Flocked makeup applicator
Patent Information
- Application Number
- US19/096201
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure US20260294078A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
SUMMARY
[0001] This disclosure is directed to flocked applicators for applying makeup or cosmetics. The flocked applicators include a connector on a first end and the flocked section at the second end. The connector at the first end is configured to receive an elongated stem. The stem can include a cap which is then used to close the opening to a cosmetics bottle. The opening in the bottle has a wiper to squeeze excess formulation from the applicator as the applicator is withdrawn from the bottle. The second end of the applicator is offset with respect to an adjacent section of the applicator. The offset section of the applicator is configured to receive a glue for attaching the flocking to the applicator. The glue lead edge and the flock fibers are therefore placed beginning at the edge between the offset distal section and the adjacent section. The offset section being smaller than the adjacent section prevents the wiper from scraping directly on the glue or fiber lead edges which lessens the wear and tension on the glue and flock fibers, providing for a longer life.
[0002] Features of the applicator include, but are not limited, a “doe foot” shaped applicator, a partial flocked applicator, a specific angle to flock edge with the remainder of the applicator, such as between 0-90 degrees, an offset area into the main middle section, such as between 0.010 mm and 2 mm (distal to proximal) or approximately 10% of total flock length. The flock fibers can be 0.5 mm-3 mm in length, and the flock fibers can have a diameter (dtex) 1.7 mm to 3.3 mm.
[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1A is a diagrammatical illustration of an embodiment of an applicator;
[0006] FIG. 1B is a diagrammatical illustration of the applicator of FIG. 1 with a layer of glue and fibers applied to the distal section;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical illustration of an applicator similar to the applicator of FIG. 1 with a modification in the connector;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical illustration of an applicator similar to the applicator of FIG. 1 with a modification in the connector;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical illustration of an applicator similar to the applicator of FIG. 1 with a modification in the middle section;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical illustration of an applicator similar to the applicator of FIG. 1 with a modification in the middle section;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical illustration of an applicator similar to the applicator of FIG. 1 with a first glue reservoir groove;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical illustration of an applicator similar to the applicator of FIG. 1 with a modification in the middle section;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatical illustration of an applicator similar to the applicator of FIG. 1 with second glue reservoir grooves; and
[0014] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatical illustration of an applicator assembled to a stem, a cap, shown being withdrawn from a bottle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] A problem with flocked applicators is that they can have the flocking scraped off during use while being pulled through wiping components both in and out from the bottle. To improve the integrity of glue adhesion and life of the applicator's function and life cycle of the applicator, this disclosure is related to an applicator including a stepped in area, or offset section, which receives the glue layer and is thus protected from direct contact with the wiper.
[0016] Features of the applicator include, a “doe foot” shaped applicator, a partial flocked applicator, a specific angle of the flock border edge, such as between 0-90 degrees, an offset section middle section, such as between 0.010 mm and 2 mm (distal to proximal) or approximately 10% of total flock length, the flock fibers can be 0.5 mm-3 mm in length, and the flock fibers can have a diameter (dtex) 1.7 mm to 3.3 mm. The ranges are exemplary. Although the ranges can have specific end points (clearly defined), the end points of the ranges in this disclosure can vary up to 25%.
[0017] Partial flocking on less than half the applicator controls the amount of formula loading. This feature addresses messiness initially and over time and provides more control and precision for applying cosmetic formulas.
[0018] When the flocking section is offset from the larger section of the applicator, de-flocking can be lessened at the lead edge of the glue and flocked section when contacted by the wiper. Further, the offset section provides additional advantages by capturing and retaining the glue, increasing flock adhesion, and providing protection from de-flocking by the wipers.
[0019] Embodiments of the applicator can be made from materials with hardness range of Shore A 30 to Shore A 95 (or 100), a Shore D value 0 to Shore D 70, and a flex modulus of 650 psi to 11,603 (80 Mpa). Materials which are more rigid can have stronger chemical resistance.
[0020] Embodiments of the applicator can provide more control of applying formula with larger diameter applicators, control the formula loading, provide more applicator and wiper combinations and options for specific formula properties (viscosity, rheological, solvent type and content).
[0021] Embodiments of the applicator can be targeted for spot application and undereye application, lips, and the like.
[0022] Applicators of this disclosure have an advantage because the flocking is glued to a section of the applicator that is offset from a larger section, the wipers do not scrape against the leading edge of the glue and fiber lead edge extending the integrity of the glue to fiber adhesion and lessening the fibers from being detached from the applicator.
