Applicator system

The present invention generally relates to an applicator system and in particular, relates to an applicator system capable of moving the applicator head in an irregular motion. The applicator system is provided with a mechanism that gives the applicator an irregular motion during usage thereby resulting in better application. The applicator system of the present invention is configured to move in an irregular motion that has no obvious pattern and may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as mascara application, scrubbing of lips, cleaning of nails, etc.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an applicator system and in particular, relate to an applicator system capable of moving the applicator head in an irregular motion. The applicator system is provided with a mechanism that gives the applicator head an irregular motion, having no obvious pattern, during usage thereby resulting in better application. The applicator system of the present invention may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as mascara application, scrubbing of lips, cleaning of nails etc.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various types of applicators and systems have been designed and developed in the recent years. 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. 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.

Cosmetic applicator such as a mascara applicator deposits and distributes the product i.e. mascara all over the lashes. As mascara, inherently, is a product that is difficult to apply because of the sensitive target area of application, it is desirable that no clumping of product occurs and the lashes are separated and combed evenly. However, all the desired effects are not possible with a single mascara brush. This is because the eyelashes are soft, flexible, delicate and in close proximity to very sensitive eye tissue.

Further, a user requires moving his/her hands in a particular way to achieve a particular effect on the lashes. Mascara brushes that rotate during application are known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,111 describes a motor-driven, rotatable mascara brush. The motor may comprise a rewindable spiral spring (that is, a clock-work motor) or a battery powered motor may be used. U.S. Pat. No. 4,397,326 describes a non-motorized mascara brush, the head of which is free to rotate and does so when the brush head contacts the eyelashes during application. It is the act of brushing that causes the rotation. U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,276 discloses a battery powered motor, rotating mascara brush head.

There have also been innovations in these applicators where the applicator head is caused to vibrate in a particular direction. However, all such known applicators provide the rod to be moved in either a vibration/rotational or an oscillating motion. It is found by the inventors of the present invention that the movement of applicator in an irregular motion results in better application of the product and therefore the user is provided with an even application. Such an irregular motion when used for mascara application there occurs no clumping as well as better separation of lashes. However, this irregular motion becomes difficult for a user to emulate with his/her hand due to the sensitivity of the area where applied. Therefore, there is a need in the art for an applicator that is able to cause the applicator head to move in an irregular motion thereby giving the desired effect without the user having to put in any effort.

SUMMARY

The present invention generally relates to an applicator system and in particular, relates to an applicator system capable of moving the applicator head in an irregular motion. Irregular motion being a motion that has no obvious pattern. The applicator system of the present invention is provided with a mechanism that gives the applicator an irregular motion during usage thereby resulting in better application.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the applicator system comprises of a gripping member, an applicator head, a vibration means and at least one flexible element. The gripping member has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the gripping member is free while the distal end is connected to the applicator head. The vibration means is disposed between the gripping member and the applicator head. The at least one flexible element is disposed between the vibration means and the applicator head. The at least one flexible element translates the vibrations of the vibration means into an irregular motion of the applicator head. The applicator system may further comprise an actuating means to actuate the mechanism of conversion of vibration of vibrating means to irregular motion. The actuating means may be a push button, a dialer, a slider, a button, or any suitable actuating means.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the at least one flexible element may be disposed such that it is an integral part of the gripping member.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the gripping member may comprise a hollow chamber which accommodates the vibration means.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention during usage of the applicator system the actuating means is actuated which causes the vibrating means to vibrate, as the vibration starts to travel along the gripping member, the at least one flexible element disposed between the vibrating means and the applicator head converts the vibrations into irregular motion which is transferred to the applicator head thereby causing the applicator head to move in an irregular motion during usage/application.

