Mascara applicator

Abstract

To provide a mascara applicator that can curl eyelashes. [Solution] A mascara applicator comprising a shaft and a plurality of comb teeth, wherein the shaft has a surface at its tip that extends in the axial direction of the shaft, and a recess is formed on this surface in a direction perpendicular to the shaft, and the plurality of comb teeth are formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the recess beyond the surface, and the plurality of comb teeth are arranged linearly in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mascara applicator.

Background Art

[0002] As a cosmetic tool used when applying makeup around the eyes, there is a mascara applicator used when applying mascara. The mascara applicator is mainly used to make eyelashes thicker and longer by applying mascara to the eyelashes, and there are various forms of mascara applicators.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a makeup applicator for the eye area designed for the purpose of reducing the fear of contact with the eyeball or eyelid when applying mascara liquid to the roots of the eyelashes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Recently, in the makeup of eyelashes using mascara, it has been required to curl the eyelashes.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a mascara applicator capable of curling eyelashes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a mascara applicator comprising a shaft body and a plurality of comb teeth, wherein the shaft body has a surface extending in the axial direction of the shaft body at the tip of the shaft body, and a concave portion recessed in a direction perpendicular to the shaft body is formed on the surface. The plurality of comb teeth are formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the recess beyond the one surface, The aforementioned comb teeth are arranged linearly in the axial direction and form a mascara applicator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mascara applicator capable of curling eyelashes can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a top view of a mascara applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of line II. [Figure 3] This is a modified version of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a side view of the mascara applicator shown. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a front view of the mascara applicator shown. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a top view of the tip of the shaft of the mascara applicator shown. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the mascara applicator shown. [Figure 8] This is a photograph showing the appearance of a user's eye area after applying mascara liquid to their eyelashes using a mascara applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The mascara applicator of the present invention is A mascara applicator comprising a shaft and a plurality of comb teeth, The shaft body has a surface at its tip that extends in the axial direction of the shaft body, On the aforementioned surface, a recess is formed in a direction perpendicular to the shaft body. The plurality of comb teeth are formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the recess beyond the one surface, The aforementioned comb teeth are arranged linearly in the axial direction and form a mascara applicator.

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals, or omitted, and their descriptions may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic in nature to aid in understanding the invention.

[0012] Figure 1 is a top view of a mascara applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of line II shown in Figure 1. The mascara applicator 1 comprises a shaft 2 and a gripping portion 3. The shaft 2 is provided with a plurality of comb teeth 5 at its tip 4, which serve as an applicator for mascara liquid and the like. The positions of the comb teeth shown in Figure 6 and the positions of the comb teeth shown in Figures 1 to 5 roughly correspond. In order to make the explanation of each component of the present invention easier to understand, the comb teeth 5 may be referred to as comb teeth 5A1, comb teeth 5A2, comb teeth 5A3, comb teeth 5A4, comb teeth 5A5, comb teeth 5A6, comb teeth 5B1, comb teeth 5B2, comb teeth 5B3, comb teeth 5B4, comb teeth 5B5, comb teeth 5B6, comb teeth 5C1, comb teeth 5C2, comb teeth 5C3, comb teeth 5C4, comb teeth 5C5, and comb teeth 5C6. Comb teeth 5A1 to 5A6 are comb teeth of row A, comb teeth 5B1 to 5B6 are comb teeth of row B, and comb teeth 5C1 to 5C6 are comb teeth of row C. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mascara applicator 1 may have a curved surface r (so-called radius) between the comb teeth 5 and the bottom surface 12 of the recess.

[0013] In the drawing, the first direction D1 is the axial direction of the shaft, which is the length direction of the shaft; the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the shaft, which is the height direction of the shaft; and the third direction D3 is the direction in which the mascara applicator is viewed from the side, which is the width direction of the shaft.

[0014] The gripping portion 3 is attached to the shaft body 2 and is the part that is gripped by the user during use. Further, the gripping portion 3 may have a structure that can be attached to a container for storing cosmetics and a lid portion that can be screwed or engaged. Note that the shaft body 2 may be detachable from the gripping portion 3 or may be integrally formed with the gripping portion 3.

