FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is in the field of cosmetic packaging that includes an applicator.
More particularly, the present invention is a cosmetic applicator formed from ceramic
material designed to provide a product chilling effect when applying creams, lotions,
treatment products, etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] For the convenience of the cosmetic user, cosmetic packaging often includes a cosmetic
applicator suitable for dispensing the particular cosmetic contained in the package
reservoir. In the case of a jar or vial, the applicator may be a wand with a handle
at one end and an applicator head in the form of a brush, spatula or other applicator
structure suitable for applying the particular cream, lotion, foundation or color
cosmetic. Where the cosmetic container is a bottle or tube, the applicator may be
in the form of an applicator tip secured directly to the neck of the bottle or tube,
and may additionally be provided with an opening or openings, or a duct or ducts,
adapted to expel or express cosmetic product from the container. The applicator head
or applicator tip is used to apply and spread the applied product, and may additionally
serve to massage the skin of the user in the application area. Applicator heads and
applicator tips having a variety of shapes and configurations are known, a number
of which are provided with means for heating. Heating the applicator head or applicator
tip is said to facilitate treatment and efficacy by, for example, expanding skin pores.
[0004] It is also believed that cooling certain skin conditions can have a beneficial effect.
For example, cooling the skin area below the eyes has been shown to reduce puffiness.
In the past such cooling has been accomplished with, for example, chilled cucumber
slices, pre-chilled treatment creams or lotions, or chilled washcloths or cleansing
pads.
[0005] Prior art packages with applicator heads or applicator tips including glass or metal
components have been used to provide some chilling effects to the package, but the
effectiveness has generally been limited by the relatively small thermal mass of the
components and by other limitations. Glass, for example, may shatter when dropped.
Some types of metal may oxidize which in turn may cause discoloration of the cosmetic
product. Both metal and glass present challenges with respect to cost effective manufacture
of complex shapes, structural and surface details.
GB2 449 141 A discloses a dispenser comprising a housing having a reservoir containing cosmetic
product and a thermal storage tip coupled to the housing.
[0006] Accordingly there is a need for an applicator head or applicator tip that provides
a relatively large thermal chilling effect without the limitations and disadvantages
of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is a molded-ceramic applicator head or applicator tip designed
to provide a relatively larger product-chilling effect to both the dose of cosmetic
applied and to the user's skin in the application area when applying creams, lotions,
treatment products, etc. The purpose of the invention is to provide an application
device which will deliver the creams, lotions, treatment products, etc. such that
the temperature of the product being delivered is lower than the temperature of the
skin, and to provide a means of lowering the temperature of the skin by virtue of
the thermal absorption capacity of the applicator head or tip, and to provide a vehicle
by which formulations may be activated or enhanced by specific compounds in the ceramic
material from which the applicator tip is comprised.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an applicator tip of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the embodiment of the applicator tip shown in FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the applicator tip shown in FIGS.
1 and 2.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the embodiment of the applicator
tip shown in FIGS. 1-3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A cosmetic applicator tip of the present invention for applying a quantity of cosmetic
product to an application area on the skin of a user is shown generally in FIGS. 1-4
designated by reference number 2. The terms "applicator tip" and "applicator head"
are used interchangeably throughout this application to mean any structure or device
provided for use in connection with a cosmetic product and that includes a surface
adapted and intended to facilitate the loading, dispensing, transport and application
of cosmetic product drawn from the product reservoir and applied to the application
area on a user. The applicator tip 2 may take the form of an applicator structure
on an applicator device, such as, for example, a tube end dispenser 16 securely mounted
in the neck 14 of a tube container 10 that defines a cosmetic product reservoir 12
(as shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the applicator tip may take the form of a roller
ball (not shown - e.g., like a roll-on deodorant applicator) secured in the neck of
a tube or bottle container. As yet another alternative, the applicator tip may take
the form of a spatula, spreader, spoon, etc., on a wand or handle (not shown).
