Patent Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a cosmetic applicator and in particular, relate to a cosmetic applicator comprising of at least two molded applicator parts that are interlinked such that a non-zero angle is formed at an interface of the at least two molded applicator parts with respect to a centerline of the applicator. The cosmetic applicator of present invention imitates the twirl of the wrist during application and thereby provides a better application. The cosmetic applicator of the present invention may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as mascara application, hair coloring, lip application, etc.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/152,919, filed Jun. 3, 2011, which in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/351,503, filed Jun. 4, 2010. The disclosure of each of the aforementioned patent applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for any purpose whatsoever. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a cosmetic applicator and in particular, relate to a cosmetic applicator comprising of at least two molded applicator parts that are interlinked such that a non-zero angle is formed at an interface of the two molded applicator parts with respect to a centerline of the applicator. The cosmetic applicator of present invention is able to imitate the twirl of the wrist during application and thereby provides a better application. The cosmetic applicator of the present invention may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as on skin or on keratinous fibers in the area of mascara application, lash care, nail care, mascara removal, lip application, hair coloring and hair repair etc. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, applicators include a stem, at one end of which is connected an applicator head and at the other end is provided a handle for gripping. Cosmetic applicator such as a mascara applicator deposits and distributes the product i.e. mascara all over the lashes. As mascara, inherently, is a product that is difficult to apply because of the sensitive target area of application, it is desirable that no clumping of product occurs and the lashes are separated and combed evenly. However, all the desired effects are not possible with a single mascara brush. This is because the eyelashes are soft, flexible, delicate and in close proximity to very sensitive eye tissue. Further, a user requires twisting and/or turning his/her hands in a particular manner to achieve a particular desired effect on the lashes and not all users are adept in being able to gradually twist their wrist along with the outward stroke of application on the lashes. 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. 
     Mascara brushes that rotate during application are known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,111 describes a motor-driven, rotatable mascara brush. 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. However, the usage of these applicators is cumbersome for the user and some users find it frightening to use the battery-powered applicators. 
     There have also been innovations in the area of mascara applicators wherein the applicator is made in two parts having two different kinds of tines. U.S. Pat. No. 7,231,926 to RND Group LLC discloses a mascara brush, wherein a single brush rod of the mascara brush is formed with both an application brush part with an application portion for applying a mascara liquid to the eyelashes and an arrangement brush part with a comb for arranging the eyelashes in order to simultaneously perform the application of the mascara liquid and arrangement of the eyelashes. 
     United States Patent Application No. 20090193602 to Dumler, Nobert, discloses a cosmetic brush that has a multiplicity of tines that project out from a main body. A portion of the tines forms first tines that are integrally connected to the main body, wherein the first tines consist of the same first plastic material as the main body. Another portion of the tines forms second tines that are connected to the main body differently than the first tines. The main body has a main body wall provided with through holes, and the second tines are integrally connected to each other by means of a connecting member disposed on the side of the main body wall facing away from the second tines, and extend through the through holes, wherein the main body and the connecting member are immediately adjacent to each other and adhesively connected to each other. The main body is designed in the form of a hollow cylinder and integrally connected to a handle extension piece. The second tines are softer than the first tines. 
     United States Patent Application No. 20100083979 to RND group discloses a mascara brush that includes a bristle part for applying mascara to eyelashes, and a comb part for tidying the eyelashes. The bristle part and the comb part are integrally formed with a brush body through an injection molding process, such that the tines of the bristle part are thin and the comb teeth of the comb part are relatively thick. 
     If the product is applied using the aforementioned applicators then during application on the lashes the application brush would be followed subsequently by the comb part or vice versa and the user is expected to gradually blend the application with multiple such strokes, however, this creates a stark application. 
