Applicator

Abstract

To provide a mascara applicator which has a simple structure having no fiber.SOLUTION: The current invention is related to an applicator for applying liquid cosmetics to keratin substance. The applicator includes an applicator head and a grip part for a user to grip the applicator. The applicator head includes a multiple spiral structure having a distal end and a proximal end connected to the grip part. The multiple spiral structure is formed by at least one wire. A gap is formed between wires inside the multiple spiral structure so as to form a bulk reservoir for holding the liquid cosmetics. An end at the distal end of the applicator is a bent end formed by bending at least one wire. The bent end projects along a vertical axis of the applicator head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a liquid cosmetic to a keratinous substance, and more particularly to an applicator for applying a liquid cosmetic to eyelashes. In addition, the present invention relates to a kit including such an applicator.

Background Art

[0002] Some applicators including a brush having a core formed by two metal arms holding twisted fibers are well known as applicators for applying a liquid cosmetic to a keratinous substance.

[0003] In addition, applicators including helical coils are also well known. Such applicators are disclosed in the following documents.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0344009 discloses an applicator for applying mascara to eyelashes, which includes a central axis, a single coil spring arranged in a helical shape around the central axis, and a fixing member for fixing the central axis to the single coil spring.

[0005] However, the mascara applicator described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0344009 must include additional components such as a fixing member in order to fix the central axis to a single coil spring. In addition, the mascara applicator described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0344009 has a complex shape including a central axis and a single coil spring arranged in a helical shape around the central axis. Therefore, this mascara applicator cannot be manufactured using existing manufacturing equipment capable of manufacturing a general mascara applicator having fibers.

[0006] The mascara applicator described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0344009 has a single coil spring arranged in a helical shape around a central axis. Therefore, there is no gap between the central axis and the coils of the spring, and / or between the coils of the spring. In this case, cosmetics, especially liquid cosmetics, cannot be sufficiently held by this mascara applicator. Therefore, there is a possibility that a sufficient amount of liquid cosmetics may not be applied to the eyelashes.

[0007] Even if a gap exists between the central axis and the coils of the spring, and / or between the coils of the spring, the gap is too wide to sufficiently hold cosmetics, especially liquid cosmetics. Therefore, the cosmetics may accidentally spill during application. Therefore, this mascara applicator cannot apply a sufficient amount of cosmetics to the eyelashes.

[0008] Pamphlet of International Publication No. 2010 / 092551 discloses an applicator for applying cosmetics to a keratinous substance, which includes one coil spring having a helical structure.

[0009] The applicator of the pamphlet of International Publication No. 2010 / 092551 has one coil spring having a helical structure, and therefore there is no gap between the coils of the spring. In this case, the applicator cannot sufficiently hold cosmetics, especially liquid cosmetics. Therefore, the applicator cannot apply a sufficient amount of cosmetics to the keratinous substance.

[0010] Even if a gap exists between the coils of the spring, the gap between the coils of the spring is too wide to sufficiently hold cosmetics, especially liquid cosmetics. Therefore, the cosmetics may accidentally spill during application. Therefore, this applicator cannot apply a sufficient amount of cosmetics to the keratinous substance.

[0011] Furthermore, the applicator of the pamphlet of International Publication No. 2010 / 092551 may cause injury to the user or consumer by the tip of the coil spring.

[0012] U.S. Patent No. 8,079,373 discloses a mascara applicator including a coil of a single spring having a helical structure and a member made of a plastic material for covering the tip of the spring coil.

[0013] The mascara applicator of U.S. Patent No. 8,079,373 includes additional components such as a member made of a plastic material. Therefore, this mascara applicator cannot be manufactured using existing manufacturing equipment capable of manufacturing a general mascara applicator having fibers.

[0014] In addition, this mascara applicator has a coil of a single spring having a helical structure, and thus the gap between the spring coils is small. In this case, this mascara applicator cannot sufficiently hold cosmetics, especially liquid cosmetics. Therefore, a sufficient amount of cosmetics cannot be applied to the keratinous material.

[0015] Furthermore, if the gap between the spring coils is too wide, cosmetics, especially liquid cosmetics, cannot be sufficiently held, and thus the cosmetics may accidentally spill during application. Therefore, this mascara applicator cannot apply a sufficient amount of cosmetics to the keratinous material.

[0016] U.S. Patent No. 3,998,235 discloses a mascara applicator including a central rod, a coil of a single spring arranged in a helical shape around the central rod, and a cap member for connecting the central rod to the spring coil, wherein the cap member is arranged at the distal end of the central rod.