[0010] The applicator tip 2 is intended for use with a cosmetic product P (FIG. 1) that
is capable of conducting heat. The applicator tip 2 comprises a body 6 made of a ceramic
material. At least one applicator surface 8 is provided on the body 6. In the embodiment
shown, a product delivery orifice 20 is provided in the applicator surface 8. An internal
product delivery passage 18 in the body 6 provides fluid communication between the
reservoir 12 and the orifice 20 to permit product P to flow or be expelled from the
reservoir 12 through the orifice 20 to the applicator surface 8. The applicator surface
8 is adapted to receive from the reservoir 12 a pre-determined quantity 4 (represented
schematically in broken lines) of cosmetic product P. The applicator tip 2, and in
particular, the applicator surface 8, are also adapted to apply the quantity 4 of
cosmetic product P to an application area on a user's skin, such as, for example,
the puffy area of skin under a user's eye. The pre-determined quantity 4 can be approximately
equal to a pre-selected, relatively uniform thickness of product P spread over the
total area of the applicator surface 8. The quantity 4 of cosmetic product P has a
thermal capacity (thermal capacity is also known as a heat capacity). The application
area on the user's skin also has a thermal capacity. For the purposes of this invention,
the combined thermal capacity of the quantity 4 of cosmetic and the thermal capacity
of the application area is defined as the "first thermal capacity".
[0011] The body 6 is provided in a relatively large mass and made of a material sufficient
to act as a thermal sink or a heat sink relative to the first thermal capacity of
the quantity 4 of cosmetic product P and application area on the user's skin. As shown
in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 1, the body 6 is formed from a relatively massive
amount of material beneath the applicator surface 8 and about the orifice 20 and passage
18. This relatively massive amount of material and the type of material provides to
the body 6 a second thermal capacity that is substantially greater than the first
thermal capacity. Because the second thermal capacity of the body 6 is greater than
the first thermal capacity of the quantity 4 of cosmetic product and application area
on the user's skin, and because the applicator tip 2 will generally be at temperature
close to an ambient air temperature, thermal energy in the form of heat will be drawn
from the higher temperature of the user's skin to the applicator tip either through
the quantity 4 of cosmetic product P or through direct contact of the applicator tip
2 to the user's skin. In other words, the second thermal capacity of the body 6 draws
thermal energy in the form of heat from the first thermal capacity of the quantity
of cosmetic product 4 and the application area on the user's skin such that a chilling
sensation or effect is provided to the skin of the user. This chilling sensation or
effect is believed to reduce, for example, the puffiness associated with the skin
area below the eye. To further enhance the chilling effect and increase the heat drawing
capacity of the applicator tip 2, prior to use, the applicator tip 2 can be chilled
by, for example, refrigerating the package or dipping the applicator tip 2 into cool
water or other liquid.
[0012] The cosmetic applicator tip 2 may be provided with means for attaching the body to
a wand (not shown) or a package. For example, in FIG. 1, the package illustrated is
a tube container 10 with a neck 12. The neck 12 includes external threads 22 for attaching
a closure cap (not shown) over the applicator tip 2. The tip 2 has an upper portion
24 below which is a reduced diameter portion 26 defined between an upper annular shoulder
28 and lower annular shoulder 30. A reduced diameter portion 32 of neck 14 of tube
container 10 is received in press fit in the reduced diameter portion 26 of the applicator
2 between the upper annular shoulder 28 and the lower annular shoulder 30. Other means
for attaching the body to a wand or package may be provided, such as, for example,
threaded attachment, bayonet attachment, rod-in-bore, bonded, welded, glued, interference
or friction fit, etc.
[0013] The ratio of the first thermal capacity of the quantity of cosmetic product and the
application area of the user's skin to the second thermal capacity of the applicator
tip is in the range of at least 1:2, but preferably a much higher ratio, such as,
for example 1:5 or 1:10 or 1:20 or greater. The greater the ratio, the more quickly
the chilling effect will be felt and the effect will be felt by the user for a longer
period of time.
