WO2025136534A1

WO2025136534A1 - Hook applicator

Info

Publication number: WO2025136534A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/055516
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Dutton; William Bickford
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2023-12-21
Filing date: 2024-11-12
Publication date: 2025-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-21

Abstract

In an embodiment, an applicator for cosmetics comprises: a generally cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end; a first concave application zone on a side of the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end; a second convex application zone on an opposite side of the first application zone, wherein the second application zone extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and transitions into a tip at the distal end; and the tip of the applicator is formed between the first application zone and the second application zone, wherein the tip extending along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body on the side of the first application zone, the tip extending along a length of the cylindrical body being distal from the first application zone.

Description

HOOK APPLICATOR

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. application no. 18/391,870, filed on December 21, 2023, and claims priority to French application no. 2403470, filed on April 4, 2024, both applications are herein expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

SUMMARY

[0002] In an embodiment, an applicator for cosmetics comprises: a generally cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end; a first concave application zone on a side of the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end; a second convex application zone on an opposite side of the first application zone, wherein the second application zone extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and transitions into a tip at the distal end; and the tip of the applicator is formed between the first application zone and the second application zone, wherein the tip extending along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body on the side of the first application zone, the tip extending along a length of the cylindrical body being distal from the first application zone.

[0003] In an embodiment, the applicator comprises flocking one or both of the first application zone and the second application zone.

[0004] In an embodiment, the applicator comprises a coating on one or both of the first application zone and the second application zone.

[0005] In an embodiment, the coating is a hydrophilic coating.

[0006] In an embodiment, the coating is a hydrophobic coating.

[0007] In an embodiment, the applicator comprises flocking and a coating one or both of the first application zone and the second application zone.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first application zone has a radius of curvature greater towards the proximal end as compared to the radius of curvature towards the distal end.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first application zone has a convex curve across any two points diametrically opposed on the cylindrical body. [0010] In an embodiment, the second application zone is straight across the majority of any two points diametrically opposed on the cylindrical body.

[0011] In an embodiment, the second application zone is straight across a majority of any two points diametrically opposed on the cylindrical body.

[0012] In an embodiment, the applicator extends fully across a diameter of the cylindrical body from side to side in both a front side and a back side of the applicator, except at the distal end.

[0013] In an embodiment, the applicator comprises a connector at the proximal end.

[0014] In an embodiment, the applicator having a higher durometer at the first zone as compared to a durometer of the second zone.

[0015] In an embodiment, a surface area of the first application zone is about 43.51 mm² to about 53.17 mm² and a surface area of the second application zone is about 30 mm² to about 36.67 mm².

[0016] In an embodiment, a ratio of surface area of the first application zone to the second application zone is from 1.12 to 1.77.

[0017] In an embodiment, a length of the first application zone is from about 7.87 mm to about 9.61 mm, and a length of the second application zone is about 5.4 mm to about 6.6 mm.

[0018] In an embodiment, a ratio of a length of the second application zone to the first application zone is from 0.56 to .84.

[0019] In an embodiment, an applicator tip consists of: a first application zone is concave on the front side of the tip; and a second application zone is convex on the back side of the tip.

[0020] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatical illustration of an applicator;

[0023] FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatical side view illustration of the applicator of FIGURE 1;

[0024] FIGURE 3A is a diagrammatical front view illustration of the applicator of FIGURE 1;

[0025] FIGURE 3B is a diagrammatical back view illustration of the applicator of FIGURE 1;

[0026] FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatical cross-section illustration of the applicator of FIGURE 3;

[0027] FIGURE 5A is a diagrammatical left side illustration of the applicator of FIGURE 1;

[0028] FIGURE 5B is a diagrammatical cross section illustration of the applicator of FIGURE 5A;

[0029] FIGURE 5C is a diagrammatical cross section illustration of the applicator of FIGURE 5A;

[0030] FIGURE 5D is a diagrammatical cross section illustration of the applicator of FIGURE 5A;

[0031] FIGURE 5E is a diagrammatical cross section illustration of the applicator of FIGURE 5A; and

[0032] FIGURE 5F is a diagrammatical cross section illustration of the applicator of FIGURE 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In an embodiment, an applicator creates a new experience for cosmetic application for thicker formulas for lips. The applicator delivers formula to two areas of the face in different ways, in one applicator.