[0017] This mascara applicator must include additional components such as a cap member in order to connect the central rod to the coil of the spring. In addition, the mascara applicator described in U.S. Patent No. 3,998,235 has a complex shape that includes a central rod and a single coil of a spring arranged in a helical shape around the central rod. Therefore, this mascara applicator cannot be manufactured using existing manufacturing equipment that can manufacture a general mascara applicator having fibers.

[0018] Furthermore, the mascara applicator of U.S. Patent No. 3,998,235 has a single coil of a spring arranged in a helical shape around the central rod. Therefore, there is no gap between the central rod and the coil spring and / or between the coil springs. In this case, cosmetics, particularly liquid cosmetics, cannot be sufficiently held by this mascara applicator. Therefore, a sufficient amount of liquid cosmetics cannot be applied to the keratinous material.

[0019] Even if a gap exists between the central rod and the coil spring and / or between the coil springs, the gap is too wide to sufficiently hold cosmetics, particularly liquid cosmetics. Therefore, the cosmetics may accidentally spill during application. Therefore, this mascara applicator cannot apply a sufficient amount of cosmetics to the keratinous material.

[0020] U.S. Patent No. 4,744,377 discloses an applicator for applying mascara to eyelashes that includes a helical structure.

[0021] The mascara applicator of U.S. Patent No. 4,744,377 has no gap within the helical structure. In this case, this mascara applicator cannot sufficiently hold cosmetics, particularly liquid cosmetics. Therefore, this mascara applicator cannot apply a sufficient amount of mascara cosmetics to the eyelashes.

[0022] Even when formed within the helical structure of the gap, the gap is too wide to sufficiently hold cosmetics, especially liquid cosmetics. Therefore, there is a possibility that the cosmetics may accidentally spill during application. Thus, this mascara applicator cannot apply a sufficient amount of mascara cosmetics to the eyelashes.

[0023] Furthermore, U.S. Patent No. 4,744,377 does not disclose a method for manufacturing this mascara applicator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0024]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0025] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems described above and to provide a mascara applicator having a simple configuration without fibers, which can be manufactured using existing equipment capable of manufacturing general mascara applicators having fibers.

[0026] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an applicator that can hold a sufficient amount of cosmetics, especially liquid cosmetics.

[0027] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an applicator that can reduce the risk of hurting the user or consumer by its tip.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0028] To achieve the object described above, the present invention provides an applicator for applying a liquid cosmetic to a keratin substance. The applicator includes an applicator head, and a grip portion for the user to hold the applicator. The applicator head includes a multi-helical structure having a distal end and a proximal end connected to the grip portion. The multi-helical structure is formed of at least one wire. A gap is formed between the wires in the multi-helical structure to form a bulk reservoir for holding the liquid cosmetic. The tip at the distal end of the applicator is a bent tip formed by bending at least one wire, and the bent tip protrudes along the longitudinal axis of the applicator head.

[0029] According to one aspect of the applicator, the multi-helical structure can be a double-helical structure formed of two parallel wires.

[0030] According to one aspect of the applicator, at least one wire in the multi-helical structure at the proximal end can be closely twisted so that there is no gap between the wires.

[0031] According to one aspect of the applicator, the multi-helical structure at the distal end can be tapered towards the tip.

[0032] According to one aspect of the applicator, the tip can have a rounded shape.

[0033] According to one aspect of the applicator, at least one wire can be formed of metal, preferably stainless steel.

[0034] According to one aspect of the applicator, at least one wire can have a diameter of 0.3 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.65 mm.

[0035] According to one aspect of the applicator, the multi-helix structure may have a pitch of 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably a pitch of 3 mm.

[0036] In addition, to achieve the object described above, the present invention the above-described applicator, and provides a kit including a container for containing a liquid cosmetic, The liquid cosmetic has a viscosity of 30 to 50 UD, preferably 35 to 40 UD, using a spindle M3.

[0037] According to one aspect of the kit, the liquid cosmetic may have a predetermined contact angle, preferably a contact angle of 20 to 70 degrees, more preferably a contact angle of 30 to 60 degrees.

[0038] The present invention can be manufactured using existing equipment capable of manufacturing a general mascara applicator having fibers.

[0039] In addition, the present invention can hold a sufficient amount of cosmetics, particularly liquid cosmetics.

[0040] Furthermore, the present invention can reduce the risk of hurting a user or consumer by its tip.

[0041] Next, non-limiting and representative embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the present invention can be better understood.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. In the following embodiments, the term "longitudinal direction" means the direction in which the applicator head extends. In addition, the term "axis" means a virtual axis, not an axial component.

