Patent Abstract:
An adjustable applicator employed for application of a cosmetic or a care product such as for application of mascara, coloring strands of hair, for dental flossing or for applying pharmaceuticals or cleaning agents is provided. In one embodiment, an adjustable applicator includes an applicator element having a bore, a filament wherein the filament is housed inside the bore of the applicator element and a clasping means wherein the applicator element angularly deforms when a force is applied on the clasping means such that the angular deformation occurs on the radial axis of the applicator element. Also disclosed is a device for packaging and dispensing a substance that includes an adjustable applicator.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/363,117 filed Jan. 30, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/025,249 filed Feb. 4, 2008 now abandoned, which are both incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to adjustable applicators. More particularly the invention relates to applicators that can be adjusted as per user&#39;s convenience for application of a cosmetic or a care product. 
     Applicators of the present invention can be employed in application of various products, such as for viscous cosmetics, for coloring strands of hair, and for dental flossing or for applying pharmaceuticals or cleaning agents. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Various applicators for applying a substance are known. There are certain application areas where there is a requirement of curving the applicator as per user&#39;s convenience. Some such areas include application of mascara or in the cleaning of dental interstices. Majority of the existing applicators for such usages are pre-curved at a certain angle. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,326,548 to Wagner discloses an oral hygiene tool comprising of a pen barrel shaped holder that carries a curved dental pick. Another example is that of U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,999 to Tcherny et. Al. which discloses a reusable flexible interdental device that has advantages of a toothpick and an interdental brush and also provides flexibility in two mutually perpendicular directions. However, the flexibility achieved is not controllable by the user. Therefore, there exists a need for a personal oral hygiene tool which can be used as per convenience by the user. 
     Also, mascara, an important make-up accessory used to darken and define eyelashes to accentuate the eyes, is difficult to apply because of the target area of application. The eyelashes offer a very small application area, while being soft, flexible, delicate and in close proximity to very sensitive eye tissue. Therefore, a mascara product would be liked by the consumers when a right kind of applicator is provided to them for easy application as the overall consumer experience depends on both the product and on the applicator used to apply it. 
     Mascara applicators such as twisted wire mascara brushes, curved mascara brushes and adjustable mascara applicators are known in the art. Curved mascara brushes permit contact of the brush with more eyelashes along a correspondingly curved eyelid. However, the rigid curved brush is a more difficult instrument to learn to use in the confines of the eye area, particularly the corners of the eye where a straight brush works better. Another drawback of pre-curved brush is that it is not readily adjustable to conform to a particular user&#39;s eyelid curvature. In addition, the curvature of the upper and lower eyelids is rarely the same and a brush curved to fit the upper lid will not properly fit the lower lid. 
     Adjustable mascara brushes are known in the prior art. It is known to provide adjustment of the angle of the brush or applicator relative to the applicator wand or handle as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,388 to Cassai et al. and the amount of brush exposed as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,723 to Cole. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,038 to Kingsford discloses an adjustable mascara applicator which can be adjusted by a user from straight to curved by the help of an extendable rod which is slidably disposed in the applicator wand. This rod may be straight to straighten a precurved applicator or curved so as to impart curvature to a straight applicator. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,125 to Andrea Peters discloses an adjustable mascara applicator that includes a brush attached to a bendable wand which is characterized by recovery memory in which it automatically assumes a predetermined bend angle in the absence of bending force. 
     While International Patent application WO 2007/117091A1 to Amorepacific Corporation, discloses an adjustable mascara brush that includes a brush stick provided in a cap, a brush provided at the end of the brush stick and an elevating bar which is connected to the brush stick in a manner of screw wherein the brush gets straightened when the elevating bar is lowered and the brush gets curved when the elevating bar is elevated up. 
     Although many of these prior art adjustable applicators are relevant with respect to the present invention, most of them use an additional component i.e. a rod that is either pre-bent or has a recovery memory. Moreover, none of the designs propose a mechanism by which the applicator element could be straightened or curved to varying degrees without the usage of additional component. 
     Therefore, there exists a need for an applicator that provides ease-of-use as well as is modifiable to adapt to the shape requirement of the user. 