     It is found by the inventors of the present invention that an applicator if capable of imitating the twirling action of the hand 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. Further, it is desirable that if the applicator is containing two different kinds of tines or application surfaces, then the application becomes much more easier and relieves the user of using two different applicator one after the other to get a desired application. Therefore, there is a need in the art for an applicator that is able to imitate the twirling action of the wrist of the user during application thereby giving the desired effect without the user having to put in any effort. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention generally relates to a cosmetic applicator. More particularly, the invention relates to a cosmetic applicator comprising of at least two applicator parts that are interlinked such that a non-zero angle is formed at an interface of the two molded applicator parts with respect to a centerline of the applicator wherein the at least two applicator parts comprise a base body. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention the cosmetic applicator imitates the twirl of the wrist during application and thereby provides an expert like application even by a novice at make-up skills. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an applicator wherein the at least two applicator parts comprise of two different materials. As an exemplary embodiment, in a mascara applicator, the at least two applicator parts may comprise a hard comb part and a soft bristle part. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention the base body of one of the at least two applicator parts has a cavity into which is interlocked a complementary profiled base body of the other applicator part. The cavity is such that the central longitudinal axis of the cavity lies away at a non-zero angle from the central longitudinal axis of the base body. There is formed a non-zero angle X between the central longitudinal axis of the cavity of the at least one of the two applicator parts and the central longitudinal axis of the base body of the other applicator part interlocked into said cavity. Therefore, the at least two applicator parts are linked at a non-zero angle. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention the at least two applicator parts comprise an outer applicator part and an inner applicator part. The base body of the outer applicator part of a mascara applicator has a hollow cavity with the tines arranged on its circumference. The cavity is such that the central longitudinal axis of the cavity lies away at an angle from the central longitudinal axis of the base body. There is formed a non-zero angle X between the central longitudinal axis of the cavity of the outer applicator part and the central longitudinal axis of the base body of the inner applicator part. Further, the inner applicator part has a base body wherein the tines are arranged around the circumference of the base body and wherein the structure of the base body the inner applicator part is complimentary to the hollow cavity if the outer applicator part so that the inner applicator part fills the cavity of the outer applicator part thereby making a full applicator. Therefore, the two applicator parts are linked at a non-zero angle. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided a cosmetic applicator assembly comprising of a gripping member, a stem and an applicator as described above. The stem has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the stem is connected to the gripping member while the applicator is connected to the distal end of the stem. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the base body in a mascara applicator may have a plurality of tines extending from its circumference. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention the tines on the base body of each part may extend out in parallel longitudinal rows. Alternatively the tines may extend radially parallel or in any other suitable arrangement. The at least two applicator parts comprise an outer applicator part and an inner applicator part. According to an embodiment of the invention the tines on the base body of the at least two applicator parts may be arranged in any suitable manner. Further, the tines may have any suitable length, width and density. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, during usage of the applicator due to the at least two applicator parts being interlinked at a non-zero angle, the set of tines from the two part applicator parts do not necessarily follow one behind the other on all the lashes at one go and the follow through is interspersed due to the twist, thus causing blending of the application by the two parts in the single stroke. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention the base body of said at least two applicator parts of the applicator is a doe foot. Cosmetic applicator of the present invention may be used for cosmetic and care applications on skin or on keratinous fibers such as for mascara application, hair coloring, lip application etc. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an applicator for applying product is provided that includes a molded first applicator part having a first molded surface and a molded second applicator part having a second molded surface defined thereon. The molded second applicator part is coupled to the molded first applicator part to define at least a portion of an applicator tip. The first molded surface and the second molded surface of the molded first applicator part and the molded second applicator part respectively meets at an interface defined on an outer surface of the applicator tip. The interface has an orientation rotated about a center line extending axially through the applicator tip. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an applicator for applying product is provided that includes a molded first applicator part having a first molded surface and a molded second applicator part having a second molded surface defined thereon. The molded second applicator part is coupled to the molded first applicator part to define at least a portion of an applicator tip. The coupling between the molded first and second applicator parts is such that a product delivery passageway is defined between said applicator parts via which the product or the composition can pass through. Further in the embodiment under consideration, the first molded surface and the second molded surface of the molded first and second applicator parts respectively meets at an interface defined on an outer surface of the applicator tip, wherein the interface has an orientation rotated about a center line extending axially through the applicator tip. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an applicator for applying product is provided that includes a molded first applicator part having a first molded surface and a molded second applicator part having a second molded surface defined thereon. The molded second applicator part is coupled to the first applicator part to define at least a portion of an applicator tip. The first molded surface and the second molded surface of the molded first and the second applicator parts respectively meets at an interface defined on an outer surface of the applicator tip. Further in the embodiment under consideration, an aperture is formed through at the interface to define a product delivery passageway via which the product/composition can pass through the applicator. The interface has as an orientation rotated about a center line extending axially through the applicator tip. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an applicator for applying product is provided that includes a molded first applicator part having a first molded surface and a molded second applicator part having a second molded surface defined thereon. The molded second applicator part is coupled to the molded first applicator part to define at least a portion of an applicator tip. The first molded surface and the second molded surface of the molded first and the second applicator parts respectively meets at an interface defined on an outer surface of the applicator tip and at least one projection is formed on the interface of the first molded surface and the second molded surface. The at least one projection on the interface is partially made of a projection molded out from the first molded surface and partially made of a projection molded out from the second molded surface. Accordingly, the at least one projection on the interface is partially made of a material of the first molded surface of the outer applicator part and partially made of a material of the second molded surface of the inner applicator part. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a row of projections is formed at the interface of the first molded surface and second molded surface such that each projection in said row is partially made of the material of the first molded surface of the outer applicator part and partially made of the material of the second molded surface of the inner applicator part. The first and second molded surfaces may be molded from different materials. The different materials of the first and second molded surfaces may have properties that are attractive and non-attractive to mascara, have different hardness, have different tactile feel, have different color, have different chemical nature, have different magnetic property, have different temperature property and/or other property. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an applicator for applying product is provided that includes a molded first applicator part having a first molded surface and a molded second applicator part having a second molded surface defined thereon. The molded second applicator part is coupled to the molded first applicator part to define at least a portion of an applicator tip. The first molded surface and the second molded surface of the molded first and the second applicator parts respectively meets at an interface defined on an outer surface of the applicator tip. Further in the embodiment under consideration, the applicator tip comprises at least one longitudinal groove extending from a distal end of the applicator tip to proximal end of the applicator tip. Preferably, the applicator tip comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves extending from a distal end of the applicator tip to proximal end of the applicator tip. The applicator tip may have a cross section such as a truncated star cross section or plus-sign shaped cross-section and the like. The first molded surface and the second molded surface are aligned such that the outer surface comprises a longitudinal groove at the interface of the first molded surface and the second molded surface. Further, each of the first and second molded surfaces may have at least one longitudinal groove defined thereon. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of longitudinal grooves of the applicator may be V-shaped or U-shaped. The plurality of longitudinal grooves may be arranged in a symmetrical or asymmetrical configuration on the applicator tip. In yet another embodiment, the applicator tip may comprise the at least one longitudinal groove only at the interface of the first molded surface and the second molded surface. Further, the applicator tip is provided with a plurality of projections arranged in longitudinal rows. Preferably, the projections from the first molded surface are alternately disposed to form at least one longitudinal row of projections on the outer applicator part. Similarly, the projections from the second molded surface are alternately disposed to form at least one longitudinal row of projections on the inner applicator part. The projections from the first molded surface are integrally molded with the first molded surface and projections from the second molded surface are integrally molded with the second molded surface. The projections from the first molded surface have the same material property as the first molded surface and projections from the second molded surface have the same material property as the second molded surface. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an applicator for applying product is provided that includes a molded first applicator part having a first molded surface and a molded second applicator part having a second molded surface defined thereon. The molded second applicator part is coupled to the molded first applicator part to define at least a portion of an applicator tip. The first molded surface and the second molded surface of the molded first and the second applicator parts respectively meets at an interface defined on an outer surface of the applicator tip. The applicator tip includes at least one row of projections consisting of alternately disposed projections at the interface of the two molded surfaces such that projections from the first molded surface alternate with the projections from the second molded surface in the row of projections at the interface. The projections from the first molded surface are integrally molded with the first molded surface and projections from the second molded surface are integrally molded with the second molded surface. The outer and inner applicator parts may be molded from different materials. The different materials of the first and second molded surfaces may have properties that are attractive and non-attractive to mascara, have different hardness, have different tactile feel, have different color, have different chemical nature, have different magnetic property, have different temperature property and/or other property. 