According to another embodiment of the invention the applicator system comprises of a gripping member, a stem, an applicator head, a vibration means and at least one flexible element. 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 head is connected to the distal end of the stem. The gripping member has a hollow chamber which accommodates the vibration means. The at least one flexible element is disposed between the vibration means and the applicator head. The at least one flexible element translates the vibrations of the vibration means into an irregular motion of the applicator head. The applicator system may further comprise an actuating means to actuate the mechanism of conversion of vibration of vibrating means to irregular motion. The actuating means may be a push button, a dialer, a slider, a button, or any suitable actuating means.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the at least one flexible element may be disposed such that it is an integral part of the stem. The flexible element may be disposed at the proximal end of the stem and/or at the distal end of the stem.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the at least one flexible element is disposed as a separate part secured to the proximal end of the stem and/or the distal end of the stem.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the stem may be formed by a combination of flexible element and rigid elements in a suitable sequence.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention during usage of the applicator system the actuating means is actuated which causes the vibrating means to vibrate, as the vibration starts to travel along the gripping means and the stem, the at least one flexible element disposed between the vibrating means and the applicator head converts the vibrations into irregular motion which is transferred to the applicator head thereby causing the applicator head to move in an irregular motion during usage/application.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the resultant irregular motion of the applicator head may be used in various applications such as scrubbing of skin, easy product dispensing on surface, nail cleansing, massaging, etc.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the applicator head when used for mascara application comprises of a base body on which are a plurality of bristles extending from its circumference. The bristles may extend out in parallel longitudinal rows on the applicator head. Alternatively, the bristles may extend radially parallel or in any other suitable arrangement.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the applicator system may further comprise a propel-repel assembly for propelling and repelling the applicator. The applicator in storage condition may be present inside the gripping member and gets propelled when the user wishes to use it. The propel-repel assembly may comprise a propel-repel mechanism to cause propelling and repelling of the applicator.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention the mechanism to propel and repel the applicator may comprise a slider mechanism, a ball-point mechanism, conventional lipstick mechanism, a threaded screw mechanism or any other suitable mechanism that causes propelling and repelling of the applicator.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the propel-repel mechanism of the applicator is actuated by a suitable actuating means. The actuating means may be the top cap, a dialer, a button, a slider or spring actuated actuator or any other suitable actuating means.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided a container comprising a receptacle for containing the product and the applicator system as described in all the above detailed embodiments for applying the product.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention the applicator system may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as for mascara application, loose powder application, baked or pressed product, scrubbing of lips, cleaning of nails etc.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention the applicator system may comprise an applicator head wherein the applicator head is a brush.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the applicator head may be freely rotatable around its own axis. Further, the applicator head may comprise of an applicator element and stem connector such that the applicator element is attached to the stem connector in a suitable manner. As an exemplary embodiment the applicator element and the stem connector may be connected such that the applicator element is freely movable around the stem connector and during usage the irregular motion gets transferred to the applicator element.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, depending upon the substance being used in the receptacle, a variety of sizes and shapes of the applicator head can be utilized. The applicator head may be constructed of a porous or non-porous rubber, fabric mesh, felt material, polymeric material. foamed polymers, sponge material, Hytrel™, TPE or any other suitable material. Also, the applicator could have any suitable shape depending on the kind of application required. It could have a shape other than cylindrical such as ovular, tapered or any other suitable shape.

These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of the art are attained by an applicator system in accordance with the main claim.

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

FIG. 1is one embodiment of the present invention showing an isometric view of the applicator system100. As shown, the applicator system100comprises of a gripping member105, a stem110, and an applicator head115. The stem110has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the stem110is connected to the gripping member105, while the applicator head115is connected to the distal end of the stem110. Further, as shown in theFIG. 1, the applicator system also comprises of an actuating means120, the outer interface120aof the actuating means120such as a button is formed on the surface of the gripping member105.

As represented inFIGS. 2 and 3, the gripping member105comprises a hollow chamber in which is accommodated motor housing jacket135in which is accommodated a vibrating means such as a vibration motor125or any other suitable means, also accommodated in the motor housing jacket135is a power source130for the vibrating means such as a battery. As represented byFIGS. 2 and 3, the proximal end of the vibration motor125is connected to the actuating means120. The actuating means120when actuated connects the power source130and the vibration motor125which in turn causes the vibrating means to produce vibrations. The motor housing jacket135is distally connected to the stem110by means of a flexible element140in the stem. In another embodiment of the present invention, the flexible element140of the stem110may be present as a separate part from the stem110. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the distal end of the stem110may be connected to the applicator head115by means of the flexible element140. In yet another embodiment of the invention the flexible element140may be disposed anywhere in the stem110, motor housing jacket,135, or any other suitable location that optimally converts the vibration motion of the vibratory motor125into an irregular motion which is further transmitted to the applicator head115by any suitable means. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the flexible element140can be either an accompanied separate part or replace any of the above following parts, such that it optimally converts the vibration motion of the vibratory motor125into an irregular motion which can further be transmitted to the applicator head115by any suitable means.

