Patent Publication Number: US-2011048448-A1

Title: Cosmetic Applicator with Disparate Material Application Zones and Backwipe Return

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to cosmetic applicators. More particularly, disclosed herein is a cosmetic applicator with multiple distinct zones providing multiple, disparate performance characteristics in a single applicator and with a backwipe return arrangement. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Cosmetic dispensers for mascara and other liquid or pasty cosmetics commonly are founded on two pieces, a container and a cap. The container typically comprises a bottle with an open inner volume for retaining a volume of the cosmetic material. The cap normally has a rod or wand that projects distally therefrom. A brush or other structure capable of retrieving cosmetic from the open inner volume of the bottle and applying the cosmetic to a body surface is retained at the distal end of the wand for being dipped into the volume of cosmetic. When dipped in the cosmetic, the brush becomes loaded with the liquid or pasty material for permitting controlled application of the cosmetic, such as to the user&#39;s eyebrows or eyelashes. The cosmetic dispenser can be sealed during periods of nonuse by a threaded engagement between the cap and a neck of the bottle. 
     In general, mascara brushes have remained fundamentally similar to the twisted wire arrangement disclosed at least as early as 1964 in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,214,782. In a typical twisted wire arrangement, a plurality of individual bristles are retained between a metal wire that is folded over and then twisted to form a helical core. The bristles are clamped between the wires and are flared radially outwardly from the core to produce a brush with a substantially round cross-section. 
     During application of the cosmetic, a user will typically hold the cap with one hand and the bottle in the other. By repeated dipping into the volume of cosmetic material, the brush or other structure can be employed in the successful application of the cosmetic. Mascara is commonly applied in such a manner as are other liquid, semi-liquid, pasty and other cosmetics, including, by way of example and not limitation, lip gloss, concealer, and eye shadow. 
     Despite variations in the shape and material composition of the bristles, wire, and the contour of the brush, the cosmetic applicators of the prior art have been substantially limited in their adaptability to different materials and application goals. As a result, a mascara user seeking to achieve defining and separating will need to use a first type of brush; a user seeking volumizing and building must use a second type of brush; and a user seeking to achieve another goal will need still another type of brush. 
     Disadvantageously, purchasing multiple separate cosmetic applicators to achieve varied application goals is expensive. Furthermore, storing and transporting a plurality of cosmetic applicators can be awkward and cumbersome. As a result, many cosmetic users will forgo access to the cosmetic applicators that they desire in favor of convenience and reduced expense. 
     Another recognized and long-standing problem with the use of cosmetic applicators is the phenomenon commonly referred to as backwipe. As the cosmetic brush is drawn from the inner volume of the cosmetic bottle loaded with the liquid or pasty material, the brush passes through a wiper that has a diameter a given amount less than the diameter of the brush. Excess cosmetic is wiped from the brush with the goal of leaving the brush sufficiently loaded for the application of the cosmetic material while minimizing or eliminating dripping, tailing, and other disadvantages deriving from excess loading. 
     Even after the application of cosmetic, however, the cosmetic brush retains a volume of cosmetic material thereon. Consequently, as the cosmetic brush is repeatedly removed and reinserted through the wiper, a reverse wiping action or backwipe occurs thereby producing a buildup of residue on the outer side of the wiper. The backwiped cosmetic material is inherently messy and unsightly and wastes mascara product while reducing the ease and effectiveness of proper cosmetic application. This is particularly true as the backwiped product hardens over time thereby hindering use and closure of the cosmetic applicator and causing an undesirable condition referred to as clumping. 
     Attempts have been made to overcome the deleterious effects of backwiping. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,185, Kingsford et al. disclosed a Fluid Material Dispenser with the expressed goal of eliminating backwipe. Under the &#39;185 patent, backwipe is sought to be avoided by use of a wiper divided into halves or wiping jaws. The jaws can be disposed in a closed position for wiping the cosmetic brush as it is removed from the container. The jaws can then be adjusted to a separated, open position for permitting the cosmetic brush to pass back into the container without being wiped. With the jaws out of contact with the brush as it is reinserted into the container, backwiping is ideally prevented. 
