TITLE OF INVENTION

AN APPLYING MEMBER AND AN APPLICATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention of the present application relates to an applying member and an applicator for applying cosmetic liquids such as eyebrow makeup and eyeliner.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, an applicator such as that disclosed in US 2020/012058 A1 , for example, has been proposed as an applicator for applying cosmetic such as eyebrow makeup. The applicator comprises: a main cylinder; and two types of applying members attached to both ends of the main cylinder, respectively. This applicator can draw various types of lines by switching the applying member to be used for applying the cosmetic from one applying member to the other applying member.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] However, in such an applicator, in order to draw lines with different applying members, a user should change the way the user holds the applicator. In addition, one of two applying member which is not used after changing the way the user holds the applicator may apply cosmetic on the user unintentionally. Thus, it may be necessary for the one applying member to be capped. Therefore, there is need for improving its operability in relation to drawing various lines of cosmetic.

Consequently, the object of the invention of the present application is to provide an applying member and an applicator which are capable of drawing various lines of cosmetic while improve its operability.

[0004] The present invention employs the following means to solve the above problem. The applying member according to the present invention is an applying member for mounting to a shaft member constituting an applicator and for applying cosmetic on an application target, comprising: a bar-shaped shaft mounted to the shaft member and extending along an axial direction; and a head protruding outward from one end of the shaft; wherein the head includes first and second applying portions protruding outward, wherein the thickness of the first and second applying portions decreases toward distal end of the first and second applying portions, respectively, and wherein the width of the first applying portion at the distal end of the first applying member is smaller than the width of the second applying portion at the distal end of the second applying member. [0005] According to this invention, by making the shape of the distal ends of the first and second applying portions different from each other, various lines of the cosmetic by using each of the first and second applying portions. In addition, because the first and second applying portions are formed on the head provided on one end of the shaft, it is easy to transition from a state of applying with the first applying portion to either another state of applying with the second applying portion, and vice versa. Therefore, it is possible to draw various lines of the cosmetic using the first applying portion or the second applying portions, and improve the applying operability of the applying member. In addition, a double-line of the cosmetic liquid may be drawn by using both of the first applying portion and the second applying portion.

[0006] In addition, the first and second applying portions may protrude from the shaft along the axial direction.

According to this invention, because the first and second applying portions protrude in the axial direction, it becomes easier to apply cosmetic with the applicator mounted with the applying member, compared with the first and second applying portions protruding other directions. In addition, it makes easier to switch the applying portion to be used for drawing lines of cosmetic between the first and second applying portions.

[0007] In addition, a profile of the head at its proximal end may be larger than a profile of the shaft.

According to this invention, enlarging the profile of the head than the profile of the shaft makes positioning the applying member in relation to the shaft member easy when mounting the applying member to the shaft member.

[0008] In addition, the first applying portion may have a conical shape, and the second applying portion may have a gabled shape.

According to this invention, the first applying portion with a fine tip is used to draw a thinner line of the cosmetic, and the second applying portion with a ridge is used to draw a thicker line of the cosmetic. [0009] In addition, the first applying portion may have a conical shape eccentric away from the second applying portion.

According to this invention, because the tip of the first applying portion is located further away from the second applying portion, compared to the tip of the first applying portion is located on the central axis of the first applying portion, this can more surely avoid the second applying portion from contacting with the object to be applied when using the first applying portion to draw a thin line of the cosmetic.

[0010] In addition, the distal end of the second applying portion may incline towards a proximal end of the second applying portion from one side proximal to the first applying portion to other side away from the first applying portion.

According to this invention, because the ridge of the second applying portion is inclined, this can more surely avoid the first applying portion from contacting with the object to be applied when using the second applying portion to draw a thick line of the cosmetic.

[0011] In addition, the applying member may be porous.

According to this invention, in the case where the shaft member contains liquid cosmetic, the liquid cosmetic can be introduced to the first and second applying portions through the applying member.

[0012] In addition, the applicator according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises the applying member as mentioned above; and a shaft member mounted with the applying member.

In addition, the shaft member may contain cosmetic inside, and the applying member may be introduced with the cosmetic liquid in the shaft member.

According to this invention, in the same vein as mentioned above, it is possible to draw various lines of the cosmetic using the first and second applying portions, and improve the applying operability of the applying member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] Fig 1 shows a plane view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig 2 shows an axial sectional view of the applicator in Figure 1.