[0015] The mascara applicator 1 according to the present embodiment is a mascara applicator in which a plurality of comb teeth 5 are integrally formed with the shaft body 2. That is, at the tip portion 4 of the shaft body, a plurality of comb teeth 5, which are application bodies for applying mascara liquid or the like to the eye area, are integrally provided. With the plurality of comb teeth 5, while separating the eyelashes, cosmetics such as mascara liquid can be applied to the eyelashes. Note that the plurality of comb teeth 5 may be used not only for the upper eyelashes but also for applying mascara liquid or the like to the lower eyelashes.

[0016] Cosmetics such as mascara liquid filled in the bottle adhere to the comb teeth 5. The cosmetics to be adhered to the comb teeth 5 are not limited to mascara liquid (mascara), and may be cosmetics that can be used for multiple purposes such as eyelash growth agents for eyelashes, mascara bases, eyelash coating agents, coating agents for eyelash extensions, eyeliner liquids, and cosmetic compositions for both mascara and eyeliner.

[0017] In the mascara applicator 1, at least the shaft body 2 and the comb teeth 5 may be formed by integrally molding a resin. It is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin as the resin material, and examples of the thermoplastic resin include elastomers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyacetate, nylon, and the like.

[0018] In Figure 1, the shaft 2 has a surface 10 which is the upper surface in the height direction. Surface 10 is a surface (virtual surface) that includes the two top surfaces 9, 9 formed on the upper surface of the shaft 2, as shown in Figure 2, and extends along the top surfaces 9, 9 in the first direction D1 (axial direction of the shaft). The line visible when surface 10 is viewed from the side in the third direction D3 (width direction of the shaft) coincides with the line visible when top surface 9 is viewed from the side in the third direction D3 (Figure 4). In Figures 1 and 2, a recess 11 is formed on surface 10 that is recessed in the second direction D2 (height direction of the shaft), and the multiple comb teeth 5 are formed to protrude beyond surface 10 from the bottom surface 12 of the recess. When applying mascara liquid, the mascara liquid enters the recess 11, so even if the mascara applicator 1 is inserted into a container with a wiper containing mascara liquid and wiped, a certain amount of mascara liquid can be secured at the base of the comb teeth 5. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the recess 11 perpendicular to the shaft 2. In the cross-section of the shaft in Figure 2, the edge corresponding to the bottom surface 12 of the recess is curved. When the user applies mascara liquid to their eyelashes using the mascara applicator 1, they position the mascara applicator 1 so that the first axial direction D1 is aligned with the width of the eye, and move or rotate the shaft 2 up and down while combing the eyelashes with the comb teeth 5, causing the eyelashes to get between the teeth. When the eyelashes come into contact with the bottom surface 12 of the recess, the eyelashes can be shaped to conform to the shape of the recess 11, thus allowing the eyelashes to be curled.

[0019] In Figure 1, the mascara applicator 1 has multiple comb teeth 5 arranged in a first direction D1 to form three rows (row A, row B, and row C). The number of rows formed by the multiple comb teeth 5 arranged in the first direction D1 may be one or more, but from the viewpoint of efficient application of mascara liquid to the eyelashes, it is preferable to have multiple rows.

[0020] In the mascara applicator 1 shown in Figure 1, multiple comb teeth 5 are arranged linearly in a first direction D1 to form a row. Here, in the direction from the tip 4 of the shaft toward the gripping part 3, each comb tooth in the row A is designated as comb tooth 5A1, comb tooth 5A2, comb tooth 5A3, comb tooth 5A4, comb tooth 5A5, and comb tooth 5A6. In Figure 1, the multiple comb teeth in the row A are arranged linearly, specifically in a straight line. However, the arrangement of these multiple comb teeth is not particularly limited as long as they are arranged linearly in a row, they may be arranged in a straight line, curved line, wavy line, or irregular line, and two or more of these arrangements may be combined. Furthermore, when the mascara applicator 1 has multiple rows of comb teeth arranged linearly in the first direction D1, the combination of comb tooth arrangements in each row may be the same or different. For example, in Figure 1, the arrangement of multiple comb teeth in each row is the same, and comb tooth rows A, B, and C are all arranged in a straight line. However, the combination of arrangements of multiple comb teeth in each row may differ, for example, comb tooth row A may be curved, comb tooth row B may be irregular, and comb tooth row C may be wavy.

