Partially processed cosmetic applicator

Abstract

An applicator for applying a cosmetic substance and a method for manufacturing a corresponding applicator are provided, which method may include forming an applicator body, an applicator head, and a removable shield. The applicator body includes a first end and a second end. The applicator head is operatively coupled to the first end of the applicator body and includes an outer surface. The removable shield is removably coupled to the applicator head. The outer surface of the applicator head is divided into an exposed portion outside the removable shield and a shielded portion within the removable shield. The method further includes applying a surface treatment material to the outer surface of the applicator head and removing the removable shield from the applicator head. When the removable shield is removed, the surface treatment material is not present on the shielded portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to cosmetics, hair care products, body care products, and / or skin care products, and more specifically, to product applicators and methods for manufacturing such products.

Background Art

[0002] Cosmetics, hair care products, body care products, and / or skin care products can be applied by any number of various methods and / or styles using some applicator products. As an example, concealer products can be applied using, among other options, the user's finger, an applicator brush, and / or a sponge product. When applying such products, it may be desirable for the user to accurately apply the product to cover the desired area and subsequently perform blending and / or other application steps using the same tool. Some applicators may include a surface treatment material such as flocking that can assist with blending and / or other steps, but there may be cases where it is desirable for the applicator to include multiple regions having different surface treatment materials as a way to perform other application steps.

[0003] Existing manufacturing techniques may incorporate a surface treatment material application step in which a surface treatment material is applied to a portion of the applicator. However, such processes can be time-consuming and often only allow for a linear cutoff region between the treated and untreated portions of the applicator. Further, due to the complex geometries of some applicators, significant design limitations can arise, resulting in undesirable surface treatment areas. Additionally, some existing applicators incorporate multiple components made of different materials as a way to provide applicators with various surface treatment materials. However, such components of these applicators may deform at different rates, which can then result in poor and / or otherwise undesirable gaps in the appearance of the applicator that can affect performance. Adhesives such as glue may be used to ensure that the components do not separate, but such processes can result in additional costs, processes, and waste.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved accessory having improved functionality. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Examples within the scope of the present disclosure are directed to an applicator for applying a cosmetic substance and a technique for manufacturing the corresponding applicator. Such a technique may include forming an applicator body, an applicator head, and a removable shield. The applicator body includes a first end and a second end. The applicator head is operably coupled to the first end of the applicator body and includes an outer surface. The removable shield is removably coupled to the applicator head. The outer surface of the applicator head is divided into an exposed portion outside the removable shield and a shielded portion within the removable shield. The technique further includes applying a surface treatment material to the outer surface of the applicator head and removing the removable shield from the applicator head. When the removable shield is removed, no surface treatment material is present on the shielded portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, the step of applying a surface treatment material to the outer surface of the applicator head includes applying a flocking material. In some embodiments, this technique may further include the step of applying an adhesive to the exposed portion of the outer surface of the applicator head prior to applying the flocking material.

[0007] In these and other techniques, the step of applying a surface treatment material to the outer surface of the applicator head includes at least one of applying a soft-touch material, applying a gloss material, applying a matte material, or applying a color. In some forms, this technique may further include the step of closing the distal end of the removable shield to prevent the surface treatment material from contacting the shielded portion of the outer surface of the applicator head. In these and other embodiments, the step of contacting the applicator head with the surface treatment material further includes maintaining a portion of the removable shield above the upper surface of the surface treatment material to prevent the surface treatment material from contacting the shielded portion of the outer surface of the applicator head.

[0008] In some techniques, the applicator body, the applicator head, and the removable shield are formed by a molding process. In some of these embodiments, the step of forming the removable shield may include forming a frangible seam in a portion of the removable shield.

[0009] According to a second aspect, there is provided an applicator for applying a cosmetic substance, the applicator comprising an applicator body having a first end, a second end, and an elongate portion extending therebetween, an applicator head operably coupled to the first end of the applicator body, a removable shield, and a surface treatment material. The applicator head includes an outer surface adapted to collect and apply the cosmetic substance. The removable shield is removably coupled to the applicator head such that the outer surface of the applicator head is divided into an exposed portion outside the removable shield and a shielded portion within the removable shield. The surface treatment material is adapted to cover the exposed portion of the applicator head. When the removable shield is removed from the applicator head, there is no surface treatment material in the shielded portion.