[0023] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate embodiments of the applicators 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800. Applicator 100 is being used to describe a representative applicator; however, the description of applicator 100 applies to applicators 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800. Therefore, applicators 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 are similar to applicator 100 with the modifications noted herein. The indented areas can be combined with applicators with different geometry styles-Spatula, Chisel, organic and amorphous forms. Each having regular or irregular geometric cross sections (rectangular, triangular, square, and the like or amorphic, organic forms with spline curve combinations) as well as overall top plan views having regular or irregular geometric shapes (rectangular, triangular, square, and the like or amorphic, organic forms with spline curve combinations).
[0024] The applicator 100 is connectable to a stem (shown in FIG. 9). The applicator 100 is made from a rigid or semi-rigid material. The applicator 100 is generally cylindrical in shape along the length dimension. The applicator 100 can be described as having a connector 102 at the proximal end, a distal section 106 at the opposite (distal) end, and a middle section 104 between the connector 102 and the distal section 106. The connector 102, the middle section 104, and the distal section 106 are coaxial with respect to each other with the center of each section lying on the same centerline. The middle section 104, the distal section 106, and the connector 102 can be integrally formed from a single or monolithic material, or each section can be of the same or dissimilar material.
[0025] The middle section 104 can be defined by a proximal edge 108 and a distal edge 110. The middle section 104 of the applicator includes a first diameter at the distal edge 110. The middle section 104 can have a constant diameter or the diameter can vary along the length of the middle section. The distal edge 110 of the middle section 104 is oblique with respect to the centerline of the applicator 100. The distal edge 110 of the middle section 104 has a low point and a high point around the circumference of the middle section and can resemble an ellipse that is slanting. The distal edge 110 is oblique around a circumference of the middle section with respect to a centerline of the applicator. The proximal edge 108 can be orthogonal (at a right angle) with respect to the centerline.
[0026] The distal section 106 of the applicator 100 can be defined by a proximal edge 112 at the proximal side and a slanting surface 114 at the distal side. The distal section 106 includes a second diameter at the proximal edge 112, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter of the middle section 104. The diameter of the distal section 106 can be constant for part of the length or the diameter can vary with the length.. The connector 102 includes a cylindrical section that can have a third diameter smaller than the first and the second diameters.
[0027] The proximal edge 112 of the distal section 106 is oblique with respect to the centerline of the applicator. The angle of the proximal edge 112 of the distal section 106 with respect to a centerline can be the same angle as the distal edge 110 of the middle section 104. The distal section 106 is juxtaposed to a distal side of the middle section 104 such that the proximal edge 112 of the distal section 106 is offset radially inward from the distal edge 110 of the middle section 104. This offset can be for the entire 360 degrees around the distal section or less than 360 degrees.
[0028] The distal section is offset radially inward from the middle section from 0.01 mm and 2 mm. In embodiments of the applicators, the amount of offset measures at most 10% of the total length of the distal section. The offset surface from the middle section to the distal section can be flat, sloping up from the middle section to the distal section, or sloping down from the middle section to the distal section. The distal section can decrease in diameter from proximal edge 112 in the distal direction. The distal section can increase in diameter from proximal edge 112 in the distal direction so that the diameter of the distal section can increase to be the same or greater than the largest diameter of the middle section. However, the offset from the distal edge 110 to proximal edge 112 has a purpose to prevent the glue lead edge from being scraped.
[0029] The distal section can be offset from the middle section for the entire circumference (360 degrees) resembling an annular elliptical surface. However, it is possible that embodiments of the applicators include a distal section that is offset only partially around the circumference. In this latter case, it is possible to limit the glue layer and the flocking to the offset area to prevent the lead edge of the glue from scraping against wipers.
[0030] The distal end of the distal section 106 can terminate in a slanting surface 114. The slanting surface 114 can be in the shape an ellipse which results from any angled cut of a cylinder. However, in the illustrated embodiments, the shape is not an ellipse, but instead resembles a teardrop shape. Other descriptions of a teardrop shape include pear shape, lachrymiform, and piriform.
[0031] The applicator 100 includes a connector 102 for connecting to a stem (see FIG. 9. The connector 102 is juxtaposed to the proximal side of the middle section 104 and is the proximal end of the applicator.
[0032] The applicator 100 includes a glue layer that is applied on the surface of the distal section 106 (see FIG. 9). Generally, the glue is a liquid that is coated onto the applicator through a dipping process. The liquid tends to flow into and along the contours of the distal section 106. The offset diameters from the distal edge 110 to the proximal edge 112 provides a boundary where the lead edge of the glue layer forms. The lead edge of the glue layer becomes offset radially inward of the middle section. In embodiments, the glue layer entirely covers the distal section starting at the offset between the distal section 106 and the middle section 104. Since the glue follows the contours, the angle of the lead edge of the glue layer with respect to the centerline is similar to the oblique angle where the middle and distal sections meet.