[0021] In the mascara applicator of the present invention, it is preferable that the tip of the comb teeth has a part of a spherical shape. For example, in Figure 2, the tip of the comb teeth 7 has a part of a spherical shape. Having a part of a spherical shape at the tip of the comb teeth makes it easier to create a voluminous look for the eyelashes and to separate the eyelashes appropriately to create a finish with just the right amount of volume. Furthermore, having a part of a spherical shape at the tip of the comb teeth makes it easier to process the mold for manufacturing the mascara applicator, thus making it easier to manufacture the mascara applicator of the present invention. In this embodiment, the term "spherical shape" is not limited to a perfect sphere or a shape close to a perfect sphere, but also includes ellipsoids and shapes that have a flat part on a part of a sphere.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the comb teeth in the mascara applicator of the present invention may have an inclined shape at the tip of the comb teeth, and the tip of the comb teeth may be a flat surface or a curved surface. The inclination angle T of the inclined shape at the tip of the comb teeth is preferably 10° to 80° with respect to the plane Q formed by a first direction D1 and a third direction D3 perpendicular to the central axis S of the comb teeth, more preferably 30° to 60°, and even more preferably 40° to 50°. When the inclination angle of the inclined shape at the tip of the comb teeth is 10° to 80° with respect to the plane Q, it becomes easier to create a bundled appearance of eyelashes with a sense of volume. Also, when the tip of the comb teeth is a flat surface or a curved surface, it becomes easier to separate the eyelashes appropriately and create a finish with a moderate amount of bundle. Note that in Figure 3, the tip 7 of the comb teeth has an inclined shape, and the tip of the comb teeth has a flat surface shape (truncated cone shape). Furthermore, in Figure 3, the inclination angle T of the inclined shape at the tip of the comb teeth is 45° with respect to surface Q.

[0023] Furthermore, the shape of the comb teeth in the mascara applicator of the present invention may be circular, elliptical, or other circular shapes when viewed from above, or it may be polygonal. In Figure 1, the shape of the comb teeth 5 when viewed from above is circular. The width L1 of the comb teeth 5 is preferably 0.6 mm to 1.1 mm, more preferably 0.7 mm to 1.0 mm, and even more preferably 0.8 mm to 0.9 mm. Note that the width of the comb teeth 5 refers to the maximum thickness of the comb teeth (or the diameter when viewed from above if the comb teeth are cylindrical). When the width L1 of the comb teeth 5 is 0.6 mm to 1.1 mm, it becomes easier to make the tip of the comb teeth have a shape that is part of a sphere. Also, when the tip of the comb teeth has an inclined shape, it becomes easier to reduce the inclination angle of the inclined shape of the tip of the comb teeth with respect to the plane perpendicular to the central axis of the comb teeth, making it possible to make a mascara applicator that is less likely to clump mascara.

[0024] Furthermore, in Figures 2 and 3, the central axis S of the comb teeth is parallel to the second direction D2, but it may have an inclination angle within the range of ±45° with respect to the second direction D2 (the direction perpendicular to the axis). Also, if the central axis S of the comb teeth has an inclination angle with respect to the second direction D2, the direction of inclination is not particularly limited and may be any direction around the 360° circumference of the central axis S of the comb teeth.

[0025] In the mascara applicator of the present invention, the comb teeth do not overlap when viewed from the side. Furthermore, even when the mascara applicator 1 has multiple rows of comb teeth, as shown in Figure 1, the comb teeth do not overlap when viewed from the side.

