Abstract:
The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator comprising at least two molded applicator parts that define a portion of an applicator head. The at least two molded applicator parts have a respective first molded surface and a second molded surface defined thereon which meet at an interface defined on an outer surface of the applicator head and at least one projection is formed at the interface. The at least one projection comprises a projection from the first molded surface and a projection from the adjacent second molded surface. The cosmetic applicator of the present invention may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as on skin or on keratinous fibers in the area of mascara application, lash care, nail care, mascara removal, lip application, hair coloring and hair repair etc.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/975,135, filed Aug. 23, 2013, which in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/152,919, filed Jun. 3, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,963, which in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/351,503, filed Jun. 4, 2010. The disclosure of each of the aforementioned patent applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for any purpose whatsoever. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a cosmetic applicator and in particular, relate to a cosmetic applicator comprising of at least two molded applicator parts that are interlinked such that a zero or a non-zero angle is formed at an interface of the two molded applicator parts with respect to a centerline of the cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic applicator of the present invention may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as on skin or on keratinous fibers in the area of mascara application, lash care, nail care, mascara removal, lip application, hair coloring and hair repair etc. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventionally, applicators include a stem, at one end of which is connected an applicator head and at the other end is provided a handle for gripping. Cosmetic applicator such as a mascara applicator deposits and distributes the cosmetic composition i.e. mascara all over the lashes. As mascara, inherently, is a cosmetic composition that is difficult to apply because of the sensitive target area of application, it is desirable that no clumping of the cosmetic composition occurs and the lashes are separated and combed evenly. However, all the desired effects are not possible with a single mascara applicator. This is because the eyelashes are soft, flexible, delicate and in close proximity to very sensitive eye tissue. Continuous innovations in this area are being made to provide the user with an applicator that gives him/her a better application and makes the whole application effortless to the consumer. Numerous cosmetic applicators are known that are made by molding a thermoplastic material. Many such cosmetic applicators are made with tines that are identical. 
         [0006]    There have also been innovations in the area of mascara applicators wherein the applicator is made in two parts having two different kinds of tines. U.S. Pat. No. 7,231,926 to RND Group LLC discloses a mascara brush, wherein a single brush rod of the mascara brush is formed with both an application brush part with an application portion for applying a mascara liquid to the eyelashes and an arrangement brush part with a comb for arranging the eyelashes in order to simultaneously perform the application of the mascara liquid and arrangement of the eyelashes. 
         [0007]    United States Patent Application No. 20090193602 to Dumler, Nobert, discloses a cosmetic brush that has a multiplicity of tines that project out from a main body. A portion of the tines forms first tines that are integrally connected to the main body, wherein the first tines consist of the same first plastic material as the main body. Another portion of the tines forms second tines that are connected to the main body differently than the first tines. The main body has a main body wall provided with through holes, and the second tines are integrally connected to each other by means of a connecting member disposed on the side of the main body wall facing away from the second tines, and extend through the through holes, wherein the main body and the connecting member are immediately adjacent to each other and adhesively connected to each other. The main body is designed in the form of a hollow cylinder and integrally connected to a handle extension piece. The second tines are softer than the first tines. 
         [0008]    United States Patent Application No. 20100083979 to RND group discloses a mascara brush that includes a bristle part for applying mascara to eyelashes, and a comb part for tidying the eyelashes. The bristle part and the comb part are integrally formed with a brush body through an injection molding process, such that the tines of the bristle part are thin and the comb teeth of the comb part are relatively thick. 
         [0009]    Publication DE 101 02 219 A1 discloses an applicator comprising a support portion made out of a first material, and a sheath carrying tines and surrounding the support portion. The sheath and the tines are molded out of a second material that is different from the first, being more flexible. 
         [0010]    EP1161896 A1 also describes using two materials of different stiffnesses for making an applicator member. 
         [0011]    WO 01/05 274 A1 discloses a comb made of two portions that are interconnected via a film hinge, the portions possibly being made out of different materials. The tines carried by each of the portions are not molded in their final configuration within the applicator member, it being necessary to move one portion relative to the other in order to assemble them, either while they are being extracted from the mold or once they have been extracted from the mold. 
         [0012]    Application DE 199 11 763 discloses a mascara applicator including rows of transverse tines made out of different plastics materials. 
         [0013]    Application EP 1 602 300 discloses a mascara applicator comprising a comb having a single row and a core made out of a first material, on which core a brush made out of a second more-flexible material is over-injected or bonded. 
         [0014]    If the cosmetic composition is applied using the aforementioned applicators then during application on the lashes the application brush would be followed subsequently by the comb part or vice versa and the user is expected to gradually blend the application with multiple such strokes, however, this creates a stark application. 
         [0015]    It is found by the inventors of the present invention that if the applicator is containing two different kinds of tines or application surfaces, then the application becomes much more easier and relieves the user of using two different applicator one after the other to get a desired application. Further, it is desirable that the applicator has tines which are made up of at least two materials having different physical and/or chemical properties. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0016]    The present invention generally relates to a cosmetic applicator. More particularly, the invention relates to a cosmetic applicator comprising of at least two molded applicator parts that are interlinked such that a zero or a non-zero angle is formed at an interface of the two molded applicator parts with respect to a centerline of the applicator wherein the at least two molded applicator parts comprise a base body. 