     Further, there may also be a requirement by the user to lift and curl the eyelashes, which generally requires a different instrument such as a curler. However, it would be desirable that a single applicator is able to apply and lift and curl the lashes. Therefore, there is a need for an applicator that provides added function of lifting and curling the eyelashes. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention generally is an adjustable applicator employed for application of a cosmetic or a care product such as for application of mascara, coloring strands of hair, for dental flossing or for applying pharmaceuticals or cleaning agents. The use of adjustable applicator of the present invention for removal of make up products is also contemplated. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an applicator which employs an inventive mechanism to enable angular deformation of the applicator element to varying degrees of deformation. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable applicator of the invention comprises of an applicator element and a filament. In the applicator element is provided a bore that houses the filament. Further, the filament is arranged to be movable inside the bore of the applicator element. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention the bore in the applicator element may be either centrally or non-centrally aligned. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the applicator element may be molded as a single piece from an elastically deformable material. The applicator element may be produced from an elastomer or any other elastic material allowing compression and expansion of the applicator element. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the filament may be made out of a material selected from a polymeric material and metals. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the filament is so arranged as to cause progressive modification in the shape of the applicator element. The filament facilitates adjustment of the angular deformation of the applicator element. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention the applicator element further comprises a biasing member arranged so as to assist the material memory of the applicator. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, one end of the filament is connected to the distal end of the applicator element and the other end of the filament is attached to a clasping means such that when force is applied on the clasping means it causes tension along the axis of the filament which results in angular deformation of the applicator element. Further, the force applied to the clasping means is directly proportional to the deformation angle of the applicator element achieved. The filament may alternatively be connected by way of a locking arrangement with the distal end of the applicator element thereby guiding the movement of the applicator. For example, when the filament is in a stretched state it causes the applicator to be bent while when it is in relaxed state it guides the applicator to come back to its straight position. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention the clasping means may be provided at the proximal end of the filament itself. Alternatively, the filament may be engaged with another element having clasping or any other suitable means for application of force. Further, the mode of application of force on the clasping means could be manual, mechanical, magnetic, electrical or any other suitable mode. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention the applicator element may have a substantially circular outside cross-section, but the case in which the deformable applicator element has a cross-section of different shape, such as polygonal, is also contemplated by this invention. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the filament may be fixed tautly at both the ends of the applicator element such that the angular deformation in the applicator element is caused by application of force along the axis of the applicator. 
     Independently or in combination with the above, exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a device for packaging and dispensing a substance, for example, a cosmetic, comprising an applicator as defined above. The device may comprise a receptacle and an adjustable applicator. The adjustable applicator in such a device may comprise a gripping member, a stem having a cavity and an applicator element wherein the stem may be connected to the applicator element at one end and to the gripping member at another end. The said device may also include a wiper member. The gripping member may comprise a cap for closing the receptacle and a manipulating means for adjusting the angular deformation of the applicator element. The said manipulating means could be connected to a movable member present inside the cap in such a way that its rotational movement with respect to the cap is restricted while translational movement is allowed and said movable member is connected to the filament in the applicator element. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention the movable member of the packaging device may be connected to the filament via another filament that passes through the cavity inside the stem and hooks up the filament of the applicator. In such a case, the force provided by the manipulating means effects synchronous movement of both the filament in the stem as well as the filament in the applicator with respect to the gripping member thereby adjusting the angular deformation of the applicator element. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable applicator may comprise a stem connected to the applicator element at one end and a gripping member provided at another end of the stem. The stem may be hollow from inside. The gripping member may comprise a handle member and a manipulating means for adjusting the angular deformation of the applicator element. The said manipulating means could be connected to a movable member present inside the handle in such a way that its rotational movement with respect to the handle is restricted while translational movement is allowed and said movable member is directly connected to the filament that passes through the cavity in the stem to the applicator element. In a further embodiment, the movable member may also be connected to the filament via a separate filament that passes through the cavity inside the stem and hooks up the filament of the applicator member. In such a case, the force provided by the manipulating means effects synchronous movement of both the filament in the stem as well as the filament in the applicator with respect to the handle for adjusting the angular deformation of the applicator element. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an adjustable applicator wherein the user has more control over the curved angle achieved in the applicator. Further, a constant rigidity of the applicator is provided as no additional component is inserted or withdrawn to achieve the straight or curved shape. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the applicator element is capable of being used for application of a care product such as a dental floss or in a cosmetic product such as mascara. Further, the adjustable applicator could also be used for removal of a cosmetic product such as mascara. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided an applicator which employs an inventive mechanism to enable radially-angular deformation of the applicator element to varying degrees of deformation. The radially angular deformation being defined herein as the angular deformation occurring on the radial axis of the applicator element. Further, the deformation may be regular or irregular. Alternatively, the deformation in the applicator may follow a helical path. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention the adjustable applicator comprises an applicator element and a filament. In the applicator element is provided a bore that houses the filament such that the filament is arranged to be movable inside the bore of the applicator element. The bore in the applicator element may be either centrally or non-centrally aligned. The applicator element may be molded as a single piece from an elastically deformable material. The applicator element may be produced from an elastomer or any other elastic material allowing radially-angular deformation of the applicator element. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the filament may be made out of a material selected from a polymeric material and metals. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the filament is so arranged as to cause progressive modification in the shape of the applicator element, there occurs a progressive decrease or increase in the angle of deformation of the applicator element. The filament facilitates adjustment of the radially-angular deformation of the applicator element. The radially-angular deformation may be distributed evenly throughout the applicator element i.e. the angular gap is maintained evenly in the body of the applicator element. As an exemplary embodiment the radially-angular deformation in the applicator element may be such that there occurs twisting of the body of the applicator element. Alternatively, the angular deformation may be irregular or uneven in the body of the applicator element. When the applicator element is a mascara brush, the angular deformation in the applicator element helps in lifting and curling of the eyelashes. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention the applicator element further comprises a biasing member arranged so as to assist the material memory of the applicator. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, one end of the filament is connected to the distal end of the applicator element and the other end of the filament is attached to a clasping means such that when force is applied on the clasping means it causes tension along the radial axis of the filament which results in angular deformation of the applicator element. Further, the force applied to the clasping means is directly proportional to the deformation angle of the applicator element achieved. The filament may alternatively be connected by way of a locking arrangement with the distal end of the applicator element thereby guiding the movement of the applicator. For example, when the filament is in a stretched state it causes the applicator to be angularly deformed while when it is in relaxed state it guides the applicator to come back to its straight position. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention the clasping means may be provided at the proximal end of the filament itself. Alternatively, the filament may be engaged with another element having clasping or any other suitable means for application of force. Further, the mode of application of force on the clasping means could be manual, mechanical, magnetic, electrical or any other suitable mode. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention the applicator element may have a substantially circular outside cross-section, but the case in which the deformable applicator element has a cross-section of different shape, such as polygonal, is also contemplated by this invention. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the filament may be fixed tautly at both the ends of the applicator element such that the angular deformation in the applicator element is caused by application of force along the axis of the applicator. 
     Independently or in combination with the above, exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a device for packaging and dispensing a substance, for example, a cosmetic, comprising an applicator as defined above. The device may comprise a receptacle and an adjustable applicator. The adjustable applicator in such a device may comprise a gripping member, a stem having a cavity and an applicator element wherein the stem may be connected to the applicator element at one end and to the gripping member at another end. The said device may also include a wiper member. The gripping member may comprise a cap for closing the receptacle and a manipulating means for adjusting the angular deformation of the applicator element. The said manipulating means could be connected to an inner rod present inside the cap in such a way that its rotational movement with respect to the cap is allowed and said inner rod is further connected to the filament in the applicator element. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable applicator may comprise a stem connected to the applicator element at one end and a gripping member provided at another end of the stem. The stem may be hollow from inside. The gripping member may comprise a handle member and a manipulating means for adjusting the angular deformation of the applicator element. The said manipulating means could be connected to an inner rod present inside the handle in such a way that its rotational movement with respect to the handle is allowed and said inner rod may be in the form of a filament that passes through the cavity in the stem and connects to the applicator element. In a further embodiment, the inner rod may be connected to the applicator filament and hooks up the filament of the applicator member. In such a case, the force provided by the manipulating means effects synchronous movement of both the inner rod in the stem as well as the filament in the applicator with respect to the handle for adjusting the angular deformation of the applicator element. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an adjustable applicator wherein the user has more control over the angular deformation achieved in the applicator. Further, a constant rigidity of the applicator is provided as no additional component is inserted or withdrawn to achieve the straight or angularly deformed shape. 
