CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to US

Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/308,444, filed on March 15, 2016, titled

BROW BRUSH APPLICATOR, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to a stick-type cosmetic container, and in particular, to a stick-type cosmetic container including an applicator comb.

BACKGROUND

[0Θ03] Cosmetic containers for packaging and delivering a stick of product, such as a lipstick, a foundation, an eyeshadow, a face powder, a color corrector, a treatment, washing or moisturizing compound, a deodorant, a haircare product, etc. are generally known. The sticks may be packaged in moveable member that is moveably disposed within a body. The container may further include means for actuating the moveable member between a storage configuration and a use configuration. Although cosmetic containers for packaging and delivering a stick of product exist, there is a continuing need for more and different cosmetic containers for packaging and delivering a stick of product.

SUMMARY

[0004| This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing methods, and use alternatives for cosmetic packaging.

[0005] In a first example, a cosmetic packaging may comprise a barrel having a first end and a second end, the barrel defining a cavity therein, a package head having a first end region, a second end region, and defining a cavity for receiving a cosmetic product, the package head coupled to the second end of the barrel adjacent the first end region of the package head, and an applicator comb coupled to the package head adjacent to the second end region of the package head. The applicator comb may have a first end configured to be coupled the package head, an application end, and a lumen extending therebetween.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic product may comprise a solid cosmetic product.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, wherein the applicator comb may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0ΘΘ8] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the applicator comb may comprise silicone.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the applicator comb may comprise a metal.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the application end of the applicator comb may comprise a plurality of bristles.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the application end of the applicator comb may comprise a grooved surface.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the application end of the applicator comb may comprise a ridged surface.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the application end of the applicator comb may comprise a plurality of bumps.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the application end of the applicator comb includes a texture formed by a molding process.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the application end of the applicator comb may comprise a smooth surface. [0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the application end of the applicator comb may further comprise a secondary coating disposed over a surface thereof.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the applicator comb may comprise a tear drop shape,

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the applicator comb may comprise a circular shape.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the applicator comb may be overmolded on the package head.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic product may comprise a stick-style cosmetic product.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic product may comprise a lipstick, a foundation, an eyeshadow, an eyebrow color, an eyeliner, a face powder, a color corrector, a treatment, a washing compound, a moisturizing compound, a deodorant, or a haircare product.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic packaging may further comprise an actuation mechanism movably disposed within the barrel and the package head, the actuation mechanism configured to move the cosmetic product between a storage configuration and a use configuration.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic packaging may further comprise a cap, the cap may be configured to be removably coupled to the barrel.

[0024] The above summary of some example embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed, included in the drawings are the following Figures:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a side view of an illustrative cosmetic container;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with the cap removed;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a front view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG . 1 with the cap removed;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a back view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with the cap removed; and

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 , taken at line A- A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0031] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

[0032] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term

"about", whether or not explicitly indicated. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term "about" may be indicative as including numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0033] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1 , 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). [0034] Although some suitable dimensions ranges and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges and/or values may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

[0035] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] Relative terms such as "front", "back", "side", "top", "bottom", variants thereof, and the like, may be generally be considered with respect to the positioning, direction, and/or operation of various elements relative to a user and/or oilier components of the device. It is to be understood that relative terms are not intended to be limiting and are only exemplary.

[0037] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The illustrative embodiments depicted are intended only as exemplary. Selected features of any illustrative embodiment may be incorporated into an additional embodiment unless clearly stated to the contrary.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a side view of an illustrative cosmetic packaging 10. The packaging 10 may be configured to hold a stick-style cosmetic product such as, but not limited to, as a lipstick, a foundation, an eyeshadow, an eyebrow color, an eyeliner, a face powder, a color corrector, a treatment, washing or moisturizing compound, a deodorant, or a haircare product. It is contemplated that the cosmetic product may be generally solid. The packaging 10 may include a barrel 12 having a first portion 13 with a first end 14 and a second end 16. A cap 18 may be removable secured adjacent to the second end 16 of the first portion 13 of the barrel 12. As can be seen in more detail in FIG. 5, the cap 18 may be a substantially tubular component having an open first end 20 and a generally closed second end 22. The cap 18 may be configured to protect a cosmetic product disposed within the cap 18 and/or barrel 12.