         [0017]    According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cosmetic applicator comprising of at least two molded applicator parts. Each of the at least two molded applicator parts comprises at least one row of projections. The at least two molded applicator parts are interlinked such that a row of projections is formed at an interface of the at least two molded applicator parts. 
         [0018]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention the cosmetic applicator may imitate the twirl of the wrist during application and thereby provides an expert like application even by a novice at make-up skills. 
         [0019]    According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cosmetic applicator comprising of at least two molded applicator parts, wherein the at least two molded applicator parts are made up of at least two materials wherein the at least two materials differ in physical and/or chemical properties. The at least two molded applicator parts comprise of a molded first applicator part and a molded second applicator part. The molded first applicator part is molded out of a first material and the molded second applicator part is molded out of a second material, wherein the first material and the second material differ in at least one physical and/or chemical property. The first material may be softer than the second material or vice versa. The first material and the second material may have different chemical nature or they may have same chemical nature but have different color and/or texture and/or hardness. 
         [0020]    As used herein, the term ‘same chemical nature’ means that the at least two materials may belong to a same family of polymer, for example an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer. Within a family they may correspond to polymers obtained from the same monomer or type of monomer, or the same monomers or same type of monomers, being in this case copolymers. The copolymers of the same chemical nature may differ by the special distribution of the monomers, being alternating or statistical copolymers, and/or by the proportions of the monomers in the copolymers. Within a family, the at least two materials may correspond to polymers having a same backbone with different and/or identical lateral chains and/or substituents. Within a family they may correspond to different grades, for example to different degree of cross linking and/or a different degree of polymerization. The at least two materials may differ by their additive(s) and/or plasticizer(s), and/or may comprise a same additive and/or plasticizer in different quantity. 
         [0021]    The at least two materials may each comprise the two same polymers, but in different proportions, having different hardnesses. The two materials may be e.g. two polyester, having different hardnesses, for example Hytrel™ 40 Shore A and Hytrel™ 70 Shore A, for example two polyether block amide such as two different grades of PEBAX™, or two different polyolefins, for example with the same number of carbons, or two different polyamides, for example two grades of Nylon™. The use of at least two materials of the same chemical nature may facilitate the molding of the cosmetic applicator, the compatibility between the at least two materials being greater due to their same chemical nature. 
         [0022]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least two materials may have properties that are attractive and non-attractive to mascara, have different stiffness, have different tactile feel, have different color, have different chemical nature, have different magnetic property, have different temperature property and/or other property. 
         [0023]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the molded first applicator part comprises a hard comb part and the molded second applicator part comprises a soft bristle part. Each of the hard comb part and the soft bristle part comprises at least one row of projections. The hard comb part comprises projections made up of hard material and the soft bristle part comprises projections made up of soft material. 
         [0024]    According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the cosmetic applicator comprising of at least two molded applicator parts. The base body of one of the at least two molded applicator parts has a cavity into which is interlocked a complementary profiled base body of the other molded applicator part. The cavity is such that a central longitudinal axis of the cavity lies away at a non-zero angle from the central longitudinal axis of the base body. There is formed a non-zero angle between the central longitudinal axis of the cavity of the at least one of the two molded applicator parts and the central longitudinal axis of the base body of the other molded applicator part interlocked into said cavity. Therefore, the at least two molded applicator parts are linked at a non-zero angle. 
         [0025]    According to an alternate embodiment of the invention the base body of one of the at least two molded applicator parts has a cavity into which is interlocked a complementary profiled base body of the other molded applicator part. A zero angle is formed between the central longitudinal axis of the cavity of the at least one of the two molded applicator parts and the central longitudinal axis of the base body of the other molded applicator part interlocked into said cavity. Therefore, the at least two molded applicator parts are linked at a zero angle. 
         [0026]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention the at least two molded applicator parts comprise an outer applicator part and an inner applicator part. A base body of the outer applicator part of a mascara applicator has a hollow cavity with the tines/projections arranged on its circumference. Further, the inner applicator part has a base body wherein the tines/projections are arranged around the circumference of the base body and wherein the structure of the base body of the inner applicator part is complimentary to the hollow cavity of the outer applicator part so that the inner applicator part fills the cavity of the outer applicator part thereby making a full applicator. The two molded applicator parts linked at either a zero or a non-zero angle. 
         [0027]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cosmetic applicator comprising of a molded first applicator part having a first molded surface and a molded second applicator part having a second molded surface defined thereon. The molded second applicator part is coupled to the molded first applicator part to define at least a portion of an applicator head. The first molded surface is made of a first material and the second molded surface is made of a second material wherein the first material and the second material differ in physical and/or chemical properties. Both the first molded surface and the second molded surface have at least one row of projections, wherein the projections are integrally molded with the respective first molded surface and the second molded surface. The material of the at least one row of projections from the respective molded surface is either similar or different from the material of the respective molded surface. The first molded surface of the molded first applicator part and the second molded surface of the molded second applicator part are formed adjacent to each other and meet at an interface defined on an outer surface of the applicator head such that the two molded applicator parts are linked at a zero or a non-zero angle with respect to a center line of the cosmetic applicator. The interface having an orientation parallel to the center line extending axially through the applicator head. Alternatively, the interface may have an orientation rotated about a center line extending axially through the applicator head so that the cosmetic applicator imitates the twirl of the wrist during application and thereby provides an expert like application even by a novice at make-up skills. 
