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Title:
A COSMETIC PRODUCT AND METHOD OF APPLYING A MASCARA COMPOSITION
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2006/057438
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A cosmetic product includes a mascara composition and a treatment device, whereby the mascara composition is applied to the eyelashes by softening the mascara composition via heat. The mascara composition is solid at room temperature, however is softened at elevated temperature, so it may be applied to the eyelashes. The treatment device includes an applicator (120) for receiving, heating to soften, and applying the softened mascara composition to the eyelashes. Once the softened mascara composition is applied to the eyelashes, the mascara composition is quickly cooled and thus solidified by the atmosphere. The mascara composition thus applied to the eyelashes provides a firm film covering the eyelashes, which is not softened at body temperature, and thus provides enhanced wearability. A cap (100) detachable to the applicator is provided with a loading mechanism with a cutter for delivering an adequate amount of the mascara composition.

Inventors:
KAMADA KENJI (JP)
FUNATSU KEIKO (JP)
YAMAGUCHI NAOKI (JP)
HATANO SATORU (JP)
LAM VIRGINIA ANN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/JP2005/022046
Publication Date:
June 01, 2006
Filing Date:
November 24, 2005
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS LTD (JP)
PROCTER & GAMBLE (US)
KAMADA KENJI (JP)
FUNATSU KEIKO (JP)
YAMAGUCHI NAOKI (JP)
HATANO SATORU (JP)
LAM VIRGINIA ANN (US)
International Classes:
A45D2/48
Foreign References:
EP1466541A12004-10-13
US4692047A1987-09-08
US3864047A1975-02-04
US6412496B12002-07-02
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Nishikawa, Yoshikiyo (Umeda-Daiichiseimei Bldg. 5th Floor, 12-17, Umeda 1-chome, Kita-k, Osaka-shi Osaka, JP)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims:
1. A cosmetic product comprising: a) a mascara composition comprising at least a solid hydrophobic component; said mascara composition having: i) a needle penetration, as measured according to the ASTM Test Method D5, of from about 1 to about 40 at 255C; ii) a yield stress of at least about 1500 Pa at 25QC; iii) a viscosity of between about 1 mPas and about 10,000,000 mPas at 100QC; and b) a treatment device comprising: a grip to be grasped by a user's hand; and an applicator being supported by said grip and being configured to receive the mascara composition for applying said composition to eyelashes of the user; said applicator being elongated to have a length and carrying: a heater extending along said length for softening said mascara composition by heat, and a comb being arranged along the length of said applicator to be coated with the softened mascara composition for delivering to the eyelashes.
2. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said mascara composition is in the form of an oil mixture.
3. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said mascara composition is in the form of a waterinoil emulsion further comprising water and an emulsifier.
4. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said mascara composition further comprises a pigment.
5. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said mascara composition further comprises a film forming polymer.
6. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said device includes a cap a cap configured to fit over said applicator and hold said mascara composition, said cap being provided with a loading means which is configured to hold a bar of said mascara composition and to load a piece of said bar to said applicator.
7. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 6, wherein said loading means includes a cutter which cuts off said piece from a front end of said bar.
8. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 7, wherein said cap comprises a sheath fitted around the applicator, said loading means including a holder with a compartment which extends along a length of said applicator for receiving said bar of the mascara compositions, said sheath being formed at its one lengthwise end with an opening through which said compartment communicates with said applicator, said loading means including a feeder that drives said bar to make its front end exposed to said opening; said cutter being provided adjacent to said opening to cut off said piece for loading it to the applicator through said opening.
9. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 7, wherein said cap comprises a sheath fitted around the applicator, said loading means including a holder with a compartment which extends along a length of said applicator for receiving said bar of the mascara compositions, said sheath being formed at its one lengthwise end with an opening through which said compartment communicates with said applicator, said opening being provided with a normallyclosed flap valve, said loading means including a feeder that drives said bar within said compartment to make the front end of the bar exposed to said opening, said cutter being provided adjacent to said opening to cut off said piece, said loading means further including a plunger which forces said piece cut off from said bar to temporarily open said flap valve, thereby loading said piece to said applicator through said opening.
10. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 7, wherein said cap is configured to have a scale indicating an amount of the piece of said mascara bar to be loaded to the applicator.
11. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 7, wherein said cap includes a sheath fitted around the applicator and being formed with an opening communicating with said applicator; said sheath being rotatively fixed to said applicator and having an axis extending along a length of said applicator, said sheath being formed with a compartment extending circumferentially about said axis to receive therein the bar of the mascara composition as being arcuately curved, said loading means including a ring which is rotatable about said axis relative to said sheath, said ring including a stop extending into said compartment to engage with a rear end of said bar in order to advance a front end of the bar towards said opening as the ring rotates in one direction, said cutter being provided adjacent to said opening to cut said bar into the piece for loading it to the applicator through said opening.
12. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 6, wherein said cap comprises a sheath fitted around the applicator said loading means including a holder with a compartment which extends along a length of said applicator for receiving an elongated piece of said mascara compositions, said bar being formed along its length with equally spaced notches at each of which the bar is capable of being broken off into said piece, said sheath being formed at its one lengthwise end with an opening through which said compartment communicates with said applicator, said loading means including a feeder that drives said bar within said compartment to make the front end of the bar exposed to said opening, said loading means further including a plunger which forces the front end of the bar to be broken off into the piece, thereby loading the piece to said applicator through said opening.
13. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 6, wherein said cap comprises a sheath fitted around the applicator and extending along a length of the applicator, said loading means including a holder with a compartment which extends in a direction perpendicular to the length of the applicator for receiving said bar of the mascara composition, said sheath being formed with an opening through which said compartment communicates with said applicator, said loading means comprises a button which holds a rear end of said bar,, said button movable relative to holder to project the front end of said bar into said sheath through said opening, thereby melting the front end of the bar by the effect of said heater to supply a portion of the mascara composition to said applicator.
14. The cosmetic product as set forth in claim 12 or 13, wherein said cap is configured to have a scale indicating an amount of the mascara composition to be loaded to the applicator.
15. An eyelash treatment device comprising: a grip to be grasped by a user's hand; an applicator configured to be supported by said grip and to receive a mascara composition for delivering said mascara composition to eyelashes of the user; and a cap configured to fit over said applicator and hold said mascara composition, wherein said cap is provided with a loading means which is configured to hold a bar of said mascara composition and to load a piece of said bar to said applicator.
16. A method of applying a mascara composition which is solid at room temperature to the eyelashes by softening the mascara composition via heat and directly applying the softened mascara composition to the eyelashes.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said mascara composition comprising at least a solid hydrophobic component; said mascara composition having: i) a needle penetration, as measured according to the ASTM Test Method D5, of from about 1 to about 40 at 250C; ii) a yield stress of at least about 1500 Pa at 259C; iii) a viscosity of between about 1 mPas and about 10,000,000 mPas at 1009C; and wherein said method utilizes a treatment device which comprises: a grip to be grasped by a user's hand; and an applicator being supported by said grip and being configured to receive a mascara composition for applying said composition to eyelashes of the user; said applicator being elongated to have a length and carrying: a heater extending along said length for softening said mascara composition by heat, and a comb being arranged along the length of said applicator to be coated with the softened mascara composition for delivering to the eyelashes.
18. A method of claim 17, comprising the steps of: placing said mascara composition in contact with said applicator to soften said mascara composition, thereby holding the softened mascara composition on said applicator and coating said comb with the softened mascara composition; moving said applicator to comb the eyelashes by said comb to apply the softened mascara composition to the eyelashes, and removing said applicator away from the eyelashes to allow the softened mascara composition to cool to give a solidified film of the mascara composition on the eyelashes.
Description:
DESCRIPTION

