COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH ANTIMICROBIAL DEVICE

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator has a base, a brush retained by the base and a cap positioned on the base in a closed configuration of the applicator to fully enclose the brush within the applicator. An antimicrobial device is retained within the cap and is configured for direct contact with the bristles of the brush in the closed configuration of the applicator.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/908,978, filed Nov. 26, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This disclosure is related to the field of cosmetic applicators and more particularly to cosmetic applicators having antimicrobial characteristics built into their cases for inhibiting the growth of bacteria and microorganisms on and within such applicators.

2. Description of the Related Art

The world is full of microorganisms and while many of these are beneficial, or even necessary, for human survival, a large number are, in fact, detrimental and downright dangerous to humans. It has long been recognized that a large number of human maladies can be traced to microorganisms and specifically viruses and bacteria. Maladies such as influenza, malaria, staphylococcus (staph), athlete's foot, and even the common cold can be traced to microorganisms or antigens acting on the human body. Further, even more common conditions such as body odor can be traced to microorganisms. The primary issue encountered with microorganisms is that they are everywhere and it is often difficult to separate the good from the bad. This can be particularly true in situations where the human body is at an increased risk for infection. This can occur when the skin is broken (either by accident, or purposefully such as in surgery) or where a human has a decreased immune response due to age, immunosuppressant drugs, or other conditions.

The human immune system is incredibly effective at destroying dangerous microorganisms and supplies a multitude of different responses and attacks when the body is invaded by a non-recognized microorganism. However, even with this powerful response, there are microorganisms that the body can, and regularly does, miss. There is also the issue that while the body may respond to the presence of an antigen, the body may be unable to react fast enough to prevent the human host from suffering permanent injury or death.

In order to assist the body in the destruction of harmful microorganisms, a variety of things are used. Many of these are antibacterial compounds which target specific features of bacteria to kill them off. These are commonly used in conjunction with the human immune response to result in bacterial death. A concern with antibacterials is that while antibacterials can be very effective, they can have the side-effect of allowing bacteria to evolve which are immune to particular antibacterials. For this reason, they are commonly used sparingly.

Another classification of assistance devices are antimicrobials. Antimicrobials, and specifically, non-specific antimicrobials, have a major advantage over most antibiotics and other antigen specific responses in that they often have a much greater lethality which can readily prevent the spread of resistant bacteria. Certain antimicrobials (such as chlorine bleach) are so effective that they are readily accepted in widespread use.

Via the oligodynamic effect, a number of metals, or more specifically the ions of metals, including copper, silver, gold, mercury, iron, lead, zinc, bismuth, aluminum, and others can be effective non-specific antimicrobials. It is understood that these ions deactivate structural and metabolic membrane proteins, which will lead to microbial death and many microbes view certain forms of metal ions as a food source, allowing the ions to enter the microbe easier. The incorporation of certain other antimicrobial materials into a variety of products has, therefore, become increasingly commonplace.

Technologies that prevent the production and growth of miscellaneous bacteria and microorganisms in cosmetic applicators such as cosmetic brushes have not utilized antimicrobials, but instead generally focus on the use of synthetic bristles and/or the treating bristles with chemical agents having antibacterial properties. Synthetic and chemically treated bristles, however, are not permanently antimicrobial. Accordingly, these bristles must still be cleaned regularly.

SUMMARY

The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of this section is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein, among other things, is a cosmetic applicator generally comprising a base, a brush comprising a plurality of bristles retained by the base, and a cap positioned on the base in a closed configuration of the applicator to fully enclose the brush within the applicator. An antimicrobial device is retained within the cap and is configured for direct contact with the bristles of the brush in the closed configuration of the applicator.

In an embodiment, there is described a cosmetic applicator comprising: a base; a brush comprising a plurality of bristles retained by said base; a cap positioned on the base in a closed configuration of said applicator to fully enclose said brush within said applicator; and an antimicrobial device retained within the cap and configured for direct contact with bristles of said brush in said closed configuration of the applicator.

In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the antimicrobial device comprises a plurality of prongs extending longitudinally within said cap and being retained by said cap for direct contact with said bristles of said brush in said closed configuration of said applicator.

In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the prongs are generally cylindrical with rounded tips.

In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the prongs comprise a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, at least one of said base and said cap comprises a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the prongs comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.

In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the base and said cap comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.

In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the prongs comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.

In an embodiment of the cosmetic applicator, the base includes a sleeve moveable relative to said base.

There is also described herein, a cosmetic applicator comprising: a base; a brush comprising a plurality of bristles retained by said base; and a cap including a plurality of prongs extending within said cap, said plurality of prongs having an antimicrobial on an outer surface thereof; wherein said prongs are interspersed within said bristles of said brush when said cap is positioned on said base in a closed configuration so as to fully enclose said brush within said base and said cap.