     Even assuming its effectiveness, arrangements such as that taught by the &#39;185 patent are quite complex in structure and operation. With that, the cost of manufacture is invariably increased. Furthermore, the likelihood of malfunction is increased, particularly in the presence of pasty cosmetic materials. 
     The present inventor has appreciated, therefore, that it would be advantageous to devise of a cosmetic applicator that provides multiple performance characteristics in a single applicator and, further, that a cosmetic applicator capable of avoiding the buildup of backwiped cosmetic product in a simply yet effective manner would represent a useful advance in the field. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With a knowledge of the needs that have been left by the prior art, an object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic applicator with plural distinct zones for enabling multiple different performance characteristics to be achieved with a single applicator. 
     A more particular object of certain embodiments of the invention is to provide a cosmetic applicator with a brush having first zone for achieving a first performance characteristic, a second zone for achieving a second performance characteristic, and, potentially, a third zone for achieving a third performance characteristic. 
     Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a cosmetic applicator with plural zones that are distinct in performance and distinct in appearance thereby to permit the achievement of multiple application goals with a single applicator and the visual distinction between the zones permitting the same. 
     Still further embodiments of the invention seek to minimize or eliminate the buildup of backwiped cosmetic product through an effective yet elegantly simple wiper and applicator combination. 
     These and further objects and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become obvious not only to one who reviews the present specification and drawings but also to one who has an opportunity to make use of an embodiment of the instant invention for a multi-zone cosmetic applicator with backwipe return disclosed herein. However, it will be appreciated that, although the accomplishment of each of the foregoing objects in a single embodiment of the invention may be possible and indeed preferred, not all embodiments will seek or need to accomplish each and every potential object and advantage. Nonetheless, all such embodiments should be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
     In carrying forth the aforementioned objects, one embodiment of the invention comprises a cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones for permitting the achievement of multiple cosmetic material application effects with the applicator. The cosmetic applicator has a wire core formed from first and second wire segments twisted into a helical configuration to form a plurality of coils. A plurality of radially disposed bristles are secured between the first and second wire segments of the wire core to form a brush head for being dipped into a volume of cosmetic material. The bristles of the brush head are disposed in at least first and second distinct bristle zones with the bristles of the first bristle zone being of a first bristle type and the bristles of the second bristle zone being of a second bristle type different than the first bristle type. With this, the first bristle zone can provide a first material application property, and the second bristle zone can provide a second material application property different from the first material application property. 
     The first bristle zone can be disposed over a first series of coils of the wire core, and the second bristle zone can be disposed over a second series of coils of the wire core. In certain embodiments, the first bristle zone can be round and of a generally consistent diameter from a proximal end of the brush head a proximal end of the second bristle zone, and the second bristle zone can terminate in a frusto-conical distal portion. The bristles of the separate bristle zones can differ in diameter, bristle counts, and bristle colors. The bristles of certain bristle zones can comprise hollow tubular filaments, and the bristles of other bristle zones can comprise solid round bristles. 
     Where a third bristle zone is provided, the bristles of the third bristle zone can be of a third bristle type different than the first and second bristle types. Under such a configuration, the first bristle zone can be disposed over a proximal portion of the brush head, the second bristle zone can be disposed over a mid-portion of the brush head, and the third bristle zone can be disposed over a distal portion of the brush head. While the relative percentages could vary within the scope of the invention, particular embodiments can have a first bristle zone comprising approximately 28 percent of the brush head, a second bristle zone comprising approximately 44 percent of the brush head, and a third bristle zone comprising approximately 28 percent of the brush head. Certain embodiments can have a first bristle zone that terminates in a frusto-conical proximal portion and a third bristle zone that terminates in a frusto-conical distal portion whereby the brush head presents a double taper configuration. 
     Under certain manifestations of the invention, an oversleeve can be provided with a proximal, tubular base portion, a distal tip portion, at least one base strip with a proximal end coupled to the base portion and a distal end coupled to the distal tip portion, at least one open channel between the at least one base strip, and a plurality of tines that project from the base strip. The oversleeve can be received over the brush head with the wire core disposed through the base portion of the oversleeve, the distal end of the wire core received into the tip portion, and the bristles of the first and second bristle zones passed through the at least one channel. 
