US20140331422A1

US20140331422A1 - Combination cosmetic applicator

Info

Publication number: US20140331422A1
Application number: US13/890,655
Authority: US
Inventors: Cindy Sean Yuei Lim
Original assignee: HCT Group Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: HCT Group Holding Ltd; HCT Group Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-09
Filing date: 2013-05-09
Publication date: 2014-11-13
Also published as: CN104138126A

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator includes a handle having a distal end and a proximal end and a head, configured for application of one or more cosmetic products to a surface, attached to the proximal end of the handle. The head comprises a plurality of portions wherein at least one portion comprises a brush and at least one portion comprises a paddle or other application member.

Description

BACKGROUND

A typical cosmetic brush applicator contains a handle and a plurality of fibers attached to one end of the handle. This combination of a handle and a plurality of fibers provides a simple, low-cost and effective brush for the application of cosmetic materials. However, cosmetic or personal care products range from hard packed powder compositions to softer powder compositions, lotions and other liquid solutions. Moreover, cosmetic compositions are used in many different applications. For example, more rigid compositions can be used for harsher applications like lining and contouring and often require stiffer, more rigid brushes. In contrast, fluffier materials which can be used for softer applications, like blending, often require softer, more flexible brushes. Hence, since different applications often require different applicators, users are required to purchase a plurality of brush applicators. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved applicators.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of applicators having combination brush and paddle applicator heads, which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
According to an embodiment, this disclosure is directed to cosmetic applicators comprising a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, and a head, configured for application of one or more cosmetic products to a surface, attached to the proximal end of the handle. A first portion of the head comprises a brush and a second portion of the head comprises a paddle or other application member.
In some implementations, the head includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, and each of the first portion, the second portion and the third portion comprises a brush, a paddle or other application member, or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIGS. 1A-1C depict front, back and side views, respectively, of an applicator according to one illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of an applicator according to another illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of an applicator according to yet another illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict front and side views, respectively, of an applicator according to another illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of an applicator according to another illustrative embodiment of an applicator.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of yet another illustrative embodiment of an applicator.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 6 taken along line A-A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

This disclosure is directed to applicators having a handle connected to an applicator head. The term “applicator head” or “head” may include a combination of one or more brush portions, one or more paddle portions, and/or one or more other application members. According to certain embodiments, the applicator head may comprise two portions with a first portion comprising a brush and second portion comprising a paddle or other application member. According to certain embodiments, the first portion may surround the second portion. According to other embodiments, the applicator head may comprise three or more portions with each portion comprising a brush, a paddle, an application member, or a combination of the foregoing. According to certain embodiments, the first and third portions, may each comprise a brush, and may surround or sandwich the second portion, which may comprise a paddle or other application member.
