HOOK APPLICATOR
A dual-zone applicator with a concave and convex design addresses the challenge of applying thicker lip products by ensuring precise and efficient delivery to both lips, enhancing the application experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LOREAL SA
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing cosmetic applicators fail to provide a seamless and precise application experience for thicker lip formulas, particularly in delivering the formula to both the lower and upper lips effectively.
A dual-zone applicator design with a concave first zone for the lower lip and a convex second zone for the upper lip, featuring distinct surface areas, lengths, and durometers, along with flocking and coating options, to enhance precision and application efficiency.
The dual-zone applicator allows for precise and efficient application of thicker lip products to both lips, providing optimal dosing and enhanced sensory experience.
Smart Images
Figure 00000013_0000 
Figure 00000014_0000 
Figure 00000015_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: HOOK APPLICATOR SUMMARY
[0001] In one embodiment, a cosmetic product applicator comprises: a generally cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end; a first concave application zone on one side of the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end; a second convex application zone on an opposite side of the first application zone, in which the second application zone extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and transforms into a point at the distal end; and the tip of the applicator is formed between the first application zone and the second application zone, in which the tip extends along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body on the side of the first application zone, the tip extending over a length of the cylindrical body being distal to the first application zone.
[0002] In one embodiment, the applicator includes flocking one of the first application area and the second application area or both.
[0003] In one embodiment, the applicator includes a coating on one of the first application zone and the second application zone or both.
[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 a flocking and a coating on one from 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 compared to the radius of curvature towards the distal end.
[0008] In one embodiment, the first application zone has a convex curve on any two diametrically opposed points on the cylindrical body.
[0009] In one embodiment, the second application zone is straight over the majority of two arbitrary diametrically opposed points on the cylindrical body.
[0010] In one embodiment, the second application zone is straight over a majority of two diametrically opposed arbitrary points on the cylindrical body.
[0011] In one embodiment, the applicator extends entirely over a diameter of the cylindrical body from one side to the other on both a front and a rear side of the applicator, except at the distal end.
[0012] In one embodiment, the applicator includes a connector at the proximal end.
[0013] In one embodiment, the applicator has a higher durometer in the first zone compared to a durometer in the second zone.
[0014] In one embodiment, the surface area of the first application zone is approximately 43.51 mm2 to approximately 53.17 mm2 and the surface area of the second application zone is approximately 30 mm2 to approximately 36.67 mm2.
[0015] In one embodiment, the ratio between the surface area of the first application zone and that of the second application zone is 1.12 to 1.77.
[0016] In one embodiment, the length of the first application zone is approximately 7.87 mm to approximately 9.61 mm, and the length of the second application zone is approximately 5.4 mm to approximately 6.6 mm.
[0017] In one embodiment, the ratio between the length of the second application zone and that of the first application zone is from 0.56 to 0.84.
[0018] In one embodiment, an applicator tip consists of: a first application zone is concave on the front side of the tip; and a second application zone is convex on the rear side of the tip.
[0019] This summary is intended to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are described in greater detail 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 many 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.1] is a schematic illustration of an applicator;
[0022] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic side view illustration of the applicator of the [Fig.l];
[0023] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is a schematic front view illustration of the applicator of [Fig.1];
[0024] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] is a schematic rear view illustration of the applicator of [Fig.1];
[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.1];
[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, all from 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 dosing, application, and detailed drawing area. The applicator delivers the correct dose in a minimum number of applications and provides a sensory "hug" on the lips.
[0034] With reference to [Fig. 1], 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 zone 102 and a second application zone 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 zone 102 is formed on one side of the cylinder body 110, and the second application zone 104 is formed on the opposite side of the cylinder body 110. For descriptive purposes, one side of the cylinder extends along the length of the cylinder.
[0036] Figure 2 illustrates a cylinder showing the sections removed to form the first zone 102 and the second zone 104. For the purposes of describing Figure 2, the material removed to create the first zone 102 is located on the front side of the applicator 100, and the material removed to create the second zone 104 is located on the rear 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 some 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 and rear sides 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, dimension 120 is approximately 18.38 mm and dimension 122 is approximately 8.74 mm. Dimensions 120 and 122 are within a range of plus or minus 10%. Therefore, dimension 120 can range from approximately 16.54 mm to approximately 20.22 mm, and dimension 122 can range from approximately 7.87 mm to approximately 9.61 mm.
[0039] The ratio between the length of the first application zone 102 and the overall length, i.e. the ratio between dimension 122 and 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 zone 102 is approximately 48.34 mm². The surface area of the first application zone 102 can vary by plus or minus 10% or from approximately 43.51 mm² to 53.17 mm².
[0043] According to [Fig. 3B], the surface area of the second application zone 104 is approximately 33.21 mm². The surface area of the second application zone 104 can 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 can 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 can 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 approximately 6.01 mm. The length dimension 132 can be plus or minus 10%, or from approximately 5.4 mm to approximately 6.6 mm. The length dimension 132 can be 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, or 7 mm.