[0015] Fig 3 shows a plane view of the applicator in Figure 1, with a cap removed. [0016] Fig 4 shows an axial sectional view of the applicator in Figure 3. [0017] Fig 5 shows an elongated perspective view of the applicator in Figure 3.

[0018] Fig 6 shows the applicator in use.

[0019] Fig 7 also shows the applicator in use.

[0020] Fig 8 also shows the applicator in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the applying member and the applicator according to the present invention will be described, based on the figures. In the figures used in the following description, each element is scaled accordingly in order to make each element recognizable.

[0022] The applicator 1 according to the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprises: a bottomed-cylindrical shaft member 11 containing cosmetic liquid; a round columnar applying member 12 mounted on the shaft member 11; and a topped- cylindrical cap 13 detachably mounted on the shaft member 11 and covering the applying member 12.

The shaft member 11, the applying member 12 and the cap 13 are arranged along an applicator axis. Hereinafter, the direction toward the cap 13 along the applicator axis O is referred as a proximal-distal direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the proximal -distal direction and parallel to the arrangement direction of following first and second applying portions 34, 35 is referred as a lateral direction, and the direction perpendicular to the proximal-distal direction and the lateral direction is referred as a forward-rearward direction. Moreover, the direction perpendicular to the applicator axis O is referred as a radial direction, and the direction about the applicator axis O is referred as a circumferential direction.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the shaft member 11 comprises: a bottomed- cylindrical container main body 21; a cylindrical attaching member 22 mounted to the distal end of the container main body 21; a cylindrical mounting member 23 mounted to the distal end of the attaching member 22; a plug 24 disposed inside the container main body 21 ; and a round columnar impregnated body 25 impregnated with the cosmetic liquid.

[0024] The container main body 21 is formed of polypropylene, for example, and has a bottomed-cylindrical shape extending along the applicator axis O. The ataching member 22 is formed of polypropylene, for example, and a cylindrical shape extending along the applicator axis O. An engaging protrusion 22A abuting a distal edge of the container main body 21 is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the ataching member 22. In addition, a first proximal portion 22B of the attaching member 22 extending rearward further than the engaging protrusion

22 A is fited in the container main body 21. An outer diameter of a distal end of a first distal portion 22C of the ataching member 22 extending forward further than the engaging protrusion 22 A progressively decreases towards the distal direction.

[0025] The mounting member 23 is formed of polypropylene, for example, and a cylindrical shape extending along the applicator axis O. A step is formed on an outer circumferential surface of a connecting portion connecting a second distal portion 23 A and a second proximal portion 23B of the mounting member 23. As outer diameter of the second distal portion 23 A progressively decreases towards the distal direction. An inclined angle of the second distal portion 23 A of the mounting member 23 to the applicator axis is substantially identical to an inclined angle of the distal end of the first distal portion 22C of the ataching member 22. The second proximal portion 23B is disposed inside the first distal portion 22C of the ataching member 22. In addition, the second proximal portion 23B extends proximal further than the step of the attaching member 22. [0026] The plug 24 is formed of polyethylene, and has a botomed-double-cylindrical shape. In addition, the plug 24 includes: a cylindrical outer cylinder 26; a botomed inner cylinder 27 disposed radially inside the outer cylinder 26; and an annular connecting wall 28 connecting the distal edge of the outer cylinder 26 and the distal edge of the inner cylinder 27. An annular flange 26A protruding radially outwards is provided on the proximal end of the outer cylinder 26, and the distal face of the flange 26A abuts the proximal edge of the first proximal portion 22B of the ataching member 22.

The impregnated body 25 is formed of polyester fibers, for example, and is impregnated with the cosmetic such as liquid eyebrow makeup or eyeliner. The impregnated body 25 is disposed in a space delimited by the ^’ attaching member 22 and the plug 24, and is located proximal than the mounting member 23. [0027] The applying member 12 is formed of polyethylene or polypropylene, and is porous. The applying member 12 is formed by sintering polymer powder such as polyethylene, and is porous as a result of sintering.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the applying member 12 comprises: a round columnar shaft 31 extending along the applicator axis O; and an oval columnar head 32 protruding outward from the distal end of the shaft 31.

The shaft 31 is inserted into the mounting member 23, and is disposed inside the mounting member 23, attaching member 22 and the container main body 21.