[0044] Furthermore, the term "proximal end" indicates one end on one side in the longitudinal direction that is closer to the side that can be gripped by the user's hand. In addition, the "proximal end" has a length in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the term "distal end" indicates one end on the other side in the longitudinal direction, that is, the end opposite to the proximal end that is far from the side that can be gripped by the user's hand. In addition, the "distal end" has a length in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] [First Embodiment] The kit 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a container 20 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes, and an applicator 30 that can be removably attached to the container 20 in this example. The product P is, for example, a liquid cosmetic, preferably a liquid mascara.

[0046] The shape and material of the container 20 are not limited as long as the container 20 can contain the product P. The shape of the container 20 can be, for example, cylindrical, pyramidal, conical, pyramidal, gourd-shaped, teardrop-shaped, oval, or spherical. In addition, the material of the container 20 includes transparent glass, frosted glass, translucent glass, or colored glass (such as soda-lime glass, crystal glass, etc.), transparent synthetic resin, frosted synthetic resin, translucent synthetic resin, or colored synthetic resin (such as PE, PP, PET, etc.), and metal (such as aluminum).

[0047] In this embodiment, the applicator 30 includes a grip portion 40 for the user to grip the applicator 30, an applicator head 50 configured to hold the product P to be applied during use, and a stem 60 extending along the longitudinal axis X and connecting the grip portion 40 to the applicator head 50.

[0048] The stem 60 is a rod-shaped member extending along the longitudinal axis X. In addition, the stem 60 is preferably a round rod-shaped component made of a thermoplastic material.

[0049] The stem 60 has a proximal end 62 and a distal end 64. The applicator head 50 is provided at the distal end 64 of the stem 60, and the grip portion 40 is provided at the proximal end 62 of the stem 60.

[0050] The shape and material of the stem 60 are not limited as long as the stem 60 can support the applicator head 50. The shape of the stem 60 can be, for example, cylindrical, pyramidal, conical, pyramidal, gourd-shaped, teardrop-shaped, oval, or spherical. In addition, the material of the stem 60 includes transparent glass, frosted glass, translucent glass, or colored glass (such as soda-lime glass, crystal glass, etc.), transparent synthetic resin, frosted synthetic resin, translucent synthetic resin, or colored synthetic resin (such as PE, PP, PET, etc.), and metal (such as aluminum).

[0051] In addition, as long as the grip portion 40 can be gripped by the user's hand, the shape and material of the grip portion 40 are not limited. The shape of the grip portion 40 can be, for example, cylindrical, pyramidal, conical, pyramidal, gourd-shaped, teardrop-shaped, elliptical, or spherical. In addition, the material of the grip portion 40 includes transparent glass, frosted glass, translucent glass, or colored glass (such as soda-lime glass, crystal glass, etc.), transparent synthetic resin, frosted synthetic resin, translucent synthetic resin, or colored synthetic resin (such as PE, PP, PET, etc.), and metals (such as aluminum).

[0052] The grip portion 40 also forms a cap 42 for sealing and closing the container 20. As can be seen particularly in FIG. 1, the container 20 includes a main body 22 provided with a threaded neck 24 at the upper part, and the grip portion 40 can be screwed onto the threaded neck 24 to seal and close the container 20. Alternatively, the applicator 30 may be attached to the container 20 in some other way.

[0053] As shown in the figure, the neck 24 can receive, for example, a wiping member 26 attached therein. This wiping member 26 has a lip 28 that defines a wiping hole with a diameter that fits the diameter of the stem 60.

[0054] The applicator head 50 can be attached in a conventional manner at the distal end 64 of the stem 60.

[0055] [Multi-helical structure] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present application, the applicator head 50 has a multi-helical structure 100.

[0056] The multi-helical structure 100 is a structure in which a plurality of wires 102 are twisted in a helical shape and combined parallel to each other. The multi-helical structure 100 extends along the longitudinal axis X, and the wires 102 constituting the multi-helical structure 100 are wound around the longitudinal axis X.

[0057] The diameter D of the multi-helical structure 100, particularly the diameter D of the portion with the maximum diameter within the multi-helical structure 100Max It is formed to be the same as or smaller than the diameter of the stem 60. Thereby, when the applicator 30 is removed from the container 20, the excess cosmetic P adhering to the applicator head 50 and / or the stem 60 is wiped off by the wiping hole defined by the lip 28, and the applicator, particularly the applicator head 50, can easily pass through the wiping hole.