[0048] The ratio between the length of the second application zone 104 and the overall length, i.e. the ratio between dimension 132 and 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 can be from 0.56 to 0.84.
[0050] In one embodiment, along its length, the applicator 100 includes a section with a constant diameter 130. According to [Fig. 3A], the diameter 130 is approximately 6.4 mm. The diameter 130 can be within 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 zone 102 and the second zone 104. Material from the applicator 100 is removed in places to provide the applicator with a different durometer in the first zone 102 compared to the second zone 104. For example, the applicator 100 has a higher durometer in the first zone 102 suitable for use as a reservoir for holding lip gloss, lipstick, etc., and the second zone 104 has a lower durometer and includes a sculpted angled tip for precision application on the upper lip.
[0052] With reference to [Fig. 4], at the deepest part of the first application zone 102, the first application zone 102 does not extend over more than half of the diameter 130, shown by dimension 124. The depth of the first application zone 102 can be from 25% to less than 50% of the diameter 130, for example, 30%, 35%, 40% and 45% of the diameter 130. When the first application zone 102 overlaps the second application zone 104, it can be seen that the material is thinned so that dimension 124 is thicker than dimension 126, since the material is removed from both the front and the back of the applicator 100.
[0053] The applicator 100 features an angled surface at the tip 116 for primary application to precision areas, such as the upper lip or small, specific areas on the face. The area size and angle are optimized for maximum ease of application and formula delivery. The leading edge on the side of the tip 116 serves as an additional detail drawing element, providing enhanced precision and contouring capabilities.
[0054] On the side of the main body of the applicator 100, there is a large curved cavity shaped to receive a curved form, 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 approximately 0.06 grams / 63.38 ml³. The amount of material 118 to be removed from the first zone 102 is approximately 0.04 grams / 42.31 ml³. The removal of material 118 to form the first zone 102 is not constant along its 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 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 upwards in zone 102 is greater than the removal rate from the bottom of zone 102. Here, the material removal rate refers to the volume removed per linear length, for example in grams per cubic millimeter.
[0056] Figure 2 illustrates an overlap of the material removed from the first zone 102 on the front side with the material removed from the second zone 104 on the rear side, so that there is a narrow band of material left on the front side between the first zone 102 on the front side and the second zone 104 on the rear side. This narrow band of material terminates at the upper front 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 zone 102. The tip 116 extends a length of the distal cylindrical body of the first application zone 102.
[0057] The cosmetic product applicator 100 comprises a generally cylindrical body 110 having a proximal end and a distal end, a first concave application zone 102 on one side of the cylindrical body 110 between the proximal end and the distal end, a second convex application zone 104 on the opposite side of the first application zone 102, wherein the second application zone 104 extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and the second application zone transforms into the tip at the distal end, and the tip 116 of the applicator 100 is formed between the first application zone 102 and the second application zone 104, wherein the tip 116 extends along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 110 on the side of the first application zone 102, and the tip 116 extends over a length of the cylindrical body 110 distal to the first application zone 102.
[0058] Figure 4 illustrates that the first zone 102 has a concave shape. The concave shape The first zone 102 is a curve with 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 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 for Remove the sharp edges around the first zone 102. In [Fig. 2], it can be seen that the first zone 102 is curved in the front-to-back direction. However, looking at the cross-sections in Figures 5D, 5E, and 5F, the first zone 102 is only slightly curved in the direction from one side to the other of the cylindrical body 110. The first zone 102 has a slight convex curve that bulges outwards at any two diametrically opposite points on the cylindrical body 110, as shown in Figures 5D, 5E, and 5F.
[0059] Figure 4 illustrates that the second zone 104 has a convex shape. The convex shape includes a curve with a radius greater than the radii used in the first zone 102. Figure 2 shows that the second zone 104 is curved in the front-to-back direction. However, from the cross-sections shown in Figures 5F, 5E, and 5D, the second zone 102 is not curved from one side to the other, except that the edges around the second zone 104 have been chamfered or rounded to eliminate the sharp edges around the second zone 104. The second zone 104 is straight at most two diametrically opposite points on the cylindrical body 110, as shown in Figures 5F, 5E, and 5D.
[0060] In one embodiment, the first application zone 102 and the second application zone 104 do not have straight edges or flat surfaces.
[0061] Above the first zone 102, the material is not removed from the front side of the applicator 100, thus forming the tip 116 on the front side at the distal end. The tip 116 extends fully to the maximum outside diameter of the cylinder over a short distance on the front side, as illustrated in [Fig. 5F].