Further, there is provided a top cap145, that is placed above the power source130that provides a suitable outer covering of the gripping member105.

During usage, as the actuating means120is actuated via the outer interface120a, it turns ON the vibration motor125. The vibration produced by the vibration motor125propagates onto the motor housing jacket135. Since the distal end of the motor housing jacket135is connected to the stem110by means of a flexible element140, the flexible element140converts the vibration motion caused by the vibration motor125into an irregular movement of the stem110. Such an irregular movement of the stem110makes the applicator head115move in an irregular motion. Such irregular motion of the applicator head115during application provides even coating and no clumping of lashes during mascara application.

FIGS. 4 and 5represent a container comprising the applicator system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The container150comprises a receptacle155for containing the product and an applicator system100as described above.

FIG. 6is showing a container200comprising the applicator system205according to another embodiment of the present invention. The container200comprises a receptacle210for containing the product and an applicator system205.

As represented byFIGS. 7 and 8, the applicator system205comprises a gripping member220comprising a hollow chamber in which is accommodated a motor housing jacket225. The motor housing jacket225houses a vibrating means225asuch as a vibration motor or any other suitable means. Also accommodated in the motor housing jacket225is a power source for the vibrating means such as a battery230. The hollow chamber of the gripping member220further accommodates a propel-repel assembly235which comprises a first motion controller240and a second motion controller245. However, the propel-repel assembly is an optional component of the applicator system of the present invention. Further, the propel-repel assembly may comprise a mechanism to propel and repel the applicator. The mechanism to propel and repel the applicator may comprise a slider mechanism, a ball-point mechanism, conventional lipstick mechanism, a threaded screw mechanism or any other suitable mechanism that causes propelling and repelling of the applicator. Furthermore, the propel-repel mechanism of the applicator may be actuated by a suitable actuating means. The actuating means may be the top cap, a dialer, a button, a slider or spring actuated actuator or any other suitable actuating means.

Further, the first and second motion controller may be connected to each other by screw arrangement or any other suitable arrangement. Further, the first motion controller240is arranged to be placed inside the gripping member220such that it remains stationary while the second motion controller245is arranged to be movable inside the gripping member220.

As represented byFIGS. 7 and 8, the applicator system205further comprises an applicator holder250, an applicator255, an actuating means215and a flexible element260. The proximal end of the vibration motor225ais connected to the actuating means215while the distal end of the vibration motor225ais connected to a flexible element260. The flexible element260at its other end is further connected to the applicator holder250. The applicator holder250holds the applicator255. In another embodiment of the invention the flexible element260may be disposed anywhere in the applicator holder250, motor housing jacket225, or any other suitable location that optimally converts the vibration motion of the vibratory motor into an irregular motion which can further be transmitted to the applicator255by any suitable means. Further, the motor housing jacket225may be formed of a flexible material such that it functions as a flexible element disposed in the motor housing jacket225. Further, there is provided a top cap265that is placed above the power source230that provides a suitable outer covering of the gripping member220. As shown in theFIGS. 7 and 8the top cap265is connected to the gripping member220such that the top cap265and the gripping member220are rotatable with respect to each other. Further, the second motion controller245is connected at its proximal end to the top cap265while the distal end of the second motion controller245is connected to the applicator holder250. Further, the top cap265forms any lock and key arrangement with the second motion controller245such that during usage, as the top cap265is rotated with respect to the gripping member220, the second motion controller245moves with respect to stationary first motion controller240and thereby it causes the applicator holder250to move thereby causing the applicator255to propel from its storage position. Simultaneously, the actuating means215is also actuated upon the rotation of top cap265with respect to gripping member220and it turns ON the vibration motor225ain the present embodiment of the present invention. However in another embodiment of the present invention, the propelling-repelling of the applicator255may take place independently of the actuation of the vibration means such as a vibration motor225aor any other suitable means. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the propelling-repelling of the applicator255and the actuation of the vibration means may take place simultaneously but there may be provided an external switch in order actuate or de-actuate the vibration means when the applicator255is in storage or extended positions respectively. Further, the vibration produced by the vibration motor225apropagates onto the motor housing jacket225. Since the distal end of the motor housing jacket225is connected to the applicator holder250by means of a flexible element260, the flexible element260converts the vibration motion caused by the vibration motor into an irregular motion of the applicator holder250. Such an irregular motion of the applicator holder250makes the applicator255move in an irregular motion. The receptacle210of the container200may further be sealed by a plug270at its bottom portion.