In some embodiments, the first portion may have a different size or shape, relative to the second or third portions. For example, in embodiments where the applicator head has two portions, the first portion and second portions may each independently comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 45% to about 55% of the combined applicator head cross sectional area. In certain embodiments, the first and second portions each comprise about 50% of the combined applicator head cross sectional area. For another example, the first portion and the second portion may have a split of first-to-second portion of approximately 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, etc. To illustrate, for 20:80, the first portion may comprise approximately 20% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head while the second portion may comprise approximately 80% of the combined applicator head. In embodiments having three or more portions, each portion may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 30% to about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head. In certain embodiments, the first, second and third portions may each comprise about 33.3% of the combined applicator head cross sectional area. In still other embodiments, the first and third portion may be of a different or the same size and comprise from 35% to about 45% each of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head while the second portion, which may be surrounded or sandwiched by the first and third portions, may comprise from 10% to about 30% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head.
According to certain embodiments, the brush may be made of natural bristles, synthetic bristles (e.g. plastic, silicone, latex or composites thereof), metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof. According to certain embodiments, the paddle or other application member may be made of silicone, rubber, sponge, foam, latex, an elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof. According to other embodiments, the paddle or other application member may additionally or alternatively include metal, ceramic, glass, stone, wood, or composites thereof. In some embodiments, the paddle may comprise a spatula, spoon, scoop, spreader, or knife. Other application members may include, for example and without limitation, a conical or pencil-shaped member, a pyramid shaped member, or a rod (e.g., having a cylindrical, polygonal, or variable cross section, and having a domed, conical, pyramidal, or flat terminus). The size and shape of the brush(es), paddle(s), and/or other application member(s) may vary depending on, among other things, the product to be applied, the location to which the product is to be applied, and/or the method in which the product is to be applied. Moreover, according to certain embodiments, the handle may comprise metal, glass, stone, ceramic, plastic, wood, or a composite thereof.
In certain embodiments, the handle and applicator head may be connected or joined together via, for example, fusing, gluing, anchoring, clamping, press-fit, stapling or inserting the applicator head into at least a portion the handle. In other embodiments, the handle and applicator head can be joined via, for example, a ferrule made of plastic, metal or other suitable material.
According to certain embodiments, the applicator may be used for applying one or more cosmetic or medicinal products to a surface, such as skin or hair. For example, a paddle portion or other application member of the applicator may be used with more rigid compositions to, for example, scrape or dig the product from a container. In such examples, the paddle or application member may be made rigid or semi-rigid to facilitate removal of the product from the container. In other implementations, the paddle or application member portion may be used for certain application techniques, such as lining and contouring (e.g., for applying eye liner to a user's eye). In such examples, the paddle or application member may be made flexible or resilient as appropriate for the application techniques. In contrast, the brush portion may be used for applying fluffier or softer materials to, for example swab or lift the product from a container. Moreover, the brush portion may be used for certain application techniques, such as blotting or blending (e.g. for applying blush to a user's cheek).

