EP0368842A4

EP0368842A4 - Applicator for soft materials

Info

Publication number: EP0368842A4
Application number: EP19870903655
Authority: EP
Inventors: Heinz Welschoff
Original assignee: Heinz Industries Inc
Current assignee: L'IMAGE
Priority date: 1987-05-22
Filing date: 1987-05-22
Publication date: 1991-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2007-05-22
Also published as: DE3751040T2; WO1988009267A1; EP0368842A1; EP0368842B1; CA1317568C; JPH02504372A; DE3751040D1

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator for moldable soft materials which permits the ready formation of a fine point. The body (702) of the applicator has a cartridge (500) in which a charge (401) of such soft material is positioned. A piston (601) cooperable with the body (702) acts directly on the charge (401) to force it out the open front end of the cartridge (500) into a cap (300) having an interior conical surface. The conical surface and the interior surface of the cartridge are sufficiently smooth and non-sticking so that the charge (401) of moldable material is freely slidable within the cartridge and readily releasable from the conical surface.

Description

APPLICATOR FOR SOFT MATERIALS Background of Invention

This invention relates to an applicator for moldable soft materials as for example, soft cosmetics, crayons, marking pens, eye liners, lip liners and the like. In particular it relates to an appli.ator which can be used with such soft materials so as to provide a fine point when necessary in a safe manner.

Prior Art

The prior art is exemplified by United States and French patents noted below. None of these prior art patents permit the user to form a fresh fine point on a soft, moldable material in a simple, rapid manner.

U.S. 527,803, McCollum, is described as a self- sharpening pencil utilizing the conventional graphite "lead". Sharp knife edges on fingers are used to form the sharpened point.

U.S. 1,055,028, Flynn and Payne describes a paste cup for delivery of paste to the edges of a cigar wrapper in the manufacture of a cigar. The delivery is done by a plunger and orifice.

U.S. 1,270,914, Zimdars, describes a mechanical pencil with a clutch and spring. Fingers 7 are provided to guard against lead slippage from the clutch.

U.S. 1,861,466, Bafetti , is a crayon holder which is sharpened by a conical shaped thimble sharpening tool F which is snapped on when needed. The tool has a cutting or shaving plate fl which make thin shavings.

U.S. 2,209,849, Seguin describes a lipstick holder where the rotatable plunger has an extension 18 sticking directly into the lipstick 2. Thus when the threaded end of the plunger is turned it pushes the lipstick into the conical interior surface 14 of the cap 15. It appears that the cap is locked into the body 5 by a slotted pin 16 engaging a slot 17.

U.S. 2,559,889, Matthews, describes a lipstick holder utilizing a screw which has prongs 27 embedded into the lipstick.

U.S. 2,606,527, Filak, describes an eyebrow pencil which is self-sharpening. Three or four wires are embedded in the forward portion of the sleeve which act as sharpeners.

U.S. 2,665_r696, e s, is a combination lipstick applicator and sharpener. A separate combined cap and sharpener 60 is described. The interior of the cap has ridges 64 converging towards the closed end of the cap and having an angular conformity to the taper of the lipstick 10. The ridges are stated as being "preferably sharp at their edges as shown in 68 in Fig. 8_ However, they can be made rounded or blunt to place the taper into a point and may also be curved to conform to a rounded point. " Sharpening is accomplished by pushing the lipstick against the end of the cap and rotating which causes the ridges to act on the lipstick material.

U.S. 2,979,029, Melnikoff, describes an eyebrow pencil and sharpener which refers to prior patent 2,565,715 and utilizes a sharpener 27 having two plates 28 wherein the cap 30 does not contribute to the point.

U.S. 3,077,183, Spatz, relates to the sharpening of relatively soft material such as^" eyebrow pencils. The patent states that in the sharpening of prior art pencils there is a tendency to clog. Springs are provided to bring the point of the marking pencil into operative engagement with a pointer 28. Pointer 28 appears to comprise a truncated hollow cone 110 -having a slot 112, one edge 114 of the slot being defined by the surfaces 115 of a wedge 116. Edge 114 is a cutter edge. The rotation of the cap causes the pointer to rotate under the action of the spring. The cutter bites into the crayon to cut a chip.

