Applicator head and applicator including the same

Abstract

To provide a novel applicator head and applicator for applying a formula to a target.SOLUTION: An applicator head (10) comprises: a longitudinal central axis (X); and a first area (110) and a second area (210) with a function different from that of the first area (110) arranged so as to face substantially opposite directions to each other with the axis (X) in between. The first area (110) comprises a plurality of lamellae (112) spaced apart along the axis (X) and each lamella (112) extends radially outwardly about the axis (X). The second area (210) comprises a flocked surface (212). The first area (110) and the second area (210) are connected to each other by a hinge system. An applicator (1) comprises the applicator head (10) and a shank (20) including a distal end (22). The applicator head (10) is arranged on the distal end (22) of the shank (20).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator head for applying a product or formulation to a subject or target area. In particular, the present invention relates to an applicator head for applying a cosmetic product or formulation, such as a serum, to the user's own eyelashes or the eyelashes of another person. Of course, the present invention is applicable to all cosmetic purposes, including hair, eyebrows, lips, or concealer. The present invention further relates to an applicator including such an applicator head.

[0002] In this specification, the term "cosmetic product" or "cosmetic formulation" should be understood to mean a product or formulation as defined in Regulation (EC) No. 1223 / 2009 of the European Council and of the Council of 30 November 2009 relating to cosmetic products or cosmetic formulations. [Background technology]

[0003] Various eyelash applicators are known for applying a cosmetic product or formulation, commonly referred to as a serum, to a user's own eyelashes or the eyelashes of another person. A typical eyelash applicator has a structure in which a number of bristles are attached to the distal end of the eyelash applicator shaft so as to extend radially around the shaft.

[0004] When applying serum to eyelashes, a user first immerses the tip of the eyelash applicator in the serum contained in the container or bottle. The user then removes excess serum from the tip of the eyelash applicator so that an appropriate amount of serum remains at the tip of the eyelash applicator. The user then applies the serum to the eyelashes while combing them using the eyelash applicator that retains the appropriate amount of serum at its tip.

[0005] When applying serum to eyelashes, uniformity of the applied serum, good deposition of the serum, and separation of the eyelashes after application are particularly important. However, at present, no eyelash applicator is known that satisfies all of these application requirements. Therefore, a new applicator is needed that can easily achieve uniformity of the applied serum, good deposition of the serum, and separation of the eyelashes after application.

[0006] Conventional techniques that may be somewhat related to the present invention are disclosed, for example, in Patent Documents 1 to 9. Patent Document 1 discloses an applicator member including an applicator head having two opposing surfaces. Patent Document 2 discloses an applicator including an applicator portion and a rod for supporting the applicator portion. Patent Document 3 discloses an applicator including a first applicator portion having a holding portion with a protruding ridge and a second applicator portion as a separate body integrally held on the first applicator. Patent Document 4 discloses an applicator segment having a brush portion and a recessed groove portion formed perpendicularly intersecting the brush portion. In the applicator disclosed in Patent Document 4, the brush portion may be replaceable with a group of thin plates. Patent Document 5 discloses an applicator having a plate-shaped applicator portion fixedly held on a shaft portion. Patent Document 6 discloses an applicator including an applicator member including a series of bristles made of a heat-melting material. Patent Document 7 discloses an eyelash mascara brush including a rod-shaped round brush head. Patent Document 8 discloses a mascara brush with disk-shaped comb teeth formed on one side and rubber bristles formed on all sides on the other side. Patent Document 9 discloses a molded plastic applicator including a plastic panel that is substantially within a mold plane when formed and is bent outward from the mold plane when the applicator is assembled to surround an extended longitudinal axis. However, these prior art articles do not fully meet the above-mentioned application requirements. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0290411 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2014 / 054814 Brochure [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6152967 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 5945884 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 5704482 [Patent Document 6] French Patent Invention No. 2955017 [Patent Document 7] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 200454723 [Patent Document 8] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0212097 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent No. 8,746,258 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel applicator head and a novel applicator including the same for applying a product or formulation to a subject, which can overcome or at least alleviate the problems previously described in connection with the prior art articles. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel eyelash applicator head and a novel eyelash applicator including the same, which can easily achieve uniformity of the applied product, good product deposition, and separation of the eyelashes after application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve these objectives, the present invention provides an applicator head for applying a product to a target or target area, the applicator head including a central longitudinal axis and a first region and a second region having a function different from that of the first region, the first region and the second region being disposed so as to face substantially opposite each other across the central longitudinal axis. Specifically, the first region may include a plurality of thin plates spaced apart along the central longitudinal axis, each of which may extend radially outward from the central longitudinal axis. Meanwhile, the second region may include a flocked surface. The first and second regions may be connected to each other by a hinge system, although the hinge system does not necessarily have to be located on the central longitudinal axis.

