Abstract:
A cosmetic applicator includes a handle having a distal end and a proximal end and a head, configured for application of one or more cosmetic products to a surface, attached to the proximal end of the handle. The head comprises a plurality of portions wherein at least one portion comprises a brush and at least one portion comprises a paddle or other application member.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    A typical cosmetic brush applicator contains a handle and a plurality of fibers attached to one end of the handle. This combination of a handle and a plurality of fibers provides a simple, low-cost and effective brush for the application of cosmetic materials. However, cosmetic or personal care products range from hard packed powder compositions to softer powder compositions, lotions and other liquid solutions. Moreover, cosmetic compositions are used in many different applications. For example, more rigid compositions can be used for harsher applications like lining and contouring and often require stiffer, more rigid brushes. In contrast, fluffier materials which can be used for softer applications, like blending, often require softer, more flexible brushes. Hence, since different applications often require different applicators, users are required to purchase a plurality of brush applicators. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved applicators. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of applicators having combination brush and paddle applicator heads, which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0003]    According to an embodiment, this disclosure is directed to cosmetic applicators comprising a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, and a head, configured for application of one or more cosmetic products to a surface, attached to the proximal end of the handle. A first portion of the head comprises a brush and a second portion of the head comprises a paddle or other application member. 
         [0004]    In some implementations, the head includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, and each of the first portion, the second portion and the third portion comprises a brush, a paddle or other application member, or a combination thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. 
           [0006]      FIGS. 1A-1C  depict front, back and side views, respectively, of an applicator according to one illustrative embodiment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  depicts a front view of an applicator according to another illustrative embodiment. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  depicts a front view of an applicator according to yet another illustrative embodiment. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict front and side views, respectively, of an applicator according to another illustrative embodiment. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  depicts a front view of an applicator according to another illustrative embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of yet another illustrative embodiment of an applicator. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 6  taken along line A-A. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview 
       [0013]    This disclosure is directed to applicators having a handle connected to an applicator head. The term “applicator head” or “head” may include a combination of one or more brush portions, one or more paddle portions, and/or one or more other application members. According to certain embodiments, the applicator head may comprise two portions with a first portion comprising a brush and second portion comprising a paddle or other application member. According to certain embodiments, the first portion may surround the second portion. According to other embodiments, the applicator head may comprise three or more portions with each portion comprising a brush, a paddle, an application member, or a combination of the foregoing. According to certain embodiments, the first and third portions, may each comprise a brush, and may surround or sandwich the second portion, which may comprise a paddle or other application member. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the first portion may have a different size or shape, relative to the second or third portions. For example, in embodiments where the applicator head has two portions, the first portion and second portions may each independently comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 45% to about 55% of the combined applicator head cross sectional area. In certain embodiments, the first and second portions each comprise about 50% of the combined applicator head cross sectional area. For another example, the first portion and the second portion may have a split of first-to-second portion of approximately 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, etc. To illustrate, for 20:80, the first portion may comprise approximately 20% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head while the second portion may comprise approximately 80% of the combined applicator head. In embodiments having three or more portions, each portion may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 30% to about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head. In certain embodiments, the first, second and third portions may each comprise about 33.3% of the combined applicator head cross sectional area. In still other embodiments, the first and third portion may be of a different or the same size and comprise from 35% to about 45% each of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head while the second portion, which may be surrounded or sandwiched by the first and third portions, may comprise from 10% to about 30% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head. 
         [0015]    According to certain embodiments, the brush may be made of natural bristles, synthetic bristles (e.g. plastic, silicone, latex or composites thereof), metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof. According to certain embodiments, the paddle or other application member may be made of silicone, rubber, sponge, foam, latex, an elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof. According to other embodiments, the paddle or other application member may additionally or alternatively include metal, ceramic, glass, stone, wood, or composites thereof. In some embodiments, the paddle may comprise a spatula, spoon, scoop, spreader, or knife. Other application members may include, for example and without limitation, a conical or pencil-shaped member, a pyramid shaped member, or a rod (e.g., having a cylindrical, polygonal, or variable cross section, and having a domed, conical, pyramidal, or flat terminus). The size and shape of the brush(es), paddle(s), and/or other application member(s) may vary depending on, among other things, the product to be applied, the location to which the product is to be applied, and/or the method in which the product is to be applied. Moreover, according to certain embodiments, the handle may comprise metal, glass, stone, ceramic, plastic, wood, or a composite thereof. 