[0034] In an embodiment, an applicator includes a large, contoured reservoir for lower lip application with a sculpted angled tip for upper lip precision. The applicator allows a precise dose, application, and detailing zone. The applicator provides the correct dose delivery in minimal applications and provides a sensorial ‘hug’ on the lips.

[0035] Referring to FIGURE 1, in an embodiment, the applicator 100 includes a generally cylindrical body 110 having a proximal end and a distal end. The cylindrical body 110 includes a first application zone 102 and a second application zone 104. The applicator 100 includes a connector 112 at the proximal end of the applicator 100 for connection to a handle or wand. The connector 112 can be any suitable shape, such as a smaller cylinder or a hexagon, and the like.

[0036] Generally, the first application zone 102 is formed on one side of the cylinder body 110, and the second application zone 104 is formed on the opposite side of the cylinder body 1 10. For purposes of description, a side of the cylinder is along the length of the cylinder.

[0037] FIGURE 2 illustrates a cylinder showing the sections removed to form the first zone 102 and the second zone 104. For purposes of describing FIGURE 2, the material being removed to create the first zone 102 is on the front side of the applicator 100, and the material being removed to create the second zone 104 is on the back side of the applicator. The second zone 104 may be considered to face in the opposite direction to the first zone 102. The first zone 102 and the second zone 104 are provided generally at different lengths along the applicator 100, but there is overlap.

[0038] FIGURE 3A is an illustration of the front side of the applicator 100 and FIGURE 3B is an illustration of the back side of the applicator 100, both showing the applicator extends fully across the cylindrical body 110 from the right side to the left side when viewed from both the front and the back side of the applicator 100, except at the distal end.

[0039] According to FIGURE 3 A, the applicator has an overall length dimension 120 from the base 128 to the tip 116. The first application zone 102 has an overall length dimension 122 including the beveled areas. In one embodiment, dimension 120 is about 18.38 mm and dimension 122 is about 8.74 mm. The dimensions 120 and 122 range from plus or minus 10%. Therefore, dimension 120 can range from about 16.54 mm to about 20.22 mm, and dimension 122 can range from about 7.87 mm to about 9.61 mm.

[0040] The ratio of the length of the first application zone 102 to the overall length, i.e., the ratio of dimension 122 to dimension 120 can range from 0.39 to 0.58. [0041] The dimension 120 can be 16 mm, 16.5 mm, 17 mm, 17.5 mm, 18 mm, 18.5 mm, 19 mm, 19.5 mm, 20 mm, and 20.5 mm.

[0042] The dimension 122 can be 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, 10 mm.

[0043] According to FIGURE 3 A, the surface area of the first application zone 102 is about 48.34 mm². The surface area of the first application zone 102 can vary plus or minus 10% or from about 43.51 mm² to 53.17 mm².

[0044] According to FIGURE 3B, the surface area of the second application zone 104 is about 33.21 mm². The surface area of the second application zone 104 can vary plus or minus 10% or from about 30 mm² to 36.67 mm².

[0045] The ratio of surface area of the first application zone 102 to the second application zone 104 can range from 1.12 to 1.77.

[0046] The surface area of the first application zone 102 can be 43 mm², 44 mm², 45 mm², 46 mm², 47 mm², 48 mm², 49 mm², 50 mm², 51 mm², 52 mm², 53 mm², 54 mm².

[0047] The surface area of the second application zone 104 can be 30 mm², 31 mm², 32 mm², 33 mm², 34 mm², 35 mm², 36 mm², 37 mm².

[0048] According to FIGURE 3B, the length 132 of the second application zone 104 including the beveled edge is about 6.01 mm. The length dimension 132 can be plus or minus 10% or from about 5.4 mm to about 6.6 mm. The length dimension 132 can be 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm.

[0049] The ratio of the length of the second application zone 104 to the overall length, i.e., the ratio of dimension 132 to dimension 120 can range from 0.27 to 0.4.

[0050] The ratio of the length of the second application zone 104 to the first application zone 102 can be from 0.56 to 0.84.