[0033] FIG. 1B is an illustration the applicator 100 including flocking made from fibers 116 adhered to a glue layer on the distal section. The fibers 116 are from 0.5 mm to 3 mm in length and have a diameter from 1.7 mm to 3.3 mm. Similar to applicator 100, applicators 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 can have flocking made from gluing fibers 116 on the distal section.
[0034] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an applicator 200 where like numbers represent like parts described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1 with exceptions as noted herein. The applicator 200 includes a connector 102 with vertical slots 250. The vertical slots 250 are spaced along a part of the circumference of the connector 102. The vertical slots 250 can extend only partly in the axial direction. The vertical slots 250 can include rectangular openings the depth of which extend only partly in the radial direction. The vertical slots 250 are included to provide a higher degree of flexibility.
[0035] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of an applicator 300 where like numbers represent like parts described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1 with exceptions as noted herein. The applicator 300 includes a connector 102 with vertical slots 350. The vertical slots 350 are equally spaced along the entire circumference of the connector 102. The vertical slots 350 can extend only partly in the axial direction. The vertical slots 350 can include rectangular openings the depth of which extending only partly in the radial direction of the connector. The vertical slots 350 are included to provide a higher degree of flexibility.
[0036] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of an applicator 400 where like numbers represent like parts described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1 with exceptions as noted herein. The applicator 400 includes a middle section 104 with slots 450 in the shape of a chevron or “V” shape. The center point of the chevron slots 450 are pointing in the proximal direction, and the arms extend diagonally and distally from the center point along the periphery of the middle section. When two or more chevron slots are included, each chevron slot is aligned so that the center points are on the same line, and the arms can be parallel with respect to the arms of the adjacent chevron slot. The depth of the chevron slots 450 can extend only partly in the radial direction of the connector. The chevron slots 450 are included to provide a higher degree of flexibility. Each slot creates its own flex point, which allows for a specific, direction flex. The depth of each slot can also vary for desired flexibility amount. The v-shape can be a revolve cut around the longitudinal axis creating centric slot or slots, in arc segments 0-360 degrees.
[0037] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of an applicator 500 where like numbers represent like parts described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1 with exceptions as noted herein. The applicator 500 includes a middle section 104 with slots 550 in the shape of an inverted chevron or “inverted V” shape. The center point of the chevron slots 550 are pointing in the distal direction, and the arms extend diagonally and proximally from the center point along the periphery of the connector. When two or more chevron slots are included, each slot is aligned so that the center points are on the same line, and the arms can be parallel with respect to the arms of the adjacent chevron slot. The depth of the chevron slots 550 can extend only partly within the radial direction of the connector. The chevron slots 550 are included to provide a higher degree of flexibility.
[0038] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of an applicator 600 where like numbers represent like parts described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1 with exceptions noted herein. The applicator 600 further includes a first glue reservoir groove 650 around a circumference of the applicator where the middle section 104 is joined to the distal section 106. The first glue reservoir groove 650 is radially inward of the first diameter of the middle section 104 and of the second diameter of the distal section 106. The first glue reservoir groove 650 is adjacent to the offset between the middle section 104 and the distal section 106, so it is slanting from a low point to a high point. The first glue reservoir groove 650 allows the glue to flow into the groove creating the lead edge of the glue.
[0039] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an embodiment of an applicator 700 where like numbers represent like parts described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1 with exceptions noted herein. The cosmetic applicator 700 includes a middle section 104 further comprising vertical slots 750 along the exterior of the middle section. The vertical slots 750 are spaced along a part of the circumference of the middle section 704. The vertical slots 750 can extend only partly in the axial direction. The vertical slots 750 can include rectangular openings the depth of which extending only partly in the radial direction. The vertical slots 750 are included to provide a higher degree of flexibility. The vertical slots 750 are positioned from the proximal edge 108 to about a half of the middle section. The vertical slots 750 can be spaced around less than a whole of a periphery of the middle section.
[0040] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an embodiment of an applicator 800 where like numbers represent like parts described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1 with exceptions noted herein. The cosmetic applicator 800 comprises a distal section 106 that further comprises second glue reservoir grooves 850 positioned vertically on the distal section 806. The second glue reservoir grooves 850 are spaced around an exterior periphery of the distal section 106. The second glue reservoir grooves 850 extend in the axial direction from the proximal edge 112 to the edge of the slanting surface 114. The depth of the second glue reservoir grooves 850 extend partly in the radial direction. The applicator 800 may also include a first glue reservoir groove 650 described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 6. The second glue reservoir grooves 850 allows glue flow into the grooves 850 ensure better spread and coverage of glue on the distal section.