[0058] The multi - helix structure 100 has a distal end 106, a proximal end 104 on the opposite side of the distal end 106, and a main body portion 108 between the distal end 106 and the proximal end 104. The proximal end 104 of the multi - helix structure 100 is attached to the stem 60.

[0059] The diameter D of the main body portion 108 within the multi - helix structure 100 is the same over the entire length along the longitudinal direction. However, the diameter D of the main body portion 108 within the multi - helix structure 100 may be variable along the longitudinal direction. For example, the diameter D of the main body portion 108 within the multi - helix structure 100 may gradually decrease or gradually increase from the central portion in the longitudinal direction to both sides in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the diameter D of the main body portion 108 within the multi - helix structure 100 may gradually decrease or gradually increase from the distal end side to the proximal end side along the entire length of the applicator head 50.

[0060] At the proximal end 104 of the multi - helix structure 100, the wires 102 are closely twisted together, so there is no gap between the wires 102. In other words, the proximal end 104 of the multi - helix structure 100 has a form in which the wires 102 are tightly woven together. Therefore, the diameter of the proximal end 104 within the multi - helix structure 100 is smaller than the diameter D of the main body 108 within the multi - helix structure 100.

[0061] Furthermore, the longitudinal length of the proximal end 104 of the multi - helix structure 100 can be long enough to support the applicator head 50.

[0062] FIG. 4 of the present application is an enlarged view of the distal end 106 of the multi-helix structure 100. As shown in FIG. 4 of the present application, the distal end 106 of the multi-helix structure 100 has a tip 110 extending along the longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 50. Further, the distal end 106 of the multi-helix structure 100 tapers towards the tip 110. In other words, the diameter of the distal end 106 of the multi-helix structure 100 gradually decreases towards the tip 110.

[0063] In addition, this tip 110 is a bent tip 102 formed by bending at least one wire 102. This bent tip is formed to have a rounded shape. In other words, the bent tip is formed by a wire that curves according to a curvature of a predetermined radius.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 of the present application, the multi-helix structure 100 can be formed by bending at least one wire 102 into two and twisting the two wires 102 together. At least one wire 102 is made of a plastically deformable material. Specifically, the material of the wire 102 is metal, preferably stainless steel, more preferably ALSL316L.

[0065] The gaps 112 are formed between the wires 102 within the multi-helix structure 100. These gaps 112 can serve as a bulk reservoir for holding a liquid cosmetic P having a predetermined viscosity. In other words, due to the capillary action of the liquid cosmetic P, the liquid cosmetic P having a predetermined viscosity is held in these gaps 112 between the wires 102.

[0066] The multi-helix structure 100 can be in the shape of a cylinder having a length L and a diameter D in the longitudinal direction.

[0067] The length L of the multi-helix structure 100 is in the range of about 20 mm to about 35 mm, preferably in the range of about 25 mm to about 30 mm, and more preferably about 27 mm. The diameter D of the multi-helix structure 100 is in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, preferably in the range of about 1.75 mm to about 2.6 mm, and more preferably about 2.15 mm.

[0068] In addition, the multi-helix structure 100 has a pitch P in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm, preferably a pitch P of about 3 mm. Further, the number of pitches P of this multi-helix structure can be 5 to 15, preferably 10.

[0069] In addition, the diameter D of the wire 102 W is in the range of about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 0.8 mm, and more preferably about 0.65 mm.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3 of the present application, at least one wire 102 has a predetermined angle α with respect to the vertical axis X of the applicator head 50. In other words, the predetermined angle α is disposed between the vertical axis X and at least one wire 102. This angle α can be between 30 degrees and 50 degrees, preferably less than 45 degrees.

[0071] [Cosmetics] The applicator 30 having the multi-helix structure 100 is suitable for applying a liquid cosmetic P having a specific viscosity to a keratin substance. In other words, the liquid cosmetic P having a specific viscosity can be held by at least one wire 102 by the applicator head 50, particularly by using capillary action.

[0072] The cosmetic P has a viscosity of 30 UD (deviation unit) to 50 UD, preferably 35 UD to 40 UD, measured at 25 ° C using a RHEOMAT 180 viscometer equipped with a spindle M2 rotating at 200 rpm.

[0073] As described above, the viscosity of the composition according to the present invention is measured at 25 °C using a PRORHEO R180 viscometer equipped with a spindle M2 rotating at 200 rpm from PRORHEO.

