HOOK APPLICATOR

Abstract

HOOK APPLICATOR In one embodiment, an applicator for cosmetic products comprises: a generally cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end; a first concave application area on one side of the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end; a second convex application area on an opposite side of the first application area, wherein the second application area extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and turns into a tip at the distal end; and the tip of the applicator is formed between the first application area and the second application area, wherein the tip extends along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body on the side of the first application area, the tip extending along a length of the cylindrical body being distal to the first application area. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: HOOK APPLICATOR SUMMARY

[0001] In one embodiment, an applicator for cosmetic products comprises: a generally cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end; a first concave application area on one side of the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end; a second convex application area on an opposite side of the first application area, wherein the second application area extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and transitions into a tip at the distal end; and the tip of the applicator is formed between the first application area and the second application area, wherein the tip extends along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body on the side of the first application area, the tip extending along a length of the cylindrical body being distal to the first application area.

[0002] In one embodiment, the applicator comprises flocking one or both of the first application area and the second application area.

[0003] In one embodiment, the applicator comprises a coating on one or both of the first application area and the second application area.

[0004] In one embodiment, the coating is a hydrophilic coating.

[0005] In one embodiment, the coating is a hydrophobic coating.

[0006] In one embodiment, the applicator comprises flocking and a coating on one of the first application area and the second application area or both.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first application zone has a greater radius of curvature towards the proximal end than the radius of curvature towards the distal end.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first application area has a convex curve at any two diametrically opposite points on the cylindrical body.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second application area is straight across the majority of any two diametrically opposed points on the cylindrical body.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second application area is straight across a majority of any two diametrically opposed points on the cylindrical body.

[0011] In one embodiment, the applicator extends entirely across a diameter of the cylindrical body from side to side on both a front side and a rear side of the applicator, except at the distal end.

[0012] In one embodiment, the applicator comprises a connector at the proximal end.

[0013] In one embodiment, the applicator has a higher durometer at the first zone compared to a durometer of the second zone.

[0014] In one embodiment, an area of ​​the first application area is from about 43.51 mm2 to about 53.17 mm2 and an area of ​​the second application area is from about 30 mm2 to about 36.67 mm2.

[0015] In one embodiment, a ratio between the surface area of ​​the first application area and that of the second application area is 1.12 to 1.77.

[0016] In one embodiment, a length of the first application area is from about 7.87 mm to about 9.61 mm, and a length of the second application area is from about 5.4 mm to about 6.6 mm.

[0017] In one embodiment, a ratio between a length of the second application area and that of the first application area is 0.56 to 0.84.

[0018] In one embodiment, an applicator tip consists of: a first application area is concave on the front side of the tip; and a second application area is convex on the back side of the tip.

[0019] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in simplified form which are described more fully 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

[0020] The foregoing aspects and numerous related advantages of this 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, in which:

[0021] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic illustration of an applicator;

[0022] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic illustration in side view of the applicator of the [Fig.l];

[0023] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is a schematic front view illustration of the applicator of [Fig.l];

[0024] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] is a schematic illustration in rear view of the applicator of [Fig.l];

[0025] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the applicator of Figure 3;

[0026] [Fig 5] [Fig 5] is a schematic illustration of the left side of the applicator of [Fig.l];

[0027] [Fig.5B] [Fig.5B] is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the applicator of [Fig.5A];

[0028] [Fig.5C] [Fig.5C] is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the applicator of [Fig.5A];

[0029] [Fig.5D] [Fig.5D] is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the applicator of [Fig.5A];

[0030] [Fig.5E] [Fig.5E] is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the applicator of [Fig.5A]; and

[0031] [Fig.5F] [Fig.5F] is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the applicator of [Fig.5A], Detailed Description

[0032] In one embodiment, an applicator creates a new cosmetic application experience for thicker lip formulas. The applicator delivers the formula to two areas of the face in different ways, in a single applicator.

