Abstract:
The present invention relates to an adjustable applicator assembly and in particular, relates to an adjustable applicator capable of being adjusted to retain variable quantities of a product. The invention also discloses container comprising said applicator assembly for storing and application of consumer products such as cosmetic, hair care or dental products. The adjustable applicator assembly of the present invention is configured to comprise at least two applicator heads, wherein the applicator heads are arranged to be movable relative to each other thereby resulting in change in density of the bristles of the applicator assembly.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an adjustable applicator assembly and in particular, relates to an adjustable applicator capable of being adjusted to retain variable quantities of a product. The invention also relates to a container comprising said adjustable applicator assembly for storing and application of consumer products such as cosmetic, hair care or dental products. The adjustable applicator assembly of the present applicator heads are arranged to be movable relative to each other thereby resulting in change in density of the bristles of the applicator assembly. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Numerous types of applicators and systems have been designed and developed in the recent years. Conventionally, applicators include a shaft, at one end of which is connected an applicator head. As an example, mascara applicators such as twisted wire mascara brushes known in the art comprise of an applicator head in which a plurality of bristles are held together between a wire portion that is bent in shape of a hairpin by twisting the wire portion. Recently a number of brushes are being produced by injection molding process. Injection molded brushes are made of a base body from which stick out a number of bristles. The density of bristles in these brushes is fixed and therefore, a metered or fixed amount of product such as mascara remains between the bristles of the cosmetic applicator for application. This, however may not be desirable by the user as the user might wish to apply different amounts of product at different times as per the convenience and wish of the user. For example, for application of product such as mascara, the length, thickness, density and shape of eyelashes will vary considerably for every user and therefore, the amount of product required for application. Further, it may be desirable to apply different amounts of mascara on the upper and lower eyelashes, or apply different quantities for two different looks. For such kind of applications users generally need to carry and use separate applicators which have different bristle densities for providing desired effect. 
         [0005]    There are also present applicators wherein the bristle density is varied in a single applicator thereby providing a zoned mascara brush, however, again the densities are fixed on the applicator. Examples include WO 1995/17837 to The Procter &amp; Gamble Company which discloses a mascara brush separated into a bulk deposition section and a lash separation section and similarly WO 96/031143 to E-L Management Corp. also discloses zoned mascara brushes. These zoned brushes provide product deposition and lash separation properties in an applicator however, the area of the brush to be used by the user is limited for carrying out the steps of application and separation. Moreover, they are not able to provide the user with an option of getting two different bristle densities in the same brush at two different times for desired effect/application. 
         [0006]    Over the years certain cosmetic applicators having adjustable features allowing for versatility in applying greater or lesser amount of product such as mascara have been developed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,793 to Kingsford describes an adjustable mascara applicator in which the spacing between adjacent teeth of a comb can be varied for holding different amounts of mascara. The adjustable mascara applicator is formed by two adjacent comb sections, at least one of which is slidable relative to the other. However, in this case as the applicator is in the form of a comb, the user can only use it for lash separation and if used for product transfer then application of the product such as mascara to the eyelashes is inefficient. Moreover, wiping of excess product such as mascara from the teeth of the comb during the withdrawal thereof from the container storing the product is inefficient. 
         [0007]    Therefore it becomes apparent from the above discussion that there exists a need for an applicator that is capable of retaining user-defined variable quantities of the product for application. Moreover, there is a need to provide an adjustable cosmetic applicator having teeth/bristles that extend circumferentially around the applicator head so as to provide efficient application of the product. There also exists a need for an applicator assembly that allows a user to adjust the spacing between the bristles of the applicator for application as per his/her requirements. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present invention generally is an adjustable applicator assembly and in particular, is an adjustable applicator assembly capable of being adjusted to retain variable quantities of a product on its bristles. 
         [0009]    The terms ‘adjustable applicator assembly’ and ‘applicator assembly’ are herein used interchangeably referring to the applicator assembly that has an adjustable feature for varying the bristle density. 
         [0010]    The invention also relates to containers comprising said adjustable applicator assembly for storing and application of consumer products such as cosmetic, hair care or dental products. The adjustable applicator assembly of the present invention is configured to comprise at least two applicator heads, wherein the applicator heads are arranged to be movable relative to each other thereby resulting in change in density of the bristles of the applicator assembly. 
         [0011]    According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an adjustable applicator assembly in which the applicator head has bristles extending around its circumference and is capable of varying the density of bristles as desired. Further, there is provided an applicator that allows a user to adjust the spacing between the bristles of the applicator for application as per his/her requirements. Also provided is an applicator assembly that gives the user an option of getting different kinds of applications from a single adjustable applicator. 