         [0028]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a row of projections is formed at the interface of the molded first applicator part and the molded second applicator part. At least one projection in the row of projections formed at the interface comprises of at least two portions wherein the at least two portions comprise of a projection from the first molded surface and a projection from the adjacent second molded surface. In other words, the at least one projection formed at the interface is partially made from the projection from the first molded surface and partially from the projection from the adjacent second molded surface. 
         [0029]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least two portions of the at least one projection formed at the interface, comprise of a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises a projection from the first molded surface and the second portion comprises a projection from the second molded surface. Thus, the at least one projection formed at the interface comprises of a combination of properties of the material of the projection from the first molded surface and the material of the projection from the second molded surface. Thus, the at least two portions of the at least one projection formed at the interface provide non-identical cosmetic applications. 
         [0030]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the first portion molded out from the first molded surface makes up 1-99% and the second portion molded out from the second molded surface makes up for rest 99-1% of the at least one projection at the interface of the first molded surface and the second molded surface. 
         [0031]    According to an alternate embodiment of the invention, the at least one projection formed at the interface of the molded first applicator part and the molded second applicator part comprises of a combination of the hard and the soft material which further ensures superior lengthening, curling and separation. The soft surface of the at least one projection grabs and pulls the eyelashes making them longer and curled. The hard surface of the projection helps in combing and separation of the eyelashes. 
         [0032]    According to another alternate embodiment of the invention, the at least one projection formed at the interface of the molded first applicator part and the molded second applicator part comprises of at least two portions, wherein the at least two portions differ only visually in color and or texture. 
         [0033]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided an alternate method of manufacturing a cosmetic applicator for keratinous fibers in particular the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, the cosmetic applicator comprising of at least two molded applicator parts. The method comprises injecting a first material for molding a molded first applicator part including projections; and injecting a second material for molding a molded second applicator part including projections by double injection molding. 
         [0034]    In other alternate embodiments of the invention, the molded first applicator part and the molded second applicator part may be prepared as separate parts by injection molding and then the molded first applicator part may be connected to the molded second applicator part utilizing adhesives or other suitable fastening/coupling technique known in the art. 
         [0035]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided a cosmetic applicator assembly comprising of a gripping member, a stem and a cosmetic applicator as described above. The stem has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the stem is connected to the gripping member while the applicator is connected to the distal end of the stem. 
         [0036]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cosmetic device for applying a composition to eyelashes, the device comprising a cosmetic applicator assembly as defined above, and a receptacle containing the composition. The receptacle comprises a threaded neck, and the cosmetic applicator assembly comprising the gripping member is arranged to be fastened on the neck so as to close the receptacle in leak tight manner when not in use, the gripping member thus constituting a cap for the receptacle. The composition may be water-resistant mascara. 
         [0037]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the base body of each molded applicator part of a cosmetic applicator may have a plurality of tines/projections extending from its circumference. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention the tines/projections on the base body of each molded applicator part may extend out in parallel longitudinal rows. Alternatively the tines/projections may extend radially parallel or in any other suitable arrangement. The at least two molded applicator parts comprise an outer applicator part and an inner applicator part. According to an embodiment of the invention the tines/projections on the base body of the at least two molded applicator parts may be arranged in any suitable manner. Further, the tines/projections may have any suitable length, width and density. 
         [0038]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, during usage of the applicator due to the at least two molded applicator parts being interlinked at a non-zero angle, the set of tines from the two molded applicator parts do not necessarily follow one behind the other on all the lashes at one go and the follow through is interspersed due to the twist, thus causing blending of the application by the two parts in the single stroke. 
         [0039]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention the base body of said at least two molded applicator parts of the applicator is a doe foot. Cosmetic applicator of the present invention may be used for cosmetic and care applications on skin or on keratinous fibers such as for mascara application, hair coloring, lip application etc. 
         [0040]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic applicator for applying cosmetic composition is provided that includes a molded first applicator part having a first molded surface and a molded second applicator part having a second molded surface defined thereon. The molded second applicator part is coupled to the molded first applicator part to define at least a portion of an applicator head. The coupling between the molded first and second applicator parts is such that a product delivery passageway is defined between said molded applicator parts via which the cosmetic composition can pass through. Further in the embodiment under consideration, the first molded surface and the second molded surface of the molded first and second applicator parts respectively meets at an interface defined on an outer surface of the applicator head, wherein the interface has an orientation rotated about a center line extending axially through the applicator head. 
