Partially processed cosmetic applicator

Abstract

An applicator for applying cosmetic substances includes an applicator body and an applicator head. The applicator head is operably coupled to a first end of the applicator body via a body coupling member. The applicator head includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a first outer surface adapted for collecting and / or applying cosmetic substances. The second member is operably coupled to the first member and has a second outer surface adapted for collecting and / or applying cosmetic substances. At least one of the first and second outer surfaces is subjected to a surface treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to product applicators for cosmetics, hair care products, body care products, and / or skin care products, and more particularly to a product applicator having an applicator head that includes a first member and a second member operably coupled to the first member.

Background Art

[0002] Cosmetics, hair care products, body care products, and / or skin care products can be applied by any number of various techniques and / or styles using a number of applicator products. As an example, concealer products can be applied using, among other options, a 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 mixing and / or other application steps using the same tool. Some applicators may include surface treatments such as flocking that can assist with mixing and / or other steps, but it may be desirable for an applicator to include multiple regions having different surface treatments as a way to perform other application steps.

[0003] Existing manufacturing techniques may incorporate a surface treatment application step in which a surface treatment is applied to a portion of the applicator. However, such processes can be time-consuming and often allow only for a linear cutoff region between the treated and untreated portions of the applicator. Additionally, the complex geometries of some applicators can significantly limit the design and result in undesirable surface treatment regions.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved accessories having improved functionality.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The examples within the scope of this disclosure relate to methods for manufacturing applicators for applying cosmetic substances.

[0006] In one example, an applicator for applying a cosmetic substance includes an applicator body and an applicator head. The applicator body includes a first end having a body coupling member, a second end, and an elongated portion extending between them. The applicator head is operably coupled to the first end of the applicator body via the body coupling member. The applicator head includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a first outer surface adapted for collecting and / or applying the cosmetic substance. The second member is operably coupled to the first member. The second member has a second outer surface adapted for collecting and / or applying the cosmetic substance. At least one of the first or second outer surface is subjected to a surface treatment.

[0007] In one approach, the main coupling member may include an opening for receiving a portion of the applicator head.

[0008] In one method, the second component of the applicator head may be at least partially insertable into the first component of the applicator head.

[0009] In one approach, the first component of the applicator head may include a channel, and the second component of the applicator head may include a tab adapted to be inserted into the channel of the first component of the applicator head.

[0010] In one method, a first member of the applicator head may include a proximal end, and a second member of the applicator head may also include a proximal end, and the proximal ends of the first member and the proximal end of the second member cooperate to form a head coupling member that is adapted to be inserted into a body coupling member of the applicator body.

[0011] In one method, the first member of the applicator head may include a countersunk region adapted to receive a corresponding portion of the second member of the applicator head.

[0012] In one method, the first component of the applicator head may include a neck portion and a main portion, the neck portion being adapted to connect with a main body connector. The main portion of the first component may include a first curved region, and the second component may include a second curved region adapted to fit with the first curved region.

[0013] In one method, the second member of the applicator head may include a neck portion and a main portion, the neck portion being adapted to connect with the first member of the applicator head. The neck portion of the second member may cause the main portion of the second member to project outward from the first outer surface of the first member.

[0014] In one method, the first and second components of the applicator head may be separate components.

[0015] In one method, the surface treatment may include at least one of a flocking material, a soft-touch material, a surface finishing material, or a coloring agent.

[0016] In one method, a first component of the applicator head is formed from a first material having a first hardness value, and a second component of the applicator head is formed from a second material having a second hardness value different from the first hardness value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] The above needs are at least partially satisfied, especially when considered in conjunction with the drawings, by providing one, two or more, or any combination of, methods for partially processed cosmetic applicators as described in the embodiments for carrying out the following inventions. [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows perspective views of a first exemplary applicator system according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the applicator head of the first exemplary applicator system in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows perspective views of a second exemplary applicator system in various embodiments. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the applicator head of the second exemplary applicator system in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows perspective views of a third exemplary applicator system according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the applicator head of the third exemplary applicator system in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows perspective views of a fourth exemplary applicator system according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the applicator head of the fourth exemplary applicator system in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows perspective views of a fifth exemplary applicator system according to various embodiments. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of the applicator head of the fifth exemplary applicator system in Figure 9.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplification and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, some dimensions and / or relative positions of elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to others to aid in understanding the various embodiments. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible examples are often omitted to make these various embodiments easier to understand. It will be further understood that certain operations and / or processes may be described or drawn in a specific order of occurrence, but those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity regarding order is not actually necessary. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meanings that are given to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art as described above, unless different specific meanings are otherwise stated herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Generally speaking, in accordance with these various techniques, an applicator for applying cosmetic substances is provided, which can be efficiently manufactured such that a desired surface treatment is applied to a desired area. The product applicator enables 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 enables the product to be applied and mixed ergonomically and uniformly, and can accommodate any number of areas having various shapes, sizes, or other configurations as desired. By including both a first member and a second member, it becomes possible to apply a surface treatment to a portion of the applicator before assembly, whereas otherwise it would be impossible to access for such surface treatment after assembly. In this way, a surface treatment can be utilized on areas of the applicator that could not have a surface treatment if the applicator were composed of a single part. Further, the first member and the second member can be molded or otherwise manufactured separately, thereby enabling a complex design that could not be easily manufactured as a single part.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, all five exemplary applicator systems included herein are directed to an applicator 100 for applying cosmetic substances. Common features in each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth configurations are identified by the same reference numbers. After the initial introduction, common features in subsequent configurations will not be described in substantial detail. Unique features are identified by unique reference numbers. Any combination or partial combination of features described with respect to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth configurations may be incorporated into another of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth configurations, and vice versa.