     In yet another embodiment of the invention, an applicator assembly is provided that includes an applicator coupled to a gripping member by a stem. The applicator includes at least two molded applicator parts that are interlinked such that a non-zero angle is formed at an interface of the two applicator parts with respect to a centerline of the applicator. 
     These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of the art are attained by a cosmetic applicator in accordance with the main claim. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of the applicator according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 2  taken along section line  4 - 4  of  FIGS. 2 ,  3 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the outer applicator part of the applicator of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the inner applicator part of the applicator of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the isometric view of an applicator assembly comprising the applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a sectional view of the applicator according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a sectional view of the applicator according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a sectional view of an applicator according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11A  illustrates a front view of an applicator according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11B  illustrates a sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 11A  taken along line A-A. 
         FIG. 13A  illustrates a front view of the outer applicator part of the applicator of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates a perspective view of the outer applicator part of the applicator of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 14A  illustrates a front view of the inner applicator part of the applicator of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 14B  illustrates a perspective view of the inner applicator part of the applicator of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a sectional view of an applicator according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     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 
     The applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . 
       FIG. 1  is one embodiment of the present invention showing an isometric view of a molded applicator  100 . The applicator  100  is elongated along a center line  102  (e.g., the centre longitudinal axis), extending from proximate end  104  to a distal end  106 . The applicator  100  includes an applicator tip  108  separated by a base  110  from a mounting portion  112 . A portion of the center line  102  extending through the base  110  and mounting portion  112  may be linear, while a portion of the center line  102  extending through the applicator tip  108  may be linear, curved or have another geometry. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the center line  102  passes linearly through the base  110 , applicator tip  108  and mounting portion  112 . 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the applicator  100  illustrating the applicator tip  108  in greater detail. The applicator tip  108  is elongated (in the y-direction) and extends from the base  110  to the distal end  106  of the applicator  100 . The shape of the elongated applicator tip  108  may be substantially cylindrical in form, but may optionally have a sectional profile (in the z/x plane) which is other than circular, for example, oval or polygonal, among other shapes. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the elongated applicator tip  108  has a cylindrical form. 
     The applicator tip  108  has an outer surface  202  that is formed from at least two surfaces formed from molded materials, shown in  FIG. 2  as a first molded surface  206  and a second molded surface  208 . The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may be aligned such that the outer surface  202  is substantially smooth and contiguous across an interface  204  of the surfaces  206 ,  208 . The interface  204  of the surfaces  206 ,  208  is elongated (in the y-direction) and is rotated about the center line  102  of the applicator tip  108 . The rotated interface  204  of the surfaces  206 ,  208  may define a twist, helix or other non-linear form. For example, at least one of the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  rotate in the z/x plane as the surfaces  206 ,  208  extend from the base  110  toward the distal end  106 . In this manner, at least one of the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  has a helical form about the center line  102 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , both surfaces  206 ,  208  have a congruent helical form about the center line  102  such that the interface  204  of the surfaces  206 ,  208  form a non-zero angle (shown by reference numeral  214 ) relative to the center line  102 . In one embodiment, the non-zero angle  214  is about 55 to about 65 degrees, such as about 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the non-zero angle  214  may be greater than or less than 60 degrees. Alternatively, the molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may be elongated polygons such that the interface  204 , although linear, still rotates about the centerline  102 . 
     The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may also be fabricated from materials having different properties. The first molded surface  206  is fabricated from a material which is softer than a material from which the second molded surface  208  is fabricated. In one embodiment, the first molded surface  206  is fabricated from a material having a hardness of less than about 80 Shore D scale (ShD). In another embodiment, the second molded surface  208  is fabricated from a material having a hardness of greater than about 20 Shore D scale (ShD). It is also contemplated that the material of the first molded surface  206  may be harder than the material of the second molded surface  208 . The different materials of the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may have properties that are attractive and non-attractive to mascara, have different stiffness, have different tactile feel, have different color, have different chemical nature, have different magnetic property, have different temperature property and/or other property. The combination of the different materials utilized for the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208 , along with the rotational or twisting orientation of the surfaces  206 ,  208 , allow the applicator  100  to mimic the twirl of the wrist during mascara application and thereby provides an expert like application even by a novice at make-up skills. Moreover, the hard material has been found to provide separation of the lashes during the application of mascara, while the softer material provides lift and volume. Thus, the unique twist of the hard and soft surfaces allows the softer surface to be followed by the harder surface so that mascara is applied to the lash in a manner that separates lifts and volumizes without expert manipulation of the applicator  100 . 