         [0041]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic composition is provided that includes a molded first applicator part having a first molded surface and a molded second applicator part having a second molded surface defined thereon. The molded second applicator part is coupled to the molded first applicator part to define at least a portion of an applicator head. The first molded surface and the second molded surface of the molded first and the second applicator parts respectively meets at an interface defined on an outer surface of the applicator head. Further in the embodiment under consideration, an aperture is formed through at the interface to define a product delivery passageway via which the cosmetic composition can pass through the applicator. The interface has as an orientation rotated about a center line extending axially through the applicator head. 
         [0042]    These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of the art are attained by a cosmetic applicator in accordance with the main claim. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0043]    So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
           [0044]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a cosmetic applicator according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of the cosmetic applicator of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view of the cosmetic applicator of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 4  illustrates a sectional view of the cosmetic applicator taken along section line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 5  illustrates the outer applicator part of the cosmetic applicator of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 6  illustrates the inner applicator part of the cosmetic applicator of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 7  illustrates the isometric view of a cosmetic applicator assembly comprising the cosmetic applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 8  illustrates a sectional view of a cosmetic applicator according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 9  illustrates a sectional view of a cosmetic applicator according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 10  illustrates a sectional view of an applicator according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator according to yet another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 12  illustrates a front view of the cosmetic applicator of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 13  illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of an applicator head of the cosmetic applicator of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 14  illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view along axis A-A of the cosmetic applicator of  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
       [0058]    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 invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0059]    The applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 1  is one embodiment of the present invention showing an isometric view of a molded cosmetic applicator  100 . The cosmetic applicator  100  is elongated along a center line  102  (e.g., the centre longitudinal axis), extending from proximate end  104  to a distal end  106 . The applicator  100  includes an applicator head  108  separated by a base  110  from a mounting portion  112 . A portion of the center line  102  extending through the base  110  and mounting portion  112  may be linear, while a portion of the center line  102  extending through the applicator head  108  may be linear, curved or have another geometry. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the center line  102  passes linearly through the base  110 , applicator head  108  and mounting portion  112 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the cosmetic applicator  100  illustrating the applicator head  108  in greater detail. The applicator head  108  is elongated (in the y-direction) and extends from the base  110  to the distal end  106  of the applicator  100 . The shape of the elongated applicator head  108  may be substantially cylindrical in form, but may optionally have a sectional profile (in the z/x plane) which is other than circular, for example, oval or polygonal, among other shapes. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the elongated applicator head  108  has a cylindrical form. 
         [0062]    The applicator head  108  has an outer surface  202  that is formed from at least two surfaces formed from molded materials, shown in  FIG. 2  as a first molded surface  206  and a second molded surface  208 . The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may be aligned such that the outer surface  202  is substantially smooth and contiguous across an interface  204  of the surfaces  206 ,  208 . The interface  204  of the surfaces  206 ,  208  is elongated (in the y-direction) and is rotated about the center line  102  of the applicator head  108 . The rotated interface  204  of the surfaces  206 ,  208  may define a twist, helix or other non-linear form. For example, at least one of the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  rotate in the z/x plane as the surfaces  206 ,  208  extend from the base  110  toward the distal end  106 . In this manner, at least one of the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  has a helical form about the center line  102 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , both surfaces  206 ,  208  have a congruent helical form about the center line  102  such that the interface  204  of the surfaces  206 ,  208  form a non-zero angle (shown by reference numeral  214 ) relative to the center line  102 . In one embodiment, the non-zero angle  214  is about 55 to about 65 degrees, such as about 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the non-zero angle  214  may be greater than or less than 60 degrees. Alternatively, the molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may be elongated polygons such that the interface  204 , although linear, still rotates about the centerline  102 . 
         [0063]    The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may also be fabricated from materials having different properties. The first molded surface  206  is fabricated from a material which is softer than a material from which the second molded surface  208  is fabricated. In one embodiment, the first molded surface  206  is fabricated from a material having a hardness of less than about 80 Shore D scale (ShD). In another embodiment, the second molded surface  208  is fabricated from a material having a hardness of greater than about 20 Shore D scale (ShD). It is also contemplated that the material of the first molded surface  206  may be harder than the material of the second molded surface  208 . The different materials of the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may have properties that are attractive and non-attractive to mascara, have different stiffness, have different tactile feel, have different color, have different chemical nature, have different magnetic property, have different temperature property and/or other property. The combination of the different materials utilized for the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208 , along with the rotational or twisting orientation of the surfaces  206 ,  208 , allow the cosmetic applicator  100  to mimic the twirl of the wrist during mascara application and thereby provides an expert like application even by a novice at make-up skills. Moreover, the hard material has been found to provide separation of the lashes during the application of mascara, while the softer material provides lift and volume. Thus, the unique twist of the hard and soft surfaces allows the softer surface to be followed by the harder surface so that mascara is applied to the lash in a manner that separates lifts and volumizes without expert manipulation of the applicator  100 . 
         [0064]    The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may also include a plurality of projections  216 . The projections  216  may be attractive projections, and non-attractive projections, discs, and brush tines, among other properties and geometries. The projections  216 , when present, may extend radially outward from the outer surface  202 . In one embodiment, the projections  216  extend radially outward in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface  202 . 