U.S. 3,209,730, Aston, describes a mechanical pencil where a crayon 25 is pushed by a screw 16 into sharpener plates 48. Here again the cap plays no part in the formation of the new point on the crayon.

U.S. 3,232,276, Kupersmith and Zeigler describes an eyebrow pencil and sharpener which is typical of the prior art. It has a barrel 10 which houses a feed screw 27. At the end of the feed screw 27 is a crayon supporting thimble 31 which has a socket 32 in which an eyebrow pencil crayon 34 is mounted. What the device accomplishes is that it pushes the crayon into a metal sharpener 39. Although the device has a cap 38, the cap does not participate in the formation of the sharpened end of the crayon.

French Patent 733,800, appears to have material protruding through the end of the cap.

French Patent 9_^1_^ l.iJL' Wi. pushes the crayon 1 through the open end of a cap. The pencil case is designated as 9, the threads as 11. Although it is not specifically stated it appears that rotation of the cap causes the crayon to project through the end of the cap and be cut by number 12.

Objects of Invention

One object of this invention is to provide an applicator which can be used with moldable soft materials so as to provide a fine point in a simple, rapid manner.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the description and claims which follow, taken together with the appended drawings. Summary of Invention

This invention comprises broadly the combination of a body having a chamber with an open front end, and a hollow forming cap having an interior conical surface and releasably secured to the body. A charge of moldable soft material such as cosmetic eye liner is inserted into the body and forced into the conical surface by a piston or rod until a conical tip is formed. The cap is then released from the body exposing a fine point of soft material supported by the body and available for use. The interior conical surface and the interior surface of the chamber are sufficiently smooth and non-sticking so that the charge of moldable soft material is freely slidable within said chamber and readily releasable from such conical surface. Preferably the device is so arranged that rotation of the cap on the body causes the piston or rod to force the material into the conical surface.

The charge of soft material can be incorporated either directly or as a pre-formed shaped material or housed in a cartridge open at both ends. The forcing means can be, but is not limited to, a piston upon which direct pressure is applied or a threaded member movable by rotation and which in turn acts on the charge of soft material.

In one example of the invention the front opening of the body is frusto-conical in shape and the cap's interior conical surface is registrable therewith. In some instances, where a very soft material is used an additional or protector cap is provided which has an interior surface registrable with the exterior surface of the forming cap. With medium soft and less creamy materials the protector cap would not be needed if the interior surface of the forming cap is sufficiently smooth and non-sticking as is the case with "Teflon". When used with the protector cap the forming cap has slits which form fingers. Upon release of the protector cap the forming cap is preferably drawn backward to release it from the material and body and then slid forward and removed resulting in the formation of a conical tip of the soft material.

In another variation the forming cap has an exterior transverse, circular ridge which registers with the slightly wider interior, transverse circular groove in the protector. When this variation is used the forming cap is permanently housed in the protector cap so that release of the protector cap pulls the forming cap with it, opens and closes the fingers and leaves the desired tip.

The interior surfaces of the tip-forming cap and the chamber are sufficiently smooth and non-sticking to permit the charge to be easily slidable and readily releasable. If the tip-forming cap is made of a resilient plastic with a smooth surface, such as nylon and more particularly "Teflon", removal of the protector permits the fingers to open without sliding back, so that the user may remove the cap by simply sliding forward which both frees it from the body as well as the material if quick release attachment is used.

The piston means preferably comprises a threadable cover and rod. When the cover is screwed onto the end of the body it exerts pressure on the soft material so as to pack it tightly. The protector is preferably interiorly threaded so as to be firmly attached to the body during the formation of the conical tip of material. As the material point wears out, reconnection of the tip-forming cap and protector cap permits the piston to again form a fresh point. Where the protector is not used, the tip forming cap has a continuous exterior surface and no slits. After sufficient pressure has been exerted by the^' piston to fill the hollow space in the cap, the cap is slid forward and removed, resulting in the formation of a conical tip of the soft material.

By means of this invention, it is possible to make rapid fresh points on soft cosmetics such as eye liner and lip liner and on soft marking devices such as crayons and marking pens. This production of a fine point permits a safer application than has been possible with previously described devices.

Brief Description of Drawings Fig. 1 is a side view of the assembled device made in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.

Fig. 2 is a cross-section along line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a section along line 3-3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a partial end view of the device where the protector cap has been removed and the forming cap slid back partially to release the fine tip of the material.