Illustrative Two Portion Combination Paddle and Brush Applicator

FIGS. 1A-1C represent an illustrative combination paddle and brush applicator 100 (“applicator”). In this implementation, the applicator 100 includes a handle 102, a ferrule 110, and an applicator head 104 that comprises a first portion 106 and a second portion 108 with each portion comprising or being formed from different materials. As can be seen in these three figures, the applicator head 104 has a wide front face 120, a wide back face 122, and at least one narrow side face 124. In one implementation, the first portion 106 of the applicator head 104 comprises a brush having a plurality of bristles and the second portion 108 comprises a paddle in the shape of a spatula. However, in other embodiments, the materials used in the first and second portions can be switched such that the first portion 106 comprises a paddle and the second portion 108 comprises a brush. The brush may comprise, for example, natural bristles, synthetic bristles (e.g. plastic, silicone, latex or composites thereof), metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof. In addition, the paddle may comprise, for example, rubber, silicone, sponge, foam, latex, an elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof. According to other example embodiments, the paddle may additionally or alternatively include metal, ceramic, glass, stone, wood, or composites thereof. The handle 102 may be any convenient size and shape and may comprise, for example, metal, glass, stone, ceramic, plastic, wood, or a composite thereof. Moreover, the ferrule 110 may comprise plastic or metal or other suitable material and serves to provide or reinforce a connection or bond between the handle 102 and applicator head 104.
As can be seen in FIG. 1B, the second portion 108 of the applicator head 104 comprises a paddle. While the paddle may be comprised of material such that the paddle is somewhat flexible, in some embodiments, the material used to make the paddle may be firm enough to scrape or dig a firm cosmetic or medicinal product (e.g., a packed powder) from the product container and apply the product to a surface as a line or for contouring. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1B, the paddle is elongated and flat with a rounded, or curved, edge, the specific functions of the paddle dictates its exact size and shape. For example, in other embodiments, the paddle may be of virtually any shape such as flat and rectangular, trapezoidal or angled with relatively straight edges.
As can be seen in FIG. 1A, the first portion 106 of the applicator head 104 comprises a brush that may be firm enough to maintain its general shape when not in use. However, the brush may also be supple enough to swab or blot a soft, powdery or liquid/gel-like cosmetic or medicinal product from the product container. Moreover, while as shown in FIG. 1A, the brush forms an elongated and flat structure with a rounded, or curved, edge, the specific function of the brush dictates its exact shape. However, in other embodiments, the brush may be of virtually any shape such as flat and rectangular, trapezoidal or angled with relatively straight edges.
According to the embodiment exemplified in FIG. 1C, when viewing the side face 124 of the applicator 100, a first side of the side face 124 comprises the first portion 106 and a second side of the side of the side face 124 comprises the second portion 108. Moreover, as explained above, the first portion 106 or the second portion of the applicator may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 45% to about 55% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head 104 or the two portions may each comprise about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head 104.
In still other embodiments, the overall length of the first portion 106 may be greater than the overall length of the second portion 108 such that the first portion 106 appears longer than, or extends beyond, the second portion 108 when viewing the side face 124 of the applicator 100. In still other embodiments, the overall length of the second portion 108 may be greater than the overall length of the first portion 108.
FIG. 2 represents another illustrative combination paddle and brush applicator 200 (“applicator”). In this implementation, the applicator 200 includes a handle 202, a ferrule 210, and an applicator head 204 that comprises first a portion 206 and a second portion 208 with each portion comprising or being formed from different materials. Similar to the embodiment exemplified in FIGS. 1A-1C, the applicator 200 according to this embodiment may also have a wide front face, a wide back face (not shown), and at least one narrow side face (not shown). However, other shaped applicators, such as, for example, rounded or circular, are also possible. According to this embodiment, the first portion 206 of the applicator head 204 comprises a brush and the second portion 208 comprises a paddle. However, in other embodiments, the materials used in the first and second portions can be switched such that the first portion 206 comprises a paddle and the second portion 208 comprises a brush.
The materials used to make each of the first portion 206, second portion 208, handle 202 and ferrule 210 may be any combination of those described with respect to the corresponding parts of the applicator 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C. Moreover, while the applicator head 204 is shown as being flat and elongated with a rounded or curved edge, the size and shape of each of the first portion 206, second portion 208, handle 202 and the ferrule 210 can be as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C.
According to an embodiment, when viewing the front face of the applicator 200, a first side of the front face of the applicator head 204 comprises the first portion 206 and a second side of the front face comprises the second portion 208. Moreover, as explained above, the first portion 206 or the second portion 208 may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 45% to about 55% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head 204 or the two portions may each comprise about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head 204. In still other embodiments, the overall length of the first portion 206 may be greater than the overall length of the second portion 208 such that the first portion 206 appears longer than, or extends beyond, the second portion 208 when viewing the side face of the applicator 200. Alternatively, the overall length of the second portion 208 may be greater than the overall length of the first portion 206.
FIG. 3 represents still another illustrative combination paddle and brush applicator 300 (“applicator”). In this implementation, the applicator 300 includes a handle 302, a ferrule 310, and an applicator head 304 that comprises a first portion 306 and a second portion 308 with each portion comprising or being formed from different materials. Again, the materials used to make each of the first portion 306, second portion 308, handle 302 and ferrule 310 are similar to the materials described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C and FIG. 2. However, according to this embodiment the applicator head 304 is shown as being flat and elongated with an angled head 304 that is longer at one side, when view from the front, and gradually shortens towards the opposite side. Again, the first portion 306 or the second portion 308 of the applicator 300 may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 45% to about 55% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head 304 or the two portions may each comprise about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head 304.

