator arm 5 and an angle beta (|3) between the at least one applicator arm 5 and the second rod arm 6.

[0034] As shown in [Fig.lA], a cosmetic applicator 3 may include a handle 2 attached thereto, to form a cosmetic applicator 1 with a handle. The handle 2 may be attached to the cosmetic applicator 3 by means of a handle attachment 12, as shown by way of example in [Fig.2A]-2C and 3A-3C. As shown in [Fig.lA], the cosmetic applicator 1 with handle can be implemented with a bottle 10 to form a cosmetic applicator assembly 9, which can be provided with the bottle 10 empty or containing a cosmetic composition.In some embodiments, the cosmetic applicator assembly 9 may further comprise a scraper, connected to the bottle 10 at an opening of the bottle 10, which is configured to remove excess composition from the cosmetic applicator 3 during removal of the cosmetic applicator 1 with handle from the bottle 10. The diameter of the scraper may be configured to snugly engage and slide within the cosmetic applicator 3, and in some embodiments, it may accommodate larger and smaller angles of the cosmetic applicator that may affect the diameter of the cosmetic applicator 3.

[0035] In some embodiments, the pinion-like configuration can fit into the handle 2, i.e., into the space within the cosmetic applicator assembly 9 with closure by attaching the handle 2 to the bottle 10. Since the pinion-like configuration fits within the closure and within the scraper port / opening of the package, the product can be adjusted, but the adjustability does not affect the closure or sealing of the overall package, which, if broken, would render the cosmetic composition unusable by drying the cosmetic composition. In this way, the cosmetic composition retains its water content and does not dry out, and has a longer shelf life than can be achieved with other designs.

[0036] In some embodiments, one or more elements of the cosmetic applicator, such as the plurality of arms and hinges, and / or the threaded sleeve, may be manufactured by injection molding, however, in some embodiments, they may be additively manufactured (e.g., 3D printed).

[0037] In some embodiments, a kit is provided that includes a cosmetic applicator assembly 9, a cosmetic applicator 3, or another element of the disclosure. The kit may further include instructions for use, a product insert, or a packaging material. or the like. The instructions for use may provide instructions on how to use the cosmetic applicator 1 with handle to apply a cosmetic composition and / or how to clean or maintain the cosmetic applicator 3, and the product leaflet may provide information on the cosmetic composition, for example. NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Although general features of the disclosure are described and shown and particular features of the disclosure are set forth in the claims, the following non-limiting embodiments relate to features, and combinations of features, that are explicitly contemplated as part of the disclosure. The following non-limiting embodiments contain elements that are modular and that may be combined with each other in any number, order, or combination to form a new non-limiting embodiment, which may itself be combined with other non-limiting embodiments.

[0039] Embodiment 1. A cosmetic applicator, comprising: a plurality of arms secured by a plurality of hinges, the plurality of arms comprising a first stem arm and a second stem arm configured to securely interact to form a stem configuration and at least one applicator arm configured to contain and dispense a cosmetic composition; a position of the first stem arm relative to the second stem arm in the stem configuration defining one or more angles between two or more of the plurality of arms.

[0040] Embodiment 2. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein the hinges of the plurality of hinges are living hinges.

[0041] Embodiment 3. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein the at least one applicator arm is flexibly connected to the first rod arm and the second rod arm by a first hinge of the plurality of hinges and a second hinge of the plurality of hinges, respectively.

[0042] Embodiment 4. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein the at least one applicator arm comprises an elongated groove adapted to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition.

[0043] Embodiment 5. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein the elongated groove extends over the at least one applicator arm to form an elongated opening.

[0044] Embodiment 6. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein the rod configuration includes a hinge formed between a portion of the first rod arm and a portion of the second rod arm to secure the rod configuration against any horizontal movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm.

[0045] Embodiment 7. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein the portion of the first rod arm is a male portion and the portion of the second rod arm is a female portion.

[0046] Embodiment 8. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm in the rod configuration adjusts the position of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm and adjusts the angle(s) between two or more of the plurality of arms.