[0074] In addition, the viscosity of cosmetic P can be measured as follows. Viscosity is generally measured at 25 °C using a RHEOMAT RM 180 viscometer equipped with a moving body suitable for the viscosity of the product (the moving body is selected so that the measured value is always between 30 UD and 50 UD, preferably between 35 UD and 40 UD, or is a deviation unit). The measurement is performed at a shear rate of 200 s' after rotating the moving body in the composition for 10 minutes (the time after which a stable viscosity and the rotation speed of the moving body are observed).

[0075] The cosmetic has a contact angle β. The contact angle β is between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees, preferably between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees. The contact angle β can be measured as follows. A drop of the cosmetic, especially a liquid cosmetic, is placed on the surface of a plate such as a glass plate using a syringe. Approximately 20 seconds after the drop is placed, the measurement of the contact angle β is performed using an image captured by a PC using a camera. The WINGOUTTE software digitizes the contour of the drop by image processing. Then, the software determines the contact angle β using an interpolation method. The WINGOUTTE software uses a polynomial interpolation method or an arc-of-circle interpolation method to determine the contact angle β. In some cases, a power system enables the measurement of the advancing angle and recessing angle of the drop, and the needle of the syringe is then held in the drop.

[0076] [Manufacturing method] The applicator head 50 of the present invention can be manufactured using existing manufacturing equipment.

[0077] The existing manufacturing equipment is for manufacturing a conventional applicator head, i.e., an applicator head that sandwiches fibers between metal wires by twisting the metal wires together with the fibers.

[0078] A method for manufacturing an applicator head 50 having the multi-helix structure 100 of the present invention is as follows. - A step of preparing a plurality of wires 102; - A step of fixing the wires 102 at one end thereof by using welding or other known fixing methods; - A step of fixing the free ends of the fixed wires 102 to the existing manufacturing equipment; - A step of twisting the wires 102 from the free ends to the fixed ends; - After the twisting step, in order to form the multi-helix structure 100, a step of untwisting or reversing the twist of the twisted wires 102 from the fixed ends (corresponding to the tips 110) of these wires 102 to the vicinity of the free ends (corresponding to the proximal ends 104).

[0079] The step of preparing a plurality of wires 102 will be described in detail below. These wires 102 may be a plurality of straight wires 102, and the lengths of these wires 102 may be the same as or different from each other.

[0080] The step of fixing the wires 102 at their one ends can be performed by the following method. These wires 102 can be connected or fixed to each other at one end thereof by using known fixing methods, particularly by using a welding process. Since the fixed ends of the wires 102 correspond to the tips 110, the fixed ends of these wires 102 must have a rounded shape. In addition, a single straight wire 102 may be bent into a U-shape by using a jig or the like to form a bent portion near the center or the central part of the wire 102, or may be bent into two. One end of each of the wires 102 may be connected or fixed to the bent portion of the wire 102 by using known fixing methods, particularly by using a welding process. These wires 102 may have free ends extending along the same direction, and the wire sections may extend parallel to each other. Since the bent portion of the wire 102 corresponds to the tip 110, the bent portion must be bent so that the tip 110 has a rounded shape. Furthermore, each of the wires 102 may be bent into a U-shape or bent into two in order to form a bent portion at the center or the central part of each wire 102. Then, the bent portions may be fixed to each other by using welding or other known fixing methods.

[0081] The step of twisting the wire 102 from the free end to the fixed end will be described in detail below. By using existing manufacturing equipment, the free ends of the wires 102 may be fixed, and the fixed ends of the wires 102 are rotated in one direction around the longitudinal direction so that these wires 102 are twisted tightly and / or closely. In other words, these wires 102 are twisted tightly and / or closely so that there is no gap between the wires 102.

[0082] The step of untwisting or returning the twist of the twisted wire 102 from the fixed end (corresponding to the tip 110) to the vicinity of the free end will be described in detail below. The fixed end or bent portion of the twisted wire 102 is rotated around the vertical axis in a direction opposite to the rotational direction in which the wire 102 is twisted. As a result, the twisted metal wire 102 is untwisted or the twist is reversed from the bent portion by a predetermined length. Therefore, this results in the formation of the multi-helix structure 100 having the longitudinal length L from the tip 110. Of course, at the proximal end of the multi-helix structure 100, the wires 102 remain tightly and / or closely twisted together. The above-described step of untwisting or reversing the twist can be continuously executed together with the twisting step by using the existing manufacturing equipment described above. That is, the manufacturing equipment can rotate the fixed end or the bent portion in a certain direction to twist the wire 102, and then rotate the fixed end or the bent portion in the opposite direction without changing anything.