     To facilitate the engagement of the brush head with the oversleeve, the distal end of the wire core can comprise a tip that extends distally beyond the bristle zones of the brush head, and the distal tip portion of the oversleeve can comprise a conical cap with a conical exterior and an inner receiving indentation that receives the tip of the wire core. The tip of the wire core can take the form of a longitudinally aligned straight portion of the wire segments where the wire segments are disposed in a generally parallel relationship, and the first helical coil of the wire core can be disposed proximal to the straight portion. 
     Embodiments of the oversleeve can have first and second base strips separated by channels, and a row of tines can project from each base strip. The number of tines in each row could approximately equal a number of coils over which the bristle zones of the brush head are disposed. Like the bristles, the rows of tine can have double-taper profiles. 
     The brush head can be fixed to a distal end of an applicator rod for enabling a dipping of the brush head into a volume of cosmetic material in an open inner volume of a cosmetic bottle. The cosmetic bottle has an opening at a proximal end thereof for permitting an insertion and removal of the brush head and the rod and a wiper retained relative to the opening of the bottle for wiping excess cosmetic material from the brush head and the rod wherein the wiper has a flexible inner ring with an inner annular opening for permitting passage of the brush head and the rod. A cosmetic material passageway can be incorporated into the flexible inner ring of the wiper, and that passageway can be supplemental to the inner annular opening of the flexible inner ring. With this, backwiped cosmetic material can be pressed through the cosmetic material passageway for return into the open inner volume of the bottle. 
     In certain manifestations of the cosmetic applicator, the cosmetic material passageway can comprise a semicircular lobe contiguous with the inner annular opening in the flexible inner ring. The wiper can further include a cylindrical outer wall, and an annular shoulder can be disposed at the proximal end of the applicator rod. To promote the return of backwiped cosmetic material, the flexible inner ring of the wiper can have a proximal surface sloped at an angle away from the opening of the cosmetic bottle, and the shoulder can have a distal surface sloped at substantially the same angle away from the proximal end of the applicator rod. 
     One will appreciate that the foregoing discussion broadly outlines the more important features of the invention to enable a better understanding of the detailed description that follows and to instill a better appreciation of the inventors&#39; contribution to the art. Before any particular embodiment or aspect thereof is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the following details of construction and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawing figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a view in side elevation of a cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones pursuant to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a view in side elevation of the cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones of  FIG. 1  in a partially disassembled form with the brush detached from the rod; 
         FIG. 3  is a view in side elevation of the cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones of  FIG. 1  in a further disassembled form with the oversleeve separated from the brush and the brush detached from the rod; 
         FIG. 4  is a distal end view of the cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a partially sectioned view in side elevation of a cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones pursuant to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a partially sectioned view in side elevation of an alternative cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones pursuant to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a partially sectioned view in side elevation of a cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones as taught herein; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an oversleeve according to the instant invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view in side elevation of a cosmetic bottle for use in relation to the cosmetic applicator disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 9  is a partially sectioned view in side elevation of an alternative cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones pursuant to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a distal end view of the cosmetic applicator of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view in side elevation of an alternative application rod pursuant to the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view in side elevation of a wiper for use in relation to the application rod of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the wiper of  FIG. 12 ; and 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the wiper of  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     It will be appreciated that the cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones described herein can pursue widely varied embodiments. However, to ensure that one skilled in the art will be able to understand and, in appropriate cases, practice the present invention, certain preferred embodiments of the broader invention revealed herein are described below and shown in the accompanying drawing figures. Before any particular embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the following details of construction, descriptions of geometry, and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of the invention. 
     A manifestation of the present invention for a cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones is indicated generally at  10  in  FIG. 1 . There, the cosmetic applicator  10  has an application rod  12  with a proximal end and a distal end. A cap  14 , which also acts as a handle during the application of liquid or pasty cosmetic material (not shown), is affixed to the proximal end of the rod  12  as is best seen in  FIG. 6 . 