[0026] Figure 4 is a side view of the mascara applicator 1 shown in Figure 1, and is a view of the mascara applicator 1 shown in Figure 1 from a third direction D3. In Figure 4, you can see each tooth of row A of the comb teeth, which are arranged in the first direction D1, every two teeth from tooth 5A1. Specifically, in Figure 4, you can see teeth 5A2, 5A3, 5A4, 5A5, and 5A6 of the comb teeth, every two teeth from tooth 5A1. Also in Figure 4, between the teeth of row A of the comb teeth, you can see teeth from rows other than row A of the comb teeth, namely teeth from row B of the comb teeth and teeth from row C of the comb teeth, and none of the comb teeth overlap. For example, in Figure 4, comb teeth 5B1 and 5C1 are visible between comb teeth 5A1 and 5A2, and comb teeth 5B2 and 5C2 are visible between comb teeth 5A2 and 5A3. In this way, in a side view of the mascara applicator 1, the multiple comb teeth of the mascara applicator 1 do not overlap. With this configuration, the eyelashes fit between adjacent comb teeth arranged in the axial direction and separate into bundles of multiple lashes, making it easier to create bundled eyelashes after mascara application. Furthermore, if the mascara applicator has multiple rows of comb teeth arranged in the axial direction, the bundles of eyelashes separated in the first row can be further divided by the comb teeth in the other rows, thereby increasing the number of eyelash bundles after mascara application. Note that the first row of comb teeth in the mascara applicator 1 in Figure 1 may be comb tooth row A or comb tooth row C. If the first row of comb teeth is comb tooth row A, then the other rows of comb teeth are comb tooth rows B and C. If the first row of comb teeth is comb tooth row C, then the other rows of comb teeth are comb tooth rows B and A.

[0027] Furthermore, when viewed from the side, the distance between the comb teeth of the mascara applicator is preferably 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. When the distance between the comb teeth in a side view of the mascara applicator is 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, it becomes easier to design the mascara applicator so that the comb teeth do not overlap when viewed from the side. In addition, because the distance between the comb teeth is wider, when the mascara applicator is inserted into a container with a wiper that contains mascara liquid and wiped, excess bulk of mascara liquid is easily removed from the tips of the comb teeth. This makes it easier for eyelashes to get between the comb teeth when applying mascara liquid, resulting in more defined, clumped lashes. Note that "distance between comb teeth in a side view" refers to the shortest distance between comb teeth when the mascara applicator 1 in Figure 1 is viewed from a third direction D3. For example, in Figures 4 and 6, this corresponds to the shortest distance L2 between comb tooth 5A1 and comb tooth 5B1, and in Figure 6, the shortest distance L2 between comb tooth 5B1 and comb tooth 5C1, and the shortest distance L2 between comb tooth 5C1 and comb tooth 5A2, etc.

[0028] Furthermore, in a row of comb teeth arranged in the axial direction, the pitch between adjacent comb teeth in the axial direction is preferably 3.9 mm to 4.5 mm. When the pitch between adjacent comb teeth in the axial direction is 3.9 mm to 4.5 mm, it becomes easier to configure the mascara applicator so that the comb teeth do not overlap when viewed from the side. Also, because the distance between the comb teeth is wider, when the mascara applicator is inserted into a container with a wiper containing mascara liquid and wiped, excess bulk mascara liquid is easily removed from the tips of the comb teeth. This makes it easier for eyelashes to get between the comb teeth when applying mascara liquid, resulting in more defined, clumped lashes. Note that the "pitch between adjacent comb teeth in the axial direction" in Figure 6 is, for example, the distance L3 from the center of the diameter of comb tooth 5A1 in a top view of row A of comb teeth, to the center of the diameter of comb tooth 5A2 adjacent to comb tooth 5A1 in a top view. Furthermore, in Figure 4, this distance L3 is the distance from the central axis of comb tooth 5A1 to the central axis of comb tooth 5A2.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the location R where the recess 11 is formed on the shaft 2 of the mascara applicator 1 is curved in side view (when the mascara applicator 1 is viewed from the third direction D3 in Figure 1). This curve also has a shape that rises from the tip side of the shaft 2 toward the center of location R. Specifically, in Figure 4, at location R where the recess 11 is formed on the shaft 2 of the mascara applicator 1, the height of the surface 10 extending in the axial direction of the shaft 2 is higher in the central part R2 of location R than in the tip side R1 of the shaft 2 at location R. Also, the height of the surface 10 extending in the axial direction of the shaft 2 is about the same or the same in the central part R2 of location R and the gripping part R3 of location R. In other embodiments, the height of the surface 10 extending in the axial direction of the shaft 2 may be higher or lower in the central part R2 of location R than in the gripping part R3 of location R. Furthermore, "the height of one surface extending in the axial direction of the shaft" refers to the length of the perpendicular from the plane parallel to the shaft 2, including the lowest surface of the shaft 2, to the top surface 9, when the mascara applicator 1 is viewed from the side. Additionally, if other comb teeth are formed on the lowest surface of the shaft 2, it refers to the length of the perpendicular from the plane parallel to the shaft 2, including the tips of the other comb teeth, to the top surface 9.