[0014] The applicator tip 2 is made from a ceramic material. Preferably, the ceramic material
is made by a high-temperature, fired-ceramic process, e.g., sintered. The parts are
formed for example, by injection molding (e.g. colloidal slurry), thermoforming, dry
pressing, gel casting, hot isostatic pressing, slip casting or other known molding
methods. Alternatively, the parts may be made by jiggering or jolleying. The ceramic
material preferably includes aluminum. More particularly, at least one component of
the ceramic material is selected from aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride, or combinations
thereof. Alternatively, the applicator tip 2 may be made at least in part from a silicon
carbide.
[0015] Preferably, the ceramic material comprises concentrations ranging from 0.1 % to 99.9%
of the mass of the body 6. More preferably, the ceramic material comprises concentrations
ranging from 94% to 99.9% of the mass of the body.
[0016] The material of the body 6 may also include minerals to improve the efficacy and/or
the beneficial effect of the cosmetic product applied to the application area. The
minerals may include tourmaline, jade, calcite, agate, etc.
[0017] The invention is unique in several ways:
[0018] First, it utilizes a manufacturing technology that provides a variety of component
surface options, component material options, and component geometry options unavailable
in applicators designed for similar purposes that are manufactured of metal, glass,
etc. Applicator tips made according to the invention are free of any oxidation or
corrosion issues common to some metals, and are inherently more shock resistant than
comparable parts manufactured of glass.
[0019] Second, ceramic material can be specifically designed to provide a thermal capacity
with a thermal coefficient and heat-absorption profile optimal for any given formula
being delivered, thereby enhancing the performance of the formula to suit a particular
formula or treatment regimen. This cannot be achieved with comparable metal or glass
components used for similar purposes.
[0020] Third, the ceramic materials disclosed above may be alloyed or impregnated with specific
minerals or other compounds that provide enhanced performance of the cosmetic product
being delivered by the applicator tip. The alloyed or impregnated minerals or compounds
will tend to interact with the cosmetic product as it passes through or over the applicator
tip. For example, the alloyed or impregnated minerals or compounds may gradually dissolve
into the cosmetic product as it passes through or over the applicator tip. These minerals
include, but are not limited to, tourmaline, jade, calcite, agate, etc.
[0021] Fourth, the materials previously used to provide a chilling effect in current applications
of comparable designs (metal, glass, etc.) are difficult or impossible to mold with
sufficiently-fine details, such as, small orifices or passages for product delivery.
Glass or metal materials may require a secondary operation to form fine details such
as a product delivery orifice or product delivery passage or duct, and due to manufacturing
constraints the details are generally larger than desired. With respect to the orifice
or passage, this may require, for example, lining the orifice or passage with a secondary
material (e.g., plastic or rubber) which may not have ideal thermal capacity or transfer
characteristics or cosmetic product compatibility. Thus, product is delivered, for
example, at a less than optimal temperature, i.e., not sufficiently chilled.
[0022] However, by making the same component according to the invention in a ceramic, the
orifices and/or passages can be made as small in diameter as desired with no secondary
operations, which provides fine-diameter orifices and/or passages with full-diameter
contact with the thermal capacity of the ceramic, thereby increasing the chilling
effect and delivering product which may be cooler than the product being stored in
the container.
[0023] The advantage of this invention from a chemistry perspective is that it provides
means of altering the applicator's composition and thermal capacity characteristics
relative to a specific product delivery need or product-chemistry requirement. Comparable
applicators comprised of metals and glass cannot be manipulated in this fashion, and
subsequently the formulas they deliver must be designed around the characteristics
of the applicator tip instead of the reverse, which is more desirable.