[0010] According to the present invention, an applicator head for applying a product to a target includes two regions with different functions, specifically, on either side of a longitudinal central axis. Thus, the applicator head according to the present invention is configured as a "two-sided" applicator head. The first region serves to apply a sufficient amount of product to a target, such as eyelashes, and simultaneously serves to comb the target, such as eyelashes. Meanwhile, the second region serves to spread the product and remove excess product from the target, such as eyelashes. These two regions are arranged on the applicator head so that they face substantially opposite each other across the longitudinal central axis of the applicator head. When using the applicator head, a user can simply change the orientation of the applicator head and quickly use the second region instead of the first region, or vice versa. Therefore, unlike conventional products, according to the present invention, by appropriately alternating between the first and second regions, uniformity of the applied product, good product deposition, and separation of the target, such as eyelashes, after application can be easily achieved. Specifically, when the application target is the eyelashes, the second region of the applicator head helps to give softness to the eyelashes, and therefore the applicator head according to the present invention can achieve a better finish.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each thin plate can be oriented so that it is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis, which allows the object, in particular the eyelashes, to be combed in a particularly suitable direction. Alternatively, when the object to be treated is eyelashes, each thin plate can be oriented so that it makes a respective predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal central axis, taking into account that eyelashes are not perfectly parallel to each other and extend so that the distance between their tips is slightly longer than the distance between their bases.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each slat may have a substantially arcuate shape. This shape of each slat achieves both particularly good product retention and ease of handling (i.e., ease of combing through objects, particularly eyelashes). However, any shape other than an arcuate shape may be employed as desired, with or without angled tips.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the applicator head may be intended for use in a state in which it is disposed at the distal end of the shank, and the applicator head may further include a connecting end portion for connecting to the shank. This aspect is advantageous from the standpoint of manufacturing or assembling the applicator, but if desired, the applicator head and the shank may be integrated so that the applicator head extends continuously from the shank.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head may further include an elongated groove extending parallel to the longitudinal central axis and positioned closer to the longitudinal central axis than the plurality of thin plates, and each space defined between two adjacent thin plates may be connected to the elongated groove. In this embodiment, the elongated groove can function as a product reservoir, thereby enabling the applicator head to retain more product.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the applicator head includes an elongated groove, the applicator head may further include at least one side slit extending parallel to the longitudinal central axis and connecting the interior space of the elongated groove to the exterior of the applicator head, which slit may contribute to smooth supply of product from the elongated groove to each space defined between two adjacent thin plates.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the applicator head may be composed of at least: (i) a first half extending along a longitudinal central axis and including a first region; and (ii) a second half extending along the longitudinal central axis and including a second region. The first half may include: (i) a first base and (ii) a plurality of thin plates disposed on the first base. The second half may include: (i) a second base and (ii) a flock fiber layer covering the outer surface of the second base and forming a flock surface of the second region. This aspect is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of manufacturing the applicator head. That is, by manufacturing the applicator head as an assembly composed of at least two halves, it is possible to easily realize a complex shape of the applicator head, specifically, a complex internal shape thereof.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the applicator head is embodied as an assembly composed of at least two halves, the first and second halves may be connected to each other by a hinge system, and the applicator head may be completed by bending (or rotating) the first and second halves about the hinge system and then overlapping them. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second halves may be integrally connected to each other by the hinge system. These aspects enable particularly efficient manufacture of the applicator head. More specifically, these aspects enable the applicator head to be efficiently obtained from an integrally molded part of a plastic material that can be easily manufactured, for example, using injection molding techniques.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the applicator head is embodied as an assembly made up of at least two halves and includes an elongated groove, the first base of the first half may have an elongated slot extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis, and the elongated slot of the first base and the inner surface of the unflocked second base of the second half may cooperate to define the elongated groove. This aspect also allows for particularly efficient manufacture of applicator heads including elongated grooves.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the applicator head is embodied as an assembly consisting of at least two halves, the inner surface of the second base may include an elongated ridge extending parallel to the longitudinal central axis and configured to penetrate into the elongated slot of the first base. In this embodiment, the elongated ridge of the second base also cooperates with the elongated slot of the first base to define a product reservoir having a cross-sectional shape more suitable for use within the applicator head. Furthermore, the elongated ridge also serves as a guide when the two halves are assembled.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head may be an eyelash applicator head, and the object may be the user's own eyelashes or the eyelashes of another person. In this case, the product may be a cosmetic product or formulation, such as a serum. Of course, the applicator head according to the present invention may be used for purposes other than applying such products to eyelashes.

