COSMETIC APPLICATOR

An applicator for applying a composition such as a cosmetic, a medicinal or a personal care composition. The applicator comprising an applicator head comprising at least two types of bristles distributed along a longitudinal axis of a core in a manner that density of at least one type of bristles decreases gradually from one end to another end of the core to provide a gradual change in color/tone from one end to another end of the core and/or to create multiple bristle zones for enabling multiple performance characteristics like separation/combing, volumising, curling and lengthening of eyelashes to be achieved with the cosmetic applicator.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of Indian Provisional Application Ser. No. 201611023411, filed on Jul. 8, 2016, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an applicator for applying a composition such as a cosmetic, a medicinal or a personal care composition. The composition may include a liquid, semi-liquid, creamy, paste-like or viscous material. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to distribution of bristles in the applicator, for providing multiple performance characteristics in a single applicator.

Description of the Related Art

Despite variations in the shape and material composition of the bristles, wire, and the contour of the brush, the cosmetic applicators of the prior art have been substantially limited in their adaptability to different materials and application goals. As a result, a mascara user seeking to achieve combing and separating will need to use a first type of brush; a user seeking volumizing or lengthening must use a second or a third type of brush; and a user seeking to achieve another goal will need still another type of brush.

Disadvantageously, purchasing multiple separate cosmetic applicators to achieve varied application goals is expensive. Furthermore, storing and transporting a plurality of cosmetic applicators can be awkward and cumbersome. As a result, many cosmetic users will forgo access to the cosmetic applicators that they desire in favor of convenience and reduced expense.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of cosmetic applicators and in particular to cosmetic applicator having more than one bristle type which provides multiple performance characteristics in a single cosmetic applicator like separation/combing, volumizing, curling and lengthening of eyelashes. This improved cosmetic applicator allows optimal transfer of a high viscosity mascara product to the eyelashes in a single stroke application, thus providing maximum exposure of the cosmetic applicator to the eyelashes.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an applicator for applying a composition such as a cosmetic, a medicinal or a personal care composition. The composition may include a liquid, semi-liquid, creamy, paste-like or viscous material.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic composition such as mascara or the like, to eyelashes or eyebrows for providing multiple performance characteristics like separation/combing, volumizing, curling and lengthening of eyelashes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cosmetic applicator comprises a stem having a proximal end and a distal end. An applicator head is attached to the distal end of the stem and a cap or a gripping member is attached to the proximal end of the stem. The cap serves to close a container containing the cosmetic composition.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator head comprises a twisted wire core and a plurality of bristles radiating from the twisted wire core.

According to an alternate embodiment, the applicator head comprises a molded core and a plurality of bristles is molded integrally with the core. Molded bristles are in form of tines or teeth.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a cosmetic applicator including an applicator head which provides multiple performance characteristics using more than one bristle type including at least a first bristle type and a second bristle type.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a cosmetic applicator including an applicator head which provides multiple performance characteristics depending upon distribution of bristles along a longitudinal axis of the core.

According to a further embodiment, the applicator head of the cosmetic applicator comprises at least two types of bristles distributed along the longitudinal axis of the core to create multiple distinct bristle zones for enabling multiple performance characteristics to be achieved with the cosmetic applicator.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cosmetic applicator comprising an applicator head including a core comprising a first bristle type and a second bristle type wherein the core has a proximal end and a distal end. The first bristle type extends up to a certain portion of a length of the core, preferably at least 60% of the length of the core from the proximal end towards the distal end. The second bristle type extends up to a certain portion of the length of the core, preferably at least 60% of the length of the core from the distal end towards the proximal end. The bristle density of the first bristle type decreases from the proximal end towards the distal end, and similarly, the bristle density of the second bristle type decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end.