[0051] In one embodiment, in the lengthwise direction, the applicator 100 includes a section of constant diameter 130. According to FIGURE 3A, the diameter 130 is about 6.4 mm. The diameter 130 can range plus or minus 10% or from 5.8 mm to 7 mm.

[0052] Material is removed from the cylindrical body 110 to form the first zone 102 and the second zone 104. The material of the applicator 100 is removed in locations to provide the applicator with a different durometer at the first zone 102 compared to the second zone 104. For example, applicator 100 has a higher durometer at the first zone 102 suitable to be used as a reservoir to carry lip gloss, lip stick, etc., and the second zone 104 has a lower durometer and includes a sculpted angled tip for upper lip precision application.

[0053] Referring to FIGURE 4, at the deepest part of the first application zone 102, the first application zone 102 does not extend more than half of the diameter 130, shown as dimension 124. The first application zone 102 depth can be from 25% to less than 50% of the diameter 130, for example, 30%, 35%, 40%, and 45% of the diameter 130. Where the first application zone 102 overlaps with the second application zone 104, it can be seen that the material is thinned such that dimension 124 is thicker than dimension 126, since the material is removed from both the front and the back of the applicator 100.

[0054] The applicator 100 provides an angled surface at the tip 116 of applicator 100 for the primary application for precision areas, e.g. the upper lip, specific small areas on face. The area size, and angle are suited for maximum ease on application and delivery of formula dose. The front edge of on the side of the tip 116 is used as a further detailer, giving additional precision and outline capability.

[0055] On the side of the main body of the applicator 100, there is a large curved cavity shaped to receive a curved shape, e.g. a lower lip. The cavity volume is between X - y ml @ z viscosity, for optimized formula performance.

[0056] In FIGURE 2, the amount of material 1 14 to be removed from the second zone 104 is about 0.06 grams/63.38 ml³. The amount of material 118 to be removed from the first zone 102 is about 0.04 grams/42.31 ml³. The removal of material 118 to form the first zone 102 is not constant along the length from bottom to top. As seen in FIGURES 5D, 5E, and 5F, the rate of material removal is less at the bottom (toward proximal end) of zone 102 as compared to the rate of material removal towards the distal end. The first zone 102 reaches a maximum rate of removal, and then, the rate of removal from the maximum to the top of the zone 102 is greater as compared to the rate of removal from the bottom of zone 102. Here, rate of removal means the volume removed per linear length, such as in grams per cubic millimeter.

[0057] FIGURE 2 illustrates there is overlap of the material being removed from the first zone 102 on the front side with the material being removed from the second zone 104 on the back side, such that there is a narrow strip of material left on the front side between the first zone 102 on the front side and the second zone 104 on the back side. This narrow strip of material ends at the front top end 116 of the applicator 100. The “tip” 116 of the applicator extends a short distance lengthwise along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 110 on the side of the first application zone 102. The tip 116 extends along a length of the cylindrical body distal from the first application zone 102.

[0058] The applicator 100 for cosmetics comprises a generally cylindrical body 110 having a proximal end and a distal end, a first concave application zone 102 on a side of the cylindrical body 110 between the proximal end and the distal end, a second convex application zone 104 on an opposite side of the first application zone 102, wherein the second application zone 104 extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and the second application zone transitions into the tip at the distal end, and the tip 116 of the applicator 100 is formed between the first application zone 102 and the second application zone 104, wherein the tip 116 extends along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 110 on the side of the first application zone 102, and the tip 116 extends along a length of the cylindrical body 110 distal from the first application zone 102.

[0059] FIGURE 4 illustrates that the first zone 102 has a concave shape. The concave shape of the first zone 102 is a curve of a larger radius at the bottom, wherein the radius of the curve gradually decreases along the length of the applicator 100 from the bottom to the top of the zone 102. The concave shape of the first zone 102 is generally constant through the majority of the diameter of the cylinder, the exception being the perimeter edges of first zone 102 being beveled or rounded to eliminate sharp edges around the first zone 102. In FIGURE 2, it can be seen that the first zone 102 is curved in the front back direction. However, from viewing the cross sections of FIGURES 5D, 5E, and 5F, the first zone 102 is only slightly curved in the side to side direction of the cylindrical body 110. The first zone 102 has a slight convex curve that bulges outward across any two points diametrically opposed on the cylindrical body 110 as seen in FIGURES 5D, 5E, and 5F.