[0021] To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention further provides an applicator for applying a product to a target or target site, comprising: (i) the applicator head as described above; and (ii) a shank including a distal end, the applicator head being disposed at the distal end of the shank. In a preferred embodiment of this applicator, the shank may have a hollow portion at its distal end to accommodate the proximal end of the applicator head, the proximal end of the applicator head being able to fit tightly within the hollow portion of the shank.

[0022] In accordance with a preferred aspect of the applicator of the present invention, the applicator head may be disposed at the distal end of the shank such that the applicator head and the shank are aligned in a straight line, or alternatively, the applicator head may be disposed at the distal end of the shank such that the applicator head is at an angle relative to the shank.

[0023] In accordance with a preferred aspect of the applicator, the applicator head may be removably attached to the distal end of the shank, or alternatively, the applicator head may be fixedly attached to or integral with the distal end of the shank.

[0024] Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an exterior of an applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the applicator shank and applicator head assembled together; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is an exterior perspective view of an applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the applicator shank and applicator head separated from each other; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the applicator head shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, turned over. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a side view of the applicator head shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator head taken along line AA in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a plastic molded part that will be bent to become an applicator head, in which the first and second halves that make up the applicator head are straight and not bent. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of the plastic molded part shown in FIG. 6, with the first and second halves that make up the applicator head straight and unfolded. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic molded part taken along line BB in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 shows the first and second halves initially aligned along a straight line, folded about the hinge system to become the applicator head. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative form of hinge system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In each figure, the width, length, height, diameter, etc. of each element may not be drawn to scale and may differ from the actual ones. It should be noted that in some figures, certain elements or features may be drawn larger or smaller than they actually are for emphasis.

[0027] As used herein, direction-related terms such as "up," "down," "up," "down," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "right," and "left" should be understood with reference to the orientation of the device in the figures, which may or may not correspond to the actual orientation during use. Furthermore, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the terms "proximal" or "proximally" herein refer to a position opposite the applicator head (or tip thereof) for applying the product. On the other hand, the terms "distal" or "distally" refer to a position closer to the applicator head (or tip thereof). In other words, when a user holds an applicator in a typical manner, the direction pointed by the user's fingertips is the "distal" direction, and the opposite direction is the "proximal" direction.

[0028] The next exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an eyelash applicator head for applying a cosmetic product or formulation, such as a serum, to a user's own eyelashes or to another person's eyelashes. For example, the serum may be an aqueous formulation containing care ingredients and having a viscosity between 1.0 Pa·s and 6.0 Pa·s. The next exemplary embodiment of the present invention also relates to an eyelash applicator including such an eyelash applicator head. However, the present invention can be used to apply various types of products other than cosmetic products or formulations.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates an applicator 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention for applying a cosmetic product, i.e., serum (not shown), to a subject's, i.e., user's, own eyelashes or the eyelashes of another person. Figure 1 also illustrates an applicator head 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, the applicator 1 is shown assembled with the applicator head 10 and a shank 20, which also forms part of the applicator 1. It can thus be seen that in this exemplary embodiment, the applicator 1 includes the applicator head 10 and the shank 20, which includes a distal end 22.

[0030] The applicator head 10 is disposed on the distal end 22 of the shank 20 so that the applicator head 10 and the shank 20 are aligned on a straight line (not shown, which is the same as the central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10, which will be described later). FIG. 2 shows the applicator 1 in a state in which the applicator head 10 and the shank 20 are separated from each other. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the applicator head 10 is removably attached to the distal end 22 of the shank 20. More specifically, the shank 20 has a hollow portion 24 at its distal end 22 to accommodate the proximal end of the applicator head 10 (described in detail below). The proximal end of the applicator head 10 is tightly but removably fitted within the hollow portion 24 of the shank 20.