         [0012]    According to an embodiment of the invention the adjustable applicator assembly comprises of a gripping member, a stem and at least two applicator heads. The stem has a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end of the stem is connected to the gripping member while the applicator heads are connected to the distal end of the stem. The at least two applicator heads are arranged to be movable relative to each other such that their relative displacement results in variation in the density of bristles of the adjustable applicator assembly. 
         [0013]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention each of the applicator heads comprise of a base body on which are present a plurality of bristles extending from its circumference. The bristles may extend out in parallel longitudinal rows on each of the applicator heads. Alternatively the bristles may extend in radially parallel rows or in any other suitable arrangement. The at least one applicator head may be arranged to be movable relative to each of the other applicator heads in a longitudinal direction. Alternatively the applicator heads may be arranged to be movable radially with respect to each other. The applicator heads may be suitably connected with each other to expose the rows of bristles of each of the applicator heads in a suitable arrangement. 
         [0014]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention the applicator heads may be so arranged to expose the bristles of each of the applicator head in an alternate fashion, i.e. one row of bristles of one applicator head gets placed adjacent to one row of bristles of another applicator head. As an exemplary embodiment, one of the applicator heads may be placed concentrically inside the hollow of the other applicator head thereby exposing the bristle rows of each of the applicator heads. Alternatively the arrangement may be made to expose the rows of bristles of each of the applicator heads in a random fashion for example two rows of bristles of one applicator head may be arranged to be adjacent to one row of another applicator head or any other suitable arrangement. 
         [0015]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention the adjustable applicator assembly further comprises of an adjustment means for moving at least one applicator head relative to other applicator heads thereby varying the spacing between the bristles of the applicator heads of the applicator assembly. Further, the stem of the applicator assembly has a cavity wherein said cavity houses a rod wherein said rod is connected to the adjustment means. Further, at least one of the applicator heads is connected to the rod in the stem such that the movement of the rod results in displacement of the at least one applicator head. One of the applicator heads may be made to be fixed to the distal end of the stem and the other applicator head kept to be movable in relation to the fixed one. Alternatively each of the applicator heads is connected to the stem in a movable manner and the applicator heads are arranged to be movable with respect to each other. 
         [0016]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the adjustment means comprises of an actuator wherein said actuator may be a dialer, a slider, a button or any suitable actuating means. The adjustment means optionally comprises a motion converter. The motion converter is connected to the actuator and the rod in the cavity of the stem wherein the actuator when actuated causes the motion converter to convert a rotational movement of the actuator into a translational movement of the stem and thereby displacing the at least one of the applicator heads. The motion converter may function mechanically, electrically, magnetically or by any other suitable mechanisms. Further, the displacement of the applicator heads may be so adjusted by way of adjustment means that varying densities of bristles in the applicator are achieved. The adjustment means may be connected to the gripping member of the applicator assembly for adjusting the bristle density. Alternatively, the adjustment means may be suitably placed in the applicator assembly to cause the adjustment of variation in bristle density of the applicator assembly. 
         [0017]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention the adjustable applicator assembly comprises of a gripping member, a stem and two applicator heads. The stem has a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end of the stem is connected to the gripping member while one of the two applicator heads are connected to the distal end of the stem. The two applicator heads are arranged to be movable relative to each other such that their relative movement results in variation in the density of bristles of the adjustable applicator assembly. Each of the applicator heads comprises of a base body on which are present a plurality of bristles extending from its circumference. The bristles extend out in parallel longitudinal rows on each of the applicator heads. Alternatively the bristles may extend radially parallel or in any other suitable arrangement. At least one applicator head may be arranged to be movable relative to the other applicator heads in a longitudinal direction. Alternatively the applicator heads may be arranged to be movable radially with respect to each other. The applicator heads may be suitably connected with each other to expose the rows of bristles of each of the applicator heads in a suitable arrangement. Further, the applicator heads may be so arranged to expose the bristles of each of the applicator head in an alternate fashion, i.e. one row of bristles of one applicator head gets placed adjacent to one row of bristles of another applicator head. Alternatively the arrangement may be made to expose the rows of bristles of each of the applicator heads in a random fashion for example two rows of bristles of one applicator head may be arranged to be adjacent to one row of another applicator head or any other suitable arrangement. The adjustable applicator assembly further comprises of an adjustment means for moving at least one applicator head relative to other applicator heads thereby varying the spacing between the bristles of the applicator heads of the adjustable applicator assembly. The stem of the adjustable applicator assembly has a cavity wherein said cavity houses a rod which in turn is connected to the adjustment means. Further, at least one of the applicator heads is connected to the rod in the stem such that the movement of the rod results in displacement of the applicator head. One of the applicator heads may be made to be fixed to the distal end of the stem and the other applicator head is kept to be movable in relation to the fixed one. Alternatively both of the applicator heads are connected to the stem in a movable manner and are arranged to be movable with respect to each other. The adjustment means comprises of an actuator wherein said actuator may be a dialer, a slider, a button or any suitable actuating means. The adjustment means optionally comprises a motion converter. The motion converter is connected to the actuator and the rod in the cavity of the stem wherein the actuator when actuated causes the motion converter to convert a rotational movement of the actuator into a translational movement of the stem and thereby displacing the at least one of the applicator heads. The motion converter may function mechanically, electrically, magnetically or by any other suitable mechanisms. Further, the displacement of the applicator heads may be so adjusted by way of adjustment means that varying densities of bristles in the applicator are achieved. The adjustment means may be connected to the gripping member of the applicator assembly for adjusting the bristle density. Alternatively, the adjustment means may be suitably placed in the applicator assembly to cause the adjustment of variation in bristle density of the applicator assembly. 
         [0018]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a container comprising a receptacle for storing the product and an adjustable applicator assembly for applying the product. The receptacle has an open end and a closed end thereby forming a cavity for storage of product. Further, there may be present a wiper assembly for wiping off the excess product from the applicator assembly when being withdrawn form the container for application. The adjustable applicator assembly comprises of a gripping member, a stem and at least two applicator heads. The open end of the receptacle may define a neck for being closed by the gripping member of the applicator assembly. The stem has a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end of the stem is connected to the gripping member while the applicator heads are connected to the distal end of the stem. The at least two applicator heads are arranged to be movable relative to each other such that their relative movement results in variation in the density of bristles of the adjustable applicator assembly. Each of the applicator heads comprise of a base body on which are present a plurality of bristles extending from its circumference. The bristles extend out in parallel longitudinal rows on each of the applicator heads. Alternatively the bristles may extend radially parallel or in any other suitable arrangement. The at least one applicator head may be arranged to be movable relative to each of the other applicator heads in a longitudinal direction. Alternatively the applicator heads may be arranged to be movable radially with respect to each other. The applicator heads may be suitably connected with each other to expose the rows of bristles of each of the applicator heads in a suitable arrangement. The applicator heads of the adjustable applicator assembly of the container may be so arranged to expose the bristles of each of the applicator head in an alternate fashion, i.e. one row of bristles of one applicator head gets placed adjacent to one row of bristles of another applicator head. Alternatively the arrangement may be made to expose the rows of bristles of each of the applicator heads in a random fashion for example two rows of bristles of one applicator head may be arranged to be adjacent to one row of another applicator head or any other suitable arrangement. 
         [0019]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the container further comprises of an adjustment means for moving at least one applicator head relative to other applicator heads thereby varying the spacing between the bristles of the applicator heads of the adjustable applicator assembly. Further, the stem of the adjustable applicator assembly has a cavity wherein said cavity houses a rod which in turn is connected to the adjustment means. Further, at least one of the applicator heads is connected to the rod in the stem such that the movement of the rod results in displacement of the applicator head. One of the applicator heads may be made to be fixed to the distal end of the stem and the other applicator head is kept to be movable in relation to the fixed one. Alternatively each of the applicator heads is connected to the stem in a movable manner and all applicator heads are arranged to be movable with respect to each other. The adjustment means comprises of an actuator wherein said actuator may be a dialer, a slider, a button or any suitable actuating means. The adjustment means optionally comprises a motion converter. The motion converter is connected to the actuator and the rod in the cavity of the stem wherein the actuator when actuated causes the motion converter to convert a rotational movement of the actuator into a translational movement of the stem and thereby displacing the at least one of the applicator heads. The motion converter may function mechanically, electrically, magnetically or by any other suitable mechanisms. Further, the displacement of the applicator heads may be so adjusted by way of adjustment means that varying densities of bristles in the applicator are achieved. 
         [0020]    The adjustable applicator assembly according to the present invention therefore provides for user-defined varying of spacing between the bristles of the applicator head to get the sparse or denser application of the product by the user. 
         [0021]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable applicator assembly of the present invention may be used for application of a cosmetic, hair care product or dental product such as a mascara, hair color, etc. 