[0083] Of course, the applicator head 50 including the multi-helix structure 100 of the present invention may be formed by other methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0084] [Effect] The user releases the connection between the grip portion 40 and the container 20 by turning the grip portion 40. Then, the user grips the grip portion 40 and pulls out the stem 60 and the applicator head 50 connected to the grip portion 40 outside the container 20. In other words, the user pulls the grip portion 40 upward with respect to the container 20.

[0085] At that time, the excess liquid cosmetic P adhering to the stem 60 and the applicator head 50 can be wiped off by the wiping member 26 of the container 20. In other words, when the stem 60 and the applicator head 50 pass through the wiping hole of the wiping member 26, the excess liquid cosmetic P is rubbed off by the wiping member 26 and remains in the container 20.

[0086] FIG. 5 of the present application shows the applicator 30 in a state pulled out from the container 20. As shown in FIG. 5 of the present application, the applicator 30 of the present invention can apply a sufficient amount of liquid cosmetic P to the eyelashes while wiping off the excess liquid cosmetic P with the wiping member 26. Therefore, the applicator 30 of the present invention can prevent the liquid cosmetic P from accidentally spilling during application.

[0087] The applicator 30 of the present invention includes an applicator head 50 having a multi-helical structure 100 formed of at least one wire 102. Therefore, when manufacturing the applicator 30 of the present invention, there is no need to prepare additional components such as a cap member and / or a fixing member, and the applicator 30 of the present invention can be manufactured using existing manufacturing equipment. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the applicator 30 of the present invention can be reduced.

[0088] The applicator 30 of the present invention includes an applicator head 50 having a multi-helical structure 100 formed of at least one wire 102, and gaps 112 are formed between the wires 102, and these gaps 112 can act as a bulk reservoir for holding a liquid cosmetic P having a predetermined viscosity in the gaps 112. Therefore, the applicator 30 of the present invention can hold a sufficient amount of liquid cosmetic P in the gaps 112 by capillary action for applying the cosmetic P to the keratinous material, particularly the eyelashes.

[0089] The applicator 30 of the present invention includes an applicator head 50 of a multi-helical structure 100 each having a tip 110 extending along the longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 50, and the tip 110 is a bent tip formed by bending at least one wire 102, and the bent tip is formed to be rounded. Therefore, a liquid cosmetic P having a predetermined viscosity can be held at the tip 110 by capillary action. Therefore, the applicator 30 of the present invention can also apply the liquid cosmetic P held at the tip 110 without accidentally spilling the liquid cosmetic P.

[0090] The applicator 30 of the present invention includes an applicator head 50 having a multi-helical structure 100 formed of at least one metal wire 102. Therefore, the applicator 30 of the present invention can obtain a cooling effect from the metal wire 102 as compared with, for example, a plastic material. Thus, the applicator 30 of the present invention can gently and easily apply the liquid cosmetic P to the eyelashes by this cooling effect.

[0091] The applicator 30 of the present invention includes an applicator head 50 having a multi-helical structure 100 formed of at least one wire 102. Therefore, the applicator 30 of the present invention does not have bristles that may hurt the user, and thus reduces the risk of injury to the user as compared with a conventional mascara applicator having a bristle brush.

[0092] The applicator 30 of the present invention has a bent tip 110 formed to be rounded. The applicator 30 of the present invention does not hurt the user or reduces the possibility of hurting the user when applying the liquid cosmetic P to the eyelashes.

[0093] [Example 1 (Double helical structure)] FIG. 6 of the present application shows the applicator 30 of the present invention when the multi-helical structure 100 is a double helical structure 200. A description of the same configuration as that of the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0094] The multi-helical structure 100 of the present invention is a double helical structure 200 formed of two twisted wires 202, preferably two parallel twisted wires 202. Preferably, these two parallel twisted wires 202 are formed by bending one wire 202 into a U shape and twisting its both ends, or by bending one wire 202 into two and twisting its both ends.

[0095] The double helix structure 200 has a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal length L and a diameter D. The longitudinal length L of the double helix structure 200 is about 27 mm. In addition, the diameter D of the double helix structure 200 is about 2.15 mm. The number of pitches P of the double helix structure 200 is 10.

[0096] The wire 202 is made of metal, specifically stainless steel, especially ALSL 316L. The diameter D of this wire 202 W is about 0.65 mm.

[0097] The applicator 30 having the double helix structure 200 of this Example 1 is suitable for applying a liquid cosmetic P having a specific viscosity within the range of 30 UD to 50 UD. Specifically, this cosmetic P has a viscosity of 35 UD to 40 UD. Further, this cosmetic P has a predetermined contact angle β. Specifically, this cosmetic P has a contact angle β of about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees, more preferably a contact angle of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. The contact angle β is measured 20 seconds after dropping a drop of the liquid cosmetic P onto a glass plate.