Preferably, the bristle density of the first bristle type gradually/progressively decreases from the proximal end towards the distal end of the core, and similarly, the bristle density of the second bristle type gradually/progressively decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end of the core. In other words, the number of the first bristle type reduces after every successive “n” turn(s) of the twisted wire core from the proximal end towards the distal end of the core and the number of the second bristle type reduces after every successive “n” turn(s) of the core from the distal end towards the proximal end of the core. The “n” designates number of turns of the core and wherein 1≦“n”≦5, more specifically 1≦“n”≦3. For example, when “n”=1, the number of the first bristle type reduces after every single turn of the core from the proximal end towards the distal end and the number of the second bristle type reduces after every single turn of the core from the distal end towards the proximal end. Further, when “n”=2, the number of the first bristle type reduces after every successive two turns of the core from the proximal end towards the distal end or number of the first bristle type per turn of the core reduces after every successive two turns of the core from the proximal end towards the distal end. Similarly, the number of the second bristle type reduces after every successive two turns of the core from the distal end towards the proximal end of the core or the number of the second bristle type per turn of the core reduces after every successive two turns of the core from the distal end towards the proximal end. As a result of such distribution of the first and the second type of bristles, three separate zones are formed on the applicator head namely a first bristle zone, a second bristle zone and a third bristle zone. The first bristle zone comprises the first bristle type. The second bristle zone comprises a combination of the first bristle type and the second bristle type. The third bristle zone comprises the second bristle type. The first bristle zone remains free from the second bristle type and the third bristle zone remains free from the first bristle type.

According to an alternate embodiment, the first and second bristle type can be distributed in a segment of the core which extends along at least 50% of a length of the core and may be present anywhere along the length of the core, e.g. in a middle portion of the core, in a manner such that a bristle density of the first bristle type decreases from a proximal end towards a distal end of the segment of the core and a bristle density of the second bristle type decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end of the segment of the core.

According to an alternate embodiment, if the core is a molded core comprising at least a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles molded with the core, a density of the first type of bristles gradually/progressively decreases from a proximal end towards a distal end of the molded core, and similarly, a density of the second type of bristles gradually/progressively decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end. In other words, the number of bristles of the first type reduces after every fixed portion of a length of the molded core from the proximal end towards the distal end of the molded core and the number of the second type of bristles reduces after every fixed portion of a length of the molded core from the distal end towards the proximal end of the molded core.

The first zone of bristles may provide a first performance characteristic, the second zone of bristles may provide a second performance characteristic and the third zone of bristles may provide a third performance characteristic. Different performance characteristics include covering the span of eyelashes in single swipe, adding desired length, volume or curling effects. Further, it may include reaching the inner corners of lower lashes to stylize the lashes individually with more precision application. These performance characteristics will depend upon the properties of the first bristle type and the second bristle type used to make the cosmetic applicator.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be of different colors or tones, providing an aesthetically interesting appearance to a user.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicator head may have an overall effect of gradual change in color/tone for e.g. from lighter to darker or vice versa from one end of the applicator head to another end of the applicator head.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bristle density of the first bristle type with a first color decreases gradually from the proximal end towards the distal end of the core, and similarly, the bristle density of the second bristle type with second color decreases gradually from the distal end towards the proximal end of the core in order to produce an ombre effect.

The color differentiation initially indicates to the user that the applicator head is made up of different types of bristles. Even though, in use, such color differentiation may be more or less obscured by cosmetic composition coating the applicator head, the initial indication assists the user in understanding how to manipulate the cosmetic applicator. In particular, when the cosmetic applicator is initially packaged outside the cosmetic container i.e. for sale (with the container is closed by a temporary cap), the color differentiation is clearly visible prior to the first insertion of the cosmetic applicator into the container.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cosmetic applicator in which the first bristle type is distributed uniformly throughout the length of the core of the applicator head from the proximal end towards the distal end such that density of the first bristle type remains same throughout the length of the core while the second bristle type is disposed between the proximal end and the distal end such that density of the second bristle type progressively decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end of the core of the applicator head. Three separate zones are formed on the core of the applicator head namely a first zone formed in the proximal portion of the core, a third zone formed in the distal portion of the core and a second zone formed in the length anywhere between the first zone and the third zone. In the first zone, density of the first bristle type is significantly more as compared to the density of the second bristle type. Further, the second bristle zone comprises a combination of the first bristle type and the second bristle type and their density is substantially equal. In the third zone, the density of the second bristle type is significantly more as compared to the density of the first bristle type.

According to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cosmetic applicator in which the first bristle type is distributed uniformly throughout the length of the core of the applicator head from the proximal end towards the distal end of the core such that the density of the first bristle type remains same throughout the length of the core while the second bristle type is disposed between the proximal end and the distal end such that the density of the second bristle type progressively decreases from the proximal end towards the distal end of the core of the applicator head. Three separate zones are formed on the core of the applicator head namely a first zone formed in the proximal portion of the core, a third zone formed in the distal portion of the core and a second zone formed in the length anywhere between the first zone and the third zone. In the first zone, density of the second bristle type is significantly more as compared to the density of the first bristle type. Further, the second bristle zone comprises a combination of the first bristle type and the second bristle type and their density is substantially equal. In the third zone, the density of the first bristle type is significantly more as compared to the density of the second bristle type.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bristle type and the second bristle type may comprise hollow or solid fibers.