A COSMETIC PRODUCT AND METHOD OF APPLYING A MASCARA COMPOSITION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cosmetic product including a mascara composition and an eyelash treatment device, whereby the mascara composition is applied to the eyelashes by fluidizing the mascara composition via heat generated by the eyelash treatment device. The product provides improved performance of a mascara composition, while also being safe for the general consumer to use. The present invention further relates to a method of applying a mascara composition to the eyelashes.

BACKGROUND ART

Mascara products are used to enhance the beauty of a person's eyes by coating the eyelashes to primarily thicken, lengthen, color, and define the individual eyelashes. For the last 60 years, mascara products have been provided in the form of mascara applicators having an applicator brush attached to a handle, the applicator brush portion dipped in a package, such as a tube, containing a liquid to semi-solid mascara composition. Mascara compositions typically take the form of emulsions or dispersions of waxes and pigments in water or other volatile carriers. Mascara composition and delivery systems are limited by emulsion or solution chemistry and film forming technologies that are applied wet and then dried to create a film of mascara that sets and holds the eyelashes.

These mascara compositions which are liquid to semi-solid have a low viscosity profile and low yield point, such that they are inherently prone to smearing and smudging after application to the eyelashes. The solid components dispersed in the composition, such as waxes, may also be difficult to apply, as clumping and globbing may occur due to lack of film smoothness of the solid components.

From another aspect, solvents and carriers of the composition that do not evaporate in timely manner may also provide smearing and smudging after application to the eyelashes. The so-called waterproof mascaras intend to solve such problem by employing volatile hydrocarbon solvents. While such volatile hydrocarbon solvents provide wear benefits, the application and beauty benefits may be compromised. Further, the volatile hydrocarbon solvents may cause

odor and safety concerns.

One solution for providing a mascara composition having improved application and improved wearability, is to provide the composition solid, wherein the composition is heated prior to application to the eyelashes, for softening, and/or smoothing the composition upon application. Such heating would also benefit in shortening the evaporation time required after application. The solid film provided on the eyelashes after application would have a much higher yield point than films made by conventional mascara compositions, thereby being less prone to smearing and smudging.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need for a mascara product which can apply a solid mascara composition to the eyelashes in a safe and effective manner. It would be further beneficial to provide the solid mascara composition in a predetermined dosage form, such that the user is easily provided with an adequate amount of composition to apply to the eyelashes.

Meanwhile, there have been proposed in the art eyelash curling devices, such as WO 99/22782 including a applicator brush and heater combination. However, the applicator brush is designed to curl the eyelashes by application of heat, while applying the mascara composition of liquid or semi-liquid condition fetched from a container. Due to the absence of the idea and structure for heating and fluidizing the solid mascara composition, the applicator brush is practically impossible to use in combination with the mascara composition proposed by the present invention. There is a need of providing a dedicated treatment device which takes the full benefit of the mascara composition to apply the fluidized composition successfully and uniformly to the eyelashes. There is a further need of providing such a treatment device which also comprises a loading means for providing a predetermined dosage form of mascara composition upon use.

None of the existing art provides all of the advantages and benefits of the present invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present cosmetic product comprises a mascara composition and an eyelash treatment device, whereby the mascara composition is applied to the eyelashes by softening the mascara composition via heat, the applied mascara composition forms a solid film on the eyelashes, which film has improved wearability. The product provides improved performance of a mascara composition, while also being safe for the general consumer to use.

The mascara composition is solid at room temperature, however is softened at elevated temperature, so it may be applied to the eyelashes. The eyelash treatment device comprises a heater for providing enough heat to the mascara composition, yet safe for application to the eyelashes, even in accidental situations where the user inadvertently touches the device with the eyelids or eyeballs. The eyelash treatment device comprises an applicator for receiving, heating (softening), and applying the mascara composition.

Once the softened mascara composition is applied to the eyelashes, the mascara composition is quickly cooled and thus solidified by the atmosphere. The mascara composition thus applied to the eyelashes provides a firm film covering the eyelashes, which is not easily softened at body temperature, and thus provides enhanced wearability.

In particular, the mascara composition of the present invention fulfills the above performances by incorporation of a solid hydrophobic component which gives a unique rhelogical profile to the composition. The rheological profile of the composition is defined in terms of a needle penetration as measured according to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Material) Test Method D5, a yield stress, and a viscosity. The mascara composition of the present invention is prepared to have the needle penetration of from about 1 to about 40, the yield stress of at least about 1500 Pa at 25 0 C, and the viscosity of between about 1 mPas and about 10,000,000 mPas at 100 0 C. The mascara composition with the above rheological profile can be therefore applied to the eyelashes by being softened via heat and is then solidified on the eyelashes to provide a firm film on the eyelashes.

The mascara composition may be prepared in the form of an oil mixture in which the solid hydrophobic component forms an oil phase. The composition may be alternatively in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion additionally including water and an emulsifier.

Further, the composition may be added with a pigment and/or a film forming polymer for enhanced aesthetic appeal and wearability.

The device of the present invention is specifically designed to give a structure that is configured to soften the mascara composition and to hold the softened mascara composition for applying it to the eyelashes uniformly. The device includes an applicator equipped with a heater for softening the mascara composition, and a comb arranged along the length of the applicator. The comb is arranged along the length of the applicator to be coated with the softened mascara composition. Whereby the softened mascara composition can be

successfully delivered to the eyelashes from the entire length of the comb, leaving the solid mascara film on the eyelashes.

The device of the present invention is further equipped with a loading means for delivering a predetermined dosage form of mascara composition upon use. The loading means may be provided in a cap fitted over the applicator. By providing the device with the loading means giving an intended dosage, the user may easily apply an adequate amount of composition to the eyelashes. The loading means is configured to hold a bar of the mascara composition and to load a portion of the mascara composition to applicator. The loading means includes a cutter which is configured to cut off a mascara piece from the front end of the mascara bar. Accordingly, the user can be easy to choose the amount or dosage of the mascara composition to be delivered to the applicator.

The cap includes a sheath fitted over the applicator and formed with an opening communicating with the applicator. The loading means is preferred to include a holder with a compartment which extends along a length of the applicator for receiving therein the mascara bar. Also included in the loading means is a feeder that drives the bar for bringing its front end exposed to the opening. The cutter is provided adjacent to the opening to cut off the mascara piece for delivering it to the applicator through the opening.