[0098] [Manufacturing method of double helix structure] The applicator head 50 including the double helix structure 200 can be manufactured using existing manufacturing equipment.

[0099] The method for manufacturing the applicator head 50 including the double helix structure 200 is - bending a single metal wire 202 into a U shape or bending a single metal wire 202 into two to form a bent portion at the center or middle of the metal wire 202; - twisting the metal wire 202 from both ends of the metal wire 202 to the bent portion; - including untwisting or reversing the twist of the twisted metal wire 202 from the bent portion to the vicinity of both ends thereof to form the double helix structure 200.

[0100] To form a bent portion at the center or central part of the metal wire 202, the steps of bending a single metal wire 202 into a U shape or folding a single metal wire 202 into two will be described in detail below. First, a single straight metal wire 202 is prepared. Next, a single straight metal wire 202 is bent into a U shape or folded into two by using a jig or the like to form a bent portion near the center or central part of the metal wire 202. The bent metal wire 202 has both ends extending along the same direction, and the two wire sections extend parallel to each other. Since the bent portion of the metal wire 202 corresponds to the tip 110, the bent portion must be bent so that the tip 110 has a rounded shape.

[0101] In addition, the steps of twisting the metal wire 202 from both ends of the metal wire 202 to the bent portion will be described in detail below. By using existing manufacturing equipment, both ends of the metal wire 202 are fixed, and the bent portion is rotated in a certain direction around the vertical axis. Thereby, the metal wire 202 can be twisted together. By twisting the metal wire 202, the two metal wires 202 are twisted tightly or closely together. In other words, the two metal wires 202 are twisted tightly or closely so that there is no gap between the metal wires 202.

[0102] To form the double helix structure 200, the steps of untwisting or reversing the twist of the twisted metal wire 202 from the bent portion to the vicinity of both ends will be described in detail below. The bent portion of the twisted metal wire 202 is rotated around the vertical axis in a direction opposite to the rotational direction in which the metal wire 202 is twisted. As a result, the twisted metal wire 202 is untwisted or the twist is reversed from the bent portion by a predetermined length. Therefore, this results in the formation of the double helix structure 200 having the longitudinal length L from the tip 110 corresponding to the bent portion. Naturally, at the proximal end of the double helix structure 200, the metal wires 202 remain tightly and / or closely twisted together. The above step of untwisting or reversing the twist can be continuously executed together with the twisting step by using the existing manufacturing equipment described above. That is, the manufacturing equipment can rotate the bent portion in one direction to twist the metal wire 202, and then rotate the bent portion in the opposite direction without exchanging anything.

[0103] [Example 2 (Triple helix structure)] FIG. 7 of the present application shows the applicator 30 of the present invention when the multi-helix structure 100 is the triple helix structure 300. A description of the same configuration as that of the above embodiment is omitted.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 7 of the present application, the multi-helix structure 100 of the present invention is a triple helix structure 300 formed of three twisted wires 302 and 302', preferably three parallel twisted wires 302 and 302'.

[0105] To form a bent portion at the center or central part of the metal wire, two metal wires 302 are formed by bending one metal wire into a U-shape or by bending one metal wire into two. One additional metal wire 302' is connected or fixed in the vicinity of the bent portion of the wire 302 by welding or other well-known fixing methods. Therefore, the three metal wires 302 and 302' extend from the bent portion. These three wires 302 and 302' are connected to each other at the tip 110 of the applicator head 50.

[0106] The gaps or spaces between two of these three metal wires 302 and 302' may be the same as or different from each other. The gaps between two of these three metal wires 302 and 302' can be narrower than the gaps between the wires 202 in the double helix structure 200.

[0107] [Method for manufacturing a triple helix structure] The applicator head 50 including the triple helix structure 300 of the present invention can be manufactured using existing manufacturing equipment.

[0108] A method for manufacturing the applicator head 50 having the triple helix structure 300 of the present invention is - bending a single metal wire 302 into a U-shape or bending a single metal wire 302 into two parts to form a bent portion at the center or middle of the metal wire 302; - fixing an additional metal wire 302' to the bent portion using a known fixing method such as a welding process; - fixing both ends of the metal wires 302 and 302' to existing manufacturing equipment; - rotating the bent portion in one direction around the longitudinal direction so that these metal wires 302 and 302' are tightly and / or closely twisted together; - after the rotating step, untwisting or reversing the twist of the twisted metal wires 302 and 302' from the bent portion to near both ends of these metal wires 302 and 302' to form a triple helix structure 300 including the three metal wires 302 and 302'.