         [0065]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , projections  216  from the first molded surface  206  form at least one longitudinal (i.e., substantially aligned with the center line  102 ) row of first brushes  210  while projections  216  from the second molded surface  208  form at least one longitudinal row of second brushes  212 . The projections  216  forming the row of first brushes  210  may be integrally molded with the first molded surface  206 , such that the rows of first brushes  210  have the same material property as the first molded surface  206 . Likewise, the projections  216  forming the row of second brushes  212  may be integrally molded with the second molded surface  208 , such that the rows of second brushes  212  have the same material property as the second molded surface  208 . In this configuration, a substantially linear movement of the applicator  100  even without substantial rotation will engage the lash with rows of brushes  210 ,  212  having alternating physical properties, thereby enhancing the mimic of the twirl of the wrist during application. It is also contemplated that the material of the projections  216  may be different between rows, different within a row, and/or different than the material of the surface  206 ,  208  from which the projections  216  extend. 
         [0066]    In one embodiment, the projections  216  forming each row of brushes  210 ,  212  are aligned and extend substantially perpendicular to the outer surface  202 . The projections  216  forming the first row of brushes  210  may be congruent to the projections  216  forming the second row of brushes  212 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first molded surface  206  includes projections  216  forming the two congruent helical rows defining two first rows of brushes  210 , while the second molded surface  208  includes projections  216  forming the two congruent helical rows defining two second rows of brushes  212 , wherein the rows of brushes extending from the first molded surface  206  are congruent with the rows of brushes extending from the second molded surface  208 . Thus, the rows of brushes  210 ,  212  may define congruent rows oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the center line  102  of the applicator  100 , for example as illustrated by the angle  214  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 3-4  are sectional views of the cosmetic applicator  100 . The cosmetic applicator  100  includes an outer applicator part  302  and an inner applicator part  304 . The applicator parts  302 ,  304  are molded from different polymers or two polymers having different physical properties. The materials suitable for forming the applicator parts  302 ,  304  (i.e., and consequently the surfaces  206 ,  208 ) include porous rubber, non-porous rubber, fabric mesh, felt material, foamed polymers, sponge material, thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), metal and its composites, ceramic, nylon, or any other suitable material. 
         [0068]    The outer applicator part  302  comprises of a base body  306  that has a hollow cavity  308 , and on the outer circumference of the base body  306  is defined by the first molded surface  206 , which in one embodiment, include projections  216  arranged as a plurality of tines  310  extending out from said base body  306 . The base body  306  includes at least one elongated window  316  that exposes the hollow cavity  308  through the first molded surface  206 . 
         [0069]    The inner applicator part  304  has a base body  312  which is complimentary and snug fits within the hollow cavity  308  of the outer applicator part  302 . The base body  312  of the inner applicator part  304  has an outer circumference defined by the second molded surface  208 , which in one embodiment include projections  216  arranged as a plurality of tines  314  extending out from said base body  312 . The second molded surface  208  of the base body  312  extends through the window  316  of the base body  306  such that the first molded surface  206  and second molded surface  208  align to define the outer surface  202  of the cosmetic applicator  100 . 
         [0070]    Further, the applicator parts  302 ,  304  may be suitably connected with each other to expose the rows of projections  216  of each of the applicator parts in a suitable arrangement. As shown, the applicator parts  302 ,  304  are so arranged to expose the projections  216  of each of the applicator parts  302 ,  304  in a common x-z plane. Alternatively, adjacent projections  216  in each of the applicator parts  302 ,  304  may be in different x-z planes. 
         [0071]      FIG. 5  is a front view of one embodiment of the outer applicator part  302 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the outer applicator part  302  includes two elongated windows  316  arranged in a congruent helical orientation about the center line  102 . Thus, the two windows  316  may be congruent helixes and be oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the center line  102  of the cosmetic applicator  100 , for example as illustrated by the angle  214  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0072]    The outer applicator part  302  also includes one or more engagement features  502 , such as a groove or ridge, extending outward from the base body  306  to facilitate coupling the cosmetic applicator  100  to a stem of a cosmetic applicator assembly, as discussed further below. 
         [0073]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the inner applicator part  304 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the base body  312  includes two ridges  602  extending radially from a central rod  604 . The two ridges  602  twist about the central rod  604  in a helical orientation that mates with and extends through the helical windows  316  of the outer applicator part  302  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Thus, the two ridges  602  match the orientation of the windows  316  and are thereby oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the center line  102  of the applicator  100 , for example as illustrated by the angle  214  shown in  FIG. 2 . It is contemplated that the number of windows  316  and mating ridges  602  may vary. 
         [0074]    The central rod  604  ends in a barb  606  like feature that is axially spaced from the ridges  602 . The barb  606  is orientated to allow the central rod  604  to pass through the hollow cavity  308  and exit the outer applicator part  302  at the proximate end  104  of the cosmetic applicator  100  to lock the inner applicator part  304  within the outer applicator part  302 . 
         [0075]    Returning to  FIG. 2  and as discussed above, the plurality of projections  216  may be made of different materials so as to give multiple effects in a single application of mascara. The projections  216  extending from a respective surface  206 ,  208  may be made of soft and hard materials or vice versa. Further, the projections  216  may be arranged on the surfaces  206 ,  208  and inner applicator part  304  respectively in any suitable manner. Further, the projections  216  may have any suitable length, width/thickness and density. 