[0Θ39] in some embodiments, the cap 18 and/or the first portion 13 of the barrel 12 may be sized and shaped such that the packaging 10 has a uniform diameter, or cross-section, across a length of the packaging 10, as shown in FIG. 1. This is just an example. It is contemplated that changes in the cross-sectional dimension of the cap 18 and/or the first portion 13 of the barrel 12 may be present. For example, the first portion 13 of the barrel 12 and/or cap 18 may have a generally sloped or curved configuration, as desired.

[0040] The various components of the packaging 10 may be formed from a variety of different materials such as a rigid polymer, glass, metal, alloy, wood, and the like. An illustrative material may be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Other embodiments may, however, include components made from a flexible or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, some components may comprise a transparent or translucent material so that the cosmetic product within may be externally viewed.

[0041] The packaging 10 is not limited to a particular body size. For example, the size and shape of the components may be varied to accommodate a particular cosmetic product. For example, a cosmetic product which is intended to be applied to a larger surface area, such as a foundation, may have a larger package (which may allow more product to be applied in a single application) than a cosmetic product with is intended to be applied to a smaller surface area, such as eyebrow color. These are just examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a sized view of the illustrative cosmetic packaging 10 of FIG. 1 with the cap 18 removed to expose additional components of the packaging. The barrel 12 may include a second portion 24 extending from the second end 16 of the first portion 13. The second portion 24 may have a first end 26 coupled to or positioned adjacent to the second and 16 of the first portion and a second end 28. The first end 14 of the first portion 13 and the second end 28 of the second portion 24 may define the first and second ends of the barrel 12, respectively. In some instances, the barrel 12 may be formed of a unitary structure. In other instances, the barrel may be formed from separate components that are subsequently bonded through commonly used coupling techniques such as ultrasonic welds, glue, friction fit, overmolding and the like

[0043] In some embodiments, the second portion 24 may have a smaller cross- sectional dimension than the first portion 13, although this is not required. It is contemplated that the second portion 16 may be sized such that when the cap 18, is placed over the second portion 24, the cosmetic packaging 10 has a uniform, or smooth profile, along its length as shown in FIG. 1. This is just an example. In some embodiments, the barrel 12 may have a uniform cross-section across an entire length thereof. It is further contemplated that other changes in the cross-sectional dimension may be present. One or more protrusions 30 may be positioned about a circumference of the barrel 12. In some instances, the protrusions 30 may be positioned adjacent to the first end 26 of the second portion 24. The protrusions 30 may be configured to engage a mating feature in the cap 18 to releasably secure the cap 18 to the barrel 12.

[0044] A package head 32 having a first portion 34 including a first end region 36 and a second end region 28 may be coupled to the second end portion 24 of the barrel 12 adjacent to the first end region 36 thereof. The second end region 38 of the first portion 34 may have an angled or sloped configuration as shown in FIG. 2, although this is not required. In some embodiments, the second end region 38 may extend generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the head 32. In some embodiments, the package head 32 may include a second portion configured to extend into a lumen of the barrel 12 for coupling the barrel 12 and the head 32. As will be explained in more detail below with respect to FIG. 2, the head 32 may be configured to remain stationary while the barrel 12 is rotated to advance and/or retract the cosmetic product.

[0045] An applicator comb 40 may be coupled to the head 32 adjacent to the second end region 28 of the first portion 34. The applicator comb 40 may extend from a first end 42 coupled to the head 32 to a second application end 44. In some embodiments, the applicator comb 40 may be overmolded over the head 32.

[0046] The packaging 10 may be configured dispense the cosmetic product adjacent to the application end 44 of the applicator comb 40. The applicator comb 40 may have an angled or sloped orientation such that a first (or front) side 46a of the comb 40 is positioned lower than a second (or back) side 46b of the comb 40. In other words, the head 32 and/or the applicator comb 40 may have a first height at the front of the packaging 10 and a second taller height at the back of the packaging 10. However, in some embodiments, the application end 44 of the applicator comb 40 may extend generally orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the packaging 10 such that the height of the comb 40 is the same or substantially the same at the front and the back of the packaging 10.