[0062] In one embodiment, the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 include a flocking layer 108 and 106, respectively. In one embodiment, the first zone 102 includes flocking 108 and the second zone 104 does not. In one embodiment, the first zone 102 does not include flocking and the second zone 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 made of nylon, cotton, acetate, viscose, polyester, or a mixture of these materials. Such flocking may modify the ability of the applicator device 100 to pick up the product and transfer it onto the fibers, and may also modify the way in which the product will be spread along the fibers. The flocking 106, 108 may comprise a mixture of fibers of different types and / or different lengths and / or different diameters.
[0064] The flocked fibers can have a diameter ranging from 0.5 to 5 denier. The length of the fiber segments used is between 0.2 and 1 millimeter. To apply the flocking, the fibers can be sprayed using a spray gun. The first zone 102 and / or the second zone may be covered with an adhesive, then a jet of air containing fibers of a synthetic textile fiber is then sprayed against zones 102, 104 which have been made adhesive.
[0065] The flocking layers in one or both of zones 102 and 104 may include a mixture of two types of, for example, polyamide fibers having a circular cross-section, which may have substantially the same length but different diameters. For example, both types of fibers may be approximately 0.5 millimeters long. One type of fiber may have a diameter of approximately 0.1 millimeter, and a second type of fiber may have a diameter of approximately 0.2 millimeters.
[0066] A fiber mixture in one or both zones 102 and 104 may include from approximately 5% to approximately 95% of one fiber type, with the remainder being a different fiber type. For example, one or both zones 102 and 104 may include 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of one fiber type and the remainder of a second fiber type. For example, approximately 80% by weight of the first fiber type and approximately 20% by weight of the second fiber type. Such a fiber mixture can make it possible to obtain a flocking layer with a variable fiber density per unit area along the surface. For example, regions that include a greater number of small-diameter fibers are relatively denser than regions that contain larger-diameter fibers.The presence of smaller diameter fibers allows for a relatively flexible application surface, while larger diameter fibers allow for spacing between the smaller diameter fibers, creating larger spaces between them, which can retain more product. Here again, an applicator with a relatively high absorption capacity can be obtained while remaining relatively gentle during application.
[0067] In addition 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 can be applied to the flocking where appropriate.
[0069] In one embodiment, the first zone 102 and the second zone 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 zone 102 includes a hydrophobic coating and the second zone 104 includes a hydrophilic coating.
[0072] In one embodiment, the first zone 102 includes a hydrophilic coating and the second zone 104 includes a hydrophobic coating.
[0073] In one embodiment, the first zone 102 includes a hydrophobic coating, and the second zone 104 does not include a coating. In another embodiment, the first zone 102 includes a hydrophilic coating, and the second zone 104 does not include a coating.
[0074] In one embodiment, the second zone 104 includes a hydrophobic coating, and the first zone 102 does not include a coating. In another embodiment, the second zone 104 includes a hydrophilic coating, and the first zone 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 in addition, one of the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 or both may be treated to increase the surface energy, for example with a plasma treatment.
[0077] 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 in addition, 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 polymer coatings, micropatterned polymer coatings, and the like. Specific examples include patterned silicon surfaces, 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 flocking, is made of a monolithic material. Advantageously, the applicator is made of a relatively flexible elastomeric or thermoplastic material, for example polyethylene elastomer, polyester, polyetheramide block, polyurethane, nitrile or silicone, which allows for elastic deformation at the level of 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 solely intended to help describe and understand the Figures and are not intended to limit this disclosure to these directions or locations unless otherwise indicated.
[0082] 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. Applicator (100) for cosmetic products, comprising: - a body (110) generally cylindrical having a proximal end and a distal end; - a first application zone (102) concave on one side of the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end; - a second application zone (104) convex on an opposite side of the first application zone, in which: - the second application zone extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and transforms into a point (116) at the distal end; and - the tip of the applicator is formed between the first application zone and the second application zone, in which the tip extends along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body on the side of the first application zone, the tip extending over a length of the cylindrical body being distal to the first application zone.
2. Applicator according to claim 1, comprising flocking (106, 108) of one of the first application zone and the second application zone or both.
3. Applicator according to claim 1, comprising a hydrophilic coating or a hydrophobic coating on one of the first application zone (102) and the second application zone (104) or both.
4. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first application area (102) has a greater radius of curvature towards the proximal end compared to the radius of curvature towards the distal end.
5. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the second application zone (104) is straight on the majority of any two diametrically opposed points on the cylindrical body.
6. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the second application zone (104) is straight on a majority of any two diametrically opposed points on the cylindrical body.
7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator extends entirely over a diameter of the cylindrical body (110) from one side to the other on both a front and a rear side of the applicator, except at the distal end.
8. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein an area of the first application zone (102) is from about 43.51 mm2 to about 53.17 mm2 and an area of the second application zone is from about 30 mm2 to about 36.67 mm2.
9. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein a length of the first application zone (102) is from about 7.87 mm to about 9.61 mm, and a length of the second application zone is from about 5.4 mm to about 6.6 mm; and wherein a ratio between the length of the second application zone and that of the first application zone is from 0.56 to 0.84.