Illustrative Three Portion Combination Paddle and Brush Applicator

FIGS. 4A and 4B represent another illustrative combination paddle and brush applicator 400 (“applicator”). In this implementation, the applicator 400 includes a handle 402, a ferrule 410, and an applicator head 404 that comprises a first portion 406, a second portion 408, and a third portion 412. According to certain embodiments, each portion may comprise or be formed from different materials or, alternatively, the first and third portion can be formed from the same or similar materials with the second portion being formed from a different material. However, according to certain embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4B, the first portion 406 and third portions 412 are formed of a brush and the second portion 408 includes a paddle.
The materials used to make each of the first portion 406, second portion 408, third portion 412, handle 402 and ferrule 410 may be any combination of the materials used to make the portions and other corresponding parts of the various applicators described above. Moreover, the size and shape of each of the first portion 406, second portion 408, third portion, handle 402 and the ferrule 410 can be as described above.
As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the applicator head has a wide front face, a wide back face (not shown), and at least one narrow side face. According to an embodiment, when viewing the side face applicator 400, a first side of the side face comprises the first portion 406, a middle section of the side face comprises the second portion 408, and second side of the side face comprises the third portion 412. Moreover, as explained above, each portion may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 30% to about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head. In certain embodiments, the first, second and third portions each comprise about 33.3% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head. In still other embodiments, the first and third portion may a different or the same size and comprise from 35% to about 45% each of combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head while the second portion, which may be surrounded or sandwiched (as shown in FIG. 4B) by the first and third portions, may comprise from 10% to about 30% each of combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head.
In still other embodiments, the overall length of the second portion 408 may be greater than the overall length of the first portion 406 and third portion 412 such that the second portion 408 appears longer than, or extends beyond, the first portion 406 and third portion 412 when viewing the side face of the applicator 400. Alternatively, the overall length of the first portion 406 and third portion 412 may be greater than the overall length of the second portion 408. In still other embodiments, each portion can be of a different length from each of the other two.
FIG. 5 represents another illustrative combination applicator 500 (“applicator”) including one or more brush portions 502 (two brush portions are shown in this figure) and a paddle portion 504. According to this embodiment, a temperature modulation element 506 is embedded within the paddle portion 504. While the temperature modulation element 506 is only shown in FIG. 5, it should be understood that the temperature modulation element may be embedded in the paddle portion of any embodiment described herein. Moreover, the temperature modulation element 506 can cool or heat the paddle and can be in the form of a resistive element (e.g., a coil), a refrigerant or fluid coolant or heater, or any other element capable of imparting a heating or cooling effect.
This embodiment may also include a power source 508 disposed in a handle 510 or ferrule of the applicator, which provides electrical power for the temperature modulating element 506. According to an embodiment, electricity provided to the temperature modulating element 506 may be controlled via a temperature controller 512. According to an embodiment, the power source 508 may include, for example, one or more fuel cells, one or more solar cells and/or one or more batteries which may be disposable or rechargeable. According to another embodiment, the device can include an alternating current (AC) adapter (not shown) to be plugged into a wall socket or other external electrical source.
Illustrative Implement with Applicator Member Surrounded by Brush
FIGS. 6 and 7 represent an illustrative cosmetic implement 600 having an applicator head 602 coupled to a handle 604. The applicator head 602 in this example includes a first portion 606 comprising a brush that encircles or otherwise surrounds a second portion 608 comprising an application member. While not shown, in some embodiments, the cosmetic implement 600 may also include a ferrule to couple, or reinforce a coupling of, the applicator head 602 to the handle 604. In one specific example, the application member of the second portion 608 may be made of silicone. However, in other examples, the materials used to make each of the first portion 606, second portion 608, handle 604 and ferrule (if included) may be any combination of those described with respect to the corresponding parts of the applicator 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the second portion 608 is illustrated as a cylindrical rod with a conical terminus having a rounded tip. The first portion 606, which in this example comprises brush, encircles the second portion 608. In other embodiments, the second portion 608 may comprise an application member having any other suitable shape, such as for, example, a conical or pencil-shaped member, a pyramid shaped member, or a rod (e.g., having a cylindrical, polygonal, or variable cross section, and having a domed, pyramidal, or flat terminus). In the case where the second member 608 is non-circular, the first portion 606 may surround a perimeter of the second portion 608.
In this example, the terminus of the second portion 608 extends distally beyond the first portion 606. However, in other embodiments, the first portion 606 may extend distally beyond the second portion 608, or the first portion 606 and second portion 608 may extend a same distance and be coterminous.
The first and second portions 606, 608 of this embodiment are formed such that when assembled and viewed from a profile (i.e., a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle 604), the applicator head 602 has a teardrop shape. The application member of the first portion 606 may be used, for example, to pick up and apply an eye liner product around an eye of a user, while the brush of the second portion 608 may be used to blend the eyeliner into an eyelid of the user. The brush of the second portion 608 may additionally or alternatively be used to pick up and apply another product (e.g., eye shadow) around the eye of the user.
The foregoing combination applicators are some examples of applicators that may perform functions of multiple conventional applicators. However, numerous other variations are also within the scope of this disclosure. For instance, any of the features of the example embodiments may be combined with features of other example embodiments or conventional applicators, rearranged, modified, or omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