FIG. 9is another embodiment of the present invention showing an isometric view of the applicator system300. As shown, the applicator system300comprises of a gripping member305, a stem310, and an applicator head315. The stem310has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the stem310is connected to the gripping member305, while the applicator head315is connected to the distal end of the stem310by means of a stem connector310asuch that the applicator head315is freely rotatable around its axis. Further, as shown in theFIG. 9, the applicator system300also comprises of an actuating means320.

As represented inFIGS. 10 and 11, the gripping member305comprises a hollow chamber in which is accommodated motor housing jacket335in which is accommodated a vibrating means such as a vibration motor325or any other suitable means. Also accommodated in the motor housing jacket335is a power source330for the vibrating means such as a battery. As represented byFIGS. 10 and 11, the proximal end of the vibration motor325is connected to the actuating means320. The actuating means320when actuated connects the power source330and the vibration motor325which in turn causes the vibrating means to produce vibrations. The motor housing jacket335is distally connected to the stem310by means of a flexible element340in the stem310that optimally converts the vibration motion of the vibratory motor325into an irregular motion which is further transmitted to the applicator head315by any suitable means. Further, there is provided a top cap345that is placed above the power source330that provides a suitable outer covering of the gripping member305.

During usage, as the actuating means320is actuated, it turns ON the vibration motor325. The vibration produced by the vibration motor325propagates onto the motor housing jacket335. Since the distal end of the motor housing jacket335is connected to the stem310by means of a flexible element340, the flexible element340converts the vibration motion caused by the vibration motor325into an irregular movement of the stem310. Such an irregular movement of the stem310makes the freely rotating applicator head315move in an irregular motion. Such irregular motion of the freely rotating applicator head315during application provides even coating and also massages the skin simultaneously during application.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 9athe freely rotating applicator head315may comprise a plurality of cavities to carry the product and further include contours that aid in application as well as massaging while application. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the applicator head115,315may be provided with a plurality of projections, ribs, ridges, embossments, depressions, grooves, or any other suitable structure that assist in better application of the product.FIGS. 12aand12brepresent an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing the different profiles of the applicator head415. Further,FIGS. 13aand13balso represent an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing the different profiles of the applicator head515.

Although the above description shows the container being cylindrical, the shapes and profiles cross section thereof are not limited to the same.

The body of the applicator system and the container according to the invention may be formed of a polymeric material such as PCTA, polypropylene, however other suitable materials may also be used.

The container of the present invention may be used to store a wide variety of consumer and industrial products related to cosmetic, skin care, hair care, oral care, personal care, pharmaceutical, wound care, orally administrable products, home-care or adhesives. Various examples of the products where the cosmetic container of the present invention could be used are but not limited to cheek blush, cheek plumping gel/cream, lip plumping gel/cream, moisturizer, sunscreen, temporary hair colors, hair styling gel, hair mousse, hair repair cream, hydrating cream, antiseptic and correction cream, acne treatment cream, concealer, blemish concealer, skin treatment cream, hair repair cream, anti-dandruff cream, hair treatment serum, scalp hydrating oils, teeth whitening gel, teeth whitening and teeth lamination solutions, pain relieving cream, antibiotic cream and analgesic cream, antipyretic and analgesic serums/solutions, bleaching agent, fabric softener, stain remover, bleaching agent, adhesive gels, loose powder, baked or pressed product, mascara, lip product, etc.

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.