The sheath may be provided with a normally-closed flap valve in the opening for retaining the mascara piece within the opening after being cut. A plunger is included in the loading means to force the mascara piece and therefore open the flap-valve temporarily, thereby delivering the mascara piece to the applicator.

Most preferably, the cap is configured to have a scale indicating an amount of the mascara piece to be cut from the mascara bar. With the help of the scale, the user can easily confirm the intended amount of the mascara composition to be delivered to the applicator.

The mascara bar may be formed along its length with a plurality of evenly spaced notches at each of which the bar is easily broken off into the piece upon being pushed by the plunger.

The sheath may be formed with the compartment which extends circumferentially about an axis of the sheath to receive therein the mascara bar being curved arcuately. In this instance, the loading means includes a ring which is rotatable about the axis relative to the sheath. The ring is formed with a stop extending into the compartment to engage with a rear end of the bar in order to advance a front end of the bar towards the opening as the ring rotates. The

cutter is disposed adjacent the opening to cut the front end of the bar into the piece of suitable length determined by the angle of the rotation of the ring.

Further, the holder of the loading means is configured to give the compartment which extends in a direction perpendicular to the length of the applicator for receiving therein the mascara bar. The loading means has a button which holds a rear end of the bar and is movable relative to the holder so as to project the front end of the bar into the sheath in close proximity with the applicator, thereby permitting the front end of the bar to melt by the effect of the heater in the applicator to deliver a suitable amount of the mascara composition to the applicator. Also in this type, the cap may be preferred to have a scale indicating the amount of the mascara composition to be delivered to the applicator for easy confirmation by the user.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the present disclosure with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred, nonlimiting embodiments and representations taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an eyelash treatment device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the above device; FIG. 3 is a top view of the applicator; FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the applicator;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are front view and front section showing a cap adapted in the above device for loading mascara composition in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are front section and side section showing a cap in accordance with a modification of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are a front view and a top view showing a cap with a loading mechanism in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a side section of the above cap;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are front sections illustrating the operation of the loading mechanism;

mechanism;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cap with a loading mechanism in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are a front view and a front section of the above cap;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are a front view and a side section illustrating the above cap with its cuter in an operative position;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are front sections illustrating how to deliver the mascara composition to the applicator;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are a front view and a front section illustrating a cap with a loading mechanism in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are a perspective view and a front section illustrating a cap with a loading mechanism in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are a front view and a side section illustrating a cap with a loading mechanism in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 27 to 29 are views explaining how to apply the mascara composition while curing the eyelashes with the use of the device.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another eyelash treatment device which can be equally utilized in the present invention;

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective views of the above device;

FIG. 32 is a partial top view of the applicator of the above device; and

FIG. 33 is a cross section of the applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the description concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description.

A product in accordance with the present invention is a combination of a mascara composition and an eyelash treatment device. Mascara Treatment device

Now referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown an eyelash treatment device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device uses a solid mascara composition which is solid at room temperature, namely 25 2 C, and is softened with elevated temperature such that it can be applied to the eyelashes. By "solid" herein for describing the mascara

retain its structure, and also that the composition is stable against stress or shear. The mascara composition goes through a transition change in terms of rheology between 25 6 C and 100 3 C, such that during these temperatures, there is a range of temperature and rheology in which the composition is suitably softened for application to the eyelashes. The softened state of the mascara composition is fluid enough to be applied to the eyelashes, however, is viscous enough to stay on the applicator upon application, and on the eyelashes after application.

The device includes an elongated hand grip 10 carrying at its one longitudinal end an applicator 20 for applying the softened mascara composition to user's eyelashes. The applicator 20 is elongated to have a length generally aligned with a length of the grip 10, and includes a heater 40 which is configured to heat the mascara composition for softening the composition after it is loaded to the applicator 20 on one hand, and to heat the eyelashes for curling on the other hand. The mascara composition is provided in the form of a solid piece and is held in a cap 100 detachable to the applicator. The cap 100 is configured to include a loading mechanism for loading or delivering the mascara piece one by one onto the applicator, details of which will be discussed later.

The applicator 20 is composed of a head 22 extending integrally from the grip 10, and a comb attachment 30 detachably fitted on the head 22. The head 22 is made of a dielectric plastic material and carries the heater 40 composed of a resistor coil 42 wound around a U-shaped core 44 of dielectric material to give two parallel vertical rows running in the length of the applicator 20. The coil 42 is electrically connected to a voltage source, i.e., a battery within the grip 10 and is energized by manipulating a switch handle 14 on the side of the grip 10. The comb attachment 30 is made of a dielectric plastic material and is fitted on the head 22 in thermal transfer relation with the heater 40 so as to be heated to an elevated temperature for softening the mascara composition. The comb attachment 30 is shaped to have a rounded top face provided with a comb having a plurality of comb teeth 32 which are arranged along the length and width of the applicator for applying the softened mascara composition to the eyelashes while smoothening the eyelashes. A ditch 34 is formed in the width center of the top face to extend the length of the applicator 20 for receiving an upper part of the heater 40 and also for providing a space within which the softened mascara composition can be retained. The softened mascara composition is thereafter allowed to flow over the comb teeth, climbing-up to the comb teeth 32 by the action of a surface tension to be ready for being delivered to the eyelashes as the comb teeth 32 smoothen the eyelashes.

In operation, the applicator 20 is firstly placed in a position with the comb attachment 30 just below the eyelashes, as shown in FIG. 27. Then, the applicator 20 is raised and twisted to some extent for smoothing the eyelashes with the comb teeth 32, as shown in FIG. 28, thereby applying the softened mascara composition to the eyelashes, while lifting the same. In this condition, the top face of the comb attachment 30 comes into contact with the eyelashes for heating and curling the eyelashes. As soon as the applicator 20 is moved away from the eyelashes, as shown in FIG. 29, the softened mascara composition is cooled quickly to give a firm film of the solidified mascara composition on the eyelashes. Thus, the above single operation can give the effect of forming the mascara film as well as curling the eyelashes.

The heater 40 is controlled to heat the comb attachment 30 to a temperature of about 50 0 C to 100 0 C for softening the mascara composition. At the elevated temperature, the softened mascara composition exhibits a viscosity of 1 mPas to 10,000,000 mPas, sufficient for coating the eyelashes, but being kept from flowing out of the applicator 20 for assuring a safe application of the mascara composition.

Mascara Composition

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of the compositions of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore do not include carriers or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials.

All ingredients such as actives and other ingredients useful herein may be categorized or described by their cosmetic and/or therapeutic benefit or their postulated mode of action. However, it is to be understood that the active and other ingredients useful herein can, in some instances, provide more than one cosmetic and/or therapeutic benefit or operate via more than one mode of action. Therefore, classifications herein are made for the sake of convenience and are not intended to limit an ingredient to the particularly stated application or applications listed.

The mascara composition of the present invention is solid at room temperature, namely 25 Q C, and is softened with elevated temperature such that it can be applied to the eyelashes. By "solid" herein for describing the mascara composition, what is meant is that the composition has a certain hardness to retain its structure, and also that the composition is stable against stress or shear.