[0010] According to a third aspect, there is provided an applicator for applying a cosmetic substance and a method for manufacturing a corresponding applicator. Such a method may include forming an applicator head and a removable shield. The applicator head includes an outer surface. The removable shield is removably coupled to the applicator head. The outer surface of the applicator head is divided into an exposed portion outside the removable shield and a shielded portion within the removable shield. The method further includes applying a surface treatment material to the outer surface of the applicator head and removing the removable shield from the applicator head. When the removable shield is removed, there is no surface treatment material in the shielded portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] The above need is at least partially met by providing one, two or more, or any combination of methods for a partially processed cosmetic applicator, which will be described in the form for carrying out the following invention, especially when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

[0013] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative arrangements of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in the understanding of various examples. Also, commonly understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially realizable example are often not depicted in order to make these various examples into understandable figures. It is further understood that certain operations and / or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence, but those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to order is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as given to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art as described above, unless a different specific meaning is separately set forth herein.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Generally speaking, in accordance with these various techniques, a product applicator is provided that can be efficiently manufactured to enable a desired surface treatment material to be applied to a desired area. The product applicator allows a user to accurately dispense and apply a certain amount of cosmetics, hair care products, body care products, skin care products, and / or any other products, such as lip gloss products, concealer formulations, etc., and can accommodate any number of areas having various shapes, sizes, or other configurations as desired to enable the product to be applied and mixed in an ergonomic and uniform manner.

[0015] Referring to the figures, the applicator 100 is provided for applying a product, such as a cosmetic substance. The applicator 100 includes an applicator head 102, a detachable shield 110, and an applicator body 120. The applicator head 102 has an upper portion 103a and a lower portion 103b that cooperate to define an outer surface 104. The upper portion 103a and the lower portion 103b can have any number of desired shapes, geometries, and / or configurations to assist in applying the product in an ergonomic manner. The applicator head 102 further includes a neck portion 106 operatively coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the neck portion 106 can include any number of body retention features 107 (Figs. 6-8) to assist in coupling the applicator head 102 to the applicator body 120.

[0016] The detachable shield 110 is removably coupled to the applicator head 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the detachable shield 110 is disposed on the upper portion 103a of the applicator head 102, although other arrangements are possible. The detachable shield 110 includes a proximal end 110a disposed adjacent to the applicator head 102, a distal end 110b, and an elongated length 110c extending therebetween. As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the detachable shield 110 can be in the form of a generally tubular member defining any desired cross-sectional shape or configuration. More specifically, the illustrated embodiment depicts the detachable shield 110 as having a generally oval cross-sectional shape, although any desired shape, plurality of shapes, and / or configurations can be used.

[0017] In some embodiments, the removable shield 110 is formed with the applicator head 102 by a single forming (e.g., molding, injection molding, additive manufacturing, etc.) process to reduce overall manufacturing costs. In some embodiments, the proximal end 110a of the removable shield 110 may include a frangible seam 112 to assist in separating or removing the removable shield 110 from the applicator head 102. Such frangible seams 112 may also be created during the forming process using any number of suitable techniques.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the removable shield 110 is generally hollow and has an internal cavity 114 defined by an elongated length 110c. The removable shield 110 creates a shield, barrier, and / or boundary that divides the outer surface 104 into an exposed portion 104a (i.e., the portion outside of the removable shield 110) and a shielded portion 104b (i.e., the portion within the removable shield 110). In other words, the removable shield 110 prevents or otherwise limits the contact of substances with the shielded portion 104b of the outer surface 104.

[0019] In some embodiments, the distal end 110b of the removable shield 110 may be sealed or otherwise closed. More specifically, a sealing member 118 may be disposed at or near the distal end 110b of the removable shield 110 to seal the cavity 114. In some embodiments, the sealing member 118 may be in the form of a clip or a plug. In other embodiments, the sealing member 118 may be in the form of a seam formed by heat sealing or the like. Other examples are possible.

[0020] In other embodiments (not shown), the removable shield 110 may be partially or fully solid, and thus it should be understood that the use of the sealing member 118 may not be required to further limit the contact of substances with the shielded portion 104b of the outer surface 104.

[0021] The applicator body 120 includes a first end portion 120a, a second end portion 120b, and an elongated portion 120c therebetween. The applicator body 120 can be used as a handle by a user by holding the elongated portion 120c when applying the product. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the applicator head 102 (e.g., the body holding mechanism 107) can be operatively coupled to the first end portion 120a of the applicator body 120 by any number of suitable techniques, such as friction fit coupling, screw coupling, etc. Other examples are possible. In some techniques, the applicator body 120 can be integrally formed with the applicator head 102 and the removable shield 120 during a single forming process, such as one or more of the aforementioned forming processes. Other examples are possible.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 6-10, a surface treatment material 130 can be applied to the outer surface 104 of the applicator head 102. In some embodiments, the surface treatment material 130 can be in the form of a flocked material. In other embodiments, the surface treatment material 130 can be in the form of a soft-touch material, a gloss material, a matte material, and / or a coloring. Any combination of these surface treatment materials 130 may be applied to the outer surface 104 of the applicator head. As shown in FIG. 6, the applicator head 102 and the detachable shield 110 are operably coupled to each other before the surface treatment material 130 is applied. As shown in FIG. 7, the surface treatment material 130 can be applied to the entire applicator head 102 by any number of suitable techniques. For example, in one technique, the surface treatment material 130 can be in the form of an immersion material that can immerse the applicator head 102 and the detachable shield 110 therein. In embodiments where the distal end 110b of the detachable shield 110 is closed or otherwise sealed, the entire detachable shield 110 can also be immersed in the surface treatment material 130. However, in embodiments where the distal end 110b of the detachable shield 110 is open, the detachable shield 110 can include an upper extension region (not shown) that can remain outside the surface treatment material 130 when the applicator head 102 is brought into contact with the surface treatment material 130. Such a configuration may resemble a snorkel or a similar configuration.

[0023] In other embodiments, the surface treatment material 130 (e.g., flocked material or fibers) can be pre-charged electrically and / or magnetically, and the applicator head 102 can be disposed within the environment while being pre-charged electrically and / or magnetically with an opposite polarity or charge. The surface treatment material 130 can then be dripped or otherwise ejected onto and around the applicator head 102, whereupon the opposite polarity and / or charge can cause the surface treatment material 130 to be bonded to the exposed portion 104a of the outer surface 104 of the applicator head 102 while extending or protruding perpendicularly from the outer surface 104. In some of these embodiments, an adhesive or other deposition layer 132 can be applied to the outer surface 104 prior to applying the surface treatment material 130 to assist with adhesion. In these and other embodiments, the applicator head 102 can be disposed within an enclosure that forms a vacuum to attract the surface treatment material 130 to the applicator head 102.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 7, when the surface treatment material 130 is applied to the outer surface 104 of the applicator head 102, the exposed portion 104a will be at least partially covered with the surface treatment material 130. In some embodiments, a portion of the surface treatment material 130 can contact or otherwise adhere to the removable shield 110. However, the removable shield 110 prevents the surface treatment material 130 from contacting the shielded portion 104b of the outer surface 104, and thus the shielded portion 104b remains free of the surface treatment material 130. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the removable shield 110 can be removed from the applicator head 102, whereupon the shielded portion 104b can be exposed and be free of the surface treatment material 130.

[0025] In use, the user can collect a certain amount of product on the applicator head 102 (e.g., by immersing the applicator head 102 in a container that houses the product or a similar reservoir), where the product can temporarily adhere to the outer surface 104 of the applicator head. In some embodiments, the various surface treatment materials of the exposed portion 104a and the shielded portion 104b can optionally assist in the implementation of coating, mixing, blending, and / or any other desired coating steps. Thus, these regions can be incorporated into the user's regimen to perform different coating steps that may or may not benefit from the use of the surface treatment material 130.

[0026] In embodiments where the applicator head 102 is not formed with the applicator head 120, these components can be operably coupled to each other for final assembly.

[0027] So configured, the system provides an efficient manufacturing process that does not require additional protection to achieve treated and untreated areas. Further, the techniques described herein are not limited by conventional design limitations and their application to various areas of the applicator. The applicator may be constructed from a single material during a single manufacturing process, thereby reducing production costs and time.

[0028] It should be understood that any number of alternative configurations and / or designs incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure may be provided. As an example, several removable shields 110 may be provided to form a plurality of untreated portions of the outer surface 104. Further, although the removable shield 110 is disposed at the upper portion 103a in the illustrated embodiment, one or more removable shields can be disposed at any other position along the applicator head 102, as needed.

[0029] The exemplary cosmetics and cosmetic containers shown in the figures are in the form of lipstick or lip gloss products, but it should be understood that the techniques described herein may be suitable for any number of products including cosmetics, hair care products, body care products, skin care products, and the like. Further, in some embodiments, steps for forming any type of component or object may incorporate the teachings of the present disclosure. For example, an object or body having any desired form or use may be constructed using any suitable technique (e.g., by molding, additive manufacturing, etc.). During this formation process, a removable shield having any desired configuration or arrangement may be formed therewith (or, in some embodiments, operably coupled to the object). A desired surface treatment material may be applied to a specific exposed area or surface (e.g., an outer surface, an inner surface, or any surface or area), while the removable shield may prevent the desired surface treatment material from contacting the shielded area of the object. Thereafter, the removable shield may be removed from the object to expose the shielded area that does not include the desired surface treatment material. Other examples are possible.

[0030] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings. Additionally, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but rather, should be understood to be potentially combinable in any form if such combinations are permitted in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0031] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that can produce or make more prominent any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as important, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. The claimed invention is defined only by the scope of the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of the issued claims.

[0032] Furthermore, in this specification, relative terms such as first and second, upper and lower may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes", "including", "contains", "containing", or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Elements followed by "comprises...a", "has...a", "includes...a", "contains...a" do not, without further limitation, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains such element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about" or any other variation thereof are defined as being close to what would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as being within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1%, and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term "coupled" as used herein is defined as being connected, not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure "configured" in a certain way is at least configured in that way, but may also be configured in ways not recited.

[0033] The summary of the disclosure is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. The summary is submitted with the understanding that it is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description of the invention, it will be appreciated that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of the disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected by the following claims, the subject matter of the invention may lie in less than all of the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description of the invention, and each claim stands on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0034] The last claim of this patent application is not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C.§112(f) unless a conventional means-plus-function phrase, such as "means for" or "step for", is expressly recited in the claim.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an applicator for applying a cosmetic substance, comprising: forming an applicator body, an applicator head, and a removable shield, wherein the applicator body includes a first end and a second end, the applicator head is operably coupled to the first end of the applicator body and includes an outer surface, and the removable shield is removably coupled to the applicator head; dividing the outer surface of the applicator head into an exposed portion outside the removable shield and a shielded portion within the removable shield; applying a surface treatment material to the outer surface of the applicator head; removing the removable shield from the applicator head; wherein when the removable shield is removed, the surface treatment material is not present in the shielded portion. A method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of applying a surface treatment material to the outer surface of the applicator head includes applying a flocking material.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising applying an adhesive to the exposed portion of the outer surface of the applicator head before applying the flocking material.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of applying a surface treatment material to the outer surface of the applicator head includes at least one of applying a soft-touch material, applying a gloss material, applying a matte material, or applying a color.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising closing a distal end of the removable shield to prevent the surface treatment material from contacting the shielded portion of the outer surface of the applicator head.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of contacting the applicator head with the surface treatment material further includes maintaining a portion of the removable shield above the surface of the surface treatment material to prevent the surface treatment material from contacting the shielded portion of the outer surface of the applicator head.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the applicator body, the applicator head, and the removable shield are formed by a molding process.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said step of forming the removable shield includes forming a frangible seam in a portion of the removable shield.

9. An applicator for applying a cosmetic substance, comprising an applicator body including a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion extending therebetween, an applicator head operably coupled to the first end of the applicator body, the applicator head including an outer surface adapted to collect and apply the cosmetic substance, a removable shield removably coupled to the applicator head such that the outer surface of the applicator head is divided into an exposed portion outside the removable shield and a shielded portion within the removable shield, and a surface treatment material adapted to cover the exposed portion of the applicator head, wherein when the removable shield is removed from the applicator head, the surface treatment material is not present on the shielded portion. Applicator.

10. The applicator of claim 9, wherein the surface treatment material includes a flocked material.

11. The applicator of claim 10, wherein the flocked material is adapted to cover the exposed portion of the applicator head by immersing at least a portion of the applicator head in the flocked material.

13. The applicator of claim 9, further comprising a deposition layer adapted to cover the outer surface of the applicator head to hold the surface treatment material on the applicator head.

15. The applicator of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the removable shield is adapted to be contacted by the surface treatment material when applying the surface treatment material to the applicator head.

17. The applicator of claim 13, wherein the removable shield comprises a tube having an elongated length and a distal end.

19. The applicator of claim 14, wherein the elongated length of the removable shield includes an upper extension region adapted to remain outside the surface treatment material when contacting the applicator head with the surface treatment material.

16. The applicator according to claim 14, wherein the distal end of the tube is closed by a sealing member.

17. The applicator according to claim 9, wherein the shielding portion of the outer surface of the applicator head is formed on the upper surface at or near the distal end of the applicator head.

18. The applicator according to claim 9, wherein the surface treatment material includes at least one of a soft-touch material, a glossy material, a matte material, or coloring.

19. A method of manufacturing an applicator for applying a cosmetic substance, comprising: forming an applicator head and a detachable shield, wherein the applicator head includes an outer surface, and the detachable shield is removably coupled to the applicator head; dividing the outer surface of the applicator head into an exposed portion outside the detachable shield and a shielding portion within the detachable shield; applying a surface treatment material to the outer surface of the applicator head; removing the detachable shield from the applicator head; wherein when the detachable shield is removed, the surface treatment material is not present in the shielding portion. Method.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising coupling the applicator head to a first end of an applicator body.

Images