[0028] The head 32 includes: a head main body 33 connected with the distal end of the shaft 31 ; the first and second applying portions 34, 35 protruding in the distal direction and arranged in the lateral direction with a gap therebetween.

The outer diameter of the head main body 33 is larger than the inner diameter of the distal edge of the mounting member 23. Thus, the proximal edge of the head main body 33 abuts the distal edge of the mounting member 23.

[0029] The width in the lateral direction and the thickness in the forward-rearward direction of the first applying portion 34 progressively decreases in the distal direction, in other words, the first applying portion 34 has a round conical shape with its outer diameter progressively decreasing in the distal direction. In addition, the distal end of the first applying portion 34 is eccentric away from the second applying portion 35 in the lateral direction. A portion of the side surface of the first applying portion 34 extends from the circumferential surface of the head main body 33.

[0030] The thickness in the forward-rearward direction of the second applying portion 35 progressively decreases in the distal direction, in other words, the second applying portion 35 has a gable top shape with a distance between two side surfaces (only one side surface 35 A shown) opposing in the forward-rearward direction of the second applying portion 35 progressively decreasing in the distal direction. The distal edge of the second applying portion 35 extends in the lateral direction, and inclines towards proximal in the lateral direction away from the first applying portion 34. The distal end of the second applying portion 35 is located slightly proximal compared with the first applying portion 34.

[0031] The cap 13 is formed of polypropylene, for example, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a topped-cylindrical shape extending along the applicator axis O. The cap 13 is detachably fitted onto the first distal portion 22C of the attaching member 22, and the proximal end of the cap 13 abuts the distal surface of the engaging protrusion 22 A.

[0032] Next, the method using the applying member 12 and the applicator 1 with the above structure will be explained.

First, as shown in Figure 6, the user removes the cap 13, and contacts the distal end of the second applying portion 35 with a skin S which is an object to be applied. While contacting the second applying portion 35 with the skin S, the user moves the second applying portion 35 along the skin S to draw a line of the cosmetic. Because the shaft 31 of the applying member 12 is inserted into the impregnated body 25 of the shaft member 11, the cosmetic liquid in the impregnated body 25 is supplied to the applying member 12. In addition, because the applying member 12 is porous, the cosmetic liquid in the impregnated body 25 the cosmetic liquid in the impregnated body 25 is stably supplied to the head 32 of the applying member 12.

In addition, because the distal edge of the second applying portion 35 is inclined, when the distal edge of the second applying portion 35 contacts with the skin S, the first applying portion 34 is substantially spaced from the skin S. Thus, this avoids the first applying portion 34 from contacting with the skin S and drawing the line of the cosmetic liquid unintentionally, when using the second applying portion 35.

[0033] Then, as shown in Figure 7, the user contacts the first applying portion 34 with the skin S. In this case, the user can switch the applying portions to be used for drawing the line of the cosmetic liquid from the second applying portion 35 to the first applying portion 34 only by slightly changing the way the user holds the applicator 1. The user moves the first applying portion 34 along the skin S. In this way, the user draws the line of the cosmetic liquid. In this case, because the first applying portion 34 has a round conical shape, the line drawn by the first applying portion 34 is thinner than the line drawn by the second applying portion 35. In addition, because the distal end of the first applying portion 34 is eccentric away from the second applying portion 35, this avoids the second applying portion 35 from contacting with the skin S and drawing the line of the cosmetic liquid unintentionally, when using the first applying portion 34.

In addition, as shown in Figure 8, it is possible to draw a double-line of the cosmetic liquid by using both of the first applying portion 34 and the second applying portion 35. After drawing the lines of cosmetic liquid with the first and second applying portions 34, 35, the user attaches the cap 13. The applying member 12 and the applicator 1 are used in the above way.

[0034] As described above, according to the applying member 12 and the applicator 1 comprising the applying member 12, by making the shape of the distal ends of the first and second applying portions 34, 35 different from each other, various lines of the cosmetic liquid by using each of the first and second applying portions 34, 35. In addition, it is easy to transition from a state of applying with the first applying portion 34 to another state of applying with the second applying portion 35, and vice versa. Thus, it is possible to draw various lines of the cosmetic liquid using the first and second applying portions, and improve the applying operability of the applying member.