In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the prongs are formed from a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the prongs are coated with a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the prongs are formed from copper or an alloy thereof.

In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the prongs are coated with copper or an alloy thereof.

In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the cap is formed from a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the cap is coated with a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

In an embodiment of the above cosmetic applicator, the antimicrobial is a source of metal ions.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the above-mentioned aspects. Further features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects, alone or in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a cosmetic applicator in accordance with one embodiment with the applicator illustrated in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 1 with a cap of the applicator removed from a body thereof to define an opened configuration of the applicator.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross section of the cap of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the applicator of FIG. 2 with the cap omitted with the applicator in its opened configuration and a brush positioned longitudinally outward of the body; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cosmetic applicator (10) of an embodiment is illustrated in the form of a cosmetic brush for use in applying makeup. The cosmetic applicator (10) includes a cap (20) that is removably positionable on a base (50) that houses a brush (70), such as, but not limited to, a bristle brush. In this manner the applicator is configurable between a closed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1 in which the cap (20) is positioned on the base (50) to fully enclose the brush (70) within the applicator (10) and an opened configuration in which the cap (20) is removed for using the brush (70) as best illustrated in FIG. 2. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the brush (70) can be rigidly positioned in the base (50) so as to not move, or can be moveable relative to the base (50) allowing it to extend and retract form the base (50) to assist in placing the cap (20) over the brush (70)

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, in an embodiment, the base (50) of the applicator (10) includes a generally cup-shaped body (52) and a cylindrical sleeve (60) that is telescopically positioned within the cup-shaped body (52) to provide sliding movement in relation to the body (52). A brush (70) comprising a mounting head (72) and a plurality of bristles (74) secured thereto is retained (e.g., such as by using a suitable adhesive, mechanical fastening, springs, or other known retention techniques) within the cup-shaped body (52) and may remain stationery upon sliding movement of the sleeve (60) relative to the body (52) between a retracted position as shown in FIG. 4 in which the bristles (74) of the brush (70) extend longitudinally outward of the body (52) and sleeve (60) and an extended position as shown in FIG. 2 in which the bristles (74) of the brush (70) are substantially entirely surrounded by the body (52) and sleeve (60).

The cap (20) of the illustrated applicator (10) is configured for releasable connection with the sleeve (60) generally through the use of a close friction fit. However, other methods and systems may be used as understood by those of ordinary skill. The cap (20) is attached to the sleeve (60) and/or body (52) to hold the cap (20) on the base (50) and fully enclosing the brush (70) within the applicator (10).

The bristles (74) of the brush (70), in an embodiment, are soft hairs composed of either synthetic or natural fibers. However, the bristles may be of any material suitable for use in applying makeup, cosmetics, soaps (such as shaving soaps), moisturizers, or other externally applied products to a user's skin.

The cap (20) and the base (50) are generally in the form of hollow tubes being closed at one respective end thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the tubes are generally cylindrical, but this is by no means required, and the tubes may have any cross-sectional shape. Generally, when the applicator (10) is in the closed position, e.g. in the orientation shown in FIG. 1, the closed end (56) of the base (50) is at the bottom of the applicator (10) and the closed end (26) of the cap (20) is at the top of the applicator (10) generally sealing the brush (70) inside the hollow interior of the applicator (10).

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the cap (20) includes an antimicrobial device (30) disposed therein. The antimicrobial device (30) is configured to provide for an antimicrobial material on its external surface where the device (30) can be positioned within the bristles (74) of the brush (70) and in contact with at least a subset of the bristles (74) of the brush (70) when the cap (20) is positioned on the base (50) in the closed configuration of the applicator (10) as shown in FIG. 1. Generally, the antimicrobial device (30) will be arranged in the form of one or more extensions or prongs (40) which project from the underside of the of the end (26).

In the illustrated embodiment, the antimicrobial device (30) is formed of a plurality of prongs (40) extending longitudinally in spaced relationship with each other from a mounting plug (32). The plug (32) is generally sized and shaped to fit within the cap (20) with a first or securement side (36) abutting against the inner surface of the closed top (26) of the cap (20). In particular, the securement side (36) of the plug (32) is secured to the inner surface of the top of the cap (20) by suitable adhesive, mechanical fastening or other known securement technique so that the cap (20) and antimicrobial device (30) are retained in assembly for conjoint positioning on and removal from the base (50) of the applicator (10).