CONCLUSION

Although several embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cosmetic or medicinal applicator comprising:

a handle having a distal end and a proximal end; and

a head, configured for application of one or more cosmetic or medicinal products to a surface, attached to the proximal end of the handle,

wherein a first portion of the head comprises a brush and a second portion of the head comprises a paddle or application member.

2. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein the head comprises a wide front face, a wide back face and a narrow side face.

3. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 2, wherein the first portion comprises from about 5.0 to about 95% of a cross-sectional area of the head.

4. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first portion surrounds the second portion.

5. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 4, wherein the first portion comprises from about 5.0 to about 95% % of a cross-sectional area of the head.

6. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature modulation element embedded within the second portion.

7. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein the second portion includes a proximal end attached to the proximal end of the handle and a distal end that extends beyond the first portion.

8. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein the brush comprises natural bristles, synthetic bristles, metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof.

9. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein the paddle or application member comprises rubber, silicone, sponge, foam, latex, elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof.

10. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein the paddle or application member is rigid or semi-rigid and includes metal, ceramic, glass, stone, wood, or a composite thereof.

11. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, further comprising a third portion which comprises a brush, a paddle, or an application member.

12. A cosmetic or medicinal applicator comprising:

a handle having a distal end and a proximal end; and

wherein:

the head includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, and

each of the first portion, the second portion and the third portion comprises a brush, a paddle, an application member or a combination thereof.

13. The cosmetic or medicinal applicator according to claim 12, wherein the first portion and the third portion comprise bristles and the second portion comprises a paddle or application member.

14. The cosmetic or medicinal applicator according to claim 13, further comprising a temperature modulation element embedded within the second portion.

15. The cosmetic or medicinal applicator according to claim 13, wherein the second portion includes a proximal end attached the proximal end of the handle and a distal end that extends beyond the first portion.

16. The cosmetic or medicinal applicator according to claim 13, wherein the second portion includes a proximal end attached the proximal end of the handle and a distal end that extends beyond the first portion and the third portion.

17. The cosmetic or medicinal applicator according to claim 12, wherein the head comprises a wide front face, a wide back face and a narrow side face.

18. The cosmetic or medicinal applicator according to claim 12, wherein the brush comprises natural bristles, synthetic bristles, metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof.

19. The cosmetic or medicinal applicator according to claim 12, wherein the paddle or application member comprises silicone, rubber, sponge, foam, latex, elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof.

20. The cosmetic or medicinal applicator according to claim 12, wherein the paddle is rigid or semi-rigid and includes metal, ceramic, glass, stone, wood, or a composite thereof.

21. A cosmetic or medicinal implement comprising:

a handle having a distal end and a proximal end; and

wherein a first portion of the head comprises a brush and a second portion of the head comprises a solid flexible applicator.

22. The cosmetic or medicinal implement of claim 21, wherein the solid flexible applicator comprises rubber, silicone, sponge, foam, latex, elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof.

23. The cosmetic or medicinal implement of claim 21, wherein the solid flexible applicator comprises a paddle.

24. The cosmetic or medicinal implement of claim 21, wherein the solid flexible applicator comprises a cylindrical rod having a conical terminus with a rounded tip.

25. The cosmetic or medicinal implement of claim 21, wherein the head has a substantially teardrop shape.

26. The cosmetic or medicinal implement of claim 21, wherein the brush comprises natural bristles, synthetic bristles, metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof.