Abstract:
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.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/944,168 filed on Nov. 11, 2010, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/260,233 filed Nov. 11, 2009, all of which are incorporated by reference in their respective entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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 and in case of 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 
       [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    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. 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention the gripping member may comprise a hollow chamber which accommodates the vibration means. 
         [0013]    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 hollow chamber. 
         [0014]    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. 
         [0015]    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. 
         [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    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. 
         [0018]    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. 
         [0019]    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. 
         [0020]    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. 
         [0021]    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. 
         [0022]    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. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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. 
         [0025]    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. 
         [0026]    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. 
         [0027]    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. 
         [0028]    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. 
         [0029]    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. 
         [0030]    The vibration means of the present invention may comprise a vibration motor, an electromagnet, a piezoelectric or an ultrasonic vibrator. In particular, the vibration means can comprise any pneumatic, hydraulic, ultrasonic, electronic, or electromechanical system that is capable of producing vibration. 
         [0031]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    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. 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an applicator system according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the applicator system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the applicator system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  illustrates the isometric view of a container comprising the applicator system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  illustrates the isometric view of a container comprising the applicator system according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the container of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 9   a  illustrates an isometric view of the applicator system according to yet another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 9   b  illustrates an isometric view of the applicator head of the applicator system of  FIG. 9   a;    
           [0043]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded view of the applicator system of  FIG. 9   a;    
           [0044]      FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the applicator system of  FIG. 9   a;    
           [0045]      FIG. 12   a  illustrates an isometric view of the applicator system according to yet another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 12   b  illustrates an isometric view of the applicator head of the applicator system of  FIG. 12   a;    
           [0047]      FIG. 13   a  illustrates an isometric view of the applicator system according to yet another embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 13   b  illustrates an isometric view of the applicator head of the applicator system of  FIG. 13   a.    
       
    
    
       [0049]    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 
       [0050]      FIG. 1  is one embodiment of the present invention showing an isometric view of an applicator system  100 . As shown, the applicator system  100  comprises of a gripping member  105 , a stem  110 , and an applicator head  115 . The stem  110  has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the stem  110  is connected to the gripping member  105 , while the applicator head  115  is connected to the distal end of the stem  110 . Further, as shown in the  FIG. 1 , the applicator system  100  also comprises of an actuating means  120 , the outer interface  120   a  of the actuating means  120  such as a button is formed on the surface of the gripping member  105 . 
         [0051]    As represented in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the gripping member  105  comprises a hollow chamber  135  which further accommodates a vibration means  125 . In the embodiment under consideration, the vibration means  125  includes a vibration motor. Without going beyond the ambit of the present invention, the vibration means  125  may include an electromagnet, a piezoelectric or an ultrasonic vibrator. According to other alternate embodiments of the present invention, the vibration means  125  can be accommodated in the stem  110  or in any other part of the applicator system  100 . The hollow chamber  135  further accommodates a power source  130  for the vibrating means  125  such as a battery. According to other alternate embodiments of the present invention, the power source  130  can be accommodated in the stem  110  or in any other part of the applicator system  100 . As represented by  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the proximal end of the vibration means  125  is connected to the actuating means  120 . The actuating means  120  when actuated connects the power source  130  and the vibration means  125  which in turn causes the vibrating means to produce vibrations. The hollow chamber  135  is distally connected to the stem  110  by means of a flexible element  140  in the stem  110 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the flexible element  140  of the stem  110  may be present as a separate part from the stem  110 . In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the distal end of the stem  110  may be connected to the applicator head  115  by means of the flexible element  140 . In yet another embodiment of the invention the flexible element  140  may be disposed anywhere in the stem  110 , the hollow chamber  135 , or any other suitable location that optimally converts the vibration motion of the vibration means  125  into an irregular motion which is further transmitted to the applicator head  115  by any suitable means. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the flexible element  140  can be either an accompanied separate part or replace any of the above following parts, such that it optimally converts the vibration motion of the vibration means  125  into an irregular motion which can further be transmitted to the applicator head  115  by any suitable means. 
         [0052]    The gripping member  105  is connected to the stem  110  with the flexible element  140 . The gripping member  105  comprises at least one lateral projection  106  which is received into a corresponding groove  141  present in the flexible element  140 . The flexible element  140  further encases the proximal end of the stem  110 . 
         [0053]    Also, there is provided a top cap  145 , which is placed above the power source  130 , and that provides a suitable outer covering of the gripping member  105 . 
         [0054]    During usage, as the actuating means  120  is actuated via the outer interface  120   a  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), it turns ON the vibration means  125 . The vibration produced by the vibration means  125  propagates onto the hollow chamber  135 . Since the distal end of the hollow chamber  135  is connected to the stem  110  by means of a flexible element  140 , the flexible element  140  converts the vibration motion caused by the vibration means  125  into an irregular movement of the stem  110 . Such an irregular movement of the stem  110  makes the applicator head  115  move in an irregular motion. Such irregular motion of the applicator head  115  during application provides even coating and no clumping of lashes during mascara application. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 4 and 5  represent a container comprising the applicator system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The container  150  comprises a receptacle  155  for containing the product and an applicator system  100  as described above. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  is showing a container  200  comprising the applicator system  205  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The container  200  comprises a receptacle  210  for containing the product and an applicator system  205 . 
         [0057]    As represented by  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the applicator system  205  comprises a gripping member  220  comprising a hollow chamber  225 . The hollow chamber  225  houses a vibrating means  225   a  such as a vibration motor or any other suitable means of vibration. Also accommodated in the hollow chamber  225  is a power source for the vibrating means  225   a  such as a battery  230 . The hollow chamber  225  of the gripping member  220  further accommodates a propel-repel assembly  235  which comprises a first motion controller  240  and a second motion controller  245 . However, the propel-repel assembly  235  is an optional component of the applicator system  205  of the present invention. Further, the propel-repel assembly  235  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. 