[0033] In one embodiment, an applicator includes a large contoured reservoir for application to the lower lip with a sculpted angled tip for precision on the upper lip. The applicator allows for precise dose, application, and detail drawing area. The applicator provides the correct dose delivery in a minimum number of applications and provides a sensory "hug" to the lips.

[0034] Referring to [Fig.l], in one embodiment, the applicator 100 includes a generally cylindrical body 110 having a proximal end and a distal end. The cylindrical body 110 includes a first application area 102 and a second application area 104. The applicator 100 includes a connector 112 at the proximal end of the applicator 100 for connection to a handle or rod. The connector 112 may have any suitable shape, such as a smaller cylinder or a hexagon, and the like.

[0035] Generally, the first application area 102 is formed on one side of the cylinder body 110, and the second application area 104 is formed on the opposite side of the cylinder body 110. For purposes of description, one side of the cylinder extends the length of the cylinder.

[0036] [Fig. 2] illustrates a cylinder showing the sections removed to form the first zone 102 and the second zone 104. For the purpose of describing [Fig. 2], the material removed to create the first zone 102 is on the front side of the applicator 100, and the material removed to create the second zone 104 is on the back side of the applicator. The second zone 104 can be considered to be oriented in the opposite direction to the first zone 102. The first zone 102 and the second zone 104 are generally provided at different lengths along the applicator 100, but there is an overlap.

[0037] [Fig. 3A] is an illustration of the front side of the applicator 100 and [Fig. 3B] is an illustration of the rear side of the applicator 100, both showing that the applicator extends entirely through the cylindrical body 110 from the right side to the left side when viewed from both the front side and the rear side of the applicator 100, except at the distal end.

[0038] According to [Fig. 3A], the applicator has an overall length dimension 120 from the base 128 to the tip 116. The first application area 102 has an overall length dimension 122 including the beveled areas. In one embodiment, the dimension 120 is about 18.38 mm and the dimension 122 is about 8.74 mm. The dimensions 120 and 122 are within a range of plus or minus 10%. Therefore, the dimension 120 can range from about 16.54 mm to about 20.22 mm, and the dimension 122 can range from about 7.87 mm to about 9.61 mm.

[0039] The ratio between the length of the first application zone 102 and the overall length, i.e. the ratio between the dimension 122 and the dimension 120, can range from 0.39 to 0.58.

[0040] The dimension 120 can be 16 mm, 16.5 mm, 17 mm, 17.5 mm, 18 mm, 18.5 mm, 19 mm, 19.5 mm, 20 mm and 20.5 mm.

[0041] The dimension 122 can be 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, 10 mm.

[0042] According to [Fig.3A], the surface area of ​​the first application area 102 is approximately 48.34 mm2. The surface area of ​​the first application area 102 may vary by plus or minus 10% or from approximately 43.51 mm2 to 53.17 mm2.

[0043] According to [Fig.3B], the area of ​​the second application zone 104 is approximately 33.21 mm2. The area of ​​the second application zone 104 may vary by plus or minus 10% or from approximately 30 mm2 to 36.67 mm2.

[0044] The ratio between the surface area of ​​the first application zone 102 and that of the second application zone 104 can range from 1.12 to 1.77.

[0045] The surface area of ​​the first application zone 102 may be 43 mm2, 44 mm2, 45 mm2, 46 mm2, 47 mm2, 48 mm2, 49 mm2, 50 mm2, 51 mm2, 52 mm2, 53 mm2, 54 mm2.

[0046] The surface area of ​​the second application zone 104 may be 30 mm2, 31 mm2, 32 mm2, 33 mm2, 34 mm2, 35 mm2, 36 mm2, 37 mm2.

[0047] According to [Fig.3B], the length 132 of the second application zone 104 including the beveled edge is about 6.01 mm. The length dimension 132 may be plus or minus 10% or from about 5.4 mm to about 6.6 mm. The length dimension 132 may be 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm.

[0048] The ratio between the length of the second application zone 104 and the overall length, i.e. the ratio between the dimension 132 and the dimension 120, can range from 0.27 to 0.4.