[0021] In all five exemplary applicator systems, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, the applicator 100 includes an applicator body 102 having a first end 104 with a body coupling member 106 and a second end 108. An elongated portion 110 extends between the first end 104 and the second end 108. The elongated portion 110 can be configured as a handle for the user to hold during use of the applicator 100. For example, the elongated portion 110 can be of a length sufficient to allow the user to hold the applicator 100 in the same grip used to hold a pencil or pen.

[0022] In all five exemplary applicator systems, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, the applicator head 112 is operatively coupled to the first end of the applicator body 102 via the body coupling member 106. In the five exemplary applicator systems shown, the body coupling member 106 includes an opening 114 for receiving a portion 116 of the applicator head 112. (In FIG. 10, the opening 114 and the portion 116 are already assembled and thus not visible.) The body coupling member 106 may be connected to the applicator head 112 by heat staking or may include a conventional fastening mechanism such as threads or valleys that cooperate with the portion 116 of the applicator head 112 to secure the applicator head 112 in place.

[0023] In all five exemplary applicator systems, as shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, the applicator head 112 includes a first member 118 having a first outer surface 120 adapted for collecting and / or applying cosmetic substances. The applicator head 112 further includes a second member 122 operably coupled to the first member 118. The second member 122 has a second outer surface 124 adapted for collecting and / or applying cosmetic substances. The first member 118 and the second member 122 of the applicator head 112 are separate components. In other words, the first member 118 and the second member 122 are not formed integrally with each other as a single part, but must be connected during the assembly of the applicator 100.

[0024] In all five exemplary applicator systems, a surface treatment is applied to at least one of the first outer surface 120 and the second outer surface 124, as shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. The surface treatment may include at least one of flocking material, soft-touch material, surface finishing material, or coloring. For example, at least one of the first outer surface 120 and the second outer surface 124 may be flocked to have a different texture from the other of the first outer surface 120 and the second outer surface 124, thereby providing an applicator head 112 with at least two different textures for holding and applying cosmetic substances. The first member 118 of the applicator head 112 is formed from a first material having a first hardness value, and the second member 122 of the applicator head 112 is formed from a second material having a second hardness value different from the first hardness value. The different hardness values ​​contribute to the applicator head 112 having different textures for holding and applying cosmetic substances.

[0025] In each of the five exemplary applicator systems, as shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, the second member 122 of the applicator head 112 is at least partially insertable into the first member 118 of the applicator head 112. In other exemplary applicator systems, the first member 118 of the applicator head 112 may be at least partially insertable into the second member 122 of the applicator head 112, or the first member 118 and the second member 122 may be bonded to each other, or connected in any other way without either being inserted into the other.

[0026] In the first exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 2, the third exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 6, and the fourth exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 8, the first member 118 of the applicator head 112 includes a channel 126. The second member 122 of the applicator head 112 includes a tab 128 adapted to be inserted into the channel 126 of the first member 118 of the applicator head 112. In the first and fourth exemplary applicator systems shown in Figures 2 and 8, the tab 128 can be inserted into the channel 126 from above, whereas in the third exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 6, the tab 128 must be inserted into the channel 126 at its end and then slid along the channel 126 to its final position.

[0027] In the first exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 2, the third exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 6, and the fourth exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 8, the first member 118 of the applicator head 112 includes a proximal end 130, and the second member 122 of the applicator head 112 includes a proximal end 132. The proximal ends 130 of the first member 118 and the proximal end 132 of the second member 122 cooperate to form a head coupling member 134 that is adapted to be inserted into a body coupling member 106 of the applicator body 102. When both the proximal end 130 of the first member 118 and the proximal end 132 of the second member 122 are inserted into the body coupling member 106 of the applicator body 102, the body coupling member 106 contributes to keeping the first member 118 and the second member 122 fixed to each other.

