FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an electric rotating applicator for a cosmetic product, such as mascara.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In certain prior art rotating mascara applicators, a mascara applicator element is fitted to the end of a shaft that can be rotated by a motor. Typically, however, the mascara applicator element and the shaft are in line with each other. This aligned arrangement thus requires the user to physically move the applicator so as to cause the applicator element to simultaneously pull the user's eyelashes up and away as the mascara is being applied. This movement of the applicator needs to be carefully controlled, which is often difficult to achieve in a regular and accurate manner.

Some other rotating mascara applicators according to prior art, such as the applicators disclosed in document US 2006/0272668, have a rotating shaft that is inclined from the handle by a small angle. Hence, the applicator element generates a conical shape when said shaft rotates. Those applicators do not provide a satisfactory solution, since the applicator element produces an unequal effect on the eyelashes.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a rotating mascara applicator that can address the shortcoming of existing rotating mascara applicators described above, and which will enable the user to easily obtain a regular effect on his eyelashes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an applicator for a cosmetic product, the applicator comprising:

a housing defining a handle;

a rotatable stem extending from the housing and defining a stem axis, the stem having a proximal end proximate the housing and a distal end;

an applicator element connected to the distal end of the stem, said applicator element comprising a core and protruding members extending from the core; and

driving means connected to the proximal end of the stem for rotatively driving the stem relative to the housing;

characterized in that the core of the applicator element is structurally offset relative to the stem axis, so that when the stem rotates, said core describes a circular path around the stem axis.

The proposed applicator allows to automatically apply mascara by pulling the eyelashes up and away, without requiring the user to make a movement during application.

In an example embodiment, the rotatable stem and the core define a kink at the connection between the rotatable stem and the core so that the core is structurally offset relative to the stem axis.

The applicator element can have a curved core.

The applicator may comprise an intermediate portion connecting the applicator element to the rotatable stem and defining a first kink at a junction between said intermediate portion and said rotatable stem and a second kink at a junction between said intermediate portion and said applicator element.

In particular, the applicator element can have a straight core defining an applicator axis which is structurally offset from the stem axis by a given distance.

In an example embodiment, said applicator axis and stem axis are parallel.

In an example embodiment, the driving means comprise a motor having a rotatable shaft to which the rotatable stem is fitted.

In an example embodiment, the housing comprises a first end through which the stem extends.

In an example embodiment, the applicator comprises a control arrangement for controlling the rotation of the driving means, and thus rotation of the stem, the control arrangement comprising:

an actuator;

a control circuit connected to the actuator; and

a power source for powering the control circuit which controls the driving means.

In an example embodiment, the actuator comprises a three- position switch.

In an example embodiment, a first position of the three-position switch functions to actuate a counter-clockwise rotation of the stem.

In an example embodiment, a second position of the three-position switch functions to stop the rotation of the stem.

In an example embodiment, a third position of the three-position switch functions to actuate a clockwise rotation of the stem.

In an example embodiment, the housing can be releasably secured to a container for storing the cosmetic product so that the stem extends into the container for receiving cosmetic product.

In an example embodiment, the applicator element is a mascara brush and the cosmetic product is mascara.

In an example embodiment, the applicator element is a twisted wire brush, comprising a core formed by a wire having strands twisted together and protruding members formed by bristles held between the twisted strands. In an example embodiment, the applicator element is an overmolded brush comprising a core surrounded by a plastic applicator head having protrusions forming bristles.

In an example embodiment, the stem and the applicator element are molded as a unitary component.

In an example embodiment, the applicator element is a flocked applicator.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided the applicator package comprising:

a container for storing the cosmetic product; and

an applicator according to any one of the previous embodiments that can be releasably secured to the container.

In an example embodiment, the container includes a wiper element proximate an opening of the container, the wiper element being arranged to slidingly accommodate the elongate stem so as to scrape excess cosmetic product from the applicator element when the applicator is removed from the container.

In an example embodiment, the applicator comprises a safety arrangement to prevent rotation of the stem when the housing and the container are secured together.

In an example embodiment, the housing comprises a first end through which the stem extends.

In an example embodiment, the applicator comprises a control arrangement for controlling the rotation of the driving means, the control arrangement comprising: an actuator; a control circuit connected to the actuator; and a power source for powering the control circuit which controls the driving means.

In an example embodiment, the container includes a wiper element proximate an opening of the container, the wiper element being arranged to slidingly accommodate the elongate stem so as to scrape excess cosmetic product from the applicator element when the applicator is removed from the container. In an example embodiment, the applicator element is a mascara brush and the cosmetic product is mascara.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a stem sub-component for a cosmetic product applicator, the stem sub-component comprising:

an actuator; a control circuit connected to the actuator; and a power source for powering the control circuit which controls the driving means.