[0060] FIGURE 4 illustrates that the second zone 104 has a convex shape. The convex shape includes a curve with a radius greater than the radiuses used in the first zone 102. In FIGURE 2, it can be seen that the second zone 104 is curved in the front to back direction. However, from the cross sections illustrated in FIGURE 5F, 5E, and 5D, the second zone 102 is not curved from one side to the other, with the exception that the edges around the second zone 104 have been beveled or rounded to eliminate sharp edges around the second zone 104. The second zone 104 is straight across the majority of any two points diametrically opposed on the cylindrical body 110 as seen in FIGURES 5F, 5E, and 5D.

[0061] In an embodiment, the first application zone 102 and the second application zone 104 do not have any straight edges or flat surfaces.

[0062] Above the first zone 102, material is not removed from the front side of the applicator 100, thereby forming the tip 116 at the front side at the distal end. The tip 116 extends fully to the maximum outer diameter of cylinder for a short distance at the front side as illustrated in FIGURE 5F.

[0063] In an embodiment, the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 includes a layer of flocking 108 and 106, respectively. In an embodiment, the first zone 102 includes flocking 108 and the second zone 104 does not. In an embodiment, the first zone 102 does not include flocking and the second zone 104 includes flocking 106.

[0064] Optionally, at least one or both of the zones 102 and 104 may be covered with flocking. The flocking layers 108 and 106 may be comprised of fibers formed from nylon, cotton, acetate, viscose, polyester or a blend of such materials. Such flocking may alter the ability of the applicator 100 device to pick up product and transport it onto the fibers, and may also alter the way in which the product will be spread out along the fibers. The flocking 106, 108 may comprise a mixture of fibers of different kinds and/or different lengths and/or different diameters.

[0065] The flocked fibers may have a diameter ranging from 0.5 to 5 denier. The length of the segments of fibers used is from between 0.2 and 1 millimeter. To apply flocking, the fibers may be projected by a spray gun. The first zone 102 and/or the second zone may be covered with an adhesive, then a jet of air containing fibers of a synthetic textile fiber is then sprayed against the zones 102, 104 which have been rendered adhesive.

[0066] The flocking layers in one or both of the zones 102 and 104 may include a mixture of two types of, for example, polyamide fibers having a circular cross-section, which may have a substantially identical length, but a different diameter. The two types of fibers, for example, a length of about 0.5 millimeter. A first fiber type may have a diameter of about 0.1 millimeter, and a second fiber type may have a diameter of about 0.2 millimeter.

[0067] A mixture of fibers in one or both of the zones 102 and 104 may include from about 5% to about 95% of one type of fiber and the balance is a different type of fiber. For example, one or both of the zones 102 and 104 may include 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% of one type of fiber and the balance of a second type of fiber. For example, about 80% by weight of fibers of the first type of fibers and about 20% by weight of the second type of fibers. Such a mixture of fibers may render it possible to obtain a flocking layer that has a variable density of fibers per unit area along the surface. For example, regions that include a larger number of small diameter fibers are relatively more dense than regions in which fibers having a larger diameter are found. The presence of the smaller diameter fibers may render it possible to obtain a relatively soft application surface, whereas the larger-diameter fibers may render it possible to space the smaller diameter fibers apart, so as to create larger spaces between the fibers, which may render it possible to retain more product. Here again, an applicator may be obtained that has a relatively high take-up capacity while being relatively gentle during application.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 may include a hydrophobic coating or a hydrophilic coating.

[0069] The hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings can be applied to the flocking if present.

[0070] In an embodiment, the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 include a hydrophobic coating.

[0071] In an embodiment, the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 include a hydrophilic coating.

[0072] In an embodiment, the first zone 102 includes a hydrophobic coating and the second zone 104 includes a hydrophilic coating.

[0073] In an embodiment, the first zone 102 includes a hydrophilic coating and the second zone 104 includes a hydrophobic coating. [0074] In an embodiment, the first zone 102 includes a hydrophobic coating, and the second zone 104 does not include a coating. In an embodiment, the first zone 102 includes a hydrophilic coating, and the second zone 104 does not include a coating.

