Stabilized mascara applicator

Abstract

The applicator assembly (1) comprises a main body (2) including at least one gripping portion (3) intended to be held by the user, at least one working portion (4), for example in the form of an application member, associated with the gripping portion (3), and stabilization means (6) associated with the main body (2) and adapted to reduce the oscillations of the working portion (4) during application.

Description

[0001] MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH

[0002] STABILIZED MASCARA APPLICATOR

[0003] The present invention relates to an applicator assembly, preferably a cosmetic applicator assembly in the form of a mascara applicator assembly, more preferably of an eyeliner applicator assembly, all according to the preamble of claim 1 .

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] With preferred, but not exclusive , reference to the cosmetic sector, various types of applicator assemblies are known, di f fering in shape and / or si ze , to be used according to the type of usage and the visual ef fect to be obtained .

[0006] Generally speaking, all applicator assemblies have a gripping portion intended to be held by the user and a working portion adapted to applying a formulation onto a working surface .

[0007] In the speci fic case of cosmetic applications , the formulation is typically in one of several forms , including but not limited to liquid, powder, pasty or creamy and is often referred to as "mass" , which is distributed over a body surface , for example the eyelashes or the lips , to be made-up .

[0008] To achieve the desired aesthetic result , the gripping portion must be carefully held and maneuvered by the user, who needs to move with precision and regularly ensuring that the mass is being properly applied to the working surface .

[0009] In this regard, it is well known that users may often experience slight hand tremors when performing tasks requiring fine motor skills . MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH

[0010] This can compromise the accuracy of the application, thereby diminishing the overall visual ef fect and necessitating timeconsuming corrections .

[0011] The inherent inaccuracy of traditional applicators poses a signi ficant challenge for all users , but it is particularly problematic for individuals with pronounced hand tremors , such as the elderly or those with conditions impairing hand control .

[0012] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The main aim of the present invention is to devise an applicator assembly that can be ef ficiently utili zed by all users , including the elderly and those with conditions impairing hand control , to achieve precise and accurate application of the mass .

[0014] Another obj ect of the present invention is to devise an applicator assembly having a simple and intuitive construction .

[0015] A further obj ect of the present invention is to devise an applicator assembly which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple , rational , easy and ef fective to use as well as inexpensive solution .

[0016] INVENTIVE SOLUTION

[0017] The aforementioned obj ects are achieved by this applicator assembly having the characteristics of claim 1 . MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive , embodiment of an applicator assembly, illustrated by way of an indicative , yet non-limiting example . At this point it is important that all the single features of the preferred embodiment in regard to the stabili zation system are independently from the rest of the preferred embodiment as such of importance .

[0019] LIST OF FIGURES

[0020] Figure 1 is an axonometric, overall view of a cosmetic unit 10 including the applicator assembly according to the invention;

[0021] Figure 2 shows an axonometric view of some of the components of the applicator assembly according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is an exploded view of some of the components shown in Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a cosmetic unit 10 including the applicator assembly according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cosmetic unit 10 including the applicator assembly according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a cosmetic unit 10 including the applicator assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the invention . MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH

[0026] PREFERRRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] With particular reference to these figures , reference numeral 1 globally denotes an applicator assembly .

[0028] It is worth pointing out that , in the present application, the use of the word "associate" ( or derivative words such as "associated" ) , when referring to two or more components of the invention, indicates that these components may be combined in various di f ferent ways , for example by means of glueing, extrusion molding, formfitting and / or snapping .

[0029] In other words , any technically feasible method of coupling the aforementioned components falls within the scope of the term "associate" and its derivatives .

[0030] The applicator assembly 1 comprises a main body 2 including at least one gripping portion 3 intended to be held by the user and at least one working portion 4 , for example in the form of an application member 4 , associated with the gripping portion 3 .

[0031] As seeable in Fig . 2 , the main body 2 preferably has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis L .

[0032] Advantageously, the gripping portion 3 has a cylindrical shape , which makes it easier to be grasp and held firmly by the user .

[0033] Regarding the working portion 4 , the latter is removably detachable from the gripping portion 3 , i . e . to ease the substitution of damaged and / or worn-out parts .