The prongs (40) will generally be attached to the plug (32) by any suitable manner and in an embodiment are co-formed with the plug (32) by any technique such as, but not limited to, casting. Alternatively, the prongs (40) may be woven or pushed through the plug (32) or attached by any other means and methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The prongs (40) extend longitudinally from a second or unsecured side (38) of the plug (32) so as to extend toward the open end of the cap (20). In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 3, each prong (40) is generally cylindrical and has a generally rounded distal end (42) but that is not required. It should be understood that the prongs (40) may have any cross-sectional shape including, but not limited to square, rectangular, pyramidal, and oval and may be of any dimensions. Further, the prongs (40) may be tapered or structured with bulges, protrusions or other structures along their length or may be generally flattened structures such as, but not limited to flat plates or leaf shapes. Further, while the prongs (40) are depicted as solid, this is also not required and they may be hollow or partially hollow to allow some of the bristles (40) to pass into each prong (40). Still further, the prongs (40) may be angles, bent, twisted, or otherwise shaped so as to form curves, hard angles (bends), helixes, spirals or other related structures. Regardless of shape, the prongs (40) will generally be suitably strong so as to resist permanent deformation when the cap (20) is placed onto the base (50) and the prongs (40) are pushed within spaces within the bristles (74).

In an embodiment, the prongs (40) are suitably constructed, at least along an outer surface thereof, of a material such as, but not limited to, a metal or alloy having antimicrobial properties. Generally, this will be a metal having an oligodynamic effect, such as, but not limited to, copper, silver, gold, mercury, iron, lead, zinc, bismuth, aluminum, or alloys thereof, but may also comprise a non-metallic source of metal ions such as, but not limited to, impregnated or coated glass. In an embodiment the material comprises copper or an alloy thereof including, without limitation, brasses, bronzes, cupronickel and copper-nickel-zinc. In an embodiment, each of the prongs (40) is constructed entirely of the material having antimicrobial properties. In other embodiments, the one or more of the prongs (40) may be constructed of any suitable base material and then impregnated or coated with a material having antimicrobial properties to provide antimicrobial effect.

In the closed configuration of the applicator (10) as seen in FIG. 1, the cap (20), with the prongs (40) extending longitudinally therein, is placed on the base (50) in releasable connection with the sleeve (60). When in such configuration, the prongs (40) extend into the bristles (74) of the brush (70) and will generally place at least a subset of the bristles (74) in direct contact with the outer surfaces of the prongs (40). This arrangement directly exposes the bristles (74) in such contact with the antimicrobial. Microbes which are on the bristles (74), such as, but to limited to, those that may be residing on or in the bristles (74) and/or were picked up from the surface of the skin when the brush was used, are therefore in direct contact with the antimicrobial of the prongs (40) which can result in microbe death. As should be apparent, even microbes not in direct contact, will still generally have the antimicrobial prongs (40) in close proximity and this can result in further microbe death. Generally, it is believed that the placement of the prongs (40) both within and near the bristles (74) will reduce the number of bacteria and other microorganisms found within the bristles (74).

While the above specifically contemplates that the prongs (40) are constructed on antimicrobial material, it should be recognized that to enhance the effect, one or more of the other components of the applicator (10), such as, but not limited to, the cap (20), the sleeve (60) and/or the body (50) may be constructed in whole or in part of a material having antimicrobial properties. In an embodiment, this can result in the body (50), cap (20), and sleeve (60) being constructed from or lined with a metal such as copper.

While the invention has been disclosed in connection with certain preferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a limitation to all of the provided details. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and other embodiments should be understood to be encompassed in the present disclosure as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A cosmetic applicator comprising:

a base;

a brush comprising a plurality of bristles retained by said base;

a cap positioned on the base in a closed configuration of said applicator to fully enclose said brush within said applicator; and

an antimicrobial device retained within the cap and configured for direct contact with bristles of said brush in said closed configuration of the applicator.

2. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1 wherein the antimicrobial device comprises a plurality of prongs extending longitudinally within said cap and being retained by said cap for direct contact with said bristles of said brush in said closed configuration of said applicator.

3. The cosmetic applicator of claim 2 wherein said prongs are generally cylindrical with rounded tips.

4. The cosmetic applicator of claim 2 wherein said prongs comprise a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

5. The cosmetic applicator of claim 4, wherein at least one of said base and said cap comprises a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

6. The cosmetic applicator of claim 5 wherein said prongs comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.

7. The cosmetic applicator of claim 6 wherein said base and said cap comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.

8. The cosmetic applicator of claim 4 wherein said prongs comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof.

9. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1 wherein said base includes a sleeve moveable relative to said base.

10. A cosmetic applicator comprising:

a base;

a brush comprising a plurality of bristles retained by said base; and

a cap including a plurality of prongs extending within said cap, said plurality of prongs having an antimicrobial on an outer surface thereof;

wherein said prongs are interspersed within said bristles of said brush when said cap is positioned on said base in a closed configuration so as to fully enclose said brush within said base and said cap.

11. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said prongs are formed from a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

12. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said prongs are coated with a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

13. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said prongs are formed from copper or an alloy thereof.

14. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said prongs are coated with copper or an alloy thereof.

15. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said cap is formed from a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

16. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said cap is coated with a metal having an oligodynamic effect.

17. The cosmetic applicator of claim 10 wherein said antimicrobial is a source of metal ions.