In an example embodiment, the container includes a wiper element proximate an opening of the container, the wiper element being arranged to slidingly accommodate the elongate guide so as to scrape excess cosmetic product from the applicator element when the applicator is removed from the container.

In an example embodiment, the applicator element is a mascara brush and the cosmetic product is mascara.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a stem sub-component for a cosmetic product applicator, the stem sub-component comprising;

a stem defining a proximal end that can be rotatably fitted to a housing and a distal end; and

an applicator element as defined previously.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a top view of an applicator package for a cosmetic product, the applicator package comprising a container for storing the cosmetic product and an applicator that can be releasably secured to the container;

Figure 2 shows a top view of the applicator package shown in

Figure 1, but with the container and applicator being shown separated from each other;

Figures 3 and 4 show cross-sectional side views of the container and applicator, respectively; Figure 5 shows an alternative version of an applicator element for use in the applicator;

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the applicator's housing taken along line 6-6 shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a battery end of the applicator's housing.

Figure 8 shows a semi-exploded view of the applicator package, in which a battery and battery cap are shown, after being removed from the applicator's housing; and

Figure 9 shows a side view of the applicator of the present invention in use.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, an applicator package 10 for a cosmetic product is shown, the applicator package 10 comprising a container 12 for storing the cosmetic product and an applicator 14 that can be releasably secured to the container 12.

Thus, as shown in Figure 1, in a closed configuration, the applicator 14 is secured to the container 12, and in the opened configuration shown in Figure 2, the applicator 14 is removed from the container 12 and ready for use.

Referring specifically to Figure 4, the applicator 14 comprises an elongate, cylindrical housing 16 that defines a handle for a user to grasp. The housing 16 has a first end 18 and a battery end 20, both of which will be described in more detail further on in the specification. Driving means 22, typically a motor are accommodated within the housing 16, said driving means 22 typically comprise a rotatable output shaft 24.

The applicator 14 further comprises an elongate, rotatable stem 26 fitted to the rotatable shaft 24, said rotatable stem 26 extending from the housing 16, out of the first end 18 of the housing 16. The driving means, i.e. the motor 22 in the embodiment illustrated in figure 4, can then rotate the shaft 24 which itself rotates the rotatable stem 26.

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 2-4, the elongate rotatable stem 26 is straight and extends along an axis X-X about which it can rotate relative to the housing 16, a distal end 28 to which an applicator element 30 can be connected, and a proximal end 32. The applicator element 30 comprises a core 60 and protruding members 62 projecting radially from the core.

The core 60 is straight in the case of the embodiment illustrated in figures 2 and 4 and extends along an applicator axis Y-Y. The protruding members 62 are bristles protruding from said core 60 in a radial direction relative to the applicator axis Y-Y.

When the applicator 14 is secured to the container 12, as shown in Figure 1, the stem 26, and thus the applicator element 30, extends into the container for receiving cosmetic product.

As best shown in Figures 2 and 4, the applicator element 30, and more specifically the core 60 of the applicator element 30 is offset relative to the rotatable stem 26, so that when the stem 26 rotates, the applicator element 30, or more specifically its core 60 describes a circular path of cosmetic product application.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the rotatable stem 26 defines a stem axis X-X, and the applicator element 30 defines an applicator axis Y-Y, with these 2 axes being parallels to each other and in the same direction, while being offset by a given distance typically in the range of approximately 1 to 2mm, for instance equal to lmm.

In this embodiment, the applicator 14 comprises an intermediate portion 34, which is straight and inclined relatively to the axis X-X of the rotatable stem 26. The intermediate portion 34 connects the applicator element 30 to the rotatable stem 26. The intermediate portion 34 defines a first kink 64 at a junction between said intermediate portion 34 and the rotatable stem 26, and a second kink 66 at a junction between the intermediate portion 34 and the applicator element 30.

In use, with reference now to Figure 9, the offset relationship between the core 60 of the applicator element 30 and the rotatable stem 26 ensures that, when rotating, the core 60 of the applicator element 30 describes, a circular path of radius R around the stem axis X-X. The radius R is equal to the offset between the stem axis X-X and the applicator axis Y-Y. As a result, as the applicator element 30 moves along its circular trajectory, it pulls a user's eyelashes 35 up and away, thereby providing an improved separating and lengthening effect.

In an alternate version, as shown Figure 5, the applicator element 30' may have a curved core 60 so that the applicator element 30', and more specifically the core 60 of the applicator element 30' is offset relative to the rotatable stem 26.