         [0016]    In certain embodiments, the handle and applicator head may be connected or joined together via, for example, fusing, gluing, anchoring, clamping, press-fit, stapling or inserting the applicator head into at least a portion the handle. In other embodiments, the handle and applicator head can be joined via, for example, a ferrule made of plastic, metal or other suitable material. 
         [0017]    According to certain embodiments, the applicator may be used for applying one or more cosmetic or medicinal products to a surface, such as skin or hair. For example, a paddle portion or other application member of the applicator may be used with more rigid compositions to, for example, scrape or dig the product from a container. In such examples, the paddle or application member may be made rigid or semi-rigid to facilitate removal of the product from the container. In other implementations, the paddle or application member portion may be used for certain application techniques, such as lining and contouring (e.g., for applying eye liner to a user&#39;s eye). In such examples, the paddle or application member may be made flexible or resilient as appropriate for the application techniques. In contrast, the brush portion may be used for applying fluffier or softer materials to, for example swab or lift the product from a container. Moreover, the brush portion may be used for certain application techniques, such as blotting or blending (e.g. for applying blush to a user&#39;s cheek). 
       Illustrative Two Portion Combination Paddle and Brush Applicator 
       [0018]      FIGS. 1A-1C  represent an illustrative combination paddle and brush applicator  100  (“applicator”). In this implementation, the applicator  100  includes a handle  102 , a ferrule  110 , and an applicator head  104  that comprises a first portion  106  and a second portion  108  with each portion comprising or being formed from different materials. As can be seen in these three figures, the applicator head  104  has a wide front face  120 , a wide back face  122 , and at least one narrow side face  124 . In one implementation, the first portion  106  of the applicator head  104  comprises a brush having a plurality of bristles and the second portion  108  comprises a paddle in the shape of a spatula. However, in other embodiments, the materials used in the first and second portions can be switched such that the first portion  106  comprises a paddle and the second portion  108  comprises a brush. The brush may comprise, for example, natural bristles, synthetic bristles (e.g. plastic, silicone, latex or composites thereof), metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof. In addition, the paddle may comprise, for example, rubber, silicone, sponge, foam, latex, an elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof. According to other example embodiments, the paddle may additionally or alternatively include metal, ceramic, glass, stone, wood, or composites thereof. The handle  102  may be any convenient size and shape and may comprise, for example, metal, glass, stone, ceramic, plastic, wood, or a composite thereof. Moreover, the ferrule  110  may comprise plastic or metal or other suitable material and serves to provide or reinforce a connection or bond between the handle  102  and applicator head  104 . 
         [0019]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1B , the second portion  108  of the applicator head  104  comprises a paddle. While the paddle may be comprised of material such that the paddle is somewhat flexible, in some embodiments, the material used to make the paddle may be firm enough to scrape or dig a firm cosmetic or medicinal product (e.g., a packed powder) from the product container and apply the product to a surface as a line or for contouring. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the paddle is elongated and flat with a rounded, or curved, edge, the specific functions of the paddle dictates its exact size and shape. For example, in other embodiments, the paddle may be of virtually any shape such as flat and rectangular, trapezoidal or angled with relatively straight edges. 
         [0020]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1A , the first portion  106  of the applicator head  104  comprises a brush that may be firm enough to maintain its general shape when not in use. However, the brush may also be supple enough to swab or blot a soft, powdery or liquid/gel-like cosmetic or medicinal product from the product container. Moreover, while as shown in  FIG. 1A , the brush forms an elongated and flat structure with a rounded, or curved, edge, the specific function of the brush dictates its exact shape. However, in other embodiments, the brush may be of virtually any shape such as flat and rectangular, trapezoidal or angled with relatively straight edges. 
         [0021]    According to the embodiment exemplified in  FIG. 1C , when viewing the side face  124  of the applicator  100 , a first side of the side face  124  comprises the first portion  106  and a second side of the side of the side face  124  comprises the second portion  108 . Moreover, as explained above, the first portion  106  or the second portion of the applicator may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 45% to about 55% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head  104  or the two portions may each comprise about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head  104 . 