     These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of the art are attained by an adjustable 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 an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the applicator taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the applicator in curved position taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an isometric view of the device comprising the adjustable applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of the device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the adjustable applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  is cross sectional view of the device of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is cross sectional view of the device of  FIG. 6  when the applicator is in curved position; line A-A of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of an adjustable applicator according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the device containing the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  represents a cross-sectional view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  represents a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14   a  illustrates the isometric views of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14   b  is an isometric view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10  showing the applicator as seen upon 180 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 14   c  is an isometric view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10  showing the applicator as seen upon 360 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 15   a  is a front view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 15   b  is a front view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10  showing the applicator as seen upon 180 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 15   c  is an isometric view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10  showing the applicator as seen upon 360 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 16   a  is a top view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 16   b  is a top view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10  showing the applicator as seen upon 180 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 16   c  is a top view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 10  showing the applicator as seen upon 360 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 17   a  is an isometric view of an adjustable applicator according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 17   b  is an isometric view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 17   a  showing the applicator as seen upon 180 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 17   c  is an isometric view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 17   a  showing the applicator as seen upon 360 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 18   a  is a front view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 17   a;    
         FIG. 18   b  is a front view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 17   a  showing the applicator as seen upon 180 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 18   c  is an isometric view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 17   a  showing the applicator as seen upon 360 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 19   a  is a top view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 17   a;    
         FIG. 19   b  is a top view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 17   a  showing the applicator as seen upon 180 degree radially-angular deformation; 
         FIG. 19   c  is a top view of the adjustable applicator of  FIG. 17   a  showing the applicator as seen upon 360 degree radially-angular deformation; 
     
    
    
     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 adjustable applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 . 
       FIG. 1  is one embodiment of the present invention showing the adjustable applicator  100 . The adjustable applicator  100  of the invention comprises of an applicator element  101  and a filament  102 . In the applicator element  101  is a bore  104  housing the filament  102 . The bore  104  may either be centrally or non-centrally aligned. The filament  102  is arranged to be movable inside the bore  104  of the applicator element  101 . The applicator element  101  may be produced from an elastomer or any other elastic material allowing compression and expansion of the applicator. Further, the filament  102  may be made out of a material selected from a polymeric material and metals. The filament  102  is so arranged as to cause progressive angular deformation of the applicator element  101 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , one end of the filament  102  is connected at a distal end  103  of the applicator  100  and the other end of the filament  102  is attached to a clasping means  105  such that when force is applied on the clasping means  105  it causes tension along the axis of the filament  102 , which results in angular deformation of the applicator element  101  as is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Further, the force applied on the filament  102  is directly proportional to the deformation angle of the applicator element  101  achieved. The mode of application of force on the clasping means  105  could be manual, mechanical, magnetic, electrical or any other suitable mode to cause tension along the axis of the filament  102 . Moreover, the applicator element  101  may have a substantially circular outside cross-section, but the case in which the deformable applicator element  101  has a cross-section of different shape, such as polygonal, is also contemplated by this invention. Further, the applicator element may further comprise of a biasing member arranged so as to assist the material memory of the applicator element. 
     A device  200  for packaging and dispensing a substance comprising the said applicator is illustrated by  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The device  200  comprises a gripping means  201  and a receptacle  202  containing the substance. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the gripping means  201  further comprises a handle  203 , a stem  204  and an applicator  205 . The proximal end of the stem  204  is connected to the handle  203  while its distal end is connected to the applicator  205 . The handle  203  acts as a manipulating means for adjusting the deformation of the applicator  205 . The handle  203  further comprises a cap  206  and a casing  207  that houses a movable member  208 .  FIGS. 6 to 8  illustrate the gripping means  201  in further details and the arrangement of various parts of the device  200 . As shown in  FIGS. 7 to 9 , one end of the casing  207  has ledges  209  which mate with complimentary ledges  210  in the cap  206 , thereby restricting movement of the cap  206  along its longitudinal axis and at the same time allowing rotational movement of the cap  206  with respect to the casing  207 . However, any lock and key arrangement between the casing and cap could be used for restricting axial movement of the cap with respect to the casing. The movable member  208  is hollow from inside and is so arranged with the cap  206  that its rotational movement with respect to the cap  206  is restricted. The casing  207  has threads  216  in its inner surface just above its centre towards its proximal end that mate with the threads in the movable member  208 , thereby allowing movement of the movable member  208  along its axis. Further, below the centre point of casing  207  is present an annular ridge  217  through which it cooperates with the stem  204 . Also present are threads  219  at distal end of the casing  207  which cooperate with the threads  220  in the neck of the receptacle  202  helping in fastening and unfastening of the gripping member  201  with respect to the receptacle  202 . The stem  204  houses a separate filament  213 . However, there may be present one filament that extends through the stem and the applicator element. At the proximal end of the movable member  208  is provided a feature for example a groove  212  to hold one end of the filament  213 . The filament  213  has a groove  214  at its distal end which engages the applicator filament  215 . The applicator  205  is hollow from inside and houses the applicator filament  215 . Also, one end of the applicator filament  215  is fitted inside the applicator  205 . The applicator filament  215  is adjusted with the groove  214  such that it is off-centered and provides a favorable and consistent plane along which angular deformation of the applicator occurs. However, the groove  214  may also be centrally aligned. Further, in such an arrangement, the force exerted via the gripping means  201  effects synchronous movement of both the filament  213  in the stem as well as the applicator filament  215  with respect to the applicator  205  to cause the desired angular deformation of the applicator  205 . The said device  200  may also include a wiper member  218 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the applicator  205  in its angularly deformed state. The rotation of the cap  206  with respect to the casing  207  results in the axial displacement of the movable member  208  thereby displacing the filament  213  and the applicator filament  215  along with it. The displacement in the applicator filament  215  causes the applicator  205  to angularly deform. 
     During use, the user rotates the cap  206  with respect to the casing  207  of the gripping means to cause the applicator  205  to be suitably deformed along a desired axis. Also, the user can control the magnitude of deformation during use. 
       FIG. 10  is another embodiment of the present invention showing a device  350  containing an adjustable applicator  300 . The device  350  for packaging and dispensing a substance comprising the said adjustable applicator  300  is illustrated by  FIGS. 11 to 13 . The device  350  comprises a gripping means  301  and a receptacle  302  containing the substance. As shown in  FIGS. 10 to 13 , the gripping means  301  further comprises a handle  303 , a stem  304  and an applicator element  305 . In the applicator element  305  is a bore housing an applicator filament  306 . The bore may either be centrally or non-centrally aligned. The applicator filament  306  is arranged to be movable inside the bore of the applicator element  305 . The applicator element  305  may comprise of bristles, discs or flocked applicator element or any suitable applicator suitable for cosmetic use. Further, the applicator element  305  may be produced from an elastomer or any other elastic material allowing compression and expansion of the applicator. Further, the applicator filament  306  may be made out of a material selected from a polymeric material and metals. The applicator filament  306  is so arranged as to cause progressive angular deformation of the applicator element  305 . Further, the applicator element  305  may house a biasing means. Furthermore, the proximal end of the stem  304  is connected to the handle  303  while its distal end is connected to the applicator element  305 . The handle  303  acts as a manipulating means for adjusting the angular deformation of the applicator element  305 . As shown in  FIGS. 11 to 13 , the handle  303  of the gripping member  301  further comprises an actuator means  303   a  which causes the radially-angular deformation in the applicator element  305 . The radially-angular deformation being defined herein as the angular deformation occurring on the radial axis of the applicator element. The handle  303  further houses an inner rod  307  such that the inner rod  307  is connected to the actuating means  303   a . As seen in  FIG. 11 , the protrusion in the proximal end of the inner rod  307  sits inside the hollow of the actuating means  303   a  while the distal end of the inner rod  307  is engaged with the applicator filament  306 . Further, the inner rod  307  is encased in the stem  304  of the gripping means  301 . Further, the applicator element  305  has a free end  305   a  and a fixed end  305   b  such that the fixed end  305   b  is fixed to the stem  304  of the gripping means  301 . As shown in the drawings the applicator filament  306  is housed in the applicator element  305  while the inner rod  307  is housed in the stem  304 , however, there may be present one filament that extends through the stem and the applicator element. The distal end of the inner rod  307  is provided a feature for example a groove to hold one end of the applicator filament  306 . The applicator element  305  is hollow from inside and houses the applicator filament  306 . Also, one end of the applicator filament  306  is fitted inside the applicator element  305 . The bore inside the applicator element  305  provides a favorable and consistent plane along which angular deformation of the applicator element  305  occurs. Further, in such an arrangement, the force exerted via the gripping means  301  effects synchronous movement of both the inner rod  307  in the stem  304  as well as the applicator filament  306  with respect to the applicator element  305  to cause the desired angular deformation of the applicator element  305 . The said device  350  may also include a wiper member  308 . Also present are threads at distal end of the handle  303  which cooperate with the threads in the neck of the receptacle  302  helping in fastening and unfastening of the gripping member  301  with respect to the receptacle  302 . 