         [0022]    These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of the art are attained by an adjustable applicator assembly in accordance with the main claim. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    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. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of the adjustable applicator assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the adjustable applicator assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional view of the adjustable applicator assembly of  FIG. 1  showing the arrangement of an applicator head according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional view of the adjustable applicator assembly of  FIG. 1  showing the arrangement of the two applicator heads; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5   a  and  FIG. 5   b  illustrate the cross sectional views of the adjustable applicator assembly of  FIG. 1  showing the reduced and increased spacing between the bristles of a first applicator head and a second applicator head according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of a container in closed position comprising the adjustable applicator assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the container shown in  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
       [0032]    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 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  is one embodiment of the present invention showing an isometric view of the adjustable applicator assembly  110 . The adjustable applicator assembly  110  comprises of a gripping member  120 , an adjustment means  115 , a stem  135  and two applicator heads  175  and  180  respectively. The adjustable applicator assembly  110  as shown comprises of two applicator heads; however, an embodiment where the adjustable applicator assembly  110  comprises more than two applicator heads is also contemplated. The adjustment means  115  causes the displacement of at least one applicator head relative to other applicator heads thereby varying the spacing between the bristles of the applicator heads of the adjustable applicator assembly  110 . The adjustment means  115  as shown in the figure comprises of an actuator  115   a  wherein said actuator  115   a  is a dialer however, the actuator  115   a  may be a slider, a button or any other suitable actuating means. The actuator  115   a  is connected to the gripping member  120  by a suitable fastening means such as a snap-fit, however, any lock and key arrangement between the actuator  115   a  and gripping member  120  may be used. Alternatively, the adjustment means  115  may be placed at any other suitable position in the applicator assembly to cause variation in the density of the bristles. 
         [0034]    As represented by  FIGS. 2 to 4 , the adjustment means  115  further comprises of a motion converter  115   b  which is connected to the actuator  115   a  by a threaded screw arrangement, however, any suitable lock and key arrangement may be used. The inner portion of the gripping member  120  is divided into two sections  150   a  and  150   b  respectively by a ledge  150  wherein the upper portion  150   a  houses the motion converter  115   b  whereas the lower portion  150   b  houses the proximal end  140  of the stem  135 . Further, the stem  135  has a cavity which houses a rod  160 . The rod  160  has a proximal end  165  and a distal end  170 . The rod  160  passes through the motion converter  115   b  and its proximal end  165  is fixed at the top end of the motion converter  115   b.  The distal end  170  of the rod  160  is connected to one of the applicator heads  180 . The stem  135  has a proximal end  140  and a distal end  145 . The applicator head  180  has a proximal end  190  which is connected with the distal end  170  of the rod  160 . Further, the proximal end  185  of the applicator head  175  is connected to the distal end  145  of the stem  135 . Each of the applicator heads  175  and  180  comprises of a base body  205 ,  210  respectively on which are present a plurality of bristles  195  and  200  respectively. 
         [0035]    As represented in  FIGS. 2 to 4 , each of the applicator heads  175  and  180  comprises of a base body  205 ,  210  respectively on which are present a plurality of bristles  195  and  200  respectively. The plurality of bristles  195  and  200  extend out from the circumference of the base body  205  and  210  of the applicator heads  175  and  180  respectively. As shown in figures, the plurality of bristles  195  and  200  extend out in parallel longitudinal rows on each of the applicator heads  175  and  180  respectively. Alternatively the bristles may extend radially parallelly or in any other suitable arrangement. 