The first bristle type and the second bristle type may vary in one or more properties selected from a group consisting of material, shape, length, cross-section, diameter, thickness, length, color as explained below.

The first bristle type and the second bristle type may be of shapes selected from a group consisting of tubular, circular, round, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal or any another known shapes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be rectilinear. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be of undulating shape, or any another known shapes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be of same length. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be of varying length.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, diameter of the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be of varying diameter.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thickness of the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type and the second bristle type may have varying thickness.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, hardness of the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type and the second bristle type may have varying hardness.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, stiffness of the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type and the second bristle type may have varying stiffness.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, color of the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be same. However, in alternate embodiments, the first bristle type and the second bristle type may have varying colors. The colors used may be chromatic or non-chromatic. It may be contrasting colors, without one necessarily being chromatic.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, material of the first bristle type and the second bristle type may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type and the second bristle type may have varying materials. The bristles may comprise any suitable material e.g. thermoplastic e.g. Polyolefin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyimide (PA), polystyrene (PS), or Polyamide such as nylon, this list not being limiting.

The cosmetic applicator of the present disclosure offers the user a quick and easy application that is demanded, yet no special skill or newly-learned technique is involved in using this cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic applicator allows the user to comb through the lashes to separate them without needing to carry a separate combing device.

These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of the art are attained by a cosmetic applicator particularly a cosmetic applicator in accordance with the drawings of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a cosmetic applicator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates an isometric view of the portion of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a cosmetic applicator according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric view of the portion of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a cosmetic applicator having different envelope surface according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates an isometric view of the portion of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a cosmetic applicator according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B illustrates an isometric view of the portion of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 4A; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a cosmetic applicator having different envelope surface according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 illustrate portions of cosmetic applicators 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicators 100-500 of the present disclosure are used for applying a composition such as a cosmetic, a medicinal or a personal care composition. The composition may include a liquid, semi-liquid, creamy, paste-like or viscous material.

Further, the cosmetic applicators 100-500 are used for applying cosmetic composition such as mascara or the like, to eyelashes or eyebrows for providing multiple performance characteristics like separation/combing, volumizing, curling and lengthening of eyelashes.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate a front perspective view and an isometric view respectively of a portion of a cosmetic applicator 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicator 100 comprises an applicator head 10 and a stem 20. The applicator head 10 is attached at a distal end of the stem 20 and a proximal end of the stem 20 is attached to a gripping member/cap (not shown). The cap may serve as a closure of a container (not shown) containing a cosmetic composition. The applicator head 10 comprises a core 15 having a proximal end 30 and a distal end 40. According to the present embodiment, the core 15 is a twisted wire core. However, according to alternate embodiments, the core 15 may be a molded core.

The applicator head 10 comprises more than one type of bristles including at least a first bristle type 80 and a second bristle type 90 carried by the core 15. The first bristle type 80 extends up to a length L′ of the core 15 of the applicator head 10 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40. The second bristle type 90 extends up to a length L of the core 15 of the applicator head 10 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30. The length L or L′ is at least 60% of the length of the core 15 of the applicator head 10.

Further, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a bristle density of the first bristle type 80 decreases from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40, and similarly, a bristle density of the second bristle type 90 decreases from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30.

More particularly and as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bristle density of the first bristle type 80 decreases gradually/progressively from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40, and similarly, the bristle density of the second bristle type 90 decreases gradually/progressively from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30. In other words, number of the first bristle type 80 reduces after every successive “n” turn(s) of the twisted wire core 15 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40 of the core 15 and number of the second bristle type 90 reduces after every successive “n” turn(s) of the core 15 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 of the core 15. The “n” designates number of turns of the core 15 and wherein 1≦“n”≦5, specifically 1≦“n”≦3. For example, when “n”=1, the number of the first bristle type 80 reduces after every single turn of the core 15 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40 and the number of the second bristle type 90 reduces after every single turn of the core 15 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30. Further, when “n”=2, the number of the first bristle type 80 reduces after every successive two turns of the core 15 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40 or number of the first bristle type 80 per turn of the core 15 reduces after every successive two turns of the core 15 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40. Similarly, the number of the second bristle type 90 reduces after every successive two turns of the core 15 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 or the number of the second bristle type 90 per turn of the core 15 reduces after every successive two turns of the core 15 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 of the core 15. As a result of such distribution of the first and the second bristle types 80, 90, three separate zones are formed on the applicator head 10 namely a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70.