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the front portion of the device in dissembled fashion.

Fig. 6 is a view of the rear portion of the device in dissembled fashion.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the assembled device where no protector cap is used.

Fig. 8 is a cross-section along line 7-7 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the tip forming cap used without the protector.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of another embodiment of this invention wherein the tip-forming cap has slits but normally is housed and slidable within the protector

Figs 11-18 illustrate a cartridge version of this invention wherein:

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the cap.

Fig. 12 is a reverse perspective view with partial cutaway.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the empty cartridge.

Fig. 14 is a similar view of the cartridge but with the cosmetic charge 200 within the cartridge shown with partial cutaway. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a cosmetic charge.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the threadable rod.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view with partial cutaway of the body.

Fig. 18 is a longitudinal section of the completely assembled device, including the body, cartridge, cosmetic charge, and cap.

Specific Examples of Invention Referring now to Figs 1-6 in the drawings, the assembled device 10 illustrates an embodiment of this invention which is particularly useful for very soft materials. It comprises the main body 11, the tip- forming shell 19, the threadable protector end cap 20 and the threadable piston holder 22. The piston holder 22 has internal threading 13a which registers with the external threading 13 on body member 11 and permits the piston rod 21 to be inserted and moved forwardly within the chamber 11a of hollow body member 11 so as to force material 18 through the orifice 17a in the frusto- conical end 17 of the body member 11.

Prior to forcing the material out, the applicator shell 19 with slits forming fingers 19b is slid tightly over the frusto-conical end 17 and then the end retaining cap 20 which has interior threading 2øa is threaded on to the speed thread 14. Shell 19 has interior threading 19a and a snap notch 16a cooperable with threading 17a and recess 16 in the main body. When the applicator is to be first used, forming shell

19 is threaded onto end 17 of the body and the end cap

20 is threaded onto the snap or fast thread 14 on the body. Then soft material 18 is added to the chamber 11a of body member 11. After this has been done the piston means 22 is threaded onto the back thread 13 so that rotation of 22 causes the piston rod 21 to push the material forward until it is tightly packed. The end cap 20 is taken off completely and the forming shell 19 with its fingers 19b formed by slots 19a is pushed backward so that the conical tip of the material 18 protrudes as shown in Fig. 4. Then the shell 19 is move ^" forward and slid off completely leaving the conical tip 18 exposed. Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, the tip forming cap 119, which has a continuous outer surface and a conical inner surface, is threaded onto the end 17 of the body but no protector cap is used. As in the other embodiment, the soft material 18 is added to the chamber 11a of body member 11 and the piston 22 threaded onto the back thread 13 so that rotation of 22 causes the piston rod 21 to push the material forward into cap 119 until it is tightly packed. Then the cap 119 is unthreaded from end 17 and moved forward and off, leaving the conical tip 18 exposed for use.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 10, the tip-forming cap 219 has slits 219a forming fingers 219b. On its outer surface is a narrow shoulder or circumferential ridge 219c. -The protector 220 has a circumferential groove 220c on its interior surface. Groove 220c and ridge 219c are registrable with one another, but the groove is wider than the ridge so that when the cap is positioned within the protector it can slide slightly when the protector is removed, causing the fingers to open and release the material. Once the cap is assembled within the protector it is normally not removable and is removed when the protector is removed, so that the user has less pieces to handle. The protector and cap have similar interior threading and notches as the previous embodiment illustrated in Figs 1-6 and attach and detach from the body in a similar manner.

Referring now to Figs 11-18 in the drawings, the applicator comprises a cap 300, a charge of soft cosmetic material 400, a cartridge 500, a threaded rod 600, and a body 700. The body 700 has an interior ratchet 704 and interior threading 705 in its rear portion and an opening 701 in its front end. The front portion 702 of the body is adapted to receive the rear portion 504 of the cartridge 500 and has an interior notch 703 for engaging radial collar 505 on the cartridge. Interior threading 705 of the body 700 is engageable with the exterior threading 603 of rod 600. Rod 600 has a hexagonal circumference in its end portion 601 adapted to engage the hexagonal interior surface of cartridge 500. The tip 603 of the rod engages a positioning orifice in the rear end of the body 700. The rear end of the cartridge has a finger 507 which engages the ratchet 704 of the body.

