Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

An apparatus for applying a cosmetic, such as mascara to eyelashes, includes a handle, a stem, and an applicator head coupled to the stem and supported for rotation relative to the handle. An actuator moves the applicator head in a vibrational motion. Additionally or alternatively, the applicator head may include a first set of protrusions having a first stiffness and a second set of protrusions having a second stiffness, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness. The actuator may further be coupled to the handle to provide a tactile vibratory signal to the user.

1 . Apparatus for applying a cosmetic, comprising: 
 a handle;    a stem defining a longitudinal stem axis and having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end;    an applicator head coupled to the stem second end; and    an actuator operatively coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head in a vibrational motion.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the vibrational motion is substantially parallel to the stem axis.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the actuator comprises an electromagnetic coil adapted to reciprocate a drive shaft in a linear direction, the apparatus further including a transmission coupling between the drive shaft and the applicator head for converting reciprocation of the drive shaft in the linear direction into the vibrational motion of the applicator head.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the actuator comprises an electromagnetic coil adapted to generate a magnetic field, in which the apparatus further includes a magnet coupled to the applicator head and responsive to the magnetic field, and in which a power source is intermittently connected to the electromagnetic coil to actuate the applicator head in the vibrational motion.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the actuator comprises an electric motor having a rotating motor shaft and an eccentric weight coupled to the motor shaft, wherein rotation of the eccentric weight generates a vibratory force.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , in which a resilient amplifier is coupled between the motor and the applicator head.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , in which an isolator is coupled between the motor and the handle.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , in which the applicator head is supported for radial translation with respect to the handle, and in which rotation of the eccentric weight moves the applicator head in a composite motion including a vibrational component and a radial translation component.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , in which the applicator head is supported for rotation with respect to the handle, and in which rotation of the eccentric weight moves the applicator head in a composite motion including a vibrational component and a rotational component.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a resilient amplifier coupled between the motor and the applicator head and having a natural frequency, wherein the actuator operates at substantially the natural frequency of the resilient amplifier.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the applicator head includes a plurality of protrusions, and in which each protrusion includes at least one recess.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the actuator further drives the applicator head in a rotational motion.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the actuator further drives the applicator head in an axial motion.  
   
   
       14 . Apparatus for applying mascara to keratinous fibers, comprising: 
 a handle;    a stem defining a longitudinal stem axis and having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end;    an applicator head coupled to the stem second end, the applicator head including a first set of protrusions having a first stiffness and a second set of protrusions having a second stiffness, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness; and    an actuator operatively coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head in a vibrational motion.    
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , in which the actuator comprises an electromagnetic coil adapted to reciprocate a drive shaft in a linear direction, the apparatus further including a transmission coupling between the drive shaft and the applicator head for converting reciprocation of the drive shaft in the linear direction into the vibrational motion of the applicator head.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , in which the actuator comprises an electric motor having a rotating motor shaft and an eccentric weight coupled to the motor shaft, wherein rotation of the eccentric weight generates a vibratory force.  
   
   
       17 . Apparatus for applying a cosmetic, comprising: 
 a handle;    a stem defining a longitudinal stem axis and having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end;    an applicator head coupled to the stem second end; and    an actuator operatively coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head in a vibrational motion, wherein the actuator is further coupled to the handle to provide a tactile vibratory signal to the user.    
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , in which the actuator further drives the applicator head in a rotational motion.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , in which the actuator further drives the applicator head in an axial motion.