Single unit direct transfer mascara applicator/container device

Abstract

A single unit direct transfer mascara applicator/container for a pastry cosmetic product, notably mascara, whereby the eyelashes are dipped directly into the mascara containing reservoir which is an integral part of the applicator. The applicator can be a plurality of closely spaced slits which are openings giving direct access to the reservoir.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] This invention relates to an applicator/container for a pastry cosmetic product, notably mascara.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Description of Proir Art

[0002] The invention relates to a single unit direct transfer mascara applicator/container for a pastry cosmetic product notably mascara.

[0003] Different methods of applying mascara to the eyelashes have been previously described. The use of a screw-like device to apply mascara in a roll-on manner is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,254. The use of a brush is also a common method to apply mascara as noted in FR 2,701,197, U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,385 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,004. An inconvenience of these methods is that it is necessary to have a separate mascara reservoir and wiper to load the applicator and then to remove excess mascara from the exterior of the applicator. This is inconvenient for the user and also necessitates two or more separately manufactured pieces. A brush application is also not the optimum manner to deposit mascara onto the eyelashes because it is necessary to use many strokes to apply a suitable quantity of mascara. A combination brush/screw applicator is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,908,676.

[0004] Two component non-brush/screw applicators have also been previously reported. U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,377 describes a two component reservoir and hollow tube applicator—the inconvenience being that the mascara needs to be loaded into the hollow tube by dipping prior to application and also the applicator needs to be wiped free of excess mascara before application. U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,639 describe a comb-like applicator, which is loaded by dipping into a reservoir.

[0005] Previous disclosures have attempted to remedy the foregoing discussed problems using various devices to transfer mascara between the reservoir and the applicator. WO/9817143 and FR 2,769,808 describe applicators whereby the mascara is loaded from a reservoir to the applicator via means of a hollow stem. This type of application is limited by the ability of the mascara to be transferred from the reservoir to the applicator and thus favoring a low viscosity mascara which is not consumer acceptable because it will not yield a high volume of mascara on the lashes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,233 is related to the applicators described above except that the cosmetic pastry is loaded via a tube with a rotating spiral conveyor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,826 describe an eyelash curling applicator whereby the mascara is pumped to the applicator. U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,254 describes a screw type applicator wherein the applicator is loaded with a liquid mascara using capillary action.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,007,245 discusses a direct transfer stick to eyelash mascara applicator whereby the mascara is in a solid form. Solid mascara would not be acceptable as the quantity of mascara deposited would be greatly inferior to that of a pastry form.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Traditional mascara uses a dip-in applicator to transfer mascara from the reservoir to the lashes. The ideal volumizing mascara is one that places a large quantity of mascara on the lashes in one or a few strokes without clumping the lashes together. The method of achieving this is to load the mascara applicator with as much mascara as possible. This load of mascara must not be on the outside of the mascara applicator, it must be on the inside, near the shaft, thus allowing the bristles to separate the lashes after the mascara has been deposited. The traditional method is to use an applicator to transfer the mascara from the reservoir to the lashes. A person skilled in the art knows that an increased quantity of mascara on the applicator results in more mascara deposited on the lashes. A dip-in applicator limits the amount of mascara that can be deposited on the lashes. The limitation is the applicator. This invention describes a system to apply mascara without a dip-in applicator. A better method, as described herein, is to load the lashes directly by submersing them into the mascara reservoir, and then use a device to separate the lashes after the mascara has been deposited This results in a significant increase in quantity and a homogeneous deposit of mascara on the eyelashes. The result is nearly ideal—in terms of packaging which plays a major role in mascara—compared to the amount of mascara that can be deposited on the lashes in one or mores stroke using a brush or screw applicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 depicts a single unit direct transfer mascara applicator/container in an open configuration