[0030] In the mascara applicator 1, at the location R where the recess 11 of the shaft 2 is formed, the surface 10 extending in the axial direction of the shaft 2 has the above-described height change, thereby making the surface 10 extending in the axial direction of the shaft 2 at location R inclined. As a result, the location R where the recess 11 of the shaft 2 is formed can be made curved in a side view (when the mascara applicator 1 is viewed from the third direction D3 in Figure 1).

[0031] Furthermore, from Figures 2 and 4, it can be seen that in the mascara applicator 1, the height of the surface 10 located at the tip portion R1 of the shaft 2 at location R is lower than the height of the surface 10 located at the central portion R2 of location R.

[0032] Furthermore, in a side view of the mascara applicator 1, it is preferable that the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of a certain row of comb teeth at the location R where the recess 11 of the shaft 2 is formed is within a certain range in that row. If the location R where the recess 11 of the shaft 2 of the mascara applicator 1 is formed is curved in a side view, then if the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of a certain row of comb teeth is within a certain range, the imaginary line formed by connecting the vertices of the multiple comb teeth 5 in that row will also appear curved in a side view. With such a configuration, the appearance of the mascara applicator 1 can be made to have a high level of design appeal. To achieve such a configuration, for example, it is preferable that the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of a comb tooth at location R is 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0033] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing the mascara applicator, it is preferable that the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of each comb tooth 5 be the same for all comb teeth, but it may be different for all comb teeth, or it may be different for each group of comb teeth. Also, the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of each comb tooth may be different for each row of comb teeth arranged in the axial direction. For example, if the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of each comb tooth is the same for comb teeth 5A1-5A6 and 5C1-5C6, it is easier to achieve the same finish after applying mascara liquid, etc., regardless of whether the mascara applicator 1 is used with the left or right hand. In this case, it is preferable that the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of each comb tooth for comb teeth 5B1-5B6 is longer than the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of each comb tooth for comb teeth 5A1-5A6 and 5C1-5C6, but it may be the same, or it may be shorter. Furthermore, while it is preferable that the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of each comb tooth 5B1 to 5B6 be the same, they may be different. In the mascara applicator 1 shown in Figure 4, the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of each comb tooth in the rows of comb teeth arranged in the axial direction is basically the same. However, the positions where comb teeth 5A1 and 5C6 are located correspond to the tip of the recess 11, where the width of the recess 11 is curved and narrowed in a top view (Figure 6). Therefore, the curve of one surface 10 in a side view is curved upward at both ends of location R (Figure 4). Consequently, the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of each comb tooth 5A1 and 5C6 is different from the distance from one surface 10 to the tip of each of the other comb teeth (Figure 4).