         [0076]      FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the  FIG. 7 , a cosmetic applicator assembly  700  includes a—cosmetic applicator  100  as described above, a stem  702  and a gripping member  704 . The stem  702  has a proximal end  706  and a distal end  708 . The proximal end  706  of the stem  702  is connected to the gripping member  704 , while the cosmetic applicator  100  is connected to the distal end  708  of the stem  702 . Although the cosmetic applicator  100  may be connected to the distal end  708  of the stem  702  in any suitable manner, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7  the distal end  708  of the stem  702  includes a hollow bore  710  which receives the mounting portion  112  of the cosmetic applicator  100 . The hollow bore  710  includes one or more undercuts or grooves  712  which engage with the engagement features  502  of the outer applicator part  302  to secure the applicator  100  to the stem  702 . Alternatively, the applicator  100  may be connected to the distal end  708  utilizing plastic welding techniques, adhesives or other suitable fastening technique. 
         [0077]      FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The applicator  800  is substantially similar to the applicator  100  described above, except in that a product delivery passage/channel  802  is defined within the inner applicator part  304  of the applicator  800  via which the cosmetic composition can pass through. Alternatively, the channel  802  in the applicator  800  via which the cosmetic composition can pass through may be defined within the outer applicator part  302  of the cosmetic applicator  800 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of a cosmetic applicator  900 . The cosmetic applicator  900  is substantially similar to the cosmetic applicator  100  described above, except in that at least one aperture  902  is formed through the outer surface  202  of the applicator head  108  that is formed from at least two surfaces formed from molded materials, as a first molded surface  206  and a second molded surface  208 . The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may be aligned such that the outer surface  202  is substantially smooth and contiguous across an interface  204  of the surfaces  206 ,  208 . The aperture  902  formed through at the outer surface  202  allows the cosmetic composition to pass through the applicator  900 . It is also contemplated that a hole, a slot, and the like may be formed through at the outer surface  202  of the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 10  illustrates a sectional view of an applicator  1000  according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The applicator  1000  is substantially similar to the applicator  100  described above, except that, at least one projection  217  is formed on the interface  204  of the first molded surface  206  and the second molded surface  208 . According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a row  222  of projections  217  is formed at the interface  204  of the two molded surfaces  206 ,  208  such that each projection  217  in the row  222  is a combination of a projection  216   a  molded out from the first molded surface  206  and a projection  216   b  molded out from the second molded surface  208 . Accordingly, each projection  217  in the row  222  is partially made of the material of the first molded surface  206  of the outer applicator part  302  and partially made of the material of the second molded surface  208  of the inner applicator part  304 . The projection  216   a  molded out from the first molded surface  206  makes up 1-99% of each projection  217  in the row  222  and the projection  216   b  molded out from the second molded surface  208  makes up the rest 99-1% of each projection  216  in the row  222  or vice versa. Further, all projections  217  in the row  222  are fabricated such that all of the projections  217  have same ratio of material of the first molded surface  206  to material of the second molded surface  208 . In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the projections  217  in the row  222  may vary in their ratio of material of the first molded surface  206  to material of the second molded surface  208 . The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may be fabricated from materials having different properties. In one embodiment, the first molded surface  206  is fabricated from a material which is softer than a material from which the second molded surface  208  is fabricated. In another embodiment, the first molded surface  206  is fabricated from a material which is harder than a material from which the second molded surface  208  is fabricated. The different materials of the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may have properties that are attractive and non-attractive to mascara, have different stiffness, have different tactile feel, have different color, have different chemical nature, have different magnetic property, have different temperature property and/or other property. Further, the two applicator parts  302  and  304  are linked at a non-zero angle. 
         [0080]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view and  FIG. 12  shows a front view of a cosmetic applicator  1100  according to another embodiment of the invention. The cosmetic applicator  1100  is elongated along a center line  102  (e.g., the centre longitudinal axis), extending from a proximal end  104  to a distal end  106  of the cosmetic applicator  1100 . The cosmetic applicator  1100  includes an applicator head  108  separated by a base  110  from a coupling portion  112  through which the cosmetic applicator  1100  is coupled to the stem  702  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). A portion of the center line  102  extending through the base  110  and the coupling portion  112  may be linear, while a portion of the center line  102  extending through the applicator head  108  may be linear, curved or have another geometry. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the center line  102  passes linearly through the base  110 , applicator head  108  and coupling portion  112 . 
         [0081]    The applicator head  108  is elongated along a center line  102  and extends from the base  110  to the distal end  106  of the cosmetic applicator  1100 . The shape of the elongated applicator head  108  may be substantially cylindrical in form, but may optionally have a sectional profile which is other than circular, for example, oval or polygonal, among other shapes. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11 , the elongated applicator head  108  has a cylindrical form. 