[0049] The ratio between the length of the second application zone 104 and that of the first application zone 102 may be from 0.56 to 0.84.

[0050] In one embodiment, in the lengthwise direction, the applicator 100 includes a section of constant diameter 130. According to [Fig.3A], the diameter 130 is approximately 6.4 mm. The diameter 130 may be in a range of plus or minus 10% or from 5.8 mm to 7 mm.

[0051] Material is removed from the cylindrical body 110 to form the first area 102 and the second area 104. The material of the applicator 100 is removed at locations to provide the applicator with a different durometer at the first area 102 than at the second area 104. For example, the applicator 100 has a higher durometer at the first area 102 suitable for use as a reservoir for carrying lip gloss, lipstick, etc., and the second area 104 has a lower durometer and includes a sculpted angled tip for precision application to the upper lip.

[0052] Referring to [Fig. 4], at the deepest portion of the first application area 102, the first application area 102 extends no more than half of the diameter 130, shown by dimension 124. The depth of the first application area 102 may be from 25% to less than 50% of the diameter 130, for example, 30%, 35%, 40% and 45% of the diameter 130. Where the first application area 102 overlaps the second application area 104, it can be seen that the material is thinned so that dimension 124 is thicker than dimension 126, since material is removed from both the front and the back of the applicator 100.

[0053] The applicator 100 provides an angled surface at the tip 116 of the applicator 100 for primary application for precision areas, e.g., the upper lip, small specific areas on the face. The area size and angle are suitable for maximum ease of application and formula dose delivery. The leading edge on the side of the tip 116 is used as an additional detail drawing element, which provides additional precision and contouring capability.

[0054] On the side of the main body of the applicator 100, there is a large curved cavity formed to receive a curved shape, for example a lower lip. The cavity volume is between X and y ml at a viscosity z, for optimized formula performance.

[0055] In [Fig. 2], the amount of material 114 to be removed from the second zone 104 is about 0.06 grams / 63.38 ml3. The amount of material 118 to be removed from the first zone 102 is about 0.04 grams / 42.31 ml3. The removal of material 118 to form the first zone 102 is not constant along the length from bottom to top. As shown in Figures 5D, 5E and 5F, the rate of material removal is lower at the bottom (towards the proximal end) of the zone 102 compared to the rate of material removal towards the distal end. The first zone 102 reaches a maximum removal rate, then the removal rate from the maximum to the top of the zone 102 is greater than the removal rate from the bottom of the zone 102. Here, the material removal rate means the volume removed per linear length, for example in grams per cubic millimeter.

[0056] [Fig.2] illustrates an overlap of the material removed from the first zone 102 on the front side with the material removed from the second area 104 on the back side, such that there is a narrow strip of material left on the front side between the first area 102 on the front side and the second area 104 on the back side. This narrow strip of material terminates at the front upper end 116 of the applicator 100. The "tip" 116 of the applicator extends a short distance lengthwise along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 110 on the side of the first application area 102. The tip 116 extends a length of the cylindrical body distal to the first application area 102.

[0057] The applicator 100 for cosmetic products comprises a generally cylindrical body 110 having a proximal end and a distal end, a first concave application area 102 on one side of the cylindrical body 110 between the proximal end and the distal end, a second convex application area 104 on an opposite side of the first application area 102, wherein the second application area 104 extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and the second application area turns into the tip at the distal end, and the tip 116 of the applicator 100 is formed between the first application area 102 and the second application area 104, wherein the tip 116 extends along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 110 on the side of the first application area 102, and the tip 116 extends a length of the cylindrical body 110 distal to the first application zone 102.