[0034] Di f ferent embodiments shouldn' t however be ruled out ; for MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH example , ones in which the gripping portion 3 and the working portion 4 are fixed to one another as to make a single-piece main body 2 .

[0035] As visible in Fig . 2 and Fig . 4 , the working portion 4 that could, advantageously but not limited to , be a fibered, bristled or flocked application member .

[0036] More speci fically, with reference to the aforementioned figures , the bristled application member 4 includes bristles 4a arranged to form a plurality of rows positioned radially around the longitudinal axis L .

[0037] The person skilled in the art will immediately recogni ze how numerous di f ferent embodiments of the working portion 4 are theoretically possible , for example with bristles arranged in a spiral around the longitudinal axis L of the main body 2 instead of being arranged to form the aforementioned rows ; with bristles or tufted fibers extending in the same direction of the longitudinal axis ; with flocked or unflocked molded or 3D printed applicator heads ; or a droplet .

[0038] The applicator assembly 1 may comprise a container 5 adapted to contain a fluid, pasty and / or creamy product to be applied to a working surface .

[0039] In the speci fic case of cosmetic applications , the product corresponds to a cosmetic formulation, and the working surface to a user' s body surface onto which the cosmetic formulation is to be applied .

[0040] As already known in the state of the art , the container 5 is provided with a threaded part adapted to cooperate with a MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH corresponding threaded portion formed on the main body 2, in such a way as to allow the coupling and uncoupling of these bodies depending on whether the user needs to use the applicator assembly 1 or not.

[0041] Preferably, the applicator assembly 1 is intended to apply a cosmetic formulation.

[0042] In other words, the applicator assembly 1 is preferably a cosmetic applicator assembly.

[0043] Even more preferably, the applicator assembly 1 is intended to apply the cosmetic formulation near the eye area, preferably in the eyelid, more preferably in the lashes.

[0044] According to this preferred embodiment, the applicator assembly 1 is provided for a mascara applicator member 4.

[0045] More specifically, according to this preferred embodiment the applicator assembly 1 is provided for an eyeliner applicator member 4.

[0046] Different types of applicator member 4 are not, however, to be ruled out, e.g. lip-gloss applicator members (in this case, the body surface corresponds to the lips) , foundation applicator members (in this case, the body surface corresponds to the face) , or even applicator members for skincare products such as serums and creams (in this case, the body portion corresponds to the skin) .

[0047] At the same time, different types of applications are not to be ruled out as well, for example applicator assemblies 1 for applying dental, veterinary or medical materials instead of cosmetic formulations. MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH

[0048] According to the invention - and also completely independently of the preferred embodiment - the applicator unit 1 comprises stabilizing means 6 which are connected to the main body 2 and which are suitable for reducing the vibrations of the working portion 4 during application.

[0049] Preferably, the stabilization means 6 is associated in a detachable manner to the main body 2. This allows for a quick, intuitive and cost-effective substitution of the stabilization means 6, for example, in the event that either is damaged and / or the user wishes to employ a different type; and of the main body 2, for example, if the user wishes to use the stabilization means 6 for different cosmetic units, or to replace a finished one.

[0050] Different embodiments of the applicator assembly 1 are not, however, to be ruled out, for example, one in which the stabilization means 6 are fixed to the main body 2 and, therefore, cannot be substituted.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the present finding, the stabilization means 6 comprise at least a stabilization body 7 rotatable around a rotation axis R and adapted to exert, due to its rotation, a stabilization force on the working portion 4 opposing the oscillations of the latter.

[0052] It is therefore sufficient for the user to activate the rotation of the stabilization body 7 before the application of the mass on the working surface so that it significantly reduces the oscillations of the main body 2, improving the precision of use and the overall result obtained. MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH

[0053] This renders the applicator assembly 1 particularly efficient for use by all users, including the elderly and those with conditions impairing hand control, to achieve precise and accurate application of the mass.

[0054] The stabilization body 7 can be of different types - this applies, too, completely independent from the preferred embodiment. Specifically, the stabilization body 7 can be of the mechanical type, for example a coil spring (as illustratively represented in Fig. 6) or a similar device. Alternatively, the stabilization body 7 can be of the electrical type, for example a power assembly comprising an electric drive and a switch connected to it.