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0009] 11—reservoir

[0010] 12—apertures/slits of preferred embodiment

[0011] 13—elements

[0012] 14—apertures/slits of alternative embodiment

[0013] 15—locating where applicator is gripped by the user

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A single unit direct transfer mascara applicator/container is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The applicator/container is designed to be gripped by the user by the unit (15). The mascara is stored in the reservoir (11) which, as depicted in the figure, is an integral part of the entire applicator system. The applicator is brought to the eyes by the consumer with the apertures/slits (12) approaching the eyelashes in a parallel manner. The eyelashes are inserted between the elements (13) forming the aperture/slits. This allows for the eyelashes to dip into the mascara reservoir (11) and to be loaded with a maximum quantity of mascara. The eyelashes are then batted into the reservoir several or more times and are then removed through the aperture/slits (12). The aperture/slits serve to separate the eyelashes while leaving a maximum quantity of mascara deposited on the eyelashes. The form of the elements which configure the aperture/slits can be of many different shapes. For example, and not limiting the scope of this invention, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the elements take the form of closely spaced parallel oval or perfect rings (13). In other embodiments of this invention the elements can be either non-concentric or non-parallel or both non-concentric and non-parallel. In a further preferred embodiment the elements can be closely spaced parallel oval or perfect rings composed of tubular bristles or loops.

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the invention where the plurality of closely spaced elements which configure the aperture/slits (14) are not fully closed.

[0016] Not wishing to limit the scope of the invention, it is noted that the width of the aperture/slits can be between 0.1 and 10 mm in width, more preferred 0.1 and 7 mm and the most preferred configuration is between 0.1 and 5 mm in width

[0017] An advantage of this invention with respect to the prior art is that this single unit direct transfer mascara applicator/container can be manufactured by a single injection mold process. This allows for considerable ease of manufacturing and economic savings compared to multiple component systems. Prior art mascara applicators are multi-piece typically consisting of at least a separate reservoir, wiper, cap, stem and brush or screw. This invention allows for a reduction in the quantity of molded manufactured parts.

[0018] A further improvement of this invention with respect to prior art is that the quantity of mascara deposited on the eyelashes is significantly greater than the quantity deposited by a traditional mascara brush or screw applicators. This is due to the fact that the eyelashes are in direct contact with the mascara reservoir thus allowing for unimpeded transfer from the reservoir directly to the eyelash

[0019] Another useful advantage to this invention is that two different colors of mascara can be applied with the same brush. This can be achieved by dividing the reservoir wise and filling each said part of the reservoir with two different colors of mascara. This cannot be achieved with any of the prior art references.

[0020] The foregoing should be taken as merely illustrative of the present invention rather than limiting thereof. The scope of protection that is sought is set forth in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A single unit direct transfer mascara applicator/container which permits the eyelashes to be dipped directly into a mascara containing reservoir (FIGS. 1-11), which is an integral part the applicator, thus loading eyelashes with mascara, and which then separates lashes using a plurality of elements (FIGS. 1-13) which configure closely spaced apertures or slits (FIGS. 1-12).

2. A mascara applicator according to claim 1 wherein the applicator/reservoir is configured in a curved form to allow for easy approach to eyelashes and thus the elements are configured in a parallel but not concentric manner.

3. A mascara applicator according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of elements which configure closely spaced slits are formed by concentric parallel oval or perfect rings.

4. A mascara applicator according to claim 3 wherein the plurality of elements which configure closely spaced parallel oval or perfect rings are tubular bristles or loops (FIGS. 1-13).

5. A mascara applicator according to claim 1 wherein the width of the aperture or slits (FIGS. 1-12) is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm.

6. A mascara applicator according to claim 1 wherein the elements which configure the plurality of elements which configure the closely spaced apertures or slits are not closed (FIGS. 3-14).

7. A single unit direct transfer mascara applicator/container which permits eyelashes to be dipped directly into a mascara containing reservoir (FIGS. 1-11), which is an integral part the applicator, thus loading eyelashes with mascara, and which then separates lashes using a plurality elements (FIGS. 1-13) which configure closely spaced apertures or slits (FIGS. 1-12) and which is manufactured as a single injection-molded article.

8. A method for applying mascara to eyelashes using a single unit direct transfer mascara/containing which permits the eyelashes dipped directly into a mascara containing reservoir (FIGS. 1-11), which is an integral applicator, thus loading eyelashes with mascara and which the separates lashes using a plurality of elements (FIGS. 1-13) which configures closely spaced apertures or slits (FIGS. 1-12).