[0058] [Fig.4] illustrates that the first zone 102 has a concave shape. The concave shape of the first zone 102 is a curve of a larger radius at the bottom, in which the radius of the curve gradually decreases along the length of the applicator 100 from the bottom to the top of the zone 102. The concave shape of the first zone 102 is generally constant over most of the diameter of the cylinder, except for the perimeter edges of the first zone 102 which are beveled or rounded to eliminate sharp edges around the first area 102. In [Fig. 2], it can be seen that the first area 102 is curved in the front-to-back direction. However, looking at the cross-sections of Figures 5D, 5E and 5F, the first area 102 is only slightly curved in the direction from one side to the other of the cylindrical body 110. The first area 102 has a slight convex curve that bulges outward at any two diametrically opposite points on the cylindrical body 110 as shown in Figures 5D, 5E and 5F.

[0059] [Fig. 4] illustrates that the second area 104 has a convex shape. The convex shape includes a curve of a radius greater than the radii used in the first area 102. In [Fig. 2], it can be seen that the second area 104 is curved in the front-to-back direction. However, from the cross-sections illustrated in Figures 5F, 5E, and 5D, the second area 102 is not curved from side to side, except that the edges around the second area 104 have been beveled or rounded to eliminate sharp edges around the second area 104. The second area 104 is straight at the majority of any two diametrically opposed points on the cylindrical body 110 as shown in Figures 5F, 5E, and 5D.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first application area 102 and the second application area 104 do not have straight edges or flat surfaces.

[0061] Above the first zone 102, material is not removed from the front side of the applicator 100, thereby forming the tip 116 on the front side at the distal end. The tip 116 extends fully to the maximum outer diameter of the barrel for a short distance on the front side, as illustrated in [Fig.5F].

[0062] In one embodiment, the first area 102 and the second area 104 include a flocking layer 108 and 106, respectively. In one embodiment, the first area 102 includes flocking 108 and the second area 104 does not. In one embodiment, the first area 102 does not include flocking and the second area 104 includes flocking 106.

[0063] Optionally, at least one or both of the areas 102 and 104 may be covered with flocking. The flocking layers 108 and 106 may be composed of fibers formed from nylon, cotton, acetate, viscose, polyester, or a mixture of these materials. Such flocking may alter the ability of the applicator device 100 to pick up the product and transport it onto the fibers, and may also alter the manner in which the product will be spread along the fibers. The flocking 106, 108 may comprise a mixture of fibers of different kinds and / or different lengths and / or different diameters.

[0064] The flocked fibers can have a diameter ranging from 0.5 to 5 deniers. The length of the fiber segments used is between 0.2 and 1 millimeter. To apply the flocking, the fibers can be projected by a spray gun. The first area 102 and / or the second area may be coated with an adhesive, and then a jet of air containing fibers of a synthetic textile fiber is then sprayed against the areas 102, 104 which have been made adhesive.

[0065] The flocking layers in one or both of the zones 102 and 104 may include a mixture of two types of, for example, polyamide fibers having a circular cross-section, which may have a substantially identical length, but a different diameter. The two types of fibers, for example, have a length of about 0.5 millimeters. A first type of fiber may have a diameter of about 0.1 millimeters, and a second type of fiber may have a diameter of about 0.2 millimeters.

[0066] A fiber blend in one or both of zones 102 and 104 may include from about 5% to about 95% of one fiber type and the remainder is a different fiber type. For example, one or both of zones 102 and 104 may include 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% of one fiber type and the remainder a second fiber type. For example, about 80% by weight of the first fiber type and about 20% by weight of the second fiber type. Such a fiber blend may make it possible to provide a flock layer having a varying density of fibers per unit area along the surface. For example, regions that include a greater number of small-diameter fibers are relatively denser than regions in which fibers with larger diameters are found.The presence of the smaller diameter fibers can allow for a relatively soft application surface, while the larger diameter fibers can allow for the smaller diameter fibers to be spaced apart, creating larger spaces between the fibers, which can allow for more product to be retained. Again, an applicator can be achieved that has a relatively high absorption capacity while being relatively soft during application.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 may include a hydrophobic coating or a hydrophilic coating.