[0034] Furthermore, the length of the comb teeth in the mascara applicator of the present invention is preferably 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm. A comb tooth length of 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm is suitable for applying mascara liquid to eyelashes. The length of the comb teeth refers to the distance from the tip of the comb teeth to the intersection point of the central axis of the comb teeth and the bottom surface of the recess. In addition, although the location R where the recess 11 of the shaft body 2 is formed is curved in a side view, the location R may also be straight.

[0035] Figure 5 is a front view of the mascara applicator shown in Figure 1, and is a view of the mascara applicator 1 of Figure 4, seen in the first direction D1, from the tip 4 side of the shaft towards the gripping part 3 side. In Figure 5, for example, the position of the tip of each comb tooth in row A increases in stages from the tip 4 side of the shaft towards the gripping part 3 side, that is, from comb tooth 5A1 to comb tooth 5A4. Similarly, the position of the tip of each comb tooth in rows B and C also increases in stages from the tip 4 side of the shaft towards the gripping part 3 side. This is because, in Figure 4, at location R where the recess 11 of the shaft 2 is formed, in a certain row, the distance from one surface 10 to the intersection of the central axis S of the comb tooth 5 in that row and the bottom surface 12 of the recess is within a certain range in that row, and the height of one surface 10 extending in the axial direction of the shaft 2 is higher in the central part R2 of location R compared to the tip side R1 of the shaft 2 at location R. This configuration allows the tips of the comb teeth of the mascara applicator to follow the shape of the eyelashes more easily, making it easier to apply mascara liquid to the entire lash with fewer coats.

[0036] Furthermore, in the front view of the mascara applicator 1 in Figure 5, the comb teeth 5A1 of comb tooth row A and the comb teeth 5B1 of comb tooth row B overlap, with comb tooth 5A1 located closer to the tip 4 of the shaft than comb tooth 5B1. Also, the comb teeth 5B1 of comb tooth row B and the comb teeth 5C1 of comb tooth row C overlap, with comb tooth 5B1 located closer to the tip 4 of the shaft than comb tooth 5C1. Thus, the comb teeth of comb tooth row A, comb tooth row B, and comb tooth row C may appear to overlap when the mascara applicator 1 is viewed from the front. This configuration makes it easier to adjust the size to a size that is easy to use as a mascara applicator.

[0037] Figure 6 is a top view of the tip of the shaft of the mascara applicator shown in Figure 1. In the mascara applicator of the present invention, the longest distance L4 of the recess 11 in the first direction D1 (axial direction of the shaft) is preferably 20 mm to 30 mm. Furthermore, the longest distance L5 of the recess 11 in the third direction D3 (direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft) is preferably 2 mm to 5 mm. With such a configuration, the size can be made to be easy to use as a mascara applicator.

[0038] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the mascara applicator shown in Figure 4, and is a view of the mascara applicator 1 of Figure 4 from the other comb teeth 6 side in the second direction D2. In Figure 7, the multiple other comb teeth 6 are located at the location R where the recess 11 is formed and are integrally formed with the shaft body 2, but the multiple other comb teeth 6 do not have to be integrally formed with the shaft body. Also, the multiple other comb teeth 6 may be part of the shaft body, or they may not be part of the shaft body, and they may be separable from the shaft body. The presence of the multiple other comb teeth 6 allows the user to apply mascara to the lower eyelashes after applying mascara to the upper eyelashes without changing the orientation of the mascara applicator. The multiple other comb teeth 6 can be mainly used when applying mascara to the lower eyelashes, but they may also be used when applying mascara to the upper eyelashes.

[0039] Furthermore, while there are no restrictions on the shape or number of the other comb teeth 6, as long as they are shaped to allow for proper application of mascara liquid, etc., it is preferable that they be located on the shaft where the recess is formed, from the viewpoint of ease of use and application efficiency of mascara liquid, etc. The distance L6 between the other comb teeth is preferably 0.25 mm to 0.7 mm, and the width L7 of the other comb teeth 6 is preferably 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm. When the other comb teeth are configured in this way, it is easier to create eyelashes with a moderate bundled appearance. Note that the distance L6 between the other comb teeth means the shortest distance between the other comb teeth, and the width L7 of the other comb teeth means the maximum length of the first direction D1 of the other comb teeth. [Examples]