The present composition has a needle penetration, as measured according to the American Standard prescribed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Test Method D5, of from about 1 to about 40, and a yield stress of no less than about 1500 Pa, both measurements at 25 2 C, preferably at 35 9 C.

The principle of the measurement of the needle penetration according to the ASTM D5 consists of measuring the depth, expressed in tenths of a millimeter, to which a standard needle (weighing 2.5 g and placed in a needle holder weighing 47.5 g, i.e., a total of 50 g) penetrates when placed on the composition for 5 seconds. The principle of the measurement of yield stress consists of measuring oscillation stress sweep for understanding flow behavior and viscoelastic character for fluids and semi-solids as a function of stress, shear rate, or temperature. In the present invention, the yield stress is measured using a TA Instrument Rheometer AR-500 using a 40 mm Al Parallel Plate (Gap: 600 mm) at 1 Hz. At 25 -C, the present composition preferably has no measurable yield point under stress or shear.

The mascara composition changes rheology as it is heated, and finally reaches a point where it is liquid by 100 9 C, preferably by 90 9 C. By "liquid" herein for describing the mascara composition, what is meant is that the composition has a viscosity of between about 1 mPas and about 10,000,000 mPas. The present mascara composition goes through a transition change in terms of rheology between 25 9 C and 100 9 C, such that during these temperatures, there is a range of temperature and rheology in which the composition is suitably softened for application to the eyelashes. The softened state of the mascara composition is fluid enough to be applied to the eyelashes with an average number of strokes of an applicator holding the composition, however, is viscous enough to stay on the applicator upon application, and on the eyelashes after application. When the composition is too thin or watery, the composition is difficult to hold on the applicator, and amount of composition applied to the eyelashes decreases.

The mascara composition is designed to have a rheology profile which gives suitable rheology during the temperature band to which the eyelash treatment device is heated. The temperature band may be selected to provide suitable balance of applicability of the mascara composition and eyelash curling/lifting benefit. Typically, the temperature band is between about 50 9 C and about 100 9 C.

The components for the composition are selected in order to provide the desired rheology profile. The composition comprises at least a solid

hydrophobic component for providing the essential physical characteristics of the present invention. The composition may be made solely by the solid hydrophobic component.

The composition may take the phase form of an oil mixture, the oil being mainly made by the wax, or a water-in-oil emulsion. Water-in-oil emulsion forms are suitable for encompassing water-soluble or water-dispersible components.

Alternatively, the mascara composition may comprise an outer shell comprising at least a solid hydrophobic component having the unique rheological profiles described above, and an inner core which has a certain viscosity. The mascara composition in room temperature is in solid form encasing a fluid inner core. After heating, such embodiment composition is believed to provide an adequate crystallization time before solidifying, thereby allowing the user to have adequate time to apply and fix the composition on the eyelashes. Such longer "play time" allows the user to achieve the desired appearance of eyelashes.

The inner core may be an aqueous continuous composition containing 15% to 95% water by weight of the inner core. Such aqueous continuous phase inner core is easy to remove with soap and water. The inner core may also be an oil continuous composition containing 30% to 50% volatile liquid oil by weight of the inner core. Such oil continuous phase inner core provides waterproof benefit.

Solid Hydrophobic Component

The present composition comprises a solid hydrophobic component for providing the solid characteristic of the mascara composition. Solid hydrophobic components are typically used at levels from about 25% to about 100% in oil mixture forms, and from about 25% to about 95% in water-in-oil emulsion forms. Suitable solid hydrophobic components include waxes and fats.

Waxes are defined as lower-melting organic mixtures or compounds of high molecular weight, solid at room temperature and generally similar in composition to fats and oils except that they contain no glycerides. Some are hydrocarbons, others are esters of fatty acids and alcohols. Waxes useful in the present invention are selected from the group consisting of animal waxes, vegetable waxes, mineral waxes, synthetic waxes petroleum waxes, ethylenic polymers, hydrocarbon types such as Fischer-Tropsch waxes, silicone waxes, and mixtures thereof wherein the waxes have a melting point between 25 0 C and 100 0 C.

The specific waxes useful in the present invention are selected from the group consisting of beeswax, lanolin wax, shellac wax (animal waxes); camauba, candelilla, bayberry (vegetable waxes); ozokerite, ceresin, (mineral waxes); paraffin, microcrystalline waxes (petroleum waxes); polyethylene, (ethylenic polymers); polyethylene homopolymers (Fischer-Tropsch waxes); C24-45 alkyl methicones (silicone waxes); and mixtures thereof.

Highly preferable commercially available waxes herein include stearyl palmitate by the tradename PURESTER 34, available from Strahl & Pitsch, ceresin by the tradename CERESIN 252 available from Strahl & Pitsch, and paraffin wax by the tradenames PARAFFIN SP-673P, PARAFFIN 206, and PARAFFIN 192 available from Strahl & Pitsch.

Useful herein are fats, namely glyceryl esters of higher fatty acids such as stearic and palmitic. Such esters and their mixtures are solid at room temperature and exhibit crystalline structure. The fats employed according to the invention are selected from the group consisting of fats derived from animals, vegetables, synthetically derived fats, and mixtures thereof wherein said fats have a melting point from about 55°C to about 100 0 C. Preferably, the fats are selected from the group consisting of glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl distearate, glyceryl tristearate, palmitate esters of glycerol, C18-36 triglycerides, glyceryl tribehenate, C18-36 acid triglycerides and mixtures thereof.

Highly preferable commercially available fats herein include glyceryl monostearate by the tradename CUTINA GMS-V available from Cognis Cutina. Pigments

The compositions of the present invention may comprise pigments selected from the group consisting of inorganic pigments, organic pigments, and organic lake pigments, pearlescent pigments, and mixtures thereof. The present invention comprises mascara compositions devoid of pigments however, as such compositions may also provide the benefits of the present invention.

When employed, the pigments are present in proportions depending on the color and the intensity of the color that it is intended to produce. When employed, the level of pigments in the composition is from about 3 % to about 25 %, preferably from about 5 % to about 15 %. The pigments may optionally be surface-treated with treatments that include, but are not limited to, silicones, perfluorinated compounds, lecithin, and amino acids.

Inorganic pigments useful in the present invention include those selected from the group consisting of rutile titanium dioxide, anatase titanium dioxide (both coded in the Color Index under the reference Cl 77891); black, yellow and

red iron oxides (Cl 77499, 77492 and 77491); bismuth oxychloride (Cl 77163); manganese violet (Cl 77742); ultramarines (Cl 77007); chromium oxide (Cl 77288); chromium hydroxide (Cl 77289); ferric ferrocyanide (Cl 77510); zinc oxide (Cl 77947); and mixtures thereof.