[0068] Hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings may be applied to the flocking where appropriate.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first area 102 and the second area 104 include a hydrophobic coating.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 include a hydrophilic coating.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first area 102 includes a hydrophobic coating and the second area 104 includes a hydrophilic coating.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first area 102 includes a hydrophilic coating and the second area 104 includes a hydrophobic coating.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first area 102 includes a hydrophobic coating, and the second area 104 does not include a coating. In one embodiment, the first area 102 includes a hydrophilic coating, and the second area 104 does not include a coating.

[0074] In one embodiment, the second area 104 includes a hydrophobic coating, and the first area 102 does not include a coating. In one embodiment, the second area 104 includes a hydrophilic coating, and the first area 102 does not include a coating.

[0075] Hydrophilic coatings may include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyurethanes, polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and / or polysaccharides.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, one or both of the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 may be treated to increase the surface energy, for example with a plasma treatment.

[0077] The hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coatings may include a polystyrene and manganese oxide (MnO2 / PS) nanocomposite, a polystyrene and zinc oxide (ZnO / PS) nanocomposite, precipitated calcium carbonate, carbon nanotube structures, and / or a silica nanocoating.

[0078] Additional non-limiting examples of materials that affect the wettability of a surface include, but are not limited to, amphoteric surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and the like.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, one or both of the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 may comprise one or more nanostructures, microstructures, hierarchical structures, and the like that affect the wettability of a surface. Non-limiting examples of nanostructures, microstructures, hierarchical structures, and the like include nanopatterned, micropatterned, and the like polymeric coatings. Specific examples include a patterned silicon surface, perfluorodecyltriethyoxysilane (PFDTES) coatings, patterned poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) structures, patterned (hydrophobic) polystyrene (PS) structures, and the like.

[0080] In one embodiment, the applicator 100, with the exception of the coatings and the flocking, is made of a monolithic material. Advantageously, the applicator is made of a relatively flexible elastomeric or thermoplastic material, for example polyethylene, polyester, polyetheramide block, polyurethane, nitrile or silicone elastomer, which allows for elastic deformation at the first zone 102 and the second zone 104.

[0081] This application may include references to directions, such as "right", "left", "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "horizontal", "parallel", "perpendicular", "up", "down", "above", "below", "under", etc. These references, and other similar references in this application, are intended only to assist in describing and understanding the Figures and are not intended to limit this disclosure to these directions or locations, unless otherwise indicated.

[0082] 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. An applicator (100) for cosmetic products, comprising: - a generally cylindrical body (110) having a proximal end and a distal end; - a first concave application area (102) on one side of the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end; - a second convex application area (104) on an opposite side of the first application area, wherein: - the second application area extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and turns into a tip (116) at the distal end; and - the tip of the applicator is formed between the first application area and the second application area, wherein the tip extends along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body on the side of the first application area, the tip extending over a length of the cylindrical body being distal to the first application area.

2. An applicator according to claim 1, comprising flocking (106, 108) one or both of the first application area and the second application area.

3. The applicator of claim 1, comprising a hydrophilic coating or a hydrophobic coating on one or both of the first application area (102) and the second application area (104).

4. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the first application area (102) has a greater radius of curvature toward the proximal end than the radius of curvature toward the distal end.

5. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the second application area (104) is straight across the majority of any two diametrically opposed points on the cylindrical body.

6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the second application area (104) is straight across a majority of any two diametrically opposed points on the cylindrical body.

7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator extends entirely across a diameter of the cylindrical body (110) from side to side on both a front side and a rear side of the applicator, except at the distal end.

8. The applicator of claim 1, wherein an area of ​​the first application area (102) is from about 43.51 mm2 to about 53.17 mm2 and an area of ​​the second application area is from about 30 mm2 to about 36.67 mm2.

9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein a length of the first application area (102) is from about 7.87 mm to about 9.61 mm, and a length of the second application area is from about 5.4 mm to about 6.6 mm; and wherein a ratio of the length of the second application area to that of the first application area is from 0.56 to 0.84.

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