[0047] Embodiment 9. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, further comprising a threaded sleeve that includes a thread on an associated interior portion that engages a thread on an exterior portion of the first rod arm, wherein rotation of the threaded sleeve relative to the rod configuration allows vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm in the rod configuration.

[0048] Embodiment 10. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein one or more angles include an alpha angle between the first rod arm and the at least one applicator arm and a beta angle between the at least one applicator arm and the second rod arm.

[0049] Embodiment 11. A cosmetic applicator, comprising: a first rod arm, a second rod arm, and at least one applicator arm configured to contain and dispense a cosmetic composition, the at least one applicator arm being flexibly connected to the first rod arm and being flexibly connected to the second rod arm, the first rod arm and the second rod arm being configured to securely interact to form a rod configuration; a position of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm in the rod configuration being adjustable with vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm to define an alpha angle between the first rod arm and the at least one applicator arm and a beta angle between the at least one applicator arm and the second rod arm.

[0050] Embodiment 12. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, further comprising a threaded sleeve that includes a thread on an interior portion thereof that engages a thread on an exterior portion of the first rod arm, wherein rotation of the threaded sleeve relative to the rod configuration allows vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm at the rod configuration to adjust the position of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm in the rod configuration.

[0051] Embodiment 13. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein the at least one applicator arm is flexibly connected to the first rod arm by a first living hinge and is flexibly connected to the second rod arm by a second living hinge.

[0052] Embodiment 14. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein the at least one applicator arm comprises an elongated groove adapted to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition.

[0053] Embodiment 15. A cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein the elongated groove extends over the at least one applicator arm to form an elongated opening.

[0054] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A cosmetic applicator (3), comprising: a plurality of arms (4, 5, 6) secured by a plurality of hinges (7, 8), the plurality of arms (4, 5, 6) comprising a first rod arm (4) and a second rod arm (6) configured to securely interact to form a rod configuration (14) and at least one applicator arm (5) configured to contain and deposit a cosmetic composition; a position of the first rod arm (4) relative to the second rod arm (6) in the rod configuration (14) defining one or more angles (a, |3) between two or more of the plurality of arms (4, 5,

2. OJ. Cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 1, wherein the hinges of the plurality of hinges (7, 8) are living hinges.

3. The cosmetic applicator (3) of claim 1, wherein the at least one applicator arm (5) is flexibly connected to the first rod arm (4) and the second rod arm (6) by a first hinge (7) of the plurality of hinges (7, 8) and a second hinge (8) of the plurality of hinges (7, 8), respectively.

4. A cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one applicator arm (5) comprises an elongated groove adapted to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition.

5. A cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 4, wherein the elongated groove extends over the at least one applicator arm (5) to form an elongated opening.

6. A cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 1, wherein the rod configuration (14) comprises a hinge formed between a portion (11) of the first rod arm (4) and a portion (13) of the second rod arm (6) to secure the rod configuration (14) against horizontal movement of the first rod arm (4) relative to the second rod arm (6).

7. Cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 6, wherein the portion (11) of the first rod arm (4) is a male portion (15) and the portion (13) of the second rod arm (6) is a female portion (16).

8. A cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 1, wherein a vertical movement of the first rod arm (4) relative to the second rod arm (6) in the rod configuration (14) adjusts the position of the first rod arm (4) relative to the second rod arm (6) and adjusts one or more angles (a, |3) between at least two of the plurality of arms (4, 5, 6).

9. A cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 8, further comprising a threaded sleeve (17) which includes a thread on a corresponding inner portion which engages a thread on an outer portion (11) of the first rod arm (4), rotation of the threaded sleeve relative to the rod configuration (14) allowing vertical movement of the first rod arm (4) relative to the second rod arm (6) in the rod configuration (14).

10. The cosmetic applicator (3) of claim 8, wherein the one or more angles (a, |3) comprise an alpha angle (a) between the first rod arm (4) and the at least one applicator arm (5) and a beta angle (|3) between the at least one applicator arm (5) and the second rod arm (6).

Images