The organic pigments useful in the present invention include carbons black, and the dyes and the analogous lakes selected from the group consisting of D&C Red 6 (Cl 15850); D&C Red 7 (Cl 15850:1); D&C Red 21 (Cl 45380:2); D&C Red 22 (Cl 45380); D&C Red 27 (Cl 45410:1); D&C Red 28 (Cl 45410); D&C Red 30 (Cl 73360); D&C Red 33 (Cl 17200); D&C Red 34 (Cl 15880:1); D&C Red 36 (Cl 12085); D&C Orange 4 (Cl 15510); D&C Orange 5 (Cl 45370:1); D&C Orange 11 (Cl 45425); FD&C Yellow 5 (Cl 19140), FD&C Yellow 6 (Cl 15985); D&C Yellow 10 (Cl 47005); FD&C Green 3 (Cl 42053); D&C Green 5 (Cl 61570); FD&C Blue 1 (Cl 42090); Cochineal Carmine (Cl 75470); Guanine (Cl 75170) and mixtures thereof.

The pearlescent pigments useful in the present invention include those selected from the group consisting of mica (or a similar plate-like substrate) coated with any of the following materials alone or in combination: titanium dioxide, bismuth oxychloride, iron oxides, ferric ferrocyanide, chromium oxide, chromium hydroxide, and any organic pigment of the above-mentioned type and mixtures thereof. Film Forming Polymer

The compositions of the present invention may comprise a film forming polymer, for imparting wear and/or transfer resistant properties. When included, such materials are typically used in an amount of from about 0.5 % to about 20 % preferably from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition. Preferred polymers form a non-tacky film which is removable with water used with cleansers such as soap. The film forming polymers herein can be hydrophobic or hydrophilic, and can be provided in a lipophilic or aqueous carrier. When polymers provided in aqueous carriers are employed in the composition, a water-in-oil form is selected. Polymers of hydrophilic nature are also compatible with a water-in-oil form composition.

Examples of suitable film forming polymeric materials include: a) sulfopolyester resins, such as those with tradename AQ sulfopolyester resins, such as AQ29D, AQ35S, AQ38D, AQ38S, AQ48S, and AQ55S available from Eastman Chemicals;

b) polyvinylacetate/polyvinyl alcohol polymers, such as tradename Vinex resins available from Air Products, including Vinex 2034, Vinex 2144, and Vinex 2019; c) acrylic resins, including water dispersible acrylic resins available from National Starch under the trade name "Dermacryl", including Dermacryl LT; d) acrylates and their derivative polymers, including acrylates copolymer with tradename Luvimer available from BASF, Avalure series available from Noveon, Daitosol 5000AD available from Daito Kasei Kogyo, ethylene.styrene/acrylates copolymer such as Syntran series available from Interpolymer, acrylates/ammonium methacrylate copolymer with tradename Ultrasol 2075C available from Presperse, octyl acrylates copolymer with tradename Daitotol SJ available from Kobo, acrylates silicone copolymer with tradename Daitotol ASC available from Kobo, AMP-acrylates/allyl methacrylate copolymer with tradename Fixate G100 Polymer available from Noveon, acrylate/dimethicone copolymer with tradename KP545 available from ShinEtsu; e) styrene, such as sodium polystyrene sulfonate with tradename Flexan available from National Starch; f) urethanes, such as polyurethane-1 polymer with tradename Luviset PUR available from BASF; g) polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), including tradenames Luviskol K17, K30 and K90 available from BASF PVP K-30, PVP K-120 available from ISP, tricontanyl PVP with tradename Ganex WP 660 Resin available from ISP, water soluble copolymers of PVP, including PVP/VA S-630 and W-735 and PVP/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymers such as Copolymer 845, Copolymer 937, and Styleze CC-10 available from ISP, VP/DAM available from Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku, PVP/acrylates/lauryl methacrylate copolymer with tradename Styleze 2000 available from ISP; h) high molecular weight silicones such as dimethicone and organic-substituted dimethicones, especially those with viscosities of greater than about 50,000 mPas; i) high molecular weight hydrocarbon polymers with viscosities of greater than about 50,000 mPas such as polybutene, polybutene terephthalate, polydecene, polycyclopentadiene, and similar linear and branched high molecular weight hydrocarbons, including isooctane with tradename Permethyl 97A available from Presperse;

j) organosiloxanes, including organosiloxane resins, fluid diorganopolysiloxane polymers and silicone ester waxes.

Also useful herein are latex polymers including copolymer PVP/hexadecane or the copolymer PVP/eicosene marketed by ISP under the tradenames Ganex V-216® and Ganex V-220®, respectively. Ganex V-216® is a PVP/hexadecane copolymer comprising approximately 15-23% of pyrrolidone units with a weight average molecular weight of 7300. Ganex V-220® is a copolymer PVP/eicosene which comprises approximately 20-28% of pyrrolidone units and a weight average molecular weight of 8600. Emulsifiers

The compositions of the present invention in emulsion form comprises an emulsifier, which is typically a lipophilic surfactant, preferably by weight of the entire composition at from about 1 % to about 15 %. The lipophilic surfactant herein has an HLB value of less than about 8.

The HLB value is a theoretical index value which describes the hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity balance of a specific compound. Generally, it is recognized that the HLB index ranges from 0 (very hydrophobic) to 40 (very hydrophilic). The HLB value of the lipophilic surfactants may be found in tables and charts known in the art, or may be calculated with the following general equation: HLB = 7 + (hydrophobic group values) + (hydrophilic group values). The HLB and methods for calculating the HLB of a compound are explained in detail in Surfactant Science Series, Vol. 1 : Nonionic Surfactants", pp 606-13, M. J. Schick (Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, 1966).

Without being bound by theory, the species and levels of the lipophilic surfactant herein are believed to provide a stable water-in-oil emulsion in view of the other components of the present invention.

The lipophilic surfactant can be an ester-type surfactant. Ester-type surfactants useful herein include: sorbitan monoisostearate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, glyceryl monoisostearate, glyceryl diiostearate, glyceryl sesquiisostearate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl dioleate, glyceryl sesquioleate, diglyceryl diisostearate, diglyceryl dioleate, diglycerin monoisostearyl ether, diglycerin diisostearyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

Commercially available ester-type surfactants are, for example, sorbitan isostearate having a tradename ChII 6 available from Croda, and sorbitan sesquioleate with tradename Arlacel 83 available from Kao Atras.

The lipophilic surfactant can be a silicone-type surfactant. Silicone-type

surfactants useful herein are (i), (ii), and (iii) as shown below, and mixtures thereof.

(i) dimethicone copolyols having the formulation:

(C 2 H 4 O) a (C 3 H 6 O) i ,— H wherein x is an integer from 5 to 100, y is an integer from 1 to 50, a is zero or greater, b is zero or greater, the average sum of a+b being 1 -100. (ii) dimethicone copolyols having the formulation:

R-

wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, and combinations thereof, m is an integer from 5 to 100, x is independently zero or greater, y is independently zero or greater, the sum of x+y being 1 -100. (iii) branched polyether-polydiorganosiloxane emulsifiers herein having the formulation:

O-(C 2 H 4 O) e (C 3 H 6 O) f -R 3 wherein R 1 is an alkyl group having from about 1 to about 20 carbons; R 2 is

CH 3 wherein g is from about 1 to about 5, and h is from about 5 to about 20; R 3 is H or an alkyl group having from about 1 to about 5 carbons; e is from about 5 to about 20; f is from about 0 to about 10; a is from about 20 to about 100; b is from about 1 to about 15; c is from about 1 to about 15; and d is from about 1 to about 5.