     A cosmetic brush head  16  is affixed to the distal end of the rod  12  for being dipped into a volume of liquid or pasty cosmetic material retained in the open inner volume  56  of a cosmetic bottle, such as that indicated generally at  52  in  FIG. 8 . With reference to  FIG. 5A , the cosmetic brush head  16  can be seen to be founded on a twisted wire core  34 . The twisted wire core  34  is formed by first and second wire segments twisted into a helical configuration to define a central longitudinal axis. While the first and second wire segments could be separate strands of wire, the twisted wire core  34  is preferably formed from a single wire folded over to establish the first and second wire segments and then twisted into the desired helical configuration to form a plurality of coils therealong. The cosmetic brush head  16  has a proximal base portion  36  and a distal tip  38 . 
     In  FIGS. 1 through 6 , the cosmetic brush head  16  has multiple distinct bristle zones. The multiple zones of bristles permit the achievement of multiple performance characteristics by the use of a single cosmetic applicator  10 . More particularly, in the present embodiment, first, second, and third distinct zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  of brush filaments are retained between the twisted wire core  34  thereby to establish a brush head  16  having three distinct bristle zones. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the wire core  34  has a tip  38  that projects distally beyond the third zone  22 . Here, the tip  38  comprises a longitudinally aligned straight portion of the folded-over end of the twisted wire core  34  that is devoid of bristles therebetween and where the first and second strands of the wire core  34  are disposed in a generally parallel relationship. The first coil of the twisted wire core  34  is disposed proximal to the straight portion. The proximal base portion  36  of the wire core  34  projects proximally beyond the first zone  18  by a given number of coils. 
     In the depicted embodiment, the brush filaments of the first, second, and third zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  cooperate to form the brush head  16 . The first, second, and third zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  occupy approximately eighteen coils of the twisted wire core  34  in total. Within the brush head  16 , the first zone  18 , which may alternatively be referred to as the proximal zone, is made up of brush filaments occupying approximately five coils or approximately 28 percent of the brush head. Likewise, the third or distal zone  22  is made up of brush filaments occupying approximately five coils or approximately 28 percent of the brush head  16 . The second or central zone  20 , which resides between the first and third zones  18  and  22 , is made up of brush filaments occupying approximately eight coils or 44 percent of the brush head  16 . 
     The cosmetic brush  16  can be fixed to the rod  12  in any effective manner. Looking specifically to  FIG. 6 , for example, the cosmetic brush  16  can be retained relative to the rod  12  by an insertion of the base portion  36  of the wire core  34  into a corresponding longitudinal, centered borehole in the distal end of the rod  12 . If necessary, the brush head  16  can be secured in place by a crimping or other deformation of the base portion  36  of the wire core  34 . In one practice of the invention, the base portion  36  of the wire core  34  is flattened to some extent, heated, and then inserted into a round borehole in the distal end of the rod  12  whereby the plastic rod melts and then hardens around the base portion  36  of the wire core  34  to hold the wire core  34  and thus the brush head  16  in general in place relative to the rod  12 . 
     The bristles of the brush head  16  in  FIG. 5A , for example, are formed, such as by trimming or otherwise, to have what can be referred to as a reverse double taper configuration. 
     The reverse double taper configuration is designed to yield superior product loading, unloading, and ease of use. Tapering at both ends of the brush head  16  together with a central portion of a generally consistent diameter over a given length permits the use of both tapered ends to reach particular areas, such as the corners of a user&#39;s eyes, while permitting the flat central portion to be used to apply a larger volume of material. The tapering of the brush head  16  can begin where the first zone  18  meets the second zone  20  and where the second zone  20  meets the third zone  22 . Under that arrangement, the second zone  20  is of a consistent diameter, and the first and third zones  18  and  22  are of progressively reducing diameters toward the proximal and distal ends of the brush head  16  respectively, each thereby establishing a frusto-conical shape. 
     Similar benefits in material loading and application can be achieved by the brush head  16  of  FIG. 5B , which again has a double taper. First, second, and third bristle zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  are provided with each bristle zone having different material application characteristics. In the depicted embodiment, however, the brush head  16  smoothly transitions from zone to zone with a progressive reduction in diameter from a maximum at the midpoint of the brush head  16  and at a midpoint of the second bristle zone  20  to minimum at the ends of the first and third bristle zones  18  and  22 . With this, the brush head  16  presents a smooth profile with a symmetrical, arcuate outer shape. 