[0024] The advantage of the invention from a physical and manufacturing perspective is that
the technology available to form ceramic parts provides a means to produce geometries,
surface textures, and component details that are either unavailable in comparable
metal and glass components, or require significant and complicated secondary operations
to achieve the same effect.
[0025] The technology can be used to manufacture applicators and application system components
for the delivery of creams, lotions, skin treatment products, hair treatment products,
color cosmetics, etc. It can also be used to manufacture tools and devices for the
manipulation and doctoring of creams, lotions, skin treatment products, color cosmetics,
etc. once they have been applied.
[0026] The applicator tip is comprised of a ceramic material comprised of aluminum oxide,
and/or aluminum nitride, and/or silicon carbide, possibly containing one or a combination
of natural or man-made chemicals or minerals. It would be designed in a geometry which
lends itself to a specific purpose relative to the formula being delivered (examples
include an under-eye applicator designed for an under-eye formula; a hair-treatment
applicator designed for a hair treatment formula, etc). The shape of the applicator
is also designed in such a way to allow easy assembly to a suitable package or wand/handle
without the need for additional components to retain it, e.g., to the package. This
is facilitated by virtue of the processes inherent to the manufacture of ceramic materials.
Such details are difficult or impossible to manufacture with other materials generally
used for the same purpose (metals, glass, etc.) without the need for extensive post-processing
and finishing.
[0027] The orifice or orifices and/or passage or passages of the applicator tip through
which the product flows can be designed in various size diameters and positional arrays,
and the application surface itself can me molded with a variety of textures and details
to enhance the effectiveness of the delivery and the performance of the application.
Such details are difficult or impossible to manufacture with other materials generally
used for the same purpose (metals, glass, etc.) without the need for extensive post-processing
and finishing.
[0028] The applicator would be made of high-temperature, fired-ceramic material (aluminum
nitride, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, etc.), with concentrations ranging from
0.1% to 99.9%, but preferably from 94% to 99.9% aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide,
silicon carbide, etc.
[0029] Further, a variety of compounds, specifically natural and/or man-made minerals, may
be added to the ceramic mixture and trapped or bonded within the structure of the
ceramic material during the manufacturing process. These compounds and/or minerals
enhance the efficacy of the product being delivered and/or the beneficial effect of
the ceramic component in delivery and application of the product being delivered.
The compounds include, but are not limited to, tourmaline, jade, calcite and agate.
[0030] In use, formula being delivered would flow through the passage and orifice and around
at least part of the application surface of the tip, contacting the ceramic surfaces
which would deliver the product as cold as possible relative to the thermal mass of
the device by providing an optimum contact-surface for maximum thermal-exchange between
both the formula and the applicator and the skin and the applicator concurrently.
The conical configuration of passage 18 facilitates such thermal transfer by providing
greater surface area for cosmetic product to contact as it passes through the applicator
tip 2. Thus, the passage has an inwardly directed surface 34 through which the product
is delivered which has an included draft angle A of no less than 1 degree, and no
more than 45 degrees, which is believed to provide an optimum balance of thermal-absorption
(heat absorption), product flow, and manufacturing requirements.
[0031] It is understood that various modifications and changes in the specific form and
construction of the various parts can be made without departing from the scope of
the following claims.
1. A cosmetic applicator tip (2) for applying a quantity of cosmetic product to an application
area on the skin of a user, the cosmetic product capable of conducting heat, the quantity
of cosmetic product and the application area combined having a first thermal capacity,
the tip (2) comprising:
a body (6) made of a ceramic material and in a mass sufficient to provide a second
thermal capacity substantially greater than the first thermal capacity;
at least one surface (8) on the body (6) adapted to receive the quantity of cosmetic
product and apply it to the application area;
wherein the body (6) draws heat from the quantity of cosmetic product and the application
area such that a chilling effect is provided to the skin of the user;
wherein the applicator tip (2) is adapted to be attached to a container (10) that
defines a cosmetic product reservoir (12), the applicator tip (2) further comprising
at least one product delivery orifice (20) in the applicator surface (8), and a product
delivery passage (18) in the body between the delivery orifice (20) and the product
reservoir (12), the product delivery passage (18) providing fluid communication from
the product reservoir (12) to the delivery orifice (20),
the product delivery passage (18) has a conical configuration with an inwardly directed
surface (34) through which product is delivered, the surface (34) defining an included
draft angle (A) of no less than 1 degree, and no more than 45 degrees.
2. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the first thermal capacity
to the second thermal capacity is at least 1:2.
3. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 1 wherein at least part of the ceramic material
is aluminum.
4. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 3 wherein the aluminum is selected from aluminum
oxide and aluminum nitride or combinations thereof.
5. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 1 wherein at least part of the ceramic material
is silicon carbide.
6. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 1 wherein the ceramic material comprises concentrations
ranging from 0.1% to 99.9% of the mass of the body.
7. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 1 wherein the ceramic material comprises concentrations
ranging from 94% to 99.9% of the mass of the body.
8. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 1 wherein the body further comprises minerals.
9. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 8 wherein the minerals are selected from at least
one of tourmaline, jade, calcite and agate.
10. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 1 wherein the ceramic material is made by a high-temperature,
fired-ceramic process.
11. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 1 wherein the body is a dispenser (16) adapted
to be mounted in a neck of a container that defines a cosmetic product reservoir (12).
12. The cosmetic applicator tip of claim 11 wherein the dispenser is adapted to be mounted
in the neck of a tube container.
1. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze (2) zum Auftragen einer Menge kosmetischen Produkts auf einen
Auftragebereich auf der Haut eines Benutzers, wobei das kosmetische Produkt fähig
ist, Wärme zu leiten, wobei die Menge des kosmetischen Produkts und der Auftragebereich
kombiniert eine erste Wärmekapazität haben, wobei die Spitze (2) Folgendes umfasst:
einen Körper (6), der aus einem keramischen Material hergestellt ist, und in einer
Masse, die ausreicht, um eine zweite Wärmekapazität bereitzustellen, die größer ist
als die erste Wärmekapazität,
mindestens eine Oberfläche (8) auf dem Körper (6), die angepasst ist, um die Menge
an kosmetischem Produkt zu erhalten und sie auf den Auftragebereich aufzutragen,
wobei der Körper (6) Wärme aus der Menge kosmetischen Produkts und dem Auftragebereich
derart bezieht, dass eine kühlende Wirkung für die Haut des Benutzers bereitgestellt
wird,
wobei die Applikatorspitze (2) angepasst ist, um an einem Behälter (10) befestigt
zu sein, der einen Behälter (12) für kosmetisches Produkt definiert,
wobei die Applikatorspitze (2) ferner mindestens eine Produktausgabeöffnung (20) in
der Applikatoroberfläche (8) umfasst, und
eine Produktausgabepassage (18) in dem Körper zwischen der Ausgabeöffnung (20) und
dem Produktbehälter (12), wobei die Produktausgabepassage (18) fluidtechnische Verbindung
von dem Produktbehälter (12) zu der Ausgabeöffnung (20) bereitstellt,
wobei die Produktausgabepassage (18) eine kegelförmige Konfiguration mit einer nach
innen gerichteten Oberfläche (34) hat, durch welche Produkt geliefert wird, wobei
die Oberfläche (34) einen enthaltenen Freiwinkel (A) von nicht weniger als 1 Grad
und nicht mehr als 45 Grad definiert.
2. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Verhältnis der ersten Wärmekapazität
zu der zweiten Wärmekapazität mindestens 1:2 beträgt.
3. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 1, wobei mindestens ein Teil des keramischen
Materials Aluminium ist.
4. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 3, wobei Aluminium aus Aluminiumoxid und Aluminiumnitrit
oder Kombinationen davon ausgewählt ist.
5. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 1, wobei mindestens ein Teil des keramischen
Materials Silikoncarbid ist.
6. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 1, wobei das keramische Material Konzentrationen
in einem Bereich von 0,1 % bis 99,9 % der Masse des Körpers umfasst.
7. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 1, wobei das keramischen Material Konzentrationen
von 94 % bis 99,9 % der Masse des Körpers umfasst.
8. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Körper ferner Mineralstoffe umfasst.
9. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Mineralstoffe aus mindestens Tourmalin,
Jade, Kalzit und Achat ausgewählt sind.
10. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 1, wobei das keramische Material anhand eines
Prozesses mit hoher Temperatur für gebrannte Keramik hergestellt wird.
11. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Körper ein Verteiler (16) ist,
der angepasst ist, um in einen Hals eines Behälters, der einen Behälter (12) für kosmetisches
Produkt definiert, montiert zu werden.
12. Kosmetikapplikatorspitze nach Anspruch 11, wobei der Verteiler angepasst ist, um in
den Hals eines Tubenbehälters montiert zu werden.
1. Embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique (2) pour appliquer une quantité de produit
cosmétique à une zone d'application sur la peau d'un utilisateur, le produit cosmétique
étant capable de conduire de la chaleur, la combinaison de la quantité de produit
cosmétique et de la zone d'application présentant une première capacité calorifique,
l'embout (2) comprenant:
un corps (6) constitué d'un matériau céramique et présentant une masse suffisante
pour fournir une deuxième capacité calorifique sensiblement supérieure à la première
capacité calorifique;
au moins une surface (8) sur le corps (6) adaptée pour recevoir la quantité de produit
cosmétique et à l'appliquer à la zone d'application;
dans lequel le corps (6) extrait la chaleur à partir de la quantité de produit cosmétique
et de la zone d'application de telle sorte qu'un effet de refroidissement est fourni
à la peau de l'utilisateur;
dans lequel l'embout applicateur (2) est adapté pour être fixé à un récipient (10)
qui définit un réservoir de produit cosmétique (12), l'embout applicateur (2) comprenant
en outre au moins un orifice de distribution de produit (20) dans la surface d'application
(8), et un passage de distribution de produit (18) dans le corps entre l'orifice d'administration
(20) et le réservoir de produit (12), le passage de distribution de produit (18) assurant
une communication fluidique entre le réservoir de produit (12) et l'orifice d'administration
(20),
le passage de distribution de produit (18) présentant une configuration conique avec
une surface dirigée vers l'intérieur (34) à travers laquelle le produit est délivré,
la surface (34) définissant un angle inclus de dépouille (A) de pas moins de 1 degré,
et pas plus de 45 degrés.
2. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
le rapport de la première capacité calorifique à la seconde capacité calorifique est
d'au moins 1: 2.
3. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
au moins une partie de la matière céramique est de l'aluminium.
4. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 3, dans lequel
l'aluminium est choisi parmi l'oxyde d'aluminium et le nitrure d'aluminium ou des
combinaisons de ceux-ci.
5. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
au moins une partie de la matière céramique est du carbure de silicium.
6. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
le matériau céramique comprend des concentrations allant de 0,1% à 99,9% de la masse
du corps.
7. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
le matériau céramique comprend des concentrations allant de 94% à 99,9% de la masse
du corps.
8. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
le corps comprend en outre des minéraux.
9. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 8, dans lequel
les minéraux sont sélectionnés parmi au moins un de tourmaline, jade, calcite et agate.
10. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
le matériau céramique est obtenu par un procédé de cuisson à haute température.
11. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
le corps est un distributeur (16) adapté pour être monté dans un col d'un récipient
qui définit un réservoir de produit cosmétique (12).
12. L'embout applicateur pour produit cosmétique selon la revendication 11, dans lequel
le distributeur est adapté pour être monté dans le col d'un récipient de forme tubulaire.