[0055] The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the applicator assembly 1 can comprise both mechanical and electrical types of stabilization bodies 7, i.e. two or more stabilization bodies 7.

[0056] In other words, the cosmetic applicator assembly according to the present invention - but fully independent from the rest of the preferred embodiment - can comprise both a coil spring and a power assembly cooperating with one another.

[0057] According to the preferred embodiment, the stabilization body 7 is of the mechanical type.

[0058] More specifically, with particular reference at Fig. 3 and

[0059] Fig. 5, the stabilization body 7 comprises: at least one base portion 7a with a substantially annular shape, mounted on the main body 2; and at least one protrusion 7b associated with the base portion 7a, suitable for rotating the stabilization body 7 around MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH the rotation axis R .

[0060] In this case , the user simply needs to apply a force to the protrusion 7b in order to make the stabili zation body 7 spin around the longitudinal axis L .

[0061] It is worth noting that the fact that the stabili zation means 6 is detachable from the main body 2 allows the user to employ a di f ferent kind of stabili zation body 7 , such as those with varying radial dimension and / or number of protrusions 7b .

[0062] This flexibility enables the adj ustment of the degree of oscillation reduction achieved by the rotation of the stabili zation body 7 , thereby allowing the user to customi ze the applicator assembly 1 to their personal needs and preferences .

[0063] Going into more details , the stabili zation body 7 comprises multiple protrusions 7b arranged circumferentially around the base portion 7a .

[0064] It is important to note that such a stabili zation body 7 allows for an applicator assembly 1 with a simple and intuitive construction .

[0065] This advantageously reduces production times , improving time- to-market , and keeps sales prices low, encouraging customer purchases .

[0066] As shown in Fig . 2 and Fig . 5 , the rotation axis R of the stabili zation body 7 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis L, this applies generally independent from the rest of the preferred embodiment . MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH

[0067] This allows for a smoother user of the stabili zation body 7 and for an overall improved reduction of the oscillation of the main body 2 .

[0068] Speci fically, the stabili zation body 7 is of the gyroscope type .

[0069] It ' s worth noting that Fig . 3 shows a flywheel as the stabili zation body 7 ; one skilled in the art will readily understand that flywheels in gyroscopes stabili ze against oscillations . The aforementioned sentences apply generally independent from the rest of the preferred embodiment

[0070] Moreover, the person skilled in the art will easily appreciate that the stabili zation body 7 may comprise a framework around the flywheel so that the user doesn' t interfere with the latter, as well as one or more gimbals cooperating with the flywheel , also this applies generally .

[0071] Optionally, the stabili zation means 6 comprise at least one friction-reducing element , not shown in the figures , interposed between the stabili zation body 7 and the main body 2 and adapted to reduce friction during the rotation of the stabili zation body 7 around the rotation axis R .

[0072] Although theoretically not necessary, the presence of the friction-reducing element ensures nonetheless a smooth and ef ficient use of the stabili zation body 7 , leading to an even better reduction of its oscillation .

[0073] Speci fically, and independent from the rest of the preferred embodiment , the friction-reducing element is substantially ring-shaped and positioned coaxially with respect to the main MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH body 2 and the stabilization body 7.

[0074] In other words, the main body 2, the stabilization body 7 and the friction-reducing element are all coaxial to one another with respect to the longitudinal axis L and the rotation axis R.

[0075] More specifically and independent from the rest, the frictionreducing element is of the rolling bearing type.

[0076] The person skilled in the art will readily appreciate how different types of friction-reducing elements can be easily implemented instead of the rolling bearing type one, for example, plain bearings, magnetic bearings, or even fluid bearings. Each of these alternatives can provide different advantages depending on the specific requirements of the cosmetic applicator assembly 1, such as cost, durability, and ease of manufacturing - all independently from the rest of the preferred embodiment. The choice of friction-reducing element can thus be tailored to optimize the performance and user experience of the applicator assembly 1.

[0077] The stabilization body 7 can be mounted (in a removable or irremovable manner) directly on the gripping portion 3; i.e., without the presence of any additional body between the two.

[0078] A person skilled in the art will easily understand how this result can be achieved, for example, by forming a specific seat for the stabilization body 7 in the gripping portion 3. The aforementioned seat could be formed along the gripping portion 3 (i.e., along the longitudinal axis L and the rotation axis R) in any position.