Commercially available silicone-type surfactants are, for example, dimethicone copolyols DC5225C, BY22-012, BY22-008, SH3746M, SH3771 M, SH3772M, SH3773M, SH3775M, SH3748, SH3749, and DC5200, all available from Dow Corning, and branched polyether-polydiorganosiloxane emulsifiers such as PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, having an HLB of about 4 and a molecular weight of about 6,000 having a tradename KF 6028 available from ShinEtsu Chemical. Water

The composition of the present invention in water-in-oil form comprises water in an amount sufficient to provide a discontinuous aqueous phase, preferably an amount such that water is no more than about 50 %, more preferably from about 10 % to about 40 % of the entire composition. Use of water allows the inclusion of useful components such as film forming polymers which are hydrophilic and/or aqueous carrier-based, hydrophilic conditioning agents, and other water soluble or water dispersible components described below.

In the present invention, deionized water is typically used. Water from natural sources including mineral cations can also be used, depending on the desired characteristic of the product. Hydrophobic Conditioning Agents

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise a hydrophobic conditioning agent. Nonlimiting examples of hydrophobic conditioning agents include those selected from the group consisting of mineral oil, petrolatum, lecithin, hydrogenated lecithin, lanolin, lanolin derivatives, C7-C40 branched chain hydrocarbons, C1 -C30 alcohol esters of C1-C30 carboxylic acids, C1 -C30 alcohol esters of C2-C30 dicarboxylic acids, monoglycerides of C1-C30 carboxylic acids, diglycerides of C1 -C30 carboxylic

acids, triglycerides of C1 -C30 carboxylic acids, ethylene glycol monoesters of C1-C30 carboxylic acids, ethylene glycol diesters of C1-C30 carboxylic acids, propylene glycol monoesters of C1 -C30 carboxylic acids, propylene glycol diesters of C1 -C30 carboxylic acids, C1-C30 carboxylic acid monoesters and polyesters of sugars, polydialkylsiloxanes, polydiarylsiloxanes, polyalkarylsiloxanes, cyclomethicones having 3 to 9 silicon atoms, polysiloxane crosspolymers such as vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer available as a dimethicone mixture fluid with tradename KSG series available from ShinEtsu, vegetable oils, hydrogenated vegetable oils, polypropylene glycol C4-C20 alkyl ethers, di C8-C30 alkyl ethers, and combinations thereof. Hydrophilic Conditioning Agents

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise a hydrophilic conditioning agent. Nonlimiting examples of hydrophilic conditioning agents include those selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, polypropylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, ureas, pyrolidone carboxylic acids, ethoxylated and/or propoxylated C3-C6 diols and triols, alpha-hydroxy C2-C6 carboxylic acids, ethoxylated and/or propoxylated sugars, polyacrylic acid copolymers, sugars having up to about 12 carbons atoms, sugar alcohols having up to about 12 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof. Solvents

The compositions of the present invention may contain a volatile or non-volatile solvent that dissolves or uniformly disperses certain components of the present invention. They include, but are not limited to, lower alcohols (such as ethanol, isopropanol), dihydric alcohols such as propylene and butylene glycol, polyols such as glycerin, hydroalcoholic mixtures, hydrocarbons (such as isobutane, hexane, decene, acetone), halogenated hydrocarbons (like Freon), linalool, hydrocarbon esters (such as ethyl acetate, dibutyl phthalate), volatile silicon derivatives, especially siloxanes (such as phenyl pentamethyl disiloxane, phenethyl pentamethyl disiloxane, methoxypropyl heptamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane, chloropropyl pentamethyl disiloxane, hydroxypropyl pentamethyl disiloxane, octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane), and mixtures thereof. Additional components

The compositions hereof may further contain additional components such as are conventionally used in topical products, e.g., for providing aesthetic or functional benefit to the composition or skin, such as sensory benefits relating to appearance, smell, or feel, therapeutic benefits, or prophylactic benefits (it is to

be understood that the above-described required materials may themselves provide such benefits).

The CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Second Edition (1992) describes a wide variety of nonlimiting cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in the industry, which are suitable for use in the topical compositions of the present invention. Such other materials may be dissolved or dispersed in the composition, depending on the relative solubilities of the components of the composition.

Examples of suitable topical ingredient classes include: sunscreen actives, anti-cellulite agents, antioxidants, radical scavengers, chelating agents, vitamins and derivatives thereof, abrasives, other oil absorbents, astringents, dyes, essential oils, fragrance, structuring agents, emulsifiers, solubilizing agents, anti-caking agents, antifoaming agents, binders, buffering agents, bulking agents, denaturants, pH adjusters, propellants, reducing agents, sequestrants, cosmetic biocides, and preservatives, such as propylparaben, methyl paraben, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, and EDTA and its salts. Additional Usages

The cosmetic products herein may also be used for other usages in the personal care field, with necessary modifications to the composition and/or device suitable for the usage. Unlimited examples of such usages include coloring and treatment of eyebrows; treatment, styling, removing, and coloring of hair; treatment and tattooing of skin, and nail coloring. EXAMPLES

The following examples further describe and demonstrate the preferred embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration, and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention since many variations thereof are possible without departing from its spirit and scope. Examples C1-C3

Examples C1 and C2 are mascara compositions in the form of oil mixture, and C3 is a mascara composition in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion. Each composition has a needle penetration of between 1-25 at 35 e C, a yield stress of over 1500Pa at 35 9 C, and has a viscosity of between 1 mPas and 10,000,000 mPas at 90 9 C. The mascara compositions can be suitably applied to the eyelashes when heated to between 50-80 Q C via use of the device described hereinabove. Composition

Definition of components:

*1 Glyceryl monostearate-vegetable derived: GMS-V available from Cognis *2 Stearyl Palmitate: Purester 34 available from Strahl & Pitsch *3 Ceresine wax: Ceresine Wax SP-252 available from Strahl & Pitsch M Paraffin wax: Paraffin Wax SP-673P available from Strahl & Pitsch

*5 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer: KSG 16 available from

ShinEtsu

*6 Tricontanyl PVP: Ganex WP-660 available from ISP

*7 Sorbitan Sesquioleate: Crill 6 available from Croda

*8 Cl 77499 (iron oxide) and Methicone: Si Black Iron Oxide available from

Daito Kasei

*9 Sodium polystyrene sulfonate: Flexan Il available from National Starch &

Chemical

Method of preparation

Examples C1 -C3 may be made in any suitable method known to one skilled in the art. Preferably, the examples are made by the following methods.

Example C1

1) Heat components 1 -4 to 85-90 0 C. Being low shear mixing when enough wax has melted.

2) Once components 1-4 have completely melted, add components 6 and 8. Continue mixing for about 10 min.

3) Add component 9 to product of Step 2, and disperse for 30 min - 1 hr with a dispersator.

4) Pour the product of Step 3 into molds and allow product to cool and solidify.

Example C2

1 ) Heat components 1 -4 to 85-90 0 C. Being low shear mixing when enough wax has melted.