         [0022]    In still other embodiments, the overall length of the first portion  106  may be greater than the overall length of the second portion  108  such that the first portion  106  appears longer than, or extends beyond, the second portion  108  when viewing the side face  124  of the applicator  100 . In still other embodiments, the overall length of the second portion  108  may be greater than the overall length of the first portion  108 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  represents another illustrative combination paddle and brush applicator  200  (“applicator”). In this implementation, the applicator  200  includes a handle  202 , a ferrule  210 , and an applicator head  204  that comprises first a portion  206  and a second portion  208  with each portion comprising or being formed from different materials. Similar to the embodiment exemplified in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the applicator  200  according to this embodiment may also have a wide front face, a wide back face (not shown), and at least one narrow side face (not shown). However, other shaped applicators, such as, for example, rounded or circular, are also possible. According to this embodiment, the first portion  206  of the applicator head  204  comprises a brush and the second portion  208  comprises a paddle. However, in other embodiments, the materials used in the first and second portions can be switched such that the first portion  206  comprises a paddle and the second portion  208  comprises a brush. 
         [0024]    The materials used to make each of the first portion  206 , second portion  208 , handle  202  and ferrule  210  may be any combination of those described with respect to the corresponding parts of the applicator  100  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1C . Moreover, while the applicator head  204  is shown as being flat and elongated with a rounded or curved edge, the size and shape of each of the first portion  206 , second portion  208 , handle  202  and the ferrule  210  can be as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
         [0025]    According to an embodiment, when viewing the front face of the applicator  200 , a first side of the front face of the applicator head  204  comprises the first portion  206  and a second side of the front face comprises the second portion  208 . Moreover, as explained above, the first portion  206  or the second portion  208  may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 45% to about 55% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head  204  or the two portions may each comprise about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head  204 . In still other embodiments, the overall length of the first portion  206  may be greater than the overall length of the second portion  208  such that the first portion  206  appears longer than, or extends beyond, the second portion  208  when viewing the side face of the applicator  200 . Alternatively, the overall length of the second portion  208  may be greater than the overall length of the first portion  206 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  represents still another illustrative combination paddle and brush applicator  300  (“applicator”). In this implementation, the applicator  300  includes a handle  302 , a ferrule  310 , and an applicator head  304  that comprises a first portion  306  and a second portion  308  with each portion comprising or being formed from different materials. Again, the materials used to make each of the first portion  306 , second portion  308 , handle  302  and ferrule  310  are similar to the materials described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1C  and  FIG. 2 . However, according to this embodiment the applicator head  304  is shown as being flat and elongated with an angled head  304  that is longer at one side, when view from the front, and gradually shortens towards the opposite side. Again, the first portion  306  or the second portion  308  of the applicator  300  may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 45% to about 55% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head  304  or the two portions may each comprise about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head  304 . 
       Illustrative Three Portion Combination Paddle and Brush Applicator 
       [0027]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  represent another illustrative combination paddle and brush applicator  400  (“applicator”). In this implementation, the applicator  400  includes a handle  402 , a ferrule  410 , and an applicator head  404  that comprises a first portion  406 , a second portion  408 , and a third portion  412 . According to certain embodiments, each portion may comprise or be formed from different materials or, alternatively, the first and third portion can be formed from the same or similar materials with the second portion being formed from a different material. However, according to certain embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 4B , the first portion  406  and third portions  412  are formed of a brush and the second portion  408  includes a paddle. 
         [0028]    The materials used to make each of the first portion  406 , second portion  408 , third portion  412 , handle  402  and ferrule  410  may be any combination of the materials used to make the portions and other corresponding parts of the various applicators described above. Moreover, the size and shape of each of the first portion  406 , second portion  408 , third portion, handle  402  and the ferrule  410  can be as described above. 
         [0029]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the applicator head has a wide front face, a wide back face (not shown), and at least one narrow side face. According to an embodiment, when viewing the side face applicator  400 , a first side of the side face comprises the first portion  406 , a middle section of the side face comprises the second portion  408 , and second side of the side face comprises the third portion  412 . Moreover, as explained above, each portion may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 30% to about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head. In certain embodiments, the first, second and third portions each comprise about 33.3% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head. In still other embodiments, the first and third portion may a different or the same size and comprise from 35% to about 45% each of combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head while the second portion, which may be surrounded or sandwiched (as shown in  FIG. 4B ) by the first and third portions, may comprise from 10% to about 30% each of combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head. 