[0079] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the stabilization means 6 has at least one support element 8 that is associated to the gripping portion 3 and defines at MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH least a seat 8a intended to house the stabili zation body 7 .

[0080] Speci fically, the support element 8 is located at the end of the gripping portion 3 opposite the working portion 4 .

[0081] Preferably, the support element 8 is associated in a detachable manner to the gripping portion 3 , this applies generally .

[0082] It is straight- forward to understand how this expedient allows for a quick and easy substitution of the support element 8 in case of need .

[0083] The applicator assembly 1 insofar disclosed can be used for a variety of di f ferent purposes , in numerous di f ferent technical fields and with a lot of di f ferent masses , and is therefore marketable by itsel f as a single standalone product .

[0084] Preferably, the applicator assembly 1 can be sold within a cosmetic unit , more preferably, the applicator assembly 1 within the cosmetic unit can be sold together with a cosmetic mass .

[0085] In this case , the applicator assembly 1 is provided for a cosmetic applicator, for example a mascara applicator . More speci fically, the present invention also claims a cosmetic unit 10 comprising : an applicator assembly 1 ; a cosmetic reservoir 5 ; and a cosmetic mass to be applied to a body surface .

[0086] In particular, the cosmetic mass is stored inside the reservoir 5 and gets extracted from it thanks to the working portion 4 . MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH

[0087] Preferably, the cosmetic reservoir comprises at least a wiping member 9 adapted to regulate the amount of cosmetic mass extracted on the working portion 4 .

[0088] The applicator assembly 1 can be conveniently manufactured according to the teachings above , in such a way that the stabili zation means 6 are already integrated into the main body 2 .

[0089] In other words , the applicator assembly 1 described so far is produced and subsequently marketed with the stabili zation means 6 already mounted in the seat 8a and ready to be used by the user to reduce the oscillation of the main body 2 .

[0090] Alternatively, the cosmetic applicator assembly according to the invention can be obtained by modi fying traditional applicator assemblies , i . e . applicator assemblies already existing on the market and lacking any stabili zation means .

[0091] To this regard, the present invention is also directed at a method for obtaining a cosmetic applicator assembly according to the present finding .

[0092] Speci fically, the method comprises the following steps : providing stabili zation means 6 ; and associating the stabili zation means 6 to the main body 2 of an existing cosmetic applicator assembly so as to obtain an applicator assembly 1 .

[0093] As previously explained, the stabili zation body 7 can be mounted directly on the gripping portion 3 .

[0094] That said, the step of providing stabili zation means 6 MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH preferably comprises a sub-step of supplying a support element 8 .

[0095] In this case , the step of associating the stabili zation means 6 to the main body 2 conveniently comprises the following substeps : connecting the support element 8 to the main body 2 ; and mounting the stabili zation body 7 in a seat 8a of the support element 8 .

[0096] The described method enables to easily modi fy commercially- available cosmetic applicator assemblies , enhancing their stability during the application of the cosmetic formulation and, by virtue of that , overcoming the aforementioned drawback of the current state of the art .

[0097] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended obj ects .

[0098] In particular, the fact is emphasi zed that the special expedient of providing stabili zation means make the cosmetic applicator assembly according to the present invention ef ficiently usable by all users , including the elderly and those with conditions impairing hand control , to achieve precise and accurate application of the cosmetic product .

[0099] Finally, it is shown that the special construction of the stabili zation body allows to obtain a cosmetic applicator assembly having a simple and intuitive production, leading to a reduced time-to-market and selling costs .

[0100] One skilled in the art will understand that the combination of the subj ect matters of the various embodiments of the MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH invention is possible without limitation in the invention to the extent that such combination is technically feasible.

[0101] In this context, the subject matter of any one claim may be combined with the subject matter of one or more of the other claims without prejudice to the scope of the invention, provided that such combinations do not introduce any technical contradictions or inconsistencies.

[0102] MISCELLANEOUS

[0103] The following applies generally, linked to but also independently from the preferred embodiment.

[0104] Protection is sought, too, for the features / objects which are mentioned in one or more of the following paragraphs, independently or in combination with already existing claims.