[0075] In an embodiment, the second zone 104 includes a hydrophobic coating, and the first zone 102 does not include a coating. In an embodiment, the second zone 104 includes a hydrophilic coating, and the first zone 102 does not include a coating.

[0076] Hydrophilic coatings may include polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP), polyurethanes, polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and/or polysaccharides.

[0077] In the alternative or in addition thereto, one or both of the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 may be treated to increase the surface energy, such as with a plasma treatment.

[0078] Hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coatings may include manganese oxide polystyrene (MnO2/PS) nano-composite, zinc oxide polystyrene (ZnO/PS) nano-composite, precipitated calcium carbonate, carbon nano-tube structures, and/or silica nano-coating.

[0079] Additional non-limiting examples of materials that affect wettability of a surface include, but are not limited to, amphoteric surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and the like.

[0080] In the alternative or in addition thereto, one or both of the first zone 102 and the second zone 104 may comprise one or more nanostructures, microstructures, hierarchical structures, and the like that affect wettability of a surface. Non-limiting examples of nanostructures, microstructures, hierarchical structures, and the like include nanopatterned, micropatterned, and the like polymeric coatings. Specific examples include patterned silicon surface, perfluorodecyltriethyoxysilane (PFDTES) coatings, poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) patterned structures, polystyrene (PS) (hydrophobic) patterned structures, and the like.

[0081] In an embodiment, the applicator 100, except for the coatings and flocking, is made of a monolithic material. Advantageously, the applicator is made of a relatively flexible elastomeric or thermoplastic material, for example polyethylene elastomer, polyester, block polyetheramide, polyurethane, nitrile or silicone, which makes it possible to have elastic deformation at the first zone 102 and the second zone 104. [0082] The present application may include references to directions, such as “right,” “left,” “front,” “back,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior”, “exterior,” “horizontal,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “under,” etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are only to assist in helping describe and understand the FIGURES and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations unless expressly stated.

[0083] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. An applicator for cosmetics, comprising: a generally cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end; a first concave application zone on a side of the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end; a second convex application zone on an opposite side of the first application zone, wherein the second application zone extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and transitions into a tip at the distal end; and the tip of the applicator is formed between the first application zone and the second application zone, wherein the tip extending along the outer diameter of the cylindrical body on the side of the first application zone, the tip extending along a length of the cylindrical body being distal from the first application zone.

2. The applicator of claim 1, comprising flocking one or both of the first application zone and the second application zone.

3. The applicator of claim 1, comprising a coating on one or both of the first application zone and the second application zone.

4. The applicator of claim 3, wherein the coating is a hydrophilic coating.

5. The applicator of claim 3, wherein the coating is a hydrophobic coating.

6. The applicator of claim 1, comprising flocking and a coating one or both of the first application zone and the second application zone.

7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the first application zone has a radius of curvature greater towards the proximal end as compared to the radius of curvature towards the distal end.

8. The applicator of claim 7, wherein the first application zone has a convex curve across any two points diametrically opposed on the cylindrical body.

9. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the second application zone is straight across the majority of any two points diametrically opposed on the cylindrical body.

10. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the second application zone is straight across a majority of any two points diametrically opposed on the cylindrical body.

11. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the applicator extends fully across a diameter of the cylindrical body from side to side in both a front side and a back side of the applicator, except at the distal end.

12. The applicator of claim 1, comprising a connector at the proximal end.

13. The applicator of claim 1, having a higher durometer at the first zone as compared to a durometer of the second zone.

14. The applicator of claim 1, wherein a surface area of the first application zone is about 43.51 mm² to about 53.17 mm² and a surface area of the second application zone is about 30 mm² to about 36.67 mm², and a ratio of surface area of the first application zone to the second application zone is from 1.12 to 1.77.

15. The applicator of claim 1, wherein a length of the first application zone is from about 7.87 mm to about 9.61 mm, and a length of the second application zone is about 5.4 mm to about 6.6 mm, and a ratio of a length of the second application zone to the first application zone is from 0.56 to 0.84.