         [0030]    In still other embodiments, the overall length of the second portion  408  may be greater than the overall length of the first portion  406  and third portion  412  such that the second portion  408  appears longer than, or extends beyond, the first portion  406  and third portion  412  when viewing the side face of the applicator  400 . Alternatively, the overall length of the first portion  406  and third portion  412  may be greater than the overall length of the second portion  408 . In still other embodiments, each portion can be of a different length from each of the other two. 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  represents another illustrative combination applicator  500  (“applicator”) including one or more brush portions  502  (two brush portions are shown in this figure) and a paddle portion  504 . According to this embodiment, a temperature modulation element  506  is embedded within the paddle portion  504 . While the temperature modulation element  506  is only shown in  FIG. 5 , it should be understood that the temperature modulation element may be embedded in the paddle portion of any embodiment described herein. Moreover, the temperature modulation element  506  can cool or heat the paddle and can be in the form of a resistive element (e.g., a coil), a refrigerant or fluid coolant or heater, or any other element capable of imparting a heating or cooling effect. 
         [0032]    This embodiment may also include a power source  508  disposed in a handle  510  or ferrule of the applicator, which provides electrical power for the temperature modulating element  506 . According to an embodiment, electricity provided to the temperature modulating element  506  may be controlled via a temperature controller  512 . According to an embodiment, the power source  508  may include, for example, one or more fuel cells, one or more solar cells and/or one or more batteries which may be disposable or rechargeable. According to another embodiment, the device can include an alternating current (AC) adapter (not shown) to be plugged into a wall socket or other external electrical source. 
         [0000]    Illustrative Implement with Applicator Member Surrounded by Brush 
         [0033]      FIGS. 6 and 7  represent an illustrative cosmetic implement  600  having an applicator head  602  coupled to a handle  604 . The applicator head  602  in this example includes a first portion  606  comprising a brush that encircles or otherwise surrounds a second portion  608  comprising an application member. While not shown, in some embodiments, the cosmetic implement  600  may also include a ferrule to couple, or reinforce a coupling of, the applicator head  602  to the handle  604 . In one specific example, the application member of the second portion  608  may be made of silicone. However, in other examples, the materials used to make each of the first portion  606 , second portion  608 , handle  604  and ferrule (if included) may be any combination of those described with respect to the corresponding parts of the applicator  100  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
         [0034]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the second portion  608  is illustrated as a cylindrical rod with a conical terminus having a rounded tip. The first portion  606 , which in this example comprises brush, encircles the second portion  608 . In other embodiments, the second portion  608  may comprise an application member having any other suitable shape, such as for, example, a conical or pencil-shaped member, a pyramid shaped member, or a rod (e.g., having a cylindrical, polygonal, or variable cross section, and having a domed, pyramidal, or flat terminus). In the case where the second member  608  is non-circular, the first portion  606  may surround a perimeter of the second portion  608 . 
         [0035]    In this example, the terminus of the second portion  608  extends distally beyond the first portion  606 . However, in other embodiments, the first portion  606  may extend distally beyond the second portion  608 , or the first portion  606  and second portion  608  may extend a same distance and be coterminous. 
         [0036]    The first and second portions  606 ,  608  of this embodiment are formed such that when assembled and viewed from a profile (i.e., a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle  604 ), the applicator head  602  has a teardrop shape. The application member of the first portion  606  may be used, for example, to pick up and apply an eye liner product around an eye of a user, while the brush of the second portion  608  may be used to blend the eyeliner into an eyelid of the user. The brush of the second portion  608  may additionally or alternatively be used to pick up and apply another product (e.g., eye shadow) around the eye of the user. 
         [0037]    The foregoing combination applicators are some examples of applicators that may perform functions of multiple conventional applicators. However, numerous other variations are also within the scope of this disclosure. For instance, any of the features of the example embodiments may be combined with features of other example embodiments or conventional applicators, rearranged, modified, or omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0038]    Although several embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.