     The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may also include a plurality of projections  216 . The projections  216  may be attractive projections, and non-attractive projections, discs, and brush tines, among other properties and geometries. The projections  216 , when present, may extend radially outward from the outer surface  202 . In one embodiment, the projections  216  extend radially outward in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface  202 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , projections  216  from the first molded surface  206  form at least one longitudinal (i.e., substantially aligned with the center line  102 ) row of first brushes  210  while projections  216  from the second molded surface  208  form at least one longitudinal row of second brushes  212 . The projections  216  forming the row of first brushes  210  may be integrally molded with the first molded surface  206 , such that the rows of first brushes  210  have the same material property as the first molded surface  206 . Likewise, the projections  216  forming the row of second brushes  212  may be integrally molded with the second molded surface  208 , such that the rows of second brushes  212  have the same material property as the second molded surface  208 . In this configuration, a substantially linear movement of the applicator  100  even without substantial rotation will engage the lash with rows of brushes  210 ,  212  having alternating physical properties, thereby enhancing the mimic of the twirl of the wrist during application. It is also contemplated that the material of the projections  216  may be different between rows, different within a row, and/or different than the material of the surface  206 ,  208  from which the projections  216  extend. 
     In one embodiment, the projections  216  forming each row of brushes  210 ,  212  are aligned and extend substantially perpendicular to the outer surface  202 . The projections  216  forming the first row of brushes  210  may be congruent to the projections  216  forming the second row of brushes  212 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first molded surface  206  includes projections  216  forming the two congruent helical rows of defining two first rows of brushes  210 , while the second molded surface  208  includes projections  216  forming the two congruent helical rows of defining two second rows of brushes  212 , wherein the rows of brushes extending from the first molded surface  206  are congruent with the rows of brushes extending from the second molded surface  208 . Thus, the rows of brushes  210 ,  212  may define congruent rows orient at a non-zero angle relative to the center line  102  of the applicator  100 , for example as illustrated by the angle  214  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIGS. 3-4  are sectional views of the applicator  100 . The applicator  100  includes an outer applicator part  302  and an inner applicator part  304 . The applicator parts  302 ,  304  are molded from different polymers or two polymers having different physical properties. The materials suitable for forming the applicator parts  302 ,  304  (i.e., and consequently the surfaces  206 ,  208 ) include porous rubber, non-porous rubber, fabric mesh, felt material, foamed polymers, sponge material, thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), metal and its composites, ceramic, nylon, or any other suitable material. 
     The outer applicator part  302  comprises of a base body  306  that has a hollow cavity  308 , and on the outer circumference of the base body  306  is defined by the first molded surface  206 , which in one embodiment, include projections  216  arranged as a plurality of tines  310  extending out from said base body  306 . The base body  306  includes at least one elongated window  316  that exposes the hollow cavity  308  through the first molded surface  206 . 
     The inner applicator part  304  has a base body  312  which is complimentary and snug fits within the hollow cavity  308  of the outer applicator part  302 . The base body  312  of the inner applicator part  304  has an outer circumference defined by the second molded surface  208 , which in one embodiment include projections  216  arranged as a plurality of tines  314  extending out from said base body  312 . The second molded surface  208  of the base body  312  extends through the window  316  of the base body  306  such that the first molded surface  206  and second molded surface  208  align to define the outer surface  202  of the applicator  100 . 