     The three zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  are different from one another in material application properties. By way of example and not limitation, the zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  can differ in material retention characteristics, defining and separating characteristics, and volumizing and building characteristics. The differences in the zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  can be achieved by varying one or more of a plurality of factors, including bristle density, bristle material, bristle length, bristle diameter or thickness, bristle cross-sectional shape, bristle positioning, and bristle end treatment. 
     In one presently contemplated advantageous embodiment, by way of example, the bristles of the first zone  18  can be solid rods made from a synthetic polymer, such as nylon, with a bristle diameter of 0.003 inches. The bristles of the first zone  18  can be disposed in well defined rows, and the bristles of the first zone  18  can have a unique filament count relative to the second and third zones  20  and  22 . With this, the first zone  18  will tend to produce a first material application effect, namely a definition and separation in the treated hair in this embodiment. 
     The bristles of the second zone  20 , however, can be hollow tubes with an outer bristle diameter of 0.005 inches. The bristles can be disposed in interwoven filament rows and with a unique filament count relative to the first and third zones  18  and  22 . Under that arrangement, the bristles of the second zone  20  will tend to achieve a second material application effect, namely a volumizing and building effect in the treated hair in the embodiment shown and described. 
     Finally, the third zone  22  can produce a third material application effect by being formed with solid, round bristles that are disposed in defined filament rows like those of the first zone  18 . However, the bristles of the third zone  22  can have a different diameter relative to those of the first zone  18 . For example, the bristles of the third zone  22  can have a diameter of 0.004 inches, and a unique filament count relative to the bristles of the first and third zones  18  and  22 . As a result, the bristles of the third zone  22  will also tend to produce a defining and separating effect, but it could be different in material application property from the defining and separating effect achieved by the bristles of the first zone  18 . 
     The present inventor has further appreciated that the function of the cosmetic applicator  10  and the utility of the different material application effects produced by the multiple material application zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  can be further improved by promoting the ability of the user to differentiate visually between the multiple zones  18 ,  20 , and  22 . Such a visual differentiation will not only accentuate the multiple performance characteristics achieved by the cosmetic applicator  10 , but it will also permit the user to identify the desired zone  18 ,  20 , or  22  to be employed based on the user&#39;s desired material application effect. 
     In one embodiment of the cosmetic applicator  10 , this is achieved by having bristles of each of the first, second, and third zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  of different colors. For example, the bristles of the first zone  18  with their first defining and separating effect can be blue in color, the bristles of the second zone  20  with their volumizing and building effect can be natural or tan in color, and the bristles of the third zone  22  with their second defining and separating effect can be red in color. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 6 , the rod  12  of the cosmetic applicator  10  can have a valve seal  45  at the proximal end thereof. The valve seal  45  can be disposed within the cap  14  to push any backwiped product into the bottle  52 , such as that shown in  FIG. 8 . The rod  12  can be tapered to prevent cosmetic product from producing undesirable hydraulic pressure during the insertion and removal of the rod  12  of the cosmetic applicator  10  relative to the bottle  52 . 
     Threads  42  on the inner wall of the cap  14  can engage threads  54  on the neck of the bottle  52  to retain the cosmetic applicator  10  relative to the bottle  52  and to seal the open inner volume  56  of the bottle  52 . The bottle  52  can retain a wiper  58  adjacent to the neck thereof for wiping excess product from the brush head. The wiper  58  can in certain embodiments be a one-piece arrangement formed from a soft polymer, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or rubber. Locking ribs on the wiper  58  can secure the wiper  58  in relation to the bottle  52 . 
     It is believed that the performance of the unique multi-zone configuration of the brush head may be improved by cosmetic material, such as mascara, that is specifically calibrated to exploit the disparate material application characteristics of the zones  18 ,  20 , and  22 . Performance will be maximized by employing cosmetic material with preferred ingredients, preferred proportions, and a preferred range of viscosity. 