In any case, the offset relationship between the rotatable stem 26 and the applicator element 30 is permanent and fixed, i.e. the offset distance is a structural characteristic of the applicator 14.

Clearly, a number of possible configurations may be implemented to achieve the offset distance between the rotatable stem 26 and the applicator element 30, or more specifically the core 60 of the applicator element 30.

In particular, as illustrated on figures 4 and 5, the rotatable stem 26 and the applicator element 30, 30' may define one or more kink 64, 66, 68 at the connection between the applicator element 30 or 30' and the rotatable stem 26, so that the applicator element 30 or 30' , or more specifically the core 60 of the applicator element 30 or 30' is structurally offset relative to the stem axis X-X.

In a preferred embodiment, the stem axis X-X is in the prolongation of the handle 16. More specifically, for a cylindrical handle 16, the stem axis X-X coincides with the central axis of the handle 16. Hence, when the user uses the applicator 14 by holding the handle 16 into its hand, the stem 26 and the handle 16 are aligned.

The user can then activate the driving means 22, or typically the motor of the applicator, so that the applicator element 30 describes a circular path as described previously. Having the stem axis X-X and the applicator axis Y-Y parallel enables to user to obtain a regular effect on the eyelashes, due to a regular contact area between the applicator element 30 and the eyelashes. The brushes of the applicator element 30 can be adapted to provide the desired effect, in combination with the circular path as described previously.

To secure the applicator 14 to the container 12, as shown in Figure 1, with reference now to Figures 3 and 4, the container 12 comprises an external threaded portion 36 that can engage an internally threaded portion 38 provided at the first end 18 of the housing 16.

In an example embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the container 12 includes a wiper element 40 proximate an opening 42 of the container 12. The wiper element 40 is arranged to slidingly accommodate the stem 26 so as to scrape excess cosmetic product from the applicator element 30 when the applicator 14 is removed from the container 12.

The applicator element 30 is typically a mascara brush and the cosmetic product is typically mascara.

The applicator element 30 illustrated in the figures is a twisted wire brush having a core 60 formed by a wire having strands twisted together and protruding members 62 formed by bristles held between said twisted strands. But a number of alternative applicator elements may be used. For example, the applicator element 30 may comprise an overmolded brush comprising a metal core surrounded by a plastic applicator head having protrusions forming bristles; alternatively, the applicator element 30 may be injection molded as a unitary component; as yet a further alternative, the applicator element 30 may comprise a flocked applicator. In all those cases applied to the embodiment illustrated on figures 2 and 4, the applicator element 30 can be subdivided into a straight core 60 defining the applicator axis Y-Y. For instance in the case of an overmolded brush, the metal core is the core 60 defining the applicator axis Y-Y, while the plastic applicator head surrounds it and extends radially from it.

The applicator 14 typically comprises a control arrangement for controlling the rotation of the driving means, more particularly the rotation of the shaft 24, the control arrangement comprising an actuator 44 located on the outside of the housing 16, a control circuit 46 connected and responsive to the actuator 42, and a power source 48 (e.g. a DC battery) for powering the control circuit 46 and driving the driving means 22. The battery 48 is kept in position within the housing 16 by means of a spring loaded battery cap 50 as illustrated in figures 7 and 8.

In an example embodiment, and as best shown in Figure 6, the actuator 44 comprises a three-position switch. In a first position, in which contact 52 on one side of the actuator 44 is depressed, the driving means' shaft 24 and thus the stem 26 rotates clockwise. In a second, neutral position, the applicator 14 is in an OFF position. Finally, in a third position, in which contact 54 on the other side of the actuator 44 is depressed, the driving means' shaft 24 and thus the stem 26 rotates counter-clockwise.

In an example embodiment, the applicator 14 comprises a safety arrangement to prevent rotation of the stem 26 when the housing 16 and the container 12 are secured together. This safety arrangement is typically located between the applicator 14 and the container 12, so as to prevent the accidental activation of the applicator 14 when the applicator package 10 is in its closed position shown in Figure 1.

Various alternatives of driving means 22 can be used. For instance manual driving means that are actuated by the user, different types of motors with or without a battery, or any other adapted device can be used.

An advantageous example of motor without battery is a spiral spring motor. Such a motor typically comprises a torsion spring with associated means that will cause the stem to rotate while the spring unloads. This type of motor can be rewound by the user, using for instance a winder button mounted for rotation on the housing about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 24. A speed step-up mechanism can be used, in order to define the speed of rotation of said shaft 24 and hence the rotation of the stem 26.

The present invention thus provides an offset relationship between an applicator element and a rotatable stem, so that as the applicator element moves along its circular trajectory, a user's eyelashes are pulled up and away, thereby providing an improved separating and lengthening effect.