     Further, the applicator parts  302 ,  304  may be suitably connected with each other to expose the rows of projections  216  of each of the applicator parts in a suitable arrangement. As shown, the applicator parts  302 ,  304  are so arranged to expose the projections  216  of each of the applicator parts  302 ,  304  in a common x-z plane. Alternatively, adjacent projections  216  in each of the applicator parts  302 ,  304  may be in different x-z planes. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of one embodiment of the outer applicator part  302 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the outer applicator part  302  includes two elongated windows  316  arranged in a congruent helical orientation about the center line  102 . Thus, the two windows  316  may be congruent helixes and be oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the center line  102  of the applicator  100 , for example as illustrated by the angle  214  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The outer applicator part  302  also includes one or more engagement features  502 , such as a groove or ridge, extending outward from the base body  306  to facilitate coupling the applicator  100  to a stem of an applicator assembly, as discussed further below. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the inner applicator part  304 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the base body  312  includes two ridges  602  extending radially from a central rod  604 . The two ridges  602  twist about the central rod  604  in a helical orientation that mates with and extends through the helical windows  316  of the outer applicator part  302  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Thus, the two ridges  602  match the orientation of the windows  316  and are thereby oriented a non-zero angle relative to the center line  102  of the applicator  100 , for example as illustrated by the angle  214  shown in  FIG. 2 . It is contemplated that the number of windows  316  and mating ridges  602  may vary. 
     The central rod  604  ends in a barb  606  like feature that is axially spaced from the ridges  602 . The barb  606  is orientated to allow the central rod  604  to pass through the hollow cavity  308  and exit the outer applicator part  302  at the proximate end  104  of the applicator  100  to lock the inner applicator part  304  within the outer applicator part  302 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 2  and as discussed above, the plurality of projections  216  may be made of different materials so as to give multiple effects in a single application of mascara. The projections  216  extending from a respective surface  206 ,  208  may be made of soft and hard materials or vice versa. Further, the projections  216  may be arranged on the surfaces  206 ,  208  and inner applicator part  304  respectively in any suitable manner. Further, the projections  216  may have any suitable length, width/thickness and density. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the  FIG. 7 , an applicator assembly  700  includes an applicator  100  as described above, a stem  702  and a gripping member  704 . The stem  702  has a proximal end  706  and a distal end  708 . The proximal end  706  of the stem  702  is connected to the gripping member  704 , while the applicator  100  is connected to the distal end  708  of the stem  702 . Although the applicator  100  may be connected to the distal end  708  of the stem  702  in any suitable manner, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7  the distal end  708  of the stem  702  includes a hollow bore  710  which receives the mounting portion  112  of the applicator  100 . The hollow bore  710  includes one or more undercuts or grooves  712  which engage with the engagement features  502  of the outer applicator part  302  to secure the applicator  100  to the stem  702 . Alternatively, the applicator  100  may be connected to the distal end  708  utilizing plastic welding techniques, adhesives or other suitable fastening technique. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The applicator  800  is substantially similar to the applicator  100  described above, expect in that a product delivery passage/channel  802  is defined within the inner applicator part  304  of the applicator  800  via which the product/composition can pass through. Alternatively, the channel  802  in the applicator  800  via which the product can pass through may be defined within the outer applicator part  302  of the applicator  800 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of an applicator  900 . The applicator  900  is substantially similar to the applicator  100  described above, except in that at least one aperture  902  is formed through the outer surface  202  of the applicator tip  108  that is formed from at least two surfaces formed from molded materials, as a first molded surface  206  and a second molded surface  208 . The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may be aligned such that the outer surface  202  is substantially smooth and contiguous across an interface  204  of the surfaces  206 ,  208 . The aperture  902  formed through at the outer surface  202  allows the product/composition to pass through the applicator  900 . It is also contemplated that a hole, a slot, and the like may be formed through at the outer surface  202  of the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a sectional view of an applicator  1000  according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The applicator  1000  is substantially similar to the applicator  100  described above, except that, at least one projection  216  is formed on the interface  204  of the first molded surface  206  and the second molded surface  208 . According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a row  222  of projections  216  is formed at the interface  204  of the two molded surfaces  206 ,  208  such that each projection  216  in the row  222  is a combination of a projection  216   a  molded out from the first molded surface  206  and a projection  216   b  molded out from the second molded surface  208 . Accordingly, each projection  216  in the row  222  is partially made of the material of the first molded surface  206  of the outer applicator part  302  and partially made of the material of the second molded surface  208  of the inner applicator part  304 . The projection  216   a  molded out from the first molded surface  206  makes up 1-99% of each projection  216  in the row  222  and the projection  216   b  molded out from the second molded surface  208  makes up the rest 99-1% of each projection  216  in the row  222  or vice versa. Further, all projections  216  in the row  222  are fabricated such that all of the projections  216  have same ratio of material of the first molded surface  206  to material of the second molded surface  208 . In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the projections  216  in the row  222  may vary in their ratio of material of the first molded surface  206  to material of the second molded surface  208 . The first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may be fabricated from materials having different properties. In one embodiment, the first molded surface  206  is fabricated from a material which is softer than a material from which the second molded surface  208  is fabricated. In another embodiment, the first molded surface  206  is fabricated from a material which is harder than a material from which the second molded surface  208  is fabricated. The different materials of the first and second molded surfaces  206 ,  208  may have properties that are attractive and non-attractive to mascara, have different stiffness, have different tactile feel, have different color, have different chemical nature, have different magnetic property, have different temperature property and/or other property. 
       FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B  illustrates a front view and a sectional view of an applicator  1200  according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12  illustrates the sectional view of the applicator  1200  taken along line A-A of the applicator  1200 . As seen in  FIGS. 11A to 12 , the applicator  1200  includes an outer applicator part  1210  having a first molded surface  1220  defined thereon; and an inner applicator part  1230  coupled to the outer applicator part  1210  to define at least a portion of an applicator tip  1250 . The inner applicator part  1230  has a second molded surface  1240  defined thereon. As seen in  FIGS. 11A and 12 , the first molded surface  1220  and the second molded surface  1240  meet at an interface  1260  defined on an outer surface  1270  of the applicator tip  1250 . The interface  1260  of the first molded surface  1220  and the second molded surface  1240  have an orientation rotated about a center line  1020  extending axially through the applicator tip  1250 . The applicator tip  1250  includes at least one longitudinal groove, more preferably, a plurality of longitudinal grooves extending from a distal end of the applicator tip  1250  to proximal end of the applicator tip  1250 . The applicator tip  1250  has a truncated star cross section. The first molded surface  1220  has at least one longitudinal groove  1280   a  formed thereon. Likewise, the second molded surface  1240  has at least one longitudinal groove  1280   b  formed thereon. The first molded surface  1220  and the second molded surface  1240  are aligned such that the outer surface  1270  comprises a longitudinal groove  1280   c  at the interface  1260  of the first molded surface  1220  and the second molded surface  1240 . In another embodiment, the applicator tip  1250  may comprise the longitudinal groove  1280   c  only at the interface  1260  of the first molded surface  1220  and the second molded part  1240 . Further, the applicator tip  1250  includes a plurality of projections  1290   a ,  1290   b  arranged in longitudinal rows. The projections  1290   a  from the first molded surface  1220  are alternately disposed to form at least one longitudinal (i.e., substantially aligned with the center line  1020 ) row  1310  of projections  1290   a  on the outer applicator part  1210 . Similarly, the projections  1290   b  from the second molded surface  1240  are alternately disposed to form at least one longitudinal row  1320  of projections  1290   b  on the inner applicator part  1240 . The projections  1290   a  forming the row  1310  are integrally molded with the first molded surface  1220 , such that the row  1310  of projections  1290   a  have the same material property as the first molded surface  1220 . Likewise, the projections  1290   b  forming the row  1320  are integrally molded with the second molded surface  1240 , such that the row  1320  of projections  1290   b  have the same material property as the second molded surface  1240 . 
     In alternate embodiments, the applicator tip  1250  may have a cross section other than a truncated star cross section, such as plus-sign shaped cross-section and the like. 
     In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the longitudinal grooves  1280   a ,  1280   b ,  1280   c  may be arranged in a symmetrical or asymmetrical configuration on the applicator tip  1250 . 
     In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the longitudinal grooves  1280   a ,  1280   b ,  1280   c  may extend in the applicator tip over a longitudinal segment of the applicator tip. 
     In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the longitudinal grooves  1280   a ,  1280   b ,  1280   c  may be of U-shape, V-shaped and the like. 
     In yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention, the at least one longitudinal groove  1280   a ,  1280   b  or  1280   c  of the applicator tip  1250  may have at least one projection disposed therein, more preferably, may have a row of projections disposed therein. 