         [0082]    As shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , the applicator head  108  has an outer surface  202  that is formed from at least two surfaces formed from molded materials, shown as a first molded surface  206  and a second molded surface  208 . The first molded surface  206  and the second molded surface  208  are adjacent to each other. The first molded surface  206  and the second molded surface  208  may be aligned such that the outer surface  202  is substantially smooth and contiguous across an interface  204  of the molded surfaces  206  and  208 . The interface  204  of the first and second molded surfaces  206  and  208  is elongated along the center line  102  of the applicator head  108  such that a zero angle is formed at the interface  204  of the two molded surfaces  206  and  208  with respect to a centerline  102  of the cosmetic applicator  1100 . In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the interface  204  may make a non-zero angle relative to the center line  102  of the cosmetic applicator  1100 . It would not be beyond the ambit of the present invention, that the interface  204  is rotated about the center line  102  of the cosmetic applicator  1100 . The rotated interface  204  of the molded surfaces  206  and  208  may define a twist, helix or other non-linear form. In this manner, at least one of the first and second molded surfaces  206  and  208  has a helical form about the center line  102  such that the interface  204  of the molded surfaces  206  and  208  form a non-zero angle relative to the center line  102 . Alternatively, the molded surfaces  206  and  208  may be elongated polygons such that the interface  204 , although linear, still rotates about the centerline  102 . 
         [0083]    The first and second molded surfaces  206  and  208  are fabricated from different materials having different physical and/or chemical properties. According to an embodiment of the invention, the first molded surface  206  is fabricated from a material which is softer than a material from which the second molded surface  208  is fabricated. In one embodiment, the first molded surface  206  is fabricated from a material having a hardness of less than about 80 Shore D scale (ShD). In another embodiment, the second molded surface  208  is fabricated from a material having a hardness of greater than about 20 Shore D scale (ShD). It is also contemplated that the material of the first molded surface  206  may be harder than the material of the second molded surface  208 . The materials of the first and second molded surfaces  206  and  208  may have similar chemical properties but differ only visually in color and/or texture. The materials of the first and second molded surfaces  206  and  208  may also have different chemical properties. The materials of the first and second molded surfaces  206  and  208  may have properties that are attractive and non-attractive to mascara, have different stiffness or hardness, have different tactile feel, have different color, have different chemical nature, have different magnetic property, have different temperature property and/or other property. 
         [0084]    The first and second molded surfaces  206  and  208  include a plurality of projections  216   a  and  216   b  respectively. The projections  216   a  and  216   b  may be in form of discs or brush tines or may have any other desired geometry. The projections  216   a  and  216   b,  when present, may extend radially outward from the outer surface  202 . In one embodiment, the projections  216   a  and  216   b  extend radially outward in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface  202 . 
         [0085]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the projections  216   a  from the first molded surface  206  form at least one longitudinal (i.e., substantially aligned with the center line  102 ) row  210  while the projections  216   b  from the second molded surface  208  form at least one longitudinal row  212 . The projections  216   a  forming the row  210  may be integrally molded with the first molded surface  206 , such that the projections  216   a  of the row  210  have the same material property as the first molded surface  206 . Likewise, the projections  216   b  forming the row  212  may be integrally molded with the second molded surface  208 , such that the projections  216   b  of the row  212  have the same material property as the second molded surface  208 . In this configuration, a substantially linear movement of the cosmetic applicator  1100  even without substantial rotation will engage the eyelash with projections  216   a,    216   b  of the rows  210 ,  212  having alternating physical and/or chemical properties. It is also contemplated that the physical and/or chemical properties of the material of the projections  216   a  and  216   b  may be different between rows, different within a row, and/or different than the properties of the material of the surface  206 ,  208  from which the projections  216   a  and  216   b  extend. 
         [0086]    As shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 13 , the first molded surface  206  and the second molded surface  208  are molded to meet at the interface  204 . The interface  204  includes a plurality of projections  217  extending outward in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface  202 . It would not be beyond the ambit of the present invention that the projections  217  extend outward in a direction non-perpendicular to the outer surface  202 . The projections  217  from the interface  204  form at least one longitudinal (i.e., substantially aligned with the center line  102 ) row  222 . At least one of the projections  217  of the row  222  comprises of a first portion comprising a projection  216   a  from the first molded surface  206  and a second portion comprising a projection  216   b  from the second molded surface  208  placed adjacent to the first molded surface  206 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 14  illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view along axis A--A of the cosmetic applicator  1100 . As seen in  FIG. 14 , length of the projections  217  present at the interface  204  is larger than the length of projections  216   a  and  216   b  present on the first molded surface  206  and the second molded surface  208  respectively. The length of the projection  216   a  forming a first portion of the projection  217  is larger than the length of other projections  216   a  present on the first molded surface  206  and the length of the projection  216   b  forming a second portion of the projection  217  is larger than the length of the other projections  216   b  present on the second molded surface  208 . It would not be beyond the ambit of the present invention that the cosmetic applicator  1100  has all the projections of similar length or of different length. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the length of the projections  216   a  and  216   b  forming a first portion and a second portion respectively of the projections  217  may be shorter than the length of rest of the projections  216   a  and  216   b  present on the molded surfaces  206  and  208  respectively. In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, the first portion and the second portion of at least one projection  217  at the interface  204  of the first molded surface  206  and the second molded surface  208  differ in their length or width. The material property of the projections  217  comprises of a combination of the property of material used for making projections  216   a  on the first molded surface  206  and the property of material used for making projections  216   b  on the second molded surface  208 . The projections  217 , formed partially from the projections  216   a  of the first molded surface  206  and partially from the projections  216   b  of the second molded surface  208  adjacent to the first molded surface  206 , therefore comprise of a combination of the property of material of the projections  216   a  and  216   b.  According to an embodiment of the invention, the materials of the projections  216   a  and  216   b  may have different physical and/or chemical properties. According to an embodiment of the invention, the materials of the projections  216   a  and  216   b  may have similar chemical properties but differ only visually in color and/or texture. According to another embodiment of the invention, the materials of the projections  216   a  and  216   b  may have different chemical properties. The materials of the projections  216   a  and  216   b  may have properties that are attractive and non-attractive to mascara, have different stiffness or hardness, have different tactile feel, have different color, have different chemical nature, have different magnetic property, have different temperature property and/or other property. 