[0105] Applicator device comprising an applicator portion, preferably bristled or spiked, a stem and a cap whereas the cap encloses at least a part of a gyro stabilizer for reducing the influence of a trembling hand to applicator portion.

[0106] Applicator (1) wherein it is an eyeliner applicator.

[0107] Cosmetic unit (10) comprising: an applicator assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims; a cosmetic reservoir (5) ; and a cosmetic mass to be applied to a body surface. MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH

[0108] Cosmetic unit (10) according to the aforementioned paragraph, wherein the cosmetic reservoir (5) comprises at least a wiping member (9) adapted to regulate the amount of cosmetic mass extracted on the working portion (4) .

[0109] Method for obtaining an applicator assembly (1) , being particular by the fact that it comprises the following steps: providing stabilization means (6) ; and associating the stabilization means (6) to the main body (2) of an existing cosmetic applicator so as to obtain an applicator assembly (1) .

[0110] Method according to the aforementioned paragraph, wherein the step of providing stabilization means (6) comprises a sub-step of supplying a support element (8) , and by the fact that the step of associating the stabilization means (6) to the main body (2) comprises the following sub-steps: connecting the support element (8) to the main body (2) ; and mounting the stabilization body (7) in a seat (8a) of the support element (8) .

[0111] MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH

[0112] REFERENCE LIST

[0113] 1 Applicator / Applicator assembly / applicator unit

[0114] 2 main body 3 gripping portion

[0115] 4 working portion / application member or bristled applicator member respectively

[0116] 4a bristles

[0117] 5 container / cosmetic reservoir 6 stabili zation means

[0118] 7 stabili zation body

[0119] 7a base portion

[0120] 7b protrusion

[0121] 8 support element 8a seat

[0122] 9 wiping member

[0123] 10 cosmetic unit

[0124] R rotation axis

[0125] L longitudinal axis

Claims

Page 18 of 21MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbHCLAIMS1. Applicator assembly (1) , comprising a main body (2) including at least one gripping portion (3) intended to be held by the user and at least one working portion (4) , for example in the form of an application member, associated with the gripping portion (3) , characterized by the fact that it comprises stabilization means (6) associated with the main body (2) and adapted to reduce the oscillations of the working portion (4) during application.

2. Applicator assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the stabilization means (6) comprise at least a stabilization body (7) rotatable around a rotation axis (R) and adapted to exert, due to its rotation, a stabilization force on the working portion (4) opposing the oscillations of the latter .

3. Applicator assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the stabilization body (7) comprises: at least one base portion (7a) with a substantially annular shape, mounted on the main body (2) ; at least one protrusion (7b) associated with the base portion (7a) , suitable for rotating the stabilization body (7) around the rotation axis (R) .

4. Applicator assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the stabilization body (7) comprises multiple protrusions (7b) arranged circumferentially around the base portion (7a) .

5. Applicator assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (2) has an elongated shape which defines a longitudinal axis (L) , and by the factPage 19 of 21MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH that rotation axis (R) of the stabilization body (7) is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis (L) .

6. Applicator assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilization body (7) is of the gyroscope type.

7. Applicator assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilization means (6) comprise at least one friction-reducing element interposed between the stabilization body (7) and the main body (2) and adapted to reduce friction during the rotation of the stabilization body (7) around the rotation axis (R) .

8. Applicator assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein the friction-reducing element is substantially ring-shaped and positioned coaxially with respect to the main body (2) and the stabilization body (7) .

9. Applicator assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the support element is of the rolling bearing type.

10. Applicator assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilization means (6) are associated in a detachable manner to the main body (2) .

11. Applicator assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilization body (7) is mounted on the gripping portion (3) .

12. Applicator assembly (1) according to any of the claims from 1 to 10, wherein the stabilization means (6) has at least one support element (8) that is associated to thePage 20 of 21MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05237EPWO for GEKA GmbH gripping portion (3) and defines at least a seat (8a) intended to house the stabilization body (7) .

13. Applicator assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein the support element (8) is located at the end of the gripping portion (3) opposite the working portion (4) .

14. Applicator assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it is intended to apply a cosmetic formulation near the eye area, preferably in the eyelid, more preferably in the lashes.

15. Applicator (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it is a mascara applicator.

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