       FIG. 13A  is a front view of the outer applicator part  1210  of the applicator  1200  and  FIG. 13B  is a perspective view of the outer applicator part  1210  of the applicator  1200 . The outer applicator part  1210  comprises of a base body  1330  that has a hollow cavity  1340 , and the outer surface of the base body  1330  is defined by the first molded surface  1220 . The base body  1330  includes at least one elongated window  1350 , more preferably, two elongated windows  1350  arranged in a congruent helical orientation about the center line  1020  and the windows  1350  expose the hollow cavity  1340  through the first molded surface  1220 . The two windows  1350  are oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the center line  1020 . The outer applicator part  1210  includes at least one longitudinal groove  1280   a  on the first molded surface  1220 . Further, the first molded surface  1220  include a plurality of alternately disposed projections  1290   a  forming a longitudinal row  1310  of projections  1290   a.    
       FIG. 14A  is a front view of the inner applicator part  1230  of the applicator  1200  and  FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of the inner applicator part  1230  of the applicator  1200 . The inner applicator part  1230  has a base body  1360  which is complimentary and snug fits within the hollow cavity  1340  of the outer applicator part  1210  (as seen in  FIG. 11B ). The base body  1360  of the inner applicator part  1230  has an outer circumference defined by the second molded surface  1240 . The base body  1360  of applicator  1200  includes at least one ridge, more preferably two ridges  1370  that extend radially from a central rod  1380 . The two ridges  1370  twist about the central rod  1380  in a helical orientation that mates with and extends through the helical windows  1350  of the outer applicator part  1210  (as shown in  FIG. 12 ). Thus, the two ridges  1370  match the orientation of the windows  1350  of the outer applicator part  1210  and are thereby oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the center line  1020  of the applicator  1200 . The inner applicator part  1230  includes at least one longitudinal groove  1280   b  on the second molded surface  1240 . Further, the second molded surface  1240  include a plurality of alternately disposed projections  1290   b  forming a longitudinal row  1320  of projections  1290   b.    
       FIG. 15  is sectional view of an applicator  1300  according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The applicator  1300  includes an outer applicator part  1210  having a first molded surface  1220  defined thereon; and an inner applicator part  1230  coupled to the outer applicator part  1210 . The inner applicator part  1230  has a second molded surface  1240  defined thereon. The applicator  1300  like applicator  1200  includes plurality of longitudinal grooves  1280   a  and  1280   b  on the first and second molded surfaces  1220  and  1240  respectively but does not include any longitudinal groove  1280   c  at the interface  1260  of the two molded surfaces  1220 ,  1240 . The applicator  1300  comprises at least one row  1310  having alternately disposed projections  1290   a  on the first molded surface  1220 , at least one row  1320  having alternately disposed projections  1290   b  on the second molded surface  1240 . Further, the applicator  1300  comprises at least one row  1330  having alternately disposed projections  1290   a ,  1290   b  at the interface  1260  of the two molded surfaces  1220 ,  1240  such that projections  1290   a  from the first molded surface  1220  alternate with the projections  1290   b  from the second molded surface  1240  in the row  1330  at the interface  1260 . The projections  1290   a  from the first molded surface  1220  are integrally molded with the first molded surface  1220 . Similarly, the projections  1290   b  from the second molded surface  1240  are integrally molded with the second molded surface  1240 . The first and second molded surfaces  1220 ,  1240  may be fabricated from materials having different properties. In one embodiment, the first molded surface  1220  is fabricated from a material which is softer than a material from which the second molded surface  1240  is fabricated. In another embodiment, the first molded surface  1220  is fabricated from a material which is harder than a material from which the second molded surface  1240  is fabricated. The different materials of the first and second molded surfaces  1220 ,  1240  may have properties that are attractive and non-attractive to mascara, have different stiffness, have different tactile feel, have different color, have different chemical nature, have different magnetic property, have different temperature property and/or other property. 
     In one embodiment the first molded surface  206 ,  1220  and second molded surface  208 ,  1240  are separately molded, then assembled. In another embodiment, the first molded surface  206 ,  1220  may be over molded on the second molded surface  208 ,  1240 . It is contemplated that the applicator  100 ,  800 ,  900 ,  1000 ,  1200 ,  1300  can be made by other fabrication techniques such as bi-injection, co-injection or sandwich molding technique and the like may be utilized. 
     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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0