[0109] The applicator head 50 having the triple helix structure 300 of the present invention may be formed using known methods other than the above method.

[0110] [Example 3 (quadruple helix structure)] FIG. 8 of the present application shows the applicator 30 of the present invention when the multi-helical structure 100 is a quadruple helical structure 400. Configurations identical to those of the above-described embodiments are omitted from the description.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 8 of the present application, the multi-helical structure 100 of the present invention is a quadruple helical structure 400 formed of four twisted wires 402, preferably four parallel twisted wires 402.

[0112] To form a bent portion at the center or middle of the metal wire 402, four wires 402 are formed by bending each of the two metal wires 402 into a U-shape or by bending each of the two metal wires 402 into two. The bent portions of the two metal wires 402 are connected or fixed to each other by welding or other well-known fixing methods. Therefore, the four metal wires 402 extend from the fixed bent portion.

[0113] The gaps or spaces between two of these four metal wires 402 may be the same as or different from each other. This gap can be narrower than the gaps between the metal wires 202 in the double helical structure 200 and the gaps between the metal wires 302 in the triple helical structure 300.

[0114] [Method for manufacturing quadruple helical structure] The applicator head 50 including the quadruple helical structure 400 of the present invention can be manufactured using existing manufacturing equipment.

[0115] A method for manufacturing the applicator head 50 having the quadruple helical structure 400 is - a step of bending each of the two metal wires 402 into a U-shape or bending each of the two metal wires 402 into two to form a bent portion at the center or middle of each metal wire 402; - a step of fixing the two bent portions to each other by using welding or other known fixing methods; - Fixing both ends of the metal wire 402 to existing manufacturing equipment; - Rotating the fixed bent portion in one direction around the longitudinal direction so that these metal wires 402 are tightly and / or closely twisted together; - After the rotating step, untwisting or reversing the twist of the twisted metal wires 402 from the fixed bent portion to near both ends of these metal wires 402 to form a quadruple helix structure 400 including four metal wires 402.

[0116] The applicator head 50 having the quadruple helix structure 400 of the present invention may be formed by using known methods other than the above method.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples described above. For example, in the above embodiment, the applicator head 50 is indirectly connected to the grip portion 40 via the stem 60. However, the applicator head 50 in the present invention may be directly connected to the grip portion 40.

[0118] In addition, the above examples describe an applicator head 50 having a double helix structure 200, a triple helix structure 300, or a quadruple helix structure 400. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an applicator head having a quintuple helix or more multiple helix structure may be used.

[0119] On the other hand, although the technical gist of the present invention has been described in detail according to the above embodiments, it should be noted that the above embodiments are for explanation and not for limitation. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various embodiments are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0120] 10 Kit 20 Container 22 Main Body 24 Threaded Neck 26 Wiping member 28 Lip 30 Applicator 40 Gripping part 42 Cap 50 Applicator head 60 Stem 62 Proximal end 64 Distal end 100 Multi-helical structure, multi-helical structure 102 Wire 104 Proximal end 106 Distal end 108 Body part, body 110 Tip 200 Double-helical structure 202 Wire, metal wire 300 Triple-helical structure 302 Wire, metal wire 302' Wire, metal wire 400 Quadruple-helical structure 402 Wire, metal wire

Claims

1. An applicator for applying a liquid cosmetic to a keratinous substance, comprising: an applicator head; a grip portion for a user to hold the applicator; wherein the applicator head includes a multi-helical structure having a distal end and a proximal end connected to the grip portion, the multi-helical structure being formed of at least one wire; a gap is formed between the wires in the multi-helical structure to form a bulk reservoir for holding the liquid cosmetic; the tip at the distal end of the applicator is a bent tip formed by bending the at least one wire, the bent tip protruding along the longitudinal axis of the applicator head; in the multi-helical structure at the proximal end, the at least one wire is closely twisted so that there is no gap between the wires; the multi-helical structure at the distal end tapers towards the tip; the tip has a rounded shape, the applicator.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the multi-helical structure is a double-helical structure formed of two parallel wires.

3. The applicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one wire is formed of metal.

4. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one wire has a diameter of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

5. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the multi-helical structure has a pitch of 1.5 mm to 5 mm.

6. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a container for containing a liquid cosmetic, wherein the liquid cosmetic has a viscosity of 30 to 50 UD using a spindle M3, the kit.

7. The kit according to claim 6, wherein the liquid cosmetic has a predetermined contact angle.

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