[0041] FIG. 9 is an illustration of the flocked applicator 100 in an assembly with a stem 908 and a cap 912. However, any of the applicators 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 can be used in the assembly. The offset feature provides an advantage as the applicator is withdrawn from a bottle 900 including a cosmetic. The bottle 900 has a neck 904 with an opening through which the flocked applicator 100 is inserted and withdrawn. The inside surface of the neck 904 includes one or more wipers 902 to remove excess cosmetic from the applicator when the applicator is withdrawn so that the applicator is loaded with a manageable amount of cosmetic before application.
[0042] Applicators of this disclosure have an advantage because the flocking 116 is glued to a glue layer 910 that is offset radially inward from the middle section 104. As illustrated the glue layer 910 is applied to the distal section 106 that is offset radially inward from the larger middle section 104. The lead edge 906 of the glue layer 910 is formed such that the wipers 902 do not scrape against the lead edge 906 of the glue and fibers. Thus, extending the integrity of the glue to fiber adhesion and lessening the fibers 116 from being detached from the applicator.
[0043] A method of making a flocked applicator comprises applying a glue layer on a distal section of the applicator, wherein the distal section includes a proximal edge that is offset radially inward of an adjacent and larger section of the applicator and the proximal edge of distal section is oblique around a circumference of the distal section with respect to a centerline of the applicator; and applying fibers to the glue layer. The entire distal section can be offset radially inward of the adjacent larger section of the applicator.
[0044] The method further comprises applying the glue layer at least into a first glue reservoir groove formed adjacent to the proximal edge of the distal section and around the circumference of the distal section.
[0045] The method further comprises applying the glue layer into a plurality of second glue reservoir grooves, wherein the plurality of second glue reservoir grooves are positioned vertically and spaced around an exterior periphery of the distal section. The second glue reservoir grooves can extend from the proximal edge of the distal section distally toward the end of the distal section.
[0046] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A cosmetic applicator connectable to a stem, comprising:the applicator is configured to have a centerline;a middle section including a first diameter at a distal edge, wherein the distal edge of the middle section is oblique with respect to the centerline;a distal section including a second diameter at a proximal edge, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, the proximal edge of the distal section is oblique with respect to the centerline, wherein the distal section is juxtaposed to a distal side of the middle section where the proximal edge of the distal section is offset radially inward from the distal edge of the middle section;a connector for connecting to the stem, wherein the connector is juxtaposed to a proximal side of the middle section;a glue layer on the distal section, wherein a proximal lead edge of the glue layer is offset radially inward of the middle section, and the lead edge of the glue layer is oblique to the centerline; andfibers adhered to the glue layer on the distal section, wherein the proximal lead edge of the glue layer is offset radially inward from the first diameter.
2. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, further comprising a first glue reservoir groove around a circumference of the applicator where the middle section is juxtaposed to the distal section, the first glue reservoir groove is radially inward of the second diameter.
3. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, further comprising second glue reservoir grooves positioned vertically, wherein the second glue reservoir grooves are spaced around an exterior periphery of the distal section, the second glue reservoirs extending distally from the proximal edge of the distal section.
4. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the middle section, the distal section, and the connector are integrally formed from a monolithic material.
5. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, further comprising vertical slots along the exterior of the middle section, the vertical slots providing flexibility.
6. The cosmetic applicator of claim 5, wherein the vertical slots are positioned from a proximal side to about a middle of the middle section.
7. The cosmetic applicator of claim 5, wherein the vertical slots are spaced around less than a whole of a periphery of the middle section.
8. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, further comprising vertical slots along the exterior of the connector, the vertical slots providing flexibility.
9. The cosmetic applicator of claim 8, wherein the vertical slots are spaced around less than a whole of a periphery of the connector.
10. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a cylindrical part having a third diameter smaller than the first and the second diameters.
11. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the middle section, the distal section, and the connector are coaxial with respect to each other.
12. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein an angle of the lead edge of the glue layer with respect to the centerline is greater than 0 and less than 90 degrees.
13. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the fibers are from 0.5 mm to 3 mm in length and have a diameter from 1.7 mm to 3.3 mm.
14. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the distal section is offset radially inward from the middle section from 0.01 mm and 2 mm.
15. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the offset measures at most 10% of the total length of the distal section.
16. A method of making a flocked applicator, comprising:applying a glue layer on a distal section of an applicator, wherein the distal section includes a proximal edge that is offset radially inward of an adjacent section of the applicator, and the proximal edge of distal section is oblique with respect to a centerline of the applicator; andapplying fibers to the glue layer.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the entire distal section is offset radially inward of the adjacent section of the applicator.
18. The method of 16, further comprising applying the glue layer at least into a first glue reservoir groove formed at the proximal edge of the distal section and around a circumference of the distal section.
19. The method claim 16, further comprising applying the glue layer into a plurality of second glue reservoir grooves, wherein the plurality of second glue reservoir grooves are positioned vertically and spaced around an exterior periphery of the distal section.