[0031] In this embodiment, the applicator head 10 (except for the flock fiber layer, described below) and the shank 20 are made from a suitable plastic material, particularly a thermoplastic material. Specifically, the applicator head 10 may be made from a thermoplastic polyester, such as (but not limited to) Hytrel®.

[0032] The following describes in detail an applicator head 10 for applying product to a subject, i.e., a user's own eyelashes or the eyelashes of another person. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2 and in Figure 3, which is an external perspective view of the applicator head 10 in an inverted state, the applicator head 10 includes a central longitudinal axis X and a first region 110 and a second region 210. The first region 110 and the second region 210 may also be referred to as a first treatment section and a second treatment section, respectively. The first region 110 and the second region 210 are disposed so as to face substantially opposite each other across the central longitudinal axis X. That is, when viewed in a cross-section of the applicator head 10, the first region 110 occupies an angular range of approximately 180° about the central longitudinal axis X, while the second region 210 occupies the remaining angular range of approximately 180°. In this embodiment, the first region 110 and the second region 210 are connected to each other by a hinge system, which will be described below.

[0033] The first region 110 includes a plurality of lamellae 112 spaced apart along a central longitudinal axis X. Each lamella 112 in the first region 110 extends or protrudes radially outward about the central longitudinal axis X. As can be seen in FIG. 4, a side view of the applicator head 10, each lamella 112 is oriented such that each lamella 112 is substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis X. In this embodiment, each lamella 112 is slightly tapered such that its tip side has a smaller thickness (here, thickness refers to the distance between the two lamella side surfaces 112a and 112b of the lamella 112) than its root side (see FIG. 4, tip side thickness D1<root side thickness D2). Furthermore, in this embodiment, each lamella 112 has (but is not limited to) a substantially arcuate or D-shaped configuration.

[0034] The second region 210 comprises a flocked surface 212. The second region 210 is formed by a layer composed of very short flocked fibers, as will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, the flocked fibers are fibers made of, for example (but not limited to), polyamide. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the flocked surface 212 has the function of retaining a product, such as a cosmetic product or cosmetic formulation, and therefore the second region 210 is intended to be used to remove excess product adhering to the subject, i.e., the user's own eyelashes or the eyelashes of another person.

[0035] As described above, the applicator head 10 is intended to be used while disposed on the distal end 22 of the shank 20. Accordingly, the applicator head 10 further includes a connecting end 300 for connecting to the shank 20. In this embodiment, the connecting end 300 includes a transition section 310 extending from the main body of the applicator head 10 and a boss 320 extending from the end face of the transition section 310. The boss 320 corresponds to the proximal end of the applicator head 10 described above, and is intended to be received within the hollow portion 24 of the shank 20.

[0036] As best seen in FIG. 5, which is a cross-sectional view of the applicator head 10 taken along line AA in FIG. 4 , the applicator head 10 further includes an elongated groove 400. The elongated groove 400 extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis X and is positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis X than the plurality of laminae 112. Each space 114 defined between two adjacent laminae 112 is connected to an elongated groove 400. In addition, the applicator head 10 further includes two side slits 500 extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis X. The opening width of each of the slits 500 is indicated by "W" in FIG. 5. The two slits 500 are positioned at opposite positions across the central longitudinal axis X to define a boundary between the first region 110 and the second region 210. Each slit 500 connects the interior space 400a of the elongated groove 400 to the exterior of the applicator head 10. If desired, the diameter of the second region 210 can be made even smaller than that shown in FIG. 5, for example, for ease of assembly.

[0037] In this embodiment, the applicator head 10 is obtained by deforming the plastic molded part F shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the plastic molded part F in a state in which the first and second halves (described in detail below) that make up the applicator head 10 are not folded but are straight. FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the plastic molded part F along line BB in FIG. 7. This linear plastic molded part F is obtained by integrally molding a suitable plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic polyester. It should be noted that the plastic molded part F shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 is already provided with a layer made of short flock fibers that forms the flock surface 212 of the second region 210 of the applicator head 10. In fact, the layer made of short flock fibers is applied to the semi-cylindrical outer surface of the second half after the plastic molded part F is obtained by integral molding, for example, injection molding.