     During use, the user rotates the actuating means  303   a  with respect to the handle  303  of the gripping means  301  to cause the applicator  305  to be suitably angularly deformed at a desired degree. Also, the user can control the magnitude or degree of angular deformation during use. 
       FIGS. 14   a ,  14   b  and  14   c  illustrate the isometric view of the applicator  305  in its normal state, deformed state with an angular deformation of 180 degrees and deformed state with angular deformation of 360 degrees respectively. The rotation of the actuating means  303   a  with respect to the handle  303  results in the synchronous rotation of the inner rod  307  thereby angularly deforming the applicator filament  306  which inn turn causes the applicator  305  to angularly deform. The degree of angular deformation of the applicator filament  306  and hence the applicator  305  depends on the similar force applied to the actuating means  303   a . As an exemplary embodiment, when the actuating means  303   a  is rotated to a less extent, the degree of angular deformation is less in the applicator  305  and if the degree of rotation is high then the degree of angular deformation is higher in the applicator. As represented by  FIG. 14   b , the degree of angular deformation in the applicator  305  is 180 degrees while in  FIG. 14   c , the degree of deformation of applicator  305  is 360 degrees. 
       FIGS. 15   a ,  15   b  and  15   c  illustrate the front view of the applicator  305  in its normal state, deformed state with an angular deformation of 180 degrees and deformed state with angular deformation of 360 degrees respectively. While  FIGS. 16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  illustrate the top view of the applicator  305  in its normal state, deformed state with an angular deformation of 180 degrees and deformed state with angular deformation of 360 degrees respectively. 
     As an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the applicator element  305  may comprise of bristles.  FIGS. 17   a ,  17   b  and  17   c  illustrate the isometric view of the applicator  405  in its normal state, deformed state with an angular deformation of 180 degrees and deformed state with angular deformation of 360 degrees respectively.  FIGS. 18   a ,  18   b  and  18   c  illustrate the front view of the applicator  405  in its normal state, deformed state with an angular deformation of 180 degrees and deformed state with angular deformation of 360 degrees respectively. While  FIGS. 19   a ,  19   b  and  19   c  illustrate the top view of the applicator  405  in its normal state, deformed state with an angular deformation of 180 degrees and deformed state with angular deformation of 360 degrees respectively. 
     The materials suitable for forming the receptacle  202 ,  302  and the filament  213  could be polyprolpylene while the cap  203 , the casing  207 , the movable member  208 , the actuating means  303   a  and the inner rod  307  could be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or any other suitable polymeric material. The material of applicator filament  215 ,  306  could be any polymeric material as nylon or could be a suitable metal. The stem  204 ,  304  may be formed of polyacetal or any other suitable polymeric material. The material for forming wiper  216 ,  308  could be low-density polyethylene. The aforementioned materials for forming various parts of the device of the present invention are an example, however other suitable materials may also be used. 
     Depending upon the substance being used in the receptacle, a variety of sizes and shapes of the applicator can be utilized. The applicator  205 ,  305 ,  405  may be constructed of a porous or non-porous rubber, fabric mesh, felt material, foamed polymers, sponge material, Hydrel™, TPE or any other suitable material. Also, the applicator could have any suitable shape depending on the kind of application required. It could have a shape other than cylindrical such as ovular, tapered or any other suitable shape. 
     Although the above description and drawings show the device being cylindrical, the shapes and profile cross section thereof are not limited to the same. 
     These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of the art are attained by an adjustable applicator in accordance with the main claim. 
     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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0