     In certain embodiments, the unique performance of the cosmetic applicator  10  can be furthered by additionally incorporating what can be referred to as an oversleeve  24 . The oversleeve  24  is shown received over the cosmetic brush  16  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and then apart in  FIGS. 3 and 7 . In the depicted embodiment, the oversleeve  24  has a proximal, tubular base portion  46  and a distal tip portion  32 . The distal tip portion  32  comprises a conical cap with a conical exterior and an inner receiving indentation. 
     First and second base strips  28  and  30  communicate longitudinally from proximal ends fixed to the base portion  46  to distal ends fixed to the tip portion  32 . The base strips  28  and  30  are spaced 180 degrees apart and are separated by open channels, which are disposed in opposition communicating longitudinally along the oversleeve  24  from the base portion  46  to the tip portion  32 . 
     A first longitudinally aligned row of tines  26  projects from the first base strip  28 , and a second longitudinally aligned row of tines  26  projects from the second base strip  30 . As noted above, the base strips  28  and  30  are disposed 180 degrees apart. Consequently, the rows of tines  26  project in diametric opposition 180 degrees apart. 
     With this, the oversleeve  24  can be slid over the wire core  34  with the wire core  34  received through the tubular base portion  46  and then between the base strips  28  and  30  until the tip  38  of the wire core  34  is received into the inner receiving indentation of the tip portion  32  of the oversleeve  24 . The bristles of the first, second, and third zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  of the brush head can be received through the channels in the oversleeve  24  so that the bristles project therethrough. 
     When the oversleeve  24  is fully engaged with the wire core  34 , a proximal end of the base portion  46  of the oversleeve  24  is received into a corresponding annular ring formed at the distal end  48  of the rod  12  to prevent dislodging of the oversleeve  24  and undesirable material accumulation at the proximal end thereof. The oversleeve can be additionally secured by one or more stakes  40  passed through the distal end of the rod  12  and through an aperture  50  in the base portion  46  of the oversleeve  24 . Of course, other means for securing the oversleeve  24  in place can be employed as necessary. 
     The number of tines  26  can in certain embodiments correspond to the number of coils over which the bristles of the brush head  16  are disposed. With that, in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , there can be eighteen tines spaced over the length of each base strip  28  and  30  corresponding to the eighteen coils over which bristles are retained by the wire core  34 . 
     Similarly to the bristles of the first, second, and third bristle zones  18 ,  20 , and  22 , the tines  26  in each row have a double taper profile with a central group of tines  26  of a generally consistent height and proximal and distal series of tines  26  that taper to progressively shorter heights. The tip-to-tip distance of the opposed tines  26  can generally equal the diameter of the corresponding portions of the brush head  16  so that the tapering of the rows of tines  26  can correspond generally to the tapering of the brush head  16  formed by the first, second, and third brush zones  18 ,  20 , and  22 . With that, the height of the tines  26  can be at a maximum at the mid-portion of the oversleeve  24  and can progressively taper toward the proximal and distal ends thereof. 
     With the oversleeve  24  received over the brush head  16  as in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the cosmetic applicator  10  presents first and second opposed bristle portions over a given circumferential portion with the first and second base strips  28  and  30  and the radially projecting rows of tines  26  interposed therebetween. So disposed, the first, second, and third bristle zones  18 ,  20 , and  22  can be employed to apply product with multiple different application characteristics, and the interposed tines  26  can be used for combing, lengthening, curling, and other material application and hair treatment practices. 
     The oversleeve  24  can be formed in any appropriate manner. Under certain practices of the invention, the oversleeve  24 , including the base and tip portions  46  and  32 , the base strips  28  and  30 , and the tines  26 , can be molded or otherwise formed as a unit. The material for the oversleeve  24  could vary within the scope of the invention depending on, among other things, desired material application characteristics and the cosmetic to be applied. One presently preferred embodiment forms the oversleeve  24  from a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. 
     The tines  26  could be of any suitable cross section. In one presently preferred embodiment, the tines  26  can have a diamond-shaped cross section with the goal of enhancing the combing and lengthening characteristics achieved by use of the tines  26 . The diamond shape is believed to grab the hair to which cosmetic is to be applied as the tines  26  pass among and between that hair. 