2) Once components 1-4 has completely melted, add component 5. Continue mixing for about 10 min.

3) Add components 6 and 8 to product of Step 2. Continue mixing for about 10 min.

4) Add component 9 to product of Step 3, and disperse for 30 min - 1 hr with a dispersator.

5) Pour the product of Step 4 into molds and allow product to cool and solidify.

Example C3

1 ) Heat components 1 -4 to 85-90 0 C. Being low shear mixing when enough wax has melted.

2) Separately heat components 10-15 to 85-90 0 C and mix with low shear mixing.

3) Once components 1-4 has completely melted, add components 6-8. Continue mixing for about 10 min.

4) Add component 9 to product of Step 3, and disperse for 30 min - 1 hr with a dispersator 2. Homogenize for 30 min - 1 hr by mixing.

5) Add the product of Step 2 to product of Step 4 while mixing with low shear mixing.

6) Further mix product of Step 5 with moderate shear mixing for 15 - 30 min. to effect emulsification.

7) Pour the product of Step 6 into molds and allow product to cool and solidify.

Examples C4-C5

Examples C4 and C5 are mascara compositions in the form of a hard core shell made by the composition of C1 described above, and inner core compositions as shown below. C4 is an aqueous continuous phase composition, and C5 is an oil continuous phase composition.

Loading Mechanism of Mascara Treatment device

Now, the details of the loading mechanism utilized in the present invention will be discussed with reference to several embodiments and their modifications.

First Embodiment <FIGS. 5 and 6>

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown the loading mechanism realized on the side of the cap 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The cap 100 includes a sheath 110 surrounding the applicator 20, and a holder 120 of the mascara bar 70. The sheath 110 is formed with an opening 112 which comes into an open communication with the width center of the applicator 20 when the cap 100 is fitted over the applicator 20. The sheath 110 is shaped to have a non-circular bore 111 within which the applicator is rotatively fixed so that the applicator 20 has its widthwise center held into constant communication with the opening 112. The holder 120 is in the form of a tube extending from the sheath in parallel with the axis of the sheath and defining therein a compartment 122 which receives the mascara bar 70. The compartment 122 has its one lengthwise end communicated with the opening 112 so that the front end of the mascara bar 70 is fed into the opening 112 by

means of a feeder composed of a rack 131 and a pinion 132. A portion of the pinion 132 projects on the holder to be manipulated by a user's finger. The holder 120 may be detachable to the sheath 110 for the purpose of refilling the mascara bar 70.

A cutter 140 is mounted on an extension 113 of the sheath 110 in order to cut the mascara bar 70 into the piece by a suitable length. The cutter 140, which is formed at its lower end with a knife 142, is biased by a spring 144 to a normal position where the knife 142 is receded from the opening 112 and is caused to cut the front end of the mascara bar 70 into the piece upon the cutter 140 being pressed by a user's finger. The piece cut from the bar is allowed to drop onto the applicator 20 out through the opening 112.

The extension 113 is also formed in its side face with a window 116 through which the front end of the bar 70 is viewed. Adjacent to the window 116, the extension 113 is marked in its side face with a scale 118 indicative of the amount or length of the bar 70 to be cut into the piece so that the user can easily confirm the amount of the piece to be delivered to the applicator 20.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a modification of the above embodiment which is identical to the above embodiment except for the use of a screw-in-piston 155 as the feeder. The like parts are designated by like reference numerals for the purpose of avoiding duplicate explanation. The screw-in-piston 155 is disposed within the holder 120 and is coupled to a dial 157 of which rotational motion is translated into a linear motion of the screw-piston 155, thereby advancing the front end of the mascara bar 70 towards the opening 112.

Second Embodiment <FIGS. 9 to 13>

FIGS. 9 to 13 illustrate a second embodiment of the loading mechanism provided on the side of the cap 100. The cap 100 includes a sheath 110 surrounding the applicator 20, and a holder 120 holding the mascara bar 70. The sheath 110 is formed with an opening 112 which comes into an open communication with the width center of the applicator 20 when the cap 100 is fitted over the applicator 20. The sheath 110 is shaped to have a non-circular bore 111 within which the applicator is rotatively fixed so that the applicator 20 has its width center held into constant communication with the opening 112. The holder 120 is in the form of a tube extending from the sheath 110 in parallel with the axis of the sheath and defining therein a compartment 122 which receives the mascara bar 70. The compartment 122 has its one lengthwise end

communicated with the opening 112 so that the front end of the mascara bar 70 is fed into the opening 112 by means of a screw-in piston 155. The holder 120 is formed at its axial end remote from the opening 112 with a dial 157 of which rotational motion is translated into a linear motion of the piston 155, advancing the front end of the mascara bar 70 toward the opening 112. The holder 120 may be detachable to the sheath 110 for the purpose of refilling the mascara bar 70.

As shown in FIG. 11 , a cutter 140 is mounted on a side extension 113 of the sheath 110 in order to cut the mascara bar into the piece by a suitable length. The cutter 140, which is formed at its end with a knife 142, is biased by a spring 144 to a normal position where the knife 142 is receded from the opening 112 and is caused to cut the front end of the mascara bar 70 into the piece upon the cutter 140 being pressed by a user's finger. The piece cut from the bar is retained within the opening 112 by means of normally-closed flap valves 115. In order to drop the mascara piece out of the opening 112 onto the applicator 20, there is provided with a plunger 116 which forces the mascara piece to drop by temporarily opening the flap valves 115. The plunger 116 is mounted in a top extension 114 of the sheath 110 and is biased by a spring 117 to a normal position where the end of the plunger 116 is retracted from the opening 112. When the plunger 116 is pushed, it forces the mascara piece 60, thereby temporarily opening the flap valve 115 and accordingly loading the mascara piece 60 to the applicator 20, as best shown in FIG. 13 Upon releasing the plunger 116, the flap valve 115 returns by its resiliency to close the opening 112 again.

Also in this embodiment, the extension 114 is formed in its side face with a window 116 through which the front end of the bar 60 is viewed. Adjacent to the window 116, the extension 114 is marked in its side face with a scale 118 indicative of the amount or length of the bar 60 to be cut into the piece so that the user can easily confirm the amount of the piece to be delivered to the applicator 20.

Third Embodiment <FIGS. 14 to 20>

FIGS. 14 to 20 illustrate a third embodiment of the loading mechanism which is similar to the second embodiment except that the holder 120 includes a spring-biased piston 155 as a feeder for feeding the mascara bar 70 towards the opening 112 of the sheath 110, and that a cutter 160 is movable along the length of the holder 120. A spring 156 is disposed together with the piston 155 within

the holder 120 with its rear end retained by an end stop 159 threaded on the rear end of the holder 120. As shown in FIG. 16, the holder 120 is opened at its front end so that the mascara bar 70 projects therethrough into an opening 112 of the sheath 110 just above the width center of the applicator 20. Mounted on top of the sheath 110 is a movable rack 170 which carries the cutter 160 at its front end. The rack 170 is engaged with a dial 172 which is held on a top extension 114 of the sheath 110 to be manipulated by a user's finger such that the rack 170 is driven to move by rotating the dial 172, thereby adjusting the position of the cutter 160 relative to the mascara bar 70, as shown in FIG. 15. A click spring 174 is mounted on the extension 114 in order to give a clicking movement to the rack 170.