According to an alternate embodiment, the first and second bristle types 80, 90 can be distributed in a segment of the core which extends along at least 50% of a length of the core and may be present anywhere along the length of the core, e.g. in a middle portion of the core, in a manner such that a bristle density of the first bristle type decreases from a proximal end towards a distal end of the segment of the core and a bristle density of the second bristle type decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end of the segment of the core. Further, the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 form a first bristle zone, a second bristle zone and a third bristle zone along a longitudinal axis of the segment; and wherein the density of the second bristle type is more as compared to the density of the first bristle type in the first bristle zone, the density of the first bristle type and the second bristle type is substantially equal in the second bristle zone, and the density of the first bristle type is significantly more as compared to the density of the second bristle type in the third bristle zone. Furthermore, the first bristle type may vary from the second bristle type in color. Therefore, the segment has an overall effect of gradual change in color, from a darker shade to a lighter shade from the distal end to the proximal end or from the proximal end to the distal end of the segment.

According to an alternate embodiment, if the core 15 is a molded core (not shown in the drawings) comprising at least a first bristle type 80 and a second bristle type 90 molded with the core, a density of the bristles comprising the first bristle type 80 gradually/progressively decreases from a proximal end 30 towards a distal end 40 of the molded core 15, and similarly, a density of the bristles comprising the second bristle type 90 gradually/progressively decreases from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30. In other words, the number of bristles of the first bristle type 80 reduces after every fixed portion of a length of the molded core 15 from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40 of the molded core 15 and the number of bristles of the second bristle type 90 reduces after every fixed portion of a length of the molded core 15 from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 of the molded core 15.

The first bristle zone 50 comprises the first bristle type 80. The second bristle zone 60 comprises a combination of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90. The third bristle zone 70 further comprises the second bristle type 90. The first bristle zone 50 remains free from the second bristle type 90 and the third bristle zone 70 remains free from the first bristle type 80.

The first bristle zone 50 may provide a first performance characteristic, the second bristle zone 60 may provide a second performance characteristic and the third bristle zone 70 may provide a third performance characteristic. Different performance characteristics include covering the span of eyelashes in single swipe, adding desired length, volume or curling effects. Further, it may include reaching the inner corners of lower lashes to stylize the lashes individually with more precision application. These performance characteristics will depend upon the properties of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 used to make the cosmetic applicator 100.

According to an embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 have different colors or tones. The applicator head 10 has an overall effect of gradual change in color/tone for e.g. in this case, from darker to lighter from the distal end 40 to the proximal end 30 and from lighter to darker from the proximal end 30 to the distal end 40. According to an embodiment, the colors used may be chromatic or non-chromatic. It may be contrasting colors, without one necessarily being chromatic.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bristle density of the first bristle type 80 having a lighter tone decreases gradually from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40, and similarly, the bristle density of the second bristle type 90 having a darker tone decreases gradually from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 in order to produce an ombre effect.

According to an embodiment, the color differentiation initially indicates to the user that the applicator head 10 is made up of different types of bristles. Even though, in use, such color differentiation may be more or less obscured by cosmetic composition coating the applicator head 10, the initial indication assists the user in understanding how to manipulate the cosmetic applicator 100. In particular, when the cosmetic applicator 100 is initially packaged outside the cosmetic container i.e. for sale (with the container is closed by a temporary cap), the color differentiation is clearly visible prior to the first insertion of the cosmetic applicator into the container.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate a front perspective view and an isometric view respectively of a cosmetic applicator 200 according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicator 200 is similar to the cosmetic applicator 100 in distribution of a first bristle type 80 and a second bristle type 90 but is different from the cosmetic applicator 100 in having a different envelope surface. The envelope surface being defined by a geometrical surface defined by the free ends of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90. The cosmetic applicator 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B has a straight envelope with a triangular cross-section whereas the cosmetic applicator 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B has a tapered envelope with a circular cross-section. The cosmetic applicator 200 comprises a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70. The arrangement of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 is same as already described above for FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a front perspective view and an isometric view of a cosmetic applicator 300 respectively according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. A first bristle type 80 extends throughout the length of the core 15 of the applicator head 10 between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 40 such that a density of the first bristle type 80 remains same throughout the length of the core 15 while a second bristle type 90 is disposed between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 40 such that a density of the second bristle type 90 progressively decreases from the distal end 40 towards the proximal end 30 of the core 15 of the applicator head 10 in a manner described above for cosmetic applicator 100 of FIG. 1A and 1B. Three separate zones are formed on the core 15 of the applicator head 10 namely a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70. In the first bristle zone 50, density of the first bristle type 80 is significantly more as compared to the density of the second bristle type 90. Further, the second bristle zone 60 comprises a combination of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 and their density is substantially equal. In the third bristle zone 70, the density of the second bristle type 90 is significantly more as compared to the density of the first bristle type 80.

