Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

An apparatus for applying a cosmetic, such as mascara to eyelashes, includes a handle, a stem, and an applicator head coupled to the stem and supported for rotation relative to the handle. An actuator moves the applicator head in a vibrational motion. Additionally or alternatively, the applicator head may include a first set of protrusions having a first stiffness and a second set of protrusions having a second stiffness, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness. The actuator may further be coupled to the handle to provide a tactile vibratory signal to the user.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to cosmetic applicators and, more particularly, to applicators for applying cosmetic material to keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] Various types of cosmetic applicators are known in the art. Brushes for applying mascara to eyelashes, for example, generally include a stem having a first end attached to a handle. An applicator head, such as brush bristles, are coupled to a second end of the stem. In use, the brush head loaded with mascara is applied to the eyelashes. [0003] Mascaras come in a variety of forms including cakes or blocks, creams, gels, semi-solids, and low viscosity liquids. Cake mascaras were originally the most popular form consisting of at least 50% soap with the pigment mixed in with the soap cakes. With a wet brush, the mascara could be lathered and then applied to the lashes resulting in a satisfactory smooth application, but with a thin cosmetic coating ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The primary drawback was that the film on the lashes was very water soluble and prone to smudging and running on the skin around the perimeter of the eye.

Unfortunately, the smoothness of the application was adversely affected.

That is, as the viscosity of the mascara formulation increased, it became increasingly harder to apply, messier, and yielded less separation of the lashes.

Many “volumizing” mascaras, however, are messy and clumpy and tend to clump too many lashes together in a thick, less separated look which gives the look of fewer lashes.

In addition, mascara application with conventional brushes requires several brush passes and therefore is inefficient.

While these rotating stem brushes eliminate the need for a user to roll the handle during application of mascara, they do not optimally coat and separate the eyelashes.

Furthermore, these brushes are limited to simple, uni-directional rotation of the brush head, and therefore are not capable of performing certain, potentially more complex, application techniques.

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