The cutter 160 is supported on a cutter block 180 coupled to the front end of the rack 170, and is configured into a generally L-shaped spring leaf defining a knife edge 162 at its front end and a bent 164 which projects on the cutter block to be accessible by the user's finger, as shown in FIG. 17. The knife edge 162 is normally held within a slot 182 in the block 180, and is caused to project into the front end of the holder 120 in response to the cutter being pressed, thereby cutting the mascara bar 70 into the piece 60 and allowing the piece 60 to drop onto the applicator 20 through the opening 112, as shown in FIG. 20. The cutter block 180 is also formed with a pair of pointers 184 in juxtaposition respectively with scales 118 which are formed in the side faces of the sheath 110 for indicative of the amount or length of the bar 70 to be cut into the piece 60. The pointers 184 are interconnected by a cross-bar which extends into the opening 112 through windows 119 to define a stopper 186 for the knife edge 162. The windows 119 may be so dimensioned that the front end of the mascara bar 70 can be viewed therethrough

4th Embodiment <FIGS. 21 and 22>

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a loading mechanism in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention which is identical to the first embodiment except that the mascara bar 70 is provided with equally spaced notches 72 and that a plunger 116 is provided to break the bar 70 at a suitable one of the notches 72 into the piece of corresponding length. The cap 100 includes a sheath 110 surrounding the applicator 20, and a holder 120 holding the mascara bar 70. The sheath 110 is formed with an opening 112 which comes into an open communication with the width center of the applicator 20 when the cap 100 is fitted over the applicator 60. The holder 120 is in the form of a tube extending

from the sheath in parallel with the axis of the sheath and defining therein a compartment 122 which receives the mascara bar 70. The compartment 122 has its one lengthwise end communicated with the opening 112 so that the front end of the mascara bar 70 is fed into the opening 112 by means of a feeder composed of a rack 131 and a pinion 132. A portion of the pinion 132 projects on the holder to be accessible by a user's finger. The holder 120 may be detachable to the sheath 110 for the purpose of refilling the mascara bar 70.

The plunger 116 is mounted on an extension 114 of the sheath 110 in order to break the mascara bar 70 into the piece at a suitable one of the notches. The piece cut from the bar 70 is allowed to drop onto the applicator 20 out through the opening 112. The extension 114 is formed in its side face with a window 116 through which the front end of the bar 70 is viewed. Adjacent to the window 116, the extension 114 is marked in its side face with a scale 118 indicative of the amount or length of the bar 70 to be broken into the piece so that the user can easily confirm the amount of the piece to be delivered to the applicator 20.

5th Embodiment <FIGS. 23 and 24>

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a loading mechanism in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention in which the cap 100 includes a circular sheath 110 fitted around the applicator 20. The sheath 110 is rotatively fixed to the applicator 20 and is formed with an opening 112 communicating with a width center of the applicator 20. Also formed in the sheath 110 is an arcuate groove extending circumferentially about an axis of the sheath 110 to define a compartment 122 which receives the mascara bars 70 as being curved arcuately. One end of the compartment 122 communicates with the opening 112. A concentric ring 180 is supported around the sheath 110 to be rotatable relative thereto. The ring 180 is formed with a stop 182 which projects into the compartment 122 and engages with the rear end of the mascara bar 70, in order to advance a front end of the bar 70 towards the opening 112 as the ring 180 is manipulated to rotate in one direction.

A cutter 140 is mounted on an extension 114 of the sheath 110 in order to cut the mascara bar into the piece by a suitable length. The cutter 140, which is formed at its lower end with a knife 142, is biased by a spring 146 to a normal position where the knife 142 is receded from the compartment 122 and is caused to cut the front end of the mascara bar 70 into the piece upon being pressed by a user's finger. The piece cut from the bar 70 is allowed to drop onto the applicator 20 out through the opening 112. The amount or dosage of the piece

is adjusted by the rotating angle of the ring 180. The opening 112 is exposed to one axial end of the sheath 110 so that the user can confirm the amount of the piece to be cut from the mascara bar.

6th Embodiment <FIGS. 25 and 26>

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate a loading mechanism in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention in which the cap 100 is composed of a sheath 110 fitted around the applicator 20 and a holder 200 containing the mascara bar 70. The sheath 110 has a bore 111 within which the applicator is slidably received but is kept unrotatable. The sheath 110 is formed with an opening 112 which communicates with a width center of the applicator 20 for delivering a portion of the mascara bar 70 onto the applicator 20 as being melted by the effect of the heater 40. The holder 200 is coupled or integrally molded with the sheath 110 to have a compartment 202 which extends in a direction perpendicular to the length of the applicator 20 to accommodate therein the mascara bar 70. The holder 200 carries a push rod 210 which engages with the upper end of the mascara bar 70 to press it on the applicator 20 against a bias of a spring 214 so as to melt the lower end of the bar by contact with the heated applicator, thereby delivering a desired amount of the mascara composition onto the applicator 20. Formed at the lower end of the push rod 210 is a pointer 212 which projects into windows 204 respectively formed in side faces of the holder 200, and is cooperative with scale 220 formed along each of the windows 204 for indicating the amount of the mascara composition to be melted and delivered to the applicator 20. Each of the windows 204 is configured to expose the mascara bar 70 therethrough for confirmation of the length of the mascara bar 70 to be delivered to the applicator 20.

FIGS. 30 to 33 illustrate an eyelash treatment device which may be equally utilized in combination with various mascara feeding caps as discussed hereinbefore. Like parts are designated by like reference numerals for easy reference purpose. The device has a grip 10 and an applicator 20, which is composed of a head 22 extending integrally from the grip 10, and a comb attachment 30 detachably fitted on the head 22. The head 22 is made of a dielectric plastic material and carries the heater 40 composed of a resistor coil 42 wound around a U-shaped core 44 of dielectric material to give two parallel horizontal rows running in the length of the applicator 20. The coil 42 is electrically connected to a voltage source, i.e., a battery 12 within the grip 10 and is energized by manipulating a switch handle 14 on the side of the grip 10. The

comb attachment 30 is made of a dielectric plastic material and is fitted on the head 22 in thermal contact with the heater 40 so as to be heated at an elevated temperature for softening the mascara composition. The comb attachment 30 is shaped to have a rounded top face provided with a comb having a plurality of comb teeth 32 which are arranged along the length and width of the applicator for applying the softened mascara composition to the eyelashes while smoothening the eyelashes. A ditch 34 is formed in the width center of the top face to extend the length of the applicator 20 for receiving the mascara piece 60 and retaining the softened mascara composition, which is thereafter allowed to flow over the comb teeth. The softened mascara composition climbs-up to the comb teeth 32 by the action of a surface tension to be ready for being delivered to the eyelashes as the comb teeth 32 smoothen the eyelashes.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.