COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH DYNAMICALLY FLEXIBLE ROD SUPPORT

Abstract

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

Description

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

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

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

[0003] In certain embodiments, 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, at least one applicator arm has an elongated groove designed to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition.

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

[0006] In some embodiments, the rod configuration includes a joint formed between a part of the first rod arm and a part 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.

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

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

[0009] In certain embodiments, the cosmetic applicator further comprises a threaded sleeve comprising a thread on a corresponding inner portion which engages with a thread on an outer portion of the first rod arm, the rotation of the threaded sleeve relative to the rod configuration allowing 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 at least one applicator arm and an angle beta between 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 designed to contain and deposit 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 designed to interact safely 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 a vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm to define 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.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the cosmetic applicator further includes a threaded sleeve which includes a thread on a corresponding inner part which engages with a thread on an outer part of the first rod arm, the rotation of the threaded sleeve relative to the rod configuration allowing the vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm at the level of 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, 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, at least one applicator arm has an elongated groove designed to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition.

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

[0016] This summary is proposed to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are further 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 DRAWINGS

[0017] [Fig.1A] Fig.1A shows a perspective view of an example of a cosmetic applicator, according to certain aspects of disclosure.

[0018] [Fig.1B] [Fig.1B] shows a perspective view of an example of a 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 example of a cosmetic applicator in a deployed configuration.

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

[0021] [Fig.2C] Fig.2C shows a perspective view of an example of a 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 in the folded configuration.

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

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

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

[0026] The preceding aspects and many concomitant 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 to apply cosmetics. These cosmetic applicators can be particularly problematic for people with limited or painful hand movements. In these cases, as in others, it is necessary to have a cosmetic applicator with a flexible and adjustable design to avoid discomfort or strain when used to apply cosmetics. This disclosure addresses these needs, as well as other long-standing and unmet needs in art.

[0028] Figs. 1A, 2A-2D and 3A-3C show examples of cosmetic applicators designed to be customized and adapted 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 includes a first stem arm 4 and a second stem arm 6 designed to interact securely to form a stem configuration 14. In addition, at least one applicator arm 5 is included and is designed to contain and deposit a cosmetic composition onto a surface, such as a part of a person's body, during use. The position of the first stem arm 4 relative to the second stem arm 6 in the stem configuration 14 defines one or more angles (for example, angles α, β, γ of Fig. 3B, and γC) between two or more arms 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, if 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, 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 live hinges. For example, the first hinge 7 and the second hinge 8 may be live hinges, so that the first rod arm 4 and the second rod arm 6 are flexibly connected to at least one cosmetic applicator 5 by live hinges. However, in other embodiments, hinges other than live hinges may be used for the flexibly connecting the first rod arm 4 and the second rod arm 6 to 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, at least one applicator arm 5 has an elongated groove designed to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition. In some embodiments, the elongated groove extends along at least one applicator arm 5 to form an elongated opening, as shown by way of example in [Fig. 1A]-1B and 2A-2C. The elongated groove allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of at least one applicator arm 5, for example, to remove dirt or the accumulation of substances inside the elongated groove.

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

[0032] In certain embodiments, and as shown by way of example in [Fig. 2D], the rod configuration 14 includes a joint formed between a portion 11 of the first rod arm (see, for example, reference numeral 4 in [Fig. 1A]) and a portion 13 of the second rod arm (see, for example, reference numeral 6 in [Fig. 1A]) to secure the rod configuration 14 against any horizontal movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm. In certain embodiments, the joint is designed to allow vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm for adjusting the 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 only as an example; 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 semicircle" 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, a vertical movement of the first rod arm 4 relative to the second rod arm 6 in the rod configuration can be implemented, in certain embodiments, to adjust at least one applicator arm 5 relative to the rod configuration (and any handle attached thereto) for improved ergonomic grip and use. As shown, a 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 (for example, angles α, β) between two or more arms of the plurality of arms.In the embodiment shown, the cosmetic applicator 3 further includes a threaded sleeve 17 which includes a thread on an associated inner portion that engages with a thread on a portion 11 of the first rod arm 4 (for example, an associated outer portion), to form a pinion-type configuration. In this way, the rotation of the threaded sleeve 17 relative to the rod configuration allows the vertical movement of the first rod arm 4 by means of the threaded sleeve 17. relative to the second rod arm 6 in the rod configuration, thus adjusting one or more angles (for example, angles α, |3) between two or more arms of the plurality of arms. In some embodiments, one or more angles include an angle α (α) between the first rod arm 4 and at least one applicator arm 5 and an angle β (|3) between at least one applicator arm 5 and the second rod arm 6.