     With two oppositely projecting rows of tines  26 , the oversleeve  24  will be capable of passing through the wiper  58  while permitting the wiper  58  to perform its primary function of wiping the bristles of the brush head most effectively. In certain embodiments, the oversleeve  24  and the tines  26  can be black in color to differentiate from the remainder of the cosmetic applicator  10  and again to facilitate the most efficient use of their performance characteristics. 
     While first and second base strips  28  and  30  with opposed tines  26  projecting therefrom have been found preferred in certain applications, it will be noted that just one base strip  28  or more than two base strips  28  and  30  is possible. By way of example, an oversleeve  24  is possible having first, second, and third base strips that could be spaced evenly at 120-degree separations. Tines  26  could again project from each base strip. With this, when the oversleeve  24  is passed over the brush head  16 , tines  26  will project at 120-degree intervals and sections of the brush head  16  project through channels between the base strips in three areas. 
     It is also within the scope of the invention to have fewer or more zones of bristles. For example as is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , embodiments are contemplated where first and second bristle zones  18  and  20  are employed. There, the bristles are again retained by a twisted wire core  34  to establish a brush head  16 . The first bristle zone  18  is round and of a generally consistent diameter from the proximal end of the brush head  16  to the point where the first bristle zone  18  meets the second bristle zone  20 . The second bristle zone  20  has a proximal portion that is generally round and of a consistent diameter and then a distal portion that progressively reduces in diameter to adjacent to the distal end of the twisted wire core  34  to establish a frusto-conical shape. 
     The first and second zones  18  and  20  are different from one another in material application properties. By way of example and not limitation, the zones  18  and  20  can differ in material retention characteristics, defining and separating characteristics, and volumizing and building characteristics. The differences in the zones  18  and  20  can be achieved by varying one or more of a plurality of factors, including bristle density, bristle material, bristle length, bristle diameter or thickness, bristle cross-sectional shape, bristle positioning, and bristle end treatment. 
     In one advantageous embodiment, for example, the bristles of the first zone  18  can be hollow tubular filaments, each with an outer diameter of, for example, 0.005 inches. The bristles have a unique filament count relative to the second zone  20 . Under that arrangement, the bristles of the first zone  18  will tend to achieve a first material application effect. 
     The second zone  20  can produce a second material application effect by being formed with solid, round bristles that are disposed in defined filament rows. The bristles of the second zone  20  can have a different diameter relative to those of the first zone  18 . For example, the bristles of the second zone  20  can have a diameter of 0.004 inches, and a unique filament count relative to the bristles of the first zone  18 . As a result, the bristles of the second zone  20  will tend to produce a different in material application property from the effect achieved by the bristles of the first zone  18 . 
     Again, the function of the cosmetic applicator  10  and the utility of the different material application effects produced by the multiple material application zones  18  and  20  can be further improved by promoting the ability of the user to differentiate visually between the multiple zones  18  and  20 . This could, for example, be achieved by having bristles of the first and second zones  18  and  20  of different colors. For example, the bristles of the first zone  18  with their first effect can be white in color and the bristles of the second zone  20  can be black in color. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 11 through 14  in combination with  FIG. 8 , embodiments of the cosmetic applicator  10  are contemplated wherein a broadened, annular base portion  64  is connected to the proximal end of the applicator rod  12  by a sloped shoulder  45 . The distally-facing surface of the shoulder  45  is sloped at a given angle away from the proximal end of the applicator rod  12  and toward the base portion  64 . An annular ring  62  is formed at the proximal end of the base portion  64 , and a cylindrical outer wall  60  is fixed encircling the outer edge of the annular ring  62 . The inner surface of the outer wall  60  has threads  42  disposed therealong for engaging the threads  54  on outer surface of the neck of the bottle  52 . 
     The wiper  58  has a cylindrical outer wall  70  for being received through the neck of the bottle  52  as in  FIG. 8 . A peripheral ridge  72  is disposed at the proximal end of the outer wall  70  of the wiper  58  for overlying the proximal or outer end of the neck of the bottle  52 , and a plurality of tabs  74  project from adjacent to the distal end of the outer wall  70  of the wiper  58  for overlying the distal end of the neck or inner end of the bottle  52  thereby securing the wiper  58  in place. 