Cartridge 500 holds charge 400 of soft cosmetic material which has a hexagonal rear shape 401, a front cylindrical shape 402 and finished conical point 403 which is formed as indicated below. Both the rod 600 and soft material 400 slide easily in the interior of the cartridge. The flat end 602 of the rod 600 abuts the flat rear end of the cosmetic material charge 400. The cartridge 500 has an open front end 501 with four radially arranged L-shaped exterior protuberances 502 at its front end and small radial protuberances 503 in its middle portion cooperable with cap 300.

Cap 300 has an open end 304 and its opposite end is closed, having a continuous surface. The interior of the cap 300 is hollow and has a conical recess 305 opening into chamber 506. Extending into chamber 506 are four circumferential nipples 307. These nipples 307 of the cap fit between the L-shaped protuberances 502. The end of the cap 300 squeezes over the radial protuberances 503 of cartridge 500.

When the cap is placed on the assembly of the cartridge and body the open end 304 of the cap goes over the external circumferential protrusions 503 of the cartridge so as to hold and stabilize the cap on the cartridge. The body 700 engages cartridge 500 and is held in position by snapping on to the end of the cartridge at recess 504 and collar 505. The finger 507 with its adjacent slot 506 locks on to the ratchet 704.

When the cap 300 turns the cartridge 500 clockwise, the rod 600 is turned counter-clockwise which pushes the charge 400 contained in the cartridge forward into the conical recess 305 of the cap. When the cap is turned counter-clockwise it turns the rod clockwise and is then releasable.

As an example, the user, with the cap secured on to the assembled body and cartridge, holds the device in her left hand and turns the cap clockwise about a quarter or half turn until it gets tight, in which case the cosmetic has filled the conical recess. The - shaped recess of the cartridge 502 acts to keep the cap- protuberances 307 from turning too far_ She then turns the cap counter-clockwise and pulls off the cap exposing an appropriate pointed tip ready for application_

Claims

Claims 1. An applicator which contains and dispenses moldable soft material and permits the formation of a point for such material, comprising: a hollow body having a front open end, a charge of moldable soft material spaced within said body, pushing means movable within said body and in direct contact with the end of said charge, and an end cap which is detachably cooperable with the front end of said body and has an interior conical surface; the interior surface of said body being sufficiently smooth and non-sticking so that said charge is freely slidable within said body, said charge being unattached to either said body or said pushing means; said pushing means being adapted to force such soft materials into said conical surface to form a point; said interior conical surface being sufficiently smooth and non- sticking as to be readily releasable from said charge.

2. An applicator in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said pushing means comprise a portion threadable onto said body and a piston movable within said body, whereby rotation of said threadable portion causes said piston to move within said body.

3. An applicator in accordance with Claim 1 wherein the front end of said body is frusto-conical in shape and wherein said end cap is hollow, has a conical interior surface registrable with said frusto-conical front end, has slits forming fingers at its front end and is detachably connected to said body, and wherein an exterior protector cap is provided which has an interior surface registrable with the exterior surface of said end cap and is detachably connected to said body. 4. An applicator in accordance with Claim 3 wherein the interior surface of said protector cap and the exterior surface of said end cap have cooperable means for normally holding said end cap within said protector cap but permitting said end cap to slide slightly within said protector cap thus allowing the fingers to open when the protector cap is removed from said main body.

5. An applicator made in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said cooperable means comprises a transverse ridge on the exterior surface of said end cap and a slightly wider transverse groove on the interior surface of said protector cap.

6. An applicator made in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said body includes a hollow cartridge having openings at both its front and rear ends, a charge of soft material positioned in and movable in said cartridge, and a rotatable member engageable with said body and the rear end of said charge; said applicator being so characterized that rotation of said end cap causes said rotatable member to rotate on said body whereby it pushes said charge out of said cartridge into said interior conical surface thereby forming a tip.

7. An applicator which provides a conical tip for soft materials, comprising: a. a hollow cap 300 having an interior conical surface; b. a charge of soft material 400; c. a hollow cartridge 500 in which said charge is positioned; d. a rod 600; and e. a hollow body 700 having an open front end; said rod being positioned in said body; said cartridge being connected to said body; said cap extending over said cartridge and being detachably connected thereto in such a manner that rotation of said cap causes said rod to push said charge into said cap so as to form a conical tip.