         [0088]    The combination of the materials forming the projections  217  of the row  222  helps in improving the application of cosmetic composition. According to an embodiment of the invention, the projections  217  formed at the interface  204  comprise of a combination of the hard and the soft material which further ensures superior lengthening, curling and separation. The soft surface of the projection grabs and pulls the eyelashes making them longer and curled. The hard surface of the projection helps in combing and separation of the eyelashes. 
         [0089]    The combination of the materials utilized for the projections  217  of the row  222  may help in improving the aesthetic appearance of the cosmetic applicator  1100 . According to an embodiment of the invention, the projections  217  formed at the interface  204  comprise of a combination of material of the projections  216   a  and  216   b  wherein the material of the projections  216   a  and  216   b  differ only visually in color and/or texture. 
         [0090]    Further, the cosmetic applicator  1100  includes a molded first applicator part  302  and a molded second applicator part  304 . The molded first applicator part  302  has the first molded surface  206  and the molded second applicator part  304  has the second molded surface  208  defined thereon. The molded second applicator part  304  is coupled to the molded first applicator part  304  to define at least a portion of an applicator head  108 . The molded first applicator part  302  and the molded second applicator part  304  are molded from polymers having different physical and/or chemical properties. The materials suitable for forming the molded applicator parts  302 ,  304  (i.e., and consequently the surfaces  206 ,  208 ) include porous rubber, non-porous rubber, fabric mesh, felt material, foamed polymers, sponge material, thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), metal and its composites, ceramic, nylon, or any other suitable material. 
         [0091]    The cosmetic applicator  1100  is formed by first making the inner/second molded applicator part  304  by integrally injection-molding the second molded surface  208  and the projections  216   b  which are formed around the surface  208 , and then making the outer/first molded applicator part  302  including the first molded surface  206  and the projections  216   a  by double injection-molding process such that a part of the outer molded applicator part  302  is embedded in the inner molded applicator part  304 . The projections  216   b  molded with the second molded surface  208  have same or different material property as the second molded surface  208  and the projections  216   a  molded with the first molded surface  206  have same or different material property as the first molded surface  206 . The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may also be fabricated from materials having different physical and/or chemical properties as explained above. 
         [0092]    As such, an injection molding method using two kinds of materials is called double-injection molding. In such double-injection molding, using two kinds of resins/polymers or two colors of resins/polymers, and using two injection molding apparatuses and injectors (not shown), which are constructed such that a rotating device is coupled to a driving plate, or cores or slide structures, a first intermediate product is formed using a mold that can be used for double injection molding, and a second polymer is charged into a space defined between the first intermediate product and a second cavity, thus forming a final product. 
         [0093]    In such double injection molding, because the first and second cavities are precisely defined, restriction in shape is reduced and various designs are realized, so that it can be applied to various products. Furthermore, the injection molding is conducted through a single process, unlike the typical injection molding process, in which two kinds of intermediate products are formed through two steps and the intermediate products are thereafter produced into a final product by a secondary process, such as welding or coating. Accordingly, there are advantages in that the production cost is reduced, and various kinds of products can be produced. 
         [0094]    In other alternate embodiments of the invention, the molded first applicator part  302  and the molded second applicator part  304  may be prepared as separate molded parts and then the molded first applicator part  302  may be connected to the molded second applicator part  304  utilizing adhesives or other suitable fastening/coupling technique known in the art. 
         [0095]    According to an alternate embodiment the cosmetic applicator  1100  can be formed in a similar manner as cosmetic applicator  100 . The first/outer molded applicator part  302  comprises of a base body that has a hollow cavity. The base body of the first molded applicator part  302  further includes at least one elongated window that exposes the hollow cavity through the first molded surface  206 . The second/inner molded applicator part  304  has a base body which is complimentary and snug fits within the hollow cavity of the first/outer applicator part  302 . The second molded surface  208  of the molded second applicator part  304  extends through the window of the base body of the molded first applicator part  302  such that the first molded surface  206  and second molded surface  208  align to define the outer surface  202  of the cosmetic applicator  1100 . 
         [0096]    While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. Accordingly, the appended claims should be construed to encompass not only those forms and embodiments of the invention specifically described above, but to such other forms and embodiments as may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from its true spirit and scope.