         [0058]    Further, the first and second motion controller  240  and  245  may be connected to each other by screw arrangement or any other suitable arrangement. Further, the first motion controller  240  is arranged to be placed inside the gripping member  220  such that it remains stationary while the second motion controller  245  is arranged to be movable inside the gripping member  220 . 
         [0059]    As represented by  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the applicator system  205  further comprises an applicator holder  250 , an applicator  255 , an actuating means  215  and a flexible element  260 . The proximal end of the vibration means  225   a  is connected to the actuating means  215  while the distal end of the vibration means  225   a  is connected to a flexible element  260 . The flexible element  260  at its other end is further connected to the applicator holder  250 . The applicator holder  250  holds the applicator  255 . In another embodiment of the invention the flexible element  260  may be disposed anywhere in the applicator holder  250 , hollow chamber  225 , or any other suitable location that optimally converts the vibration motion of the vibratory means  225   a  into an irregular motion which can further be transmitted to the applicator  255  by any suitable means. Further, the hollow chamber  225  may be formed of a flexible material such that it functions as a flexible element disposed in the hollow chamber  225 . Further, there is provided a top cap  265  that is placed above the power source  230  that provides a suitable outer covering of the gripping member  220 . As shown in the  FIGS. 7 and 8  the top cap  265  is connected to the gripping member  220  such that the top cap  265  and the gripping member  220  are rotatable with respect to each other. Further, the second motion controller  245  is connected at its proximal end to the top cap  265  while the distal end of the second motion controller  245  is connected to the applicator holder  250 . Further, the top cap  265  forms any lock and key arrangement with the second motion controller  245  such that during usage, as the top cap  265  is rotated with respect to the gripping member  220 , the second motion controller  245  moves with respect to stationary first motion controller  240  and thereby it causes the applicator holder  250  to move thereby causing the applicator  255  to propel from its storage position. Simultaneously, the actuating means  215  is also actuated upon the rotation of top cap  265  with respect to gripping member  220  and it turns ON the vibration means  225   a  in the present embodiment of the present invention. However in another embodiment of the present invention, the propelling-repelling of the applicator  255  may take place independently of the actuation of the vibration means means  225   a  or any other suitable means. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the propelling-repelling of the applicator  255  and the actuation of the vibration means may take place simultaneously but there may be provided an external switch in order to actuate or de-actuate the vibration means when the applicator  255  is in storage or extended positions respectively. Further, the vibration produced by the vibration means  225   a  propagates onto the hollow chamber  225 . Since the distal end of the hollow chamber  225  is connected to the applicator holder  250  by means of a flexible element  260 , the flexible element  260  converts the vibration motion caused by the vibration motor into an irregular motion of the applicator holder  250 . Such an irregular motion of the applicator holder  250  makes the applicator  255  move in an irregular motion. The receptacle  210  of the container  200  may further be sealed by a plug  270  at its bottom portion. 
         [0060]      FIG. 9  is another embodiment of the present invention showing an isometric view of the applicator system  300 . As shown, the applicator system  300  comprises of a gripping member  305 , a stem  310 , and an applicator head  315 . The stem  310  has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the stem  310  is connected to the gripping member  305 , while the applicator head  315  is connected to the distal end of the stem  310  by means of a stem connector  310  a such that the applicator head  315  is freely rotatable around its axis. Further, as shown in the  FIG. 9 , the applicator system  300  also comprises of an actuating means  320 . 
         [0061]    As represented in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the gripping member  305  comprises a hollow chamber  335  in which is accommodated a vibrating means such as a vibration motor  325  or any other suitable means of vibration. Also accommodated in the hollow chamber  335  is a power source  330  for the vibrating means such as a battery. As represented by  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the proximal end of the vibration motor  325  is connected to the actuating means  320 . The actuating means  320  when actuated connects the power source  330  and the vibration motor  325  which in turn causes the vibrating means to produce vibrations. The hollow chamber  335  is distally connected to the stem  310  by means of a flexible element  340  in the stem  310  that optimally converts the vibration motion of the vibratory motor  325  into an irregular motion which is further transmitted to the applicator head  315  by any suitable means. Further, there is provided a top cap  345  that is placed above the power source  330  that provides a suitable outer covering of the gripping member  305 . 
         [0062]    During usage, as the actuating means  320  is actuated, it turns ON the vibration motor  325 . The vibration produced by the vibration motor  325  propagates onto the hollow chamber  335 . Since the distal end of the hollow chamber  335  is connected to the stem  310  by means of a flexible element  340 , the flexible element  340  converts the vibration motion caused by the vibration motor  325  into an irregular movement of the stem  310 . Such an irregular movement of the stem  310  makes the freely rotating applicator head  315  move in an irregular motion. Such irregular motion of the freely rotating applicator head  315  during application provides even coating and also massages the skin simultaneously during application. 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 9   a  the freely rotating applicator head  315  may 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 head  115 ,  315  may be provided with a plurality of projections, ribs, ridges, embossments, depressions, grooves, or any other suitable feature that assist in better application of the product.  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  represent an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing the different profiles of the applicator head  415 . Further,  FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  also represent an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing the different profiles of the applicator head  515 . 
         [0064]    Although the above description shows the container being cylindrical, the shapes and profiles cross section thereof are not limited to the same. 
         [0065]    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. 
         [0066]    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.