     The wiper  58  has a flexible inner ring  76  that projects radially inwardly from the outer wall  70 . As best seen in  FIG. 14 , the flexible inner ring  76  has an inner annular opening  80  for permitting passage of the rod  12  and the brush head  16 . The inner annular opening  80  can be smaller in diameter than the diameter of the rod  12  and of the brush head  16  so that excess cosmetic material is wiped from the rod  12  and the brush head  16  as they are drawn from the open inner volume of the bottle  52 . The proximal or outer surface of the flexible inner ring  76  is sloped at a given angle away from the proximal end of the wiper  58  and away from the proximal end of the bottle  52  when the two are engaged as in  FIG. 8 . 
     In particular embodiments of the invention, the angle at which the distally-facing surface of the sloped shoulder  45  is disposed can substantially match the angle at which the proximally-facing surface of the inner ring  76  is disposed. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the facing surfaces of the sloped shoulder  45  and the inner ring  76  are disposed at matching twenty-five degree angles. Furthermore, the base portion  64  can have an outer diameter marginally less than the inner diameter of the outer wall  70  of the wiper  58 . In one contemplated embodiment, for instance, the base portion  64  has an outer diameter of approximately 0.391 inches while the outer wall  70  of the wiper  58  has an inner diameter of approximately 0.422 inches. 
     Under this arrangement, the base portion  64  will act as a piston within the cylinder defined by the outer wall  70  of the wiper  58  during reinsertion into the bottle  52 . Any backwiped cosmetic product will tend to be pressed distally toward the sloped proximal surface of the wiper  58  and thus toward the open inner volume of the bottle  52 . As noted above, the inner opening  80  of the inner ring  76  of the wiper  58  is marginally smaller in diameter than the diameter of the rod  12 . With this, cosmetic product pressed by the base portion  64  would tend to accumulate between the facing surfaces of the shoulder  45  and the inner ring  76  of the wiper  58 . 
     Advantageously, however, a cosmetic material passageway  78  is disposed in the inner ring  76  of the wiper  58  supplemental to the annular inner opening  80 . In the depicted embodiment, the passageway  78  is contiguous with the inner opening  80  in the form of a semicircular lobe. This can be considered advantageous in that, among other things, the passageway  78  is disposed at the inner, distal edge of the inner ring  76 . In other embodiments, the passageway  78  could otherwise be disposed in supplementation of the inner annular opening  80 , such as by being disposed in the body portion of the inner ring  76  separate from the annular inner opening  80 . 
     With the provision of the cosmetic material passageway  78  and the sloped surfaces of the shoulder  45  and the inner ring  76 , backwiped cosmetic, cosmetic wiped by the user on the proximal edge of the wiper  58 , and cosmetic material otherwise disposed outside of the inner ring  76  will be pressed by the shoulder  45  and the base portion  64  into the funnel shape presented by the outer surface of the inner ring  76 . The cosmetic can be pressed through the cosmetic material passageway  78  and back into the open inner volume of the bottle  52 . With that return of backwiped material to the inner volume of the bottle  52 , the waste, mess, and other deleterious effects that backwiped cosmetic material normally produces can be substantially minimized or even avoided entirely. 
     With certain details of the present invention for a cosmetic applicator with disparate material application zones and backwipe return disclosed, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that changes and additions could be made thereto without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. This is particularly true when one bears in mind that the presently preferred embodiments merely exemplify the broader invention revealed herein. Accordingly, it will be clear that those with certain major features of the invention in mind could craft embodiments that incorporate those major features while not incorporating all of the features included in the preferred embodiments. 
     Therefore, the following claims are intended to define the scope of protection to be afforded to the patent holder. Those claims shall be deemed to include equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. It must be further noted that a plurality of the following claims express certain elements as means for performing a specific function, at times without the recital of structure or material. As the law demands, these claims shall be construed to cover not only the corresponding structure and material expressly described in this specification but also all equivalents thereof that might be now known or hereafter discovered.