[0034] As shown in [Fig. 1A], a cosmetic applicator 3 may include a handle 2 attached to it, to form a cosmetic applicator 1 with 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.1A], the cosmetic applicator 1 with handle can be implemented with a bottle 10 to form a cosmetic applicator assembly 9, which can be supplied with the bottle 10 empty or containing a cosmetic composition.In some embodiments, the cosmetic applicator assembly 9 may further include a scraper, connected to the bottle 10 at an opening in the bottle 10, which is designed to remove excess composition from the cosmetic applicator 3 during the removal of the cosmetic applicator 1 with handle from the bottle 10. The diameter of the scraper may be designed to fit perfectly into 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 certain embodiments, the gear-type configuration can be adjusted within the handle 2, i.e., within the space inside the cosmetic applicator assembly 9, which is closed by attaching the handle 2 to the bottle 10. Since the gear-type configuration fits within the closure and within the scraper opening of the packaging, the product can be adjusted, but this adjustability does not affect the closure or sealing of the overall packaging. If the packaging were to break, the cosmetic composition would become unusable due to drying. In this way, the cosmetic composition retains its water content and does not dry out, resulting in 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 manufactured additively (for example, 3D printed).

[0037] In some embodiments, a kit is provided, which includes a cosmetic applicator set 9, a cosmetic applicator 3, or another disclosure item. The kit may further include instructions for use and product information. or similar. The instructions for use may provide instructions on how to use the cosmetic applicator 1 with handle to apply a cosmetic composition and / or on how to clean or maintain the cosmetic applicator 3, and the product information leaflet may provide information on the cosmetic composition, for example. NON-LIMITING IMPLEMENTATIONS

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

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

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

[0041] Embodiment 3. Cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, in which 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. Cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein at least one applicator arm has an elongated groove designed to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition.

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

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

[0045] Embodiment 7. Cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein the part of the first stem arm is a male part and the part of the second stem arm is a female part.

[0046] Embodiment 8. Cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein a 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 or angles between two or more arms of the plurality of arms.

[0047] Embodiment 9. Cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, further comprising a threaded sleeve which includes a thread on an associated inner part which engages with a thread on an outer part of the first rod arm, the rotation of the threaded sleeve relative to the rod configuration allowing vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm in the rod configuration.

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

[0049] Embodiment 11. Cosmetic applicator, comprising: a first rod arm, a second rod arm and at least one applicator arm designed to contain and deposit 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 designed to interact safely 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 a vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm to define 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.

[0050] Embodiment 12. Cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, further comprising a threaded sleeve which includes a thread on an inner part thereof which engages with a thread on an outer part of the first rod arm, the rotation of the threaded sleeve relative to the rod configuration allowing the vertical movement of the first rod arm relative to the second rod arm at the level of 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. Cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, in which 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. Cosmetic applicator according to any other embodiment, wherein at least one applicator arm has an elongated groove designed to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition.

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

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

Claims

Demands

1. Cosmetic applicator (3), comprising: a plurality of arms (4, 5, 6) fixed by a plurality of hinges (7, 8), the plurality of arms (4, 5, 6) comprising a first stem arm (4) and a second stem arm (6) designed to interact securely to form a stem configuration (14) and at least one applicator arm (5) designed to contain and deposit a cosmetic composition; a position of the first stem arm (4) relative to the second stem arm (6) in the stem configuration (14) defining one or more angles (a, |3) between two or more arms 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. Cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 1, wherein 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. Cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 3, wherein at least one applicator arm (5) has an elongated groove designed to contain and deposit the cosmetic composition.

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

6. Cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 1, wherein the stem configuration (14) includes a joint formed between a part (11) of the first stem arm (4) and a part (13) of the second stem arm (6) to secure the stem configuration (14) against any horizontal movement of the first stem arm (4) relative to the second stem arm (6).

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

8. 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 rod configuration (14) sets the position of the first rod arm (4) relative to the second rod arm (6) and sets one or more angles (a, |3) between at least two arms of the plurality of arms (4, 5, 6).

9. Cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 8, further comprising a threaded sleeve (17) which includes a thread on a corresponding inner portion which engages with a thread on an outer portion (11) of the first rod arm (4), the 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. Cosmetic applicator (3) according to claim 8, wherein the one or more angles (a, |3) comprise an angle alpha (a) between the first rod arm (4) and at least one applicator arm (5) and an angle beta (|3) between at least one applicator arm (5) and the second rod arm (6).

Images