[0035] In addition, because the first and second applying portions 34, 35 protrude in the distal direction, it becomes easier to apply cosmetic liquid with the applicator 1 mounted with the applying member 12, and, it makes easier to switch the applying portion to be used for drawing lines of cosmetic liquid between the first and second applying portions 34, 35.

Moreover, enlarging the profile of the head 32 than the profile of the shaft 31 makes positioning the applying member 12 in relation to the shaft member 11 easy when mounting the applying member 12 to the shaft member 11.

Furthermore, the first applying portion 34 with a fine tip is used to draw a thinner line of the cosmetic liquid, and the second applying portion 35 with a ridge is used to draw a thicker line of the cosmetic liquid. In this case, because the tip of the first applying portion 34 is located further away from the second applying portion 35, compared to the tip of the first applying portion 34 is located on the central axis of the first applying portion 34, this can more surely avoid the second applying portion 35 from contacting with the skin S when using the first applying portion 34 to draw a thin line of the cosmetic liquid. In the same way, because the ridge of the second applying portion 35 is inclined, this can more surely avoid the first applying portion 34 from contacting with the skin S when using the second applying portion 35 to draw a thick line of the cosmetic liquid.

In addition, because the applying member 12 is porous, the cosmetic liquid contained in the shaft member 11 can be introduced to the first and second applying portions 34, 35 through the applying member 12. [0036] The inventions of the present application are not limited to the above described embodiments, and various modifications to the above described embodiment may be made without departing from the concept of the inventions of the present application.

For example, in the above embodiment, although the applying member ant the applicator comprising the applying member are for applying the eyebrow cosmetic liquid, the applying member and the applicator can be for applying other cosmetic liquid such as cosmetic liquid for eyeliner, and can be for applying other type of cosmetics, such as powder type cosmetics, other than cosmetic liquid. In the same way, although the applicator contains the eyebrow cosmetic liquid, the applicator can contain other cosmetic liquid, such as eyeliner cosmetic liquid. In addition, although the applicator comprises the impregnated body impregnated with the cosmetic liquid, the applicator can contain cosmetic liquid in liquid-tight manner. Moreover, although the applicator includes the shaft member containing the cosmetic liquid, the applicator can include a shaft member which does not contain the cosmetic liquid. In this case, the applying member is supplied with the cosmetic liquid by dipping the applying member in the cosmetic liquid contained in other container other than the applicator.

The applying member can include three or more applying portions. In addition, two or more applying portions can be used to draw plurality of lines of cosmetic simultaneously by contacting the two or more applying portions simultaneously with an object to be applied, such as a skin.

Although the tip of the first applying portion is eccentric away from the second applying portion in relation to the central axis of the first applying portion, it is possible for the tip of the first applying portion not to be eccentric or to be eccentric towards the second applying portion. In the same way, although the ridge of the second applying portion is inclined towards a proximal end of the second applying portion from one side proximal to the first applying portion to other side away from the first applying portion, it is possible for the ridge of the second applying portion not to be inclined, or to be inclined towards a proximal end of the second applying portion from one side away from the first applying portion to other side proximal to the first applying portion. Although the first applying portion has a round conical shape, the first applying portion can have other conical shape, such as a triangular conical shape, or can have a frustoconical shape, such as a round frustoconical shape. In other words, the first applying portion can have other shape, as long as the thickness of the first applying portion decreases toward distal end of the first applying portion and the width of the first applying portion at the distal end of the first applying member is smaller than the width of the second applying portion at the distal end of the second applying member. In the same way, the second applying portion can have other shape, as long as the thickness of the second applying portion decreases toward distal end of the second applying portion and the width of the second applying portion at the distal end of the second applying member is larger than the width of the first applying portion at the distal end of the first applying member.

The first and second applying portions can extend along a direction other than the proximal-distal direction, and can extend along a direction inclined in relation to the applicator axis.

Although the head has the profile at its proximal end larger than that of the shaft, the head can have a profile at its proximal end equal or smaller than that of the shaft.

Although the applying member is porous, it is possible for the applying member not to be porous. In addition, although applying member is formed by sintering polymer powder, the applying member can be formed by other processes, and can be formed by any suitable materials other than polymer powder.

The shape of the applying member is not limited to a round-columnar shape, and can be other shape such as an oval-columnar shape or a polygonal-columnar shape. In the same way, the shape of the container main body is not limited to a bottomed round cylindrical shape, and can be a bottomed oval-cylindrical shape or a bottomed polygonal- cylindrical shape.