[0040] The mascara applicator of the present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0041] A mascara applicator with the shape shown in Figure 1 was inserted into a container with a wiper containing mascara liquid (PQ-27 Shiseido Co., Ltd.). After wiping the applicator appropriately, the mascara was applied to the user's eyelashes. At this time, the mascara liquid was applied to the upper eyelashes using comb teeth 5A1-5A6, 5B1-5B6, and 5C1-5C6. In addition, the mascara liquid was applied to the lower eyelashes using several other comb teeth 6. The width of the comb teeth, the distance between comb teeth, the pitch, the size of the recess, the length of the comb teeth, the shape of the tip of the comb teeth, and the distance between comb teeth and the width of the comb teeth of the other comb teeth 6 were as follows. • Comb tooth width L1: 0.85mm • Shortest distance between comb teeth L2: 0.5 mm • Pitch L3 between adjacent comb teeth aligned in the axial direction: 4.5 mm • Maximum axial distance L4 of the recessed shaft: 26.3 mm • Maximum distance L5 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the recessed shaft: 2.3 mm • Distance between other comb teeth L6: 0.4 mm • Width of other comb teeth L7: 0.7mm • Comb tooth length: 2.0mm~3.0mm • Shape of the tip of the comb teeth: Part of a sphere

[0042] Figure 8 shows the appearance of the user's eyes after applying mascara to their eyelashes. Figure 8(a) shows the user's eyes from the front, and Figure 8(b) shows the user's eyes from the side. These results show that the eyelashes are curled after applying mascara. It can also be seen that the eyelashes appear more bundled after applying mascara.

[0043] From the above, it has been shown that the present invention provides a mascara applicator that can curl eyelashes.

[0044] Examples of embodiments of the present invention include the following: <1> A mascara applicator comprising a shaft and a plurality of comb teeth, The shaft body has a surface at its tip that extends in the axial direction of the shaft body, On the aforementioned surface, a recess is formed in a direction perpendicular to the shaft body. The plurality of comb teeth are formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the recess beyond the one surface, The aforementioned multiple comb teeth are arranged linearly in the axial direction. Mascara applicator. <2> In a side view, the teeth of the comb do not overlap, as described above. <1> The mascara applicator described above. <3> In the plurality of comb teeth arranged linearly in the axial direction, the pitch between adjacent comb teeth is 3.9 to 4.5 mm. <1> or <2> The mascara applicator described above. <4> A mascara applicator comprising a shaft and a plurality of comb teeth, The shaft body has a surface at its tip that extends in the axial direction of the shaft body, On the aforementioned surface, a recess is formed in a direction perpendicular to the shaft body. The plurality of comb teeth are formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the recess beyond the one surface, The aforementioned multiple comb teeth are arranged linearly in the axial direction, A mascara applicator in which the plurality of comb teeth form a plurality of rows in the axial direction of the shaft. <5> In a side view, the teeth of each of the multiple rows do not overlap. <4> The mascara applicator described above. <6> In each row, the pitch between adjacent comb teeth is 3.9 to 4.5 mm. <4> or <5> The mascara applicator described above. <7> In a side view, the distance between the comb teeth is 0.3 to 0.7 mm. <4> , <5> or <6> The mascara applicator described above. <8> The aforementioned number of columns is 3, <4> , <5> , <6> or <7> The mascara applicator described above. <9> The cross-section of the recess perpendicular to the shaft is a curved surface. <1> , <2> , <3> , <4> , <5> , <6> , <7> or <8> The mascara applicator described above. <10> The tip of the comb teeth has a part of a spherical body, or the tip of the comb teeth has an inclined shape, and the tip of the comb teeth is a flat or curved surface, <1> , <2> , <3> , <4> , <5> , <6> , <7> or <8> The mascara applicator described above. <11> The portion of the shaft body in which the recess is formed is curved when viewed from the side, <1> , <2> , <3> , <4> , <5> , <6> , <7> or <8> The mascara applicator described above. <12> In a top view, the longest distance of the recess in the axial direction of the shaft is 20 to 30 mm, and the longest distance in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft is 2 to 5 mm. <1> , <2> , <3> , <4> , <5> , <6> , <7> or <8> The mascara applicator described above. <13> The shaft has a plurality of other comb teeth on the opposite side of the one surface, <1> , <2> , <3> , <4> , <5> , <6> , <7> or <8> The mascara applicator described above.