         [0036]    As represented by figures, at least one applicator head is  180  arranged to be movable relative to the other applicator head  175  in a longitudinal direction. However, alternatively the applicator heads may be arranged to be movable radially with respect to each other. Further, the applicator heads may be suitably connected with each other to expose the rows of bristles of each of the applicator heads in a suitable arrangement. As shown, the applicator heads  175  and  180  are so arranged to expose the bristles of each of the applicator head in an alternate fashion, i.e. one row of bristles of the applicator head  175  gets placed adjacent to one row of bristles of the applicator head  180 . However, alternatively the arrangement may be made to expose the rows of bristles of each of the applicator heads in a random fashion for example two rows of bristles of the applicator head  175  may be arranged to be adjacent to one row of the applicator head  180  or any other suitable arrangement. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  shows a cross sectional view of the adjustable applicator assembly  110  showing the arrangement of one applicator head  180  with the rod  160  inside the cavity of the stem  135  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As embodied herein and shown in the figure, the proximal end  190  of the applicator head  180  is connected to the distal end  170  of the rod  160  by a suitable fastening means. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional view of the adjustable applicator assembly  110  showing the arrangement of the applicator head  175  and the applicator head  180  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As embodied herein and shown in the figure, the proximal end  185  of the applicator head  175  is suitably fastened to the distal end  145  of the stem  135  and the applicator head  180  is connected to the distal end  170  of the rod  160 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 5   a  and  FIG. 5   b  illustrate a cross sectional view of the adjustable applicator assembly  110  with a reduced spacing and maximum spacing between the bristles  195 ,  200  of the applicator heads  175  and  180  respectively according to one embodiment of the present invention. As embodied herein and shown in the  FIG. 5   a,  each row of the bristles  195 ,  200  of the applicator heads  175  and  180  are aligned along the common axis when the adjustment means  115  is in its initial position, i.e. not actuated. The actuator  115   a  when rotated causes the motion converter  115   b  to convert a rotational movement of the actuator  115   a  into a translational movement of the stem  135  and thereby displacing the at least one of the applicator heads  180 . Further, the displacement of the applicator heads  180  may be so adjusted by way of adjustment means  115  that varying densities of bristles in the adjustable applicator assembly  110  are achieved. As seen in  FIG. 5   a,  the actuator is in its initial position and the bristles of the applicator heads of the assembly  110  are placed apart. Such an arrangement of bristles gives a density of bristles which may be used for thicker application of the product such as mascara to the eyelashes. 
         [0040]    As shown in the  FIG. 5   b,  when the actuator  115   a  of the adjustment means  115  is actuated, i.e. the dialer  115   a  is rotated in an anti clock wise direction, the motion converter  115   b  also moves along with the actuator  115   a  as shown and thereby results in the upward movement of the rod  160  in the longitudinal direction. However, the actuator may be actuated in any suitable manner to cause displacement of the rod and thereby cause variation in density. The movement of rod  160  in the longitudinal direction results in the displacement of the applicator head  180  in the longitudinal direction, and thereby results in positioning the bristles the applicator head  175  and the applicator head  180  very closely with a minimum space in between them. The decreased spacing between the bristles of the applicator head  175  and the applicator head  180  allows an accurate application of the product such as mascara to the eyelashes. The application in this state of the applicator head gives a better separation of lashes in case of mascara and there occurs very less clumping. The actuator  115   a  when rotated in the clockwise direction brings the applicator head  180  to its initial position. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of a container  100  in closed position with respect to one embodiment of the present invention. As embodied herein and shown in figure, the container  100  comprises a receptacle  105  and the adjustable applicator assembly  110  as described above. As shown in figure, the receptacle  105  is of cylindrical cross section extending in the longitudinal direction, however, the receptacle  105  can take any suitable shape. As shown in  FIGS. 6  through to  8 , the receptacle  105  is closed by the gripping member  120  by way of a threaded screw arrangement however, any other suitable lock and key arrangement may be used to close the receptacle  105 . The adjustment means  115 , the gripping member  120  and the receptacle  105  are of substantially same cross section so as to align along a common axis when fastened to each other in the closed position of the container  100 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 to 8 , the receptacle  105  has a closed end and an open end in the form of a neck  130  thereby defining a cavity for holding a product. The receptacle  105  may further include a wiper  125 , which may be one time snap fitted to the neck  130  of the receptacle  105 , however, the wiper  125  may be fitted onto the neck  130  of the receptacle  105  by any other suitable arrangement. 
         [0043]    A user may utilize the container  100  as described in above embodiments for application of a product. Moreover, the adjustable applicator assembly  110  of the container  100  allows the user to vary the density the bristles of the applicator heads thereby making the bristle density either sparse or denser. 
         [0044]    The materials suitable for forming the receptacle  105  and the rod  160  may be polyprolpylene or any other suitable polymeric material while the gripping member  120 , adjustment means  115  and the motion converter  115   b  may be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or any other suitable material. The applicator heads  175  and  180  may be made of any suitable polymeric material. The stem  135  may be formed of polyacetal. The material for forming wiper  125  could be low-density polyethylene. The aforementioned materials for forming various parts of the container of the present invention are an example, however other suitable materials may also be used. Depending upon the substance being used in the receptacle, a variety of sizes and shapes of the applicator heads can be utilized. It could have a shape other than cylindrical such as ovular, tapered or any other suitable shape. 
         [0045]    Although the above description and drawings show the container being cylindrical, the shapes and profile cross section thereof are not limited to the same. 
         [0046]    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.