[0047] The applicator comb 40 may include a lumen 50 extending from the first end 38 to the applicator end 44. The lumen 50 may be configured such that the applicator comb 40 surrounds or substantially surrounds a cosmetic product when the cosmetic product is in a use configuration (as will be explained in more detail below). The application end 44 of the applicator comb 40 may include a plurality of bristles 48, although this is not required. In some instances, the application end 44 may be formed of a continuous unbroken material. It is further contemplated that the application end 44 may include other configuration or structures configured to give the user a different tactile experience compared with a device with no applicator comb 40. Some example structures may include, but are not limited to bumps, grooves, ridges, etc. Other various textures may be formed by a molding process or a secondary coating. The applicator comb 40 may be formed in part or in whole from a material configured to provide the user with a tactile experience. Some example materials, may include, but are not limited to a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, silicone, metals, ceramics, stone, etc. Additional materials may include, but are not limited to natural bristles (hair, cellulose fibers, cotton, hemp, flax or composites thereof), synthetic bristles (e.g. plastic, silicone, latex or composites thereof), flocking, rubber, sponge, pencil, or composites thereof. It is further contemplated that in addition to providing the user with a tactile experience, the applicator comb 40 may also comb or brash hair (such as eyebrows) or blend the cosmetic product as it is applied.

[0048] FIGS. 3 and 4 are a front view and a back view, respectively, of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with the cap removed. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the applicator comb 40 may have a cross-sectional shape that generally resembles a tear drop. However, the applicator comb 40 may take any cross-sectional shape desired, such as, but not limited to, circular, ovoid, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc. In some instances, the first portion 34 of the head 32 may take the same cross-sectional shape as the applicator comb 40, although this is not required.

[ΘΘ49] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first portion 34 of the head 32 may generally decrease in size from the fi rst end region 36 to the second end region 38. The change in cross-section may be gradual, sloping, abrupt, or step-wise, as desired. The reverse configuration is also contemplated. For example, the cross- section of the first portion 34 of the head may generally increase in size from the first end region 36 to the second end region 38. The cross-sectional size of the first portion 34 may also remain constant or substantially constant along a length thereof. The cross-sectional shape of the first portion 34 of the head 32 may be similar to the cross-sectional shape of the applicator comb 40, although this is not required. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 34 of the head 32 may be different from the cross-sectional shape of the applicator comb 40.

[ΘΘ50] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1, taken at line A-A. As described above, one or more protrusions 30 may be positioned about a circumference of the barrel 12. The protrusions 30 may be configured to engage a mating feature, such as, but not limited to a groove 52, in the cap 18 to releasably secure the cap 18 to the barrel 12. This may create a snap fit between the cap 18 and the barrel 12. However, other releasable securing mechanisms are contemplated including, but not limited to a snap fit or a threaded engagement.

[0051] The head 32 may include a second portion 54 extending away from the first end region 36 of the head 32 toward the first end 14 of the barrel 12. The second end portion 54 may have an outer diameter that is similar to an inner diameter of the second portion 24 of the barrel 12, although this is not required. The second portion 54 of the head 32 may be rotatable secured to the barrel 12 such that the barrel 12 and/or head 32 can be rotated independently of one another.

[0052] The packaging 10 may further include a screw 56 disposed within a cavity of the barrel 12. The screw may have a first end 58 which may be coupled to an end plug 72 and a second end 60. A lumen or cavity 62 may extend between the first end 58 and the second end 60. The second end 60 may include a threaded region 64 disposed or formed on an inner surface thereof for threadably engaging a threaded region 68 of a piston 66. The piston may include a threaded region 68 and a cup 70. The cup 70 may include a cavity 74 for receiving a cosmetic product. The cosmetic product may partially fill, substantially fill, or more than fill the cavity 80, 50 formed by the head 32 and the applicator comb 40.

[0053] The cup 70 may include a lip or edge 76 configured to abut a mating ledge 78 in formed in the head 32. This may provide a hard stop to prevent further actuation of the packaging 10 when the cup 70 is in a fully retracted configuration. In use, it may be desirable to advance the cosmetic product such that a distal end thereof (e.g. end closest to the applicator comb 40) is positioned adjacent to the applicator comb 40 or slightly beyond. To advance the cup 70, the user may grip the head 32 and rotate the barrel 12. Rotation of the barrel 12 may cause the screw 56 to rotate. The threads 68 of the piston 66 may engage the threads 64 of the screw 56 such that rotational movement of the screw 56 is converted to longitudinal movement of the piston 66. Rotation of the barrel 12 in a first direction may cause the cup 70 to be advanced towards the application end 44. Rotation of the barrel 12 in a second direction opposite the first direction may retract the cup 70 towards the second portion 54 of the head 32. Alternatively, the packaging 10 may be configured such that the cup 70, and hence the cosmetic product, is actuated by rotating the head 32. In other embodiments, other actuations mechanisms, such as a slide element may be used to actuate the cup 70.

[Θ054] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is tlierefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.