[0045] the above <1> from <13> By using any of the mascara applicators, the problems of the conventional methods can be solved and the objectives of the present invention can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. Mascara applicator 2-axis body 3 Gripping part 4. Tip of the shaft 5, 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, 5A4, 5A5, 5A6, 5B1, 5B2, 5B3, 5B4, 5B5, 5B6, 5C1, 5C2, 5C3, 5C4, 5C5, 5C6 comb teeth 6 Other comb teeth 7. Tip of the comb teeth 8. Tips of the comb teeth 9 Top surface 10 side 11 recess 12 Bottom surface of the recess 13. Cross-section perpendicular to the axis (cross-section of the axis) 14 Upper eyelashes 15 Lower eyelashes A. Row of comb teeth B. Row of comb teeth C. Row of comb teeth D1 First direction D2 Second direction D3 Third direction Location where an R recess is formed R1: The tip end portion of the shaft at location R. R2 central part of R R3 Location R on the gripping side T. Inclination angle of the inclined shape at the tip of the comb teeth S: Central axis of the comb teeth Q: A plane perpendicular to the central axis of the comb teeth. L1 width of comb teeth L2 Shortest distance between comb teeth L3 Pitch between adjacent comb teeth aligned in the axial direction Longest axial distance of the shaft in the L4 recess L5: The longest distance in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft in the recess. L6 Distance between other comb teeth L7 Other comb tooth widths r curved surface (radius)

Claims

1. A mascara applicator comprising a shaft and a plurality of comb teeth, The shaft body has a surface at its tip that extends in the axial direction of the shaft body, On the aforementioned surface, a recess is formed in a direction perpendicular to the shaft body. The plurality of comb teeth are formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the recess beyond the one surface, The aforementioned multiple comb teeth are arranged linearly in the axial direction. Mascara applicator.

2. In a side view, the teeth of the comb do not overlap, as described in claim 1.

3. The mascara applicator according to claim 2, wherein the pitch between adjacent comb teeth in the plurality of comb teeth arranged linearly in the axial direction is 3.9 to 4.5 mm.

4. A mascara applicator comprising a shaft and a plurality of comb teeth, The shaft body has a surface at its tip that extends in the axial direction of the shaft body, On the aforementioned surface, a recess is formed in a direction perpendicular to the shaft body. The plurality of comb teeth are formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the recess beyond the one surface, The aforementioned multiple comb teeth are arranged linearly in the axial direction, A mascara applicator in which the plurality of comb teeth form a plurality of rows in the axial direction of the shaft.

5. In a side view, the teeth of each of the multiple rows of combs do not overlap, as described in claim 4.

6. The mascara applicator according to claim 5, wherein the pitch between adjacent comb teeth in each row is 3.9 to 4.5 mm.

7. The mascara applicator according to claim 5, wherein, in a side view, the distance between the comb teeth is 0.3 to 0.7 mm.

8. The mascara applicator according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of rows are three.

9. The mascara applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cross-section of the recess perpendicular to the shaft is a curved surface.

10. The mascara applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tip of the comb teeth has a part of a spherical body, or the tip of the comb teeth has an inclined shape and the tip of the comb teeth is a flat surface or a curved surface.

11. The mascara applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the portion of the shaft in which the recess is formed is curved in a side view.

12. The mascara applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, in a top view, the longest distance of the recess in the axial direction of the shaft is 20 to 30 mm, and the longest distance in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft is 2 to 5 mm.

13. The mascara applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shaft has a plurality of other comb teeth on the opposite side of the one surface.

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