[0038] 6 and 7, the plastic molded part F, and therefore the applicator head 10, is comprised of a first half 100 and a second half 200. The first half 100 extends along the central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10 and includes the first region 110 described above. Similarly, the second half 200 extends along the central longitudinal axis X of the applicator head 10 and includes the second region 210 described above. The first half 100 includes a first base 120 and a plurality of thin plates 112 disposed on the first base 120. In this embodiment, the first base 120 includes two sections 120a, 120b extending parallel to each other. These sections 120a, 120b are connected to each other at both ends to form a generally elongated annular structure, i.e., the first base 120. The gap between the two sections 120a and 120b forms the elongated slot 130, which will be described later. On the other hand, the second half 200 includes a second base 220 and a flock fiber layer 230. The second base 220 of the second half 200 is a plastic molded part having a substantially D-shaped cross section (except for the ridges, which will be described later). The flock fiber layer 230 of the second half 200 covers an outer surface 222 (see FIG. 8 ) of the second base 220 and forms the flock surface 212 of the second region 210. The flock fibers that form the flock fiber layer 230 are applied to the outer surface 222 of the second base 220 by any suitable method well known to those skilled in the art, for example, by bonding.

[0039] As best seen in FIG. 8 , the first half 100 and the second half 200 are connected to one another by a hinge system 600. In other words, the hinge system 600 connects the first half 100 and the second half 200 together. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 9 , which shows the first half 100 and the second half 200 folded about the hinge system 600, the applicator head 10 described above is completed by bending the first half 100 and the second half 200 about the hinge system 600 and then overlapping them together. The addition of a layer 230 composed of short flock fibers to the semi-cylindrical outer surface 222 of the second half 200 can be performed after this bending process. In alternative embodiments, other configurations of the hinge system can be employed. FIG. 10 illustrates such an alternative configuration of the hinge system. Unlike the hinge system 600 previously described (i.e., a mono-hinge), the hinge system 600' shown in Figure 10 has two inflection points 600a, 600b. Therefore, the hinge system 600' shown in Figure 10 is referred to as a double-hinge. This is particularly effective in reducing undesirable internal stresses that tend to re-expand the plastic molded part F when it is bent.

[0040] The first half 100 further includes a first extension 140 extending from one end (i.e., the root end) of the first half 100. Similarly, the second half 200 further includes a second extension 240 extending from one end (i.e., the root end) of the second half 200. These extensions 140 and 240 are slightly tapered toward their free ends. Furthermore, these extensions 140 and 240 are provided with steps 140a and 240a, respectively, near their free ends. When the first half 100 and the second half 200 are folded about the hinge system 600 and then placed one on top of the other, these extensions 140 and 240 ultimately form a connecting end 300 for connecting the applicator head 10 to the shank 20. As is clear from the above description, the linear structure including the extensions 140 and 240, i.e., the plastic molded part F (excluding the flock fiber layer 230), is a one-piece molded structure of a suitable plastic material that can be manufactured using, for example, injection molding techniques.

[0041] As previously described, the first base 120 of the first half 100 has an elongated slot 130. As shown in FIG. 8 , this elongated slot 130 extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis X. The elongated slot 130 of the first base 120 and the inner surface 224 (not flocked, see FIG. 5 ) of the second base 220 of the second half 200 cooperate to define the elongated groove 400 of the applicator head 10, previously described. Additionally, in this embodiment, the inner surface 224 of the second base 220 includes an elongated ridge 250 (see FIG. 5 ) extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis X. This elongated ridge 250 is integrally formed on the second base 220. The elongated ridges 250 are configured to extend into the elongated slots 130 of the first base 120 and partially define elongated grooves 400 in the applicator head 10 (see FIG. 5).

[0042] As described above, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head 10, and therefore the applicator 1, includes two regions 110, 210 with different functions, one on each side of the central longitudinal axis X. In this "double-sided" applicator head, the first region 110 serves to apply a sufficient amount of cosmetic product to the eyelashes while simultaneously combing them. Meanwhile, the second region 210 serves to spread the product and remove excess product from the eyelashes. Because these two regions are positioned on the applicator head 10 so as to face substantially opposite each other across the central longitudinal axis X, when using the applicator head 10, a user can quickly use the second region 210 instead of the first region 110, or vice versa, simply by changing its orientation. Therefore, it is possible to easily achieve uniformity of the applied product, good product deposition, and separation of the eyelashes after application by properly using the first region 110 and the second region 210 of the applicator head 10. Furthermore, the second region 210 helps to impart softness to the eyelashes, so that the applicator head 10, and therefore the applicator 1, can achieve a better finish.