Alternatively, according to another embodiment not shown, a first bristle type 80 is distributed uniformly throughout the length of the core 15 of the applicator head 10 between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 40 of the core 15, such that the density of the first bristle type 80 remains same throughout the length of the core 15 while a second bristle type 90 is disposed between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 40 such that the density of the second bristle type 90 progressively decreases from the proximal end 30 towards the distal end 40 of the core 15 of the applicator head 10. Three separate zones are formed on the core 15 of the applicator head 10 namely a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70. In the first bristle zone 50, density of the second bristle type 90 is significantly more as compared to the density of the first bristle type 80. Further, the second bristle zone 60 comprises a combination of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 and their density is substantially equal. In the third bristle zone 70, the density of the first bristle type 80 is significantly more as compared to the density of the second bristle type 90.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a front perspective view and an isometric view respectively of a cosmetic applicator 400 according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicator 400 is similar to the cosmetic applicator 300 in distribution of a first bristle type 80 and a second bristle type 90 but is different from the cosmetic applicator 300 in having a different envelope surface. The envelope surface being defined by a geometrical surface defined by the free ends of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90. The cosmetic applicator 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3B has a straight envelope with a triangular cross-section whereas the cosmetic applicator 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B has a tapered envelope with a circular cross-section. The cosmetic applicator 400 comprises a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70. The arrangement of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 is same as already described in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a cosmetic applicator 500 according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicator 500 is similar to the cosmetic applicator 300 in distribution of a first bristle type 80 and a second bristle type 90 but is different from the cosmetic applicator 300 in having a straight envelope surface with a circular cross-section. The cosmetic applicator 500 comprises a first bristle zone 50, a second bristle zone 60 and a third bristle zone 70.

It is possible to make the cosmetic applicators 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 of the present disclosure with other shapes of envelope surfaces e.g. straight, curved, helical or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the core 15 is centered with respect to the first bristle zone 50, the second bristle zone 60 and the third bristle zone 70 of the respective cosmetic applicators 100-500. However, in alternate embodiments, the core 15 may be off-centered.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may comprise hollow or solid fibers.

The first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may vary in one or more properties selected from a group consisting of type of material, shape, length, cross-section, diameter, thickness, length, color as explained below.

The first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be of shapes selected from a group consisting of tubular, circular, round, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal or any another known shapes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be rectilinear. However, in alternate embodiments, the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be of undulating shape, or any another known shapes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be of same length. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be of varying length.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, diameter of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be of varying diameter.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thickness of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may have varying thickness.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, hardness of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may have varying hardness.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, stiffness of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may have varying stiffness.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, color of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may have varying colors. The colors used may be chromatic or non-chromatic. It may be contrasting colors, without one necessarily being chromatic.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, material of the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may be same. However, in alternate embodiments the first bristle type 80 and the second bristle type 90 may have varying materials. The bristles may comprise any suitable material e.g. thermoplastic e.g. Polyolefin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyimide (PA), polystyrene (PS), or Polyamide such as nylon, this list not being limiting.

The systems and methods of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised.

Claims

1. A cosmetic applicator comprising:

an applicator head;
wherein the applicator head comprises a twisted wire core with a proximal end and a distal end;
wherein the twisted wire core carries at least a first bristle type and a second bristle type;
wherein a bristle density of the first bristle type decreases from the proximal end towards the distal end of the twisted wire core and a bristle density of the second bristle type decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end of the twisted wire core;
wherein a number of the first bristle type reduces after every successive “n” turn(s) of the twisted wire core from the proximal end towards the distal end of the twisted wire core;
wherein a number of the second bristle type reduces after every successive “n” turn(s) of the twisted wire core from the distal end towards the proximal end of the twisted wire core; and
wherein the “n” designates number of turns of the twisted wire core and 1≦“n”≦3.

2. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle type extends up to at least 60% of a length of the twisted wire core of the applicator head from the proximal end towards the distal end; and wherein the second bristle type extends up to at least 60% of the length of the twisted wire core of the applicator head from the distal end towards the proximal end.

3. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle type and the second bristle type form a first bristle zone, a second bristle zone and a third bristle zone along a longitudinal axis of the twisted wire core; and wherein the first bristle zone comprises the first bristle type only, the second bristle zone comprises a combination of the first bristle type and the second bristle type, and the third bristle zone comprises the second bristle type only.

4. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle type vary from the second bristle type in color.

5. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the second bristle type is of a darker shade as compared to a shade of the first bristle type and wherein the applicator head has an overall effect of gradual change in color, from the darker shade to a lighter shade from the distal end to the proximal end of the twisted wire core.

6. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the second bristle type is of a lighter shade as compared to a shade of the first bristle type and wherein the applicator head has an overall effect of gradual change in color, from the lighter shade to a darker shade from the distal end to the proximal end of the twisted wire core.

7. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle type and the second bristle type vary in one or more properties selected from a group consisting of material, shape, length, cross-section, diameter, thickness, length, color and hardness.

8. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first bristle type and the second bristle type comprises hollow fibers.

9. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first bristle type and the second bristle type comprises solid fibers.

10. The cosmetic applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator head is attached to a distal end of a stem and a cap or a gripping member is attached to a proximal end of the stem.

11. A cosmetic applicator comprising:

an applicator head and a stem;
the applicator head is attached to a distal end of the stem;
wherein the applicator head comprises a core with a proximal end and a distal end;
wherein the core carries at least a first bristle type and a second bristle type;
wherein the first bristle type extends throughout a length of the core between the proximal end and the distal end of the core such that a density of the first bristle type remains fixed throughout the length of the core; and
wherein a density of the second bristle type progressively decreases at least up to 60% of the length of the core either from the distal end towards the proximal end or from the proximal end towards the distal end core of the applicator head.

12. The cosmetic applicator of claim 11, wherein the core is a molded core.

13. The cosmetic applicator of claim 11, wherein the core is a twisted wire core.

14. The cosmetic applicator of claim 11, wherein the first bristle type vary from the second bristle type in color and wherein the applicator head has an overall effect of gradual change in color, from darker to lighter from the distal end to the proximal end or from the proximal end to the distal end of the core.

15. The cosmetic applicator of claim 11, wherein the first bristle type and the second bristle type form a first bristle zone, a second bristle zone and a third bristle zone along a longitudinal axis of the core; and wherein the density of the first bristle type and the second bristle type is substantially equal in the second bristle zone; the density of the first bristle type is more as compared to the density of the second bristle type in one of the first bristle zone or the third bristle zone.

16. A cosmetic applicator comprising:

an applicator head;
wherein the applicator head comprises a core carrying at least a first bristle type and a second bristle type;
wherein a segment of the core comprising the first bristle type and the second bristle type extends at least 50% of a length of the core; and
wherein a bristle density of the first bristle type decreases from a proximal end towards a distal end of the segment of the core and a bristle density of the second bristle type decreases from the distal end towards the proximal end of the segment of the core.

17. The cosmetic applicator of claim 16 wherein the first bristle type and the second bristle type form a first bristle zone, a second bristle zone and a third bristle zone along a longitudinal axis of the core; and wherein the density of the second bristle type is more as compared to the density of the first bristle type in the first bristle zone, the density of the first bristle type and the second bristle type is substantially equal in the second bristle zone, and the density of the first bristle type is significantly more as compared to the density of the second bristle type in the third bristle zone.

18. The cosmetic applicator of claim 17 wherein the first bristle type vary from the second bristle type in color.

19. The cosmetic applicator of claim 18 wherein the segment has an overall effect of gradual change in color, from a darker shade to a lighter shade from the distal end to the proximal end or from the proximal end to the distal end.

20. The cosmetic applicator of claim 16 wherein the core is a molded core or a twisted wire core.

Patent History
Publication number: 20180008034
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 3, 2017
Publication Date: Jan 11, 2018
Inventors: Leo Clifford PIRES (Basking Ridge, NJ), Roger HWANG (Maple), Manisha KOHLI (New Delhi), Rahul Bose (New Delhi)
Application Number: 15/640,856
Classifications
International Classification: A46B 9/06 (20060101); A46B 9/02 (20060101); A45D 40/26 (20060101); A45D 34/04 (20060101); A46B 3/00 (20060101); A46B 3/18 (20060101); A46B 9/00 (20060101);