[0028] In the first exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 2, the third exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 6, and the fourth exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 8, the first member 118 of the applicator head includes a neck portion 136 and a main portion 138. The neck portion 136 is adapted to connect with the body coupling member 106. The second member 122 of the applicator head includes a neck portion 140 and a main portion 142. The neck portion 140 is adapted to connect with the first member 118 of the applicator head 112.

[0029] In the first exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 2 and the fourth exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 8, the main portion 138 of the first member 118 includes a first curved region 144, and the second member 122 includes a second curved region 146 adapted to fit with the first curved region 144. That is, the first curved region 144 and the second curved region 146 together form a double member surface that can be used for applying cosmetic substances. In the first exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 2, the first curved region 144 and the second curved region 146 are concave. In the fourth exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 8, the first curved region 144 and the second curved region 146 are convex.

[0030] In the third exemplary applicator system in Figures 5 and 6, the fourth exemplary applicator system in Figures 7 and 8, and the fifth exemplary applicator system in Figures 9 and 10, the neck portion 140 of the second member 122 causes the main portion 142 of the second member 122 to project outward from the first outer surface 120 of the first member 118. The main portion 142 of the second member 122 projects outward from the first outer surface 120 of the first member 118 along the longitudinal axis A of the applicator 100. The main portion 142 includes a tip 148 that extends beyond the first outer surface 120.

[0031] In the second exemplary applicator system shown in Figure 4, the first member 118 of the applicator head 112 includes a countersunk region 150 adapted to receive a corresponding portion 152 of the second member 122 of the applicator head 112. As shown, the corresponding surface provides a slightly concave second outer surface 124. The first outer surface 120, located opposite the second outer surface 124, is also slightly concave.

[0032] The aforementioned specification describes specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of this teaching. In addition, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but rather as potentially combinatorial where such combinations are permissible in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0033] No benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or any element that could produce or make more prominent any benefit, advantage, or solution should be construed as an essential, necessary, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of the issued claims.

[0034] Furthermore, in this specification, relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another, and do not necessarily require or imply an actual 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 may include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly enumerated or specific to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The elements preceding “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” do not, without further constraint, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains that element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless otherwise specified herein. The terms “substantially,” “essentially,” “approximately,” “about,” “about,” or any other variation thereof are defined as close to what is understood by those skilled in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1%, and in another embodiment within 0.5%. As used herein, the term “combined” is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure “configured” in a particular way is configured in at least that way, but may be configured in ways not enumerated.

[0035] An abstract of this disclosure is provided to enable readers to quickly confirm the nature of the technical disclosure. The abstract 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, it is found that in the modes for carrying out the invention described herein, various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. The method of this disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly described in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention may not be present in all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated into the modes for carrying out the invention herein, and each claim stands alone as separately claimed subject matter.

[0036] The last claim of this patent application is not intended to be construed under Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless the conventional means-plus-function language is explicitly stated in the claim, such as by the phrase “means for” or “process for.”

Claims

1. An applicator for applying cosmetic substances, An applicator body including a first end having a main body connecting member, a second end, and an elongated portion extending between them, An applicator head operably coupled to the first end of the applicator body via the main body coupling member, A first member having a first outer surface adapted for collecting and / or applying cosmetic substances, and A second member having a second outer surface operably coupled to the first member and adapted for collecting and / or applying the cosmetic substance, Applicator head including, Equipped with, An applicator to which a surface treatment is applied to at least one of the first outer surface or the second outer surface.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the main body coupling member includes an opening for receiving a portion of the applicator head.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the second member of the applicator head is at least partially insertable into the first member of the applicator head.

4. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein the first member of the applicator head includes a channel, and the second portion of the applicator head includes a tab adapted to be inserted into the channel of the first member of the applicator head.

5. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein the first member of the applicator head includes a proximal end, the second member of the applicator head includes a proximal end, and the proximal end of the first member and the proximal end of the second member cooperate to form a head coupling member adapted to be insertable into the body coupling member of the applicator body.

6. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein the first member of the applicator head includes a countersunk region adapted to receive a corresponding portion of the second member of the applicator head.

7. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein the first member of the applicator head includes a neck portion and a main portion, and the neck portion is adapted to be coupled with the main body coupling member.

8. The applicator according to claim 7, wherein the main portion of the first member includes a first curved region, and the second member includes a second curved region adapted to fit with the first curved region.

9. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein the second member of the applicator head includes a neck portion and a main portion, the neck portion being adapted to be coupled with the first member of the applicator head.

10. The applicator according to claim 9, wherein the neck portion of the second member causes the main portion of the second member to protrude outward from the first outer surface of the first member.

11. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member of the applicator head are separate components.

12. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the surface treatment includes at least one of a flocking material, a soft-touch material, a surface finishing material, or a coloring agent.

13. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first member of the applicator head is formed from a first material having a first hardness value, and the second member of the applicator head is formed from a second material having a second hardness value different from the first hardness value.

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