[0043] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and changes are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 applicator 10 Applicator Head 20 shank 22 (of shank 20) ​​distal end 24 (at distal end 22) hollow portion 100 First Half 110 (of applicator head 10) first region, first processing section 112 Multiple Thin Plates 112a, 112b thin plate side 114 Space 120 First Base 120a, 120b classification 130 Long and narrow slot 140 (of first half 100) first extension 140a, 240a tier 200 Second Half 210 (of applicator head 10) second region, second processing section 212 Flock surface 220 Second Base 222 (of the second base 220) outer surface, semi-cylindrical outer surface 224 (of second base 220) inner surface 230 Flock fiber layer 240 second extension (of second half 200) 250 (inner surface 224) elongated ridge 300 (of applicator head 10) connection end 310 Transition Section 320 Boss 400 (Applicator head 10) slot 400a internal space 500 side slit 600 Hinge System, Mono Hinge 600' Hinge System, Double Hinge 600a, 600b inflection point AA and BB lines D1 Tip side thickness D2 Base thickness F. Plastic molded parts W (side slit 500) opening width X longitudinal center axis

Claims

1. An applicator head (10) for applying a product to a target, A longitudinal center axis (X), a first region (110) and a second region (210) having a function different from that of the first region (110), which are arranged so as to face in substantially opposite directions with the longitudinal central axis (X) therebetween; Including, The first region (110) includes a plurality of lamellae (112) spaced apart along the longitudinal central axis (X), each lamella (112) extending radially outward about the longitudinal central axis (X); the second region (210) includes a flock surface (212); the first region (110) and the second region (210) are connected to each other by a hinge system (600); the applicator head (10) further includes an elongated groove (400), the elongated groove (400) extending parallel to the longitudinal central axis (X) and positioned closer to the longitudinal central axis (X) than the plurality of thin plates (112), and each space (114) defined between two adjacent thin plates (112) is connected to the elongated groove (400); The applicator head (10) further includes at least one side slit (500), which extends parallel to the longitudinal central axis (X) and connects the interior space (400a) of the elongated groove portion (400) to the outside.

2. 2. The applicator head (10) of claim 1, wherein each thin plate (112) is oriented such that each thin plate (112) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (X) and / or each thin plate (112) has a substantially arcuate shape.

3. 3. The applicator head (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the applicator head (10) is intended to be used while being disposed at the distal end (22) of a shank (20), and the applicator head (10) further includes a connecting end (300) for connecting to the shank (20).

4. The applicator head (10) comprises at least a first half (100) extending along the longitudinal central axis (X) and including the first region (110); a second half (200) extending along the longitudinal central axis (X) and including the second region (210); It is composed of The first half (100) comprises: a first base (120); the plurality of thin plates (112) disposed on the first base (120); Including, The second half (200) comprises: a second base (220); a flock fiber layer (230) covering the outer surface (222) of the second base (220) and forming the flock surface (212) of the second region (210); Including, An applicator head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 5. The applicator head (10) of claim 4, wherein the first half (100) and the second half (200) are connected to each other by the hinge system (600), and the applicator head (10) is completed by bending the first half (100) and the second half (200) around the hinge system (600) and then overlapping them on top of each other.

6. 6. The applicator head (10) of claim 5, wherein the first half (100) and the second half (200) are integrally connected to one another by the hinge system (600).

7. 5. The applicator head (10) of claim 4, wherein the first base (120) of the first half (100) has an elongated slot (130) extending parallel to the longitudinal central axis (X), and the elongated slot (130) of the first base (120) and an inner surface (224) of the second base (220) of the second half (200), which is not flocked, cooperate to define the elongated groove portion (400).

8. 8. The applicator head (10) of claim 7, wherein the inner surface (224) of the second base (220) includes elongated ridges (250) extending parallel to the longitudinal central axis (X), the elongated ridges (250) configured to penetrate into the elongated slots (130) of the first base (120).

9. 9. The applicator head (10) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the applicator head (10) is an eyelash applicator head and the target is the user's own eyelashes or the eyelashes of another person.

10. An applicator (1) for applying a product to a target, An applicator head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a shank (20) including a distal end (22), the applicator head (10) being disposed at the distal end (22) of the shank (20); An applicator (1).

11. 11. The applicator (1) of claim 10, wherein the applicator head (10) is positioned at the distal end (22) of the shank (20) so that the applicator head (10) and the shank (20) are aligned in a straight line.

12. 12. The applicator (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the applicator head (10) is removably attached to the distal end (22) of the shank (20).

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