Cosmetic Applicator with Torque Limiter

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator includes a handle, a drive coupled to the handle, an applicator head coupled to the drive, and a torque limiter. The torque limiter includes a fluidic or viscous coupling, the fluidic or viscous coupling being coupled to at least one of the drive and the applicator head such that the torque applied via the applicator head does not exceed a predetermined allowable torque.

1 . A cosmetic applicator comprising:
 a handle;   a drive coupled to the handle;   an applicator head coupled to the drive; and   a torque limiter comprising a fluidic or viscous coupling,   the fluidic or viscous coupling being coupled to at least one of the drive and the applicator head such that the torque applied via the applicator head does not exceed a predetermined allowable torque.   
   
   
       2 . The cosmetic applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the drive comprises an electric motor. 
   
   
       3 . The cosmetic applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the drive comprises a mechanical motor. 
   
   
       4 . The cosmetic applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluidic or viscous coupling is coupled between the applicator head and the drive to transmit motion between the drive and the applicator head. 
   
   
       5 . The cosmetic applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluidic or viscous coupling comprises a first finned device coupled to the drive and a second finned device coupled to the applicator head. 
   
   
       6 . The cosmetic applicator according to  claim 5 , wherein the first finned device is a fan and the second finned device is a pump. 
   
   
       7 . The cosmetic applicator according to  claim 5 , wherein the viscous coupling comprises a housing having a first end through which the first finned device depends and a second end through which the second finned device depends, and a fluid disposed within the housing. 
   
   
       8 . The cosmetic applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the viscous coupling comprises first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface to define a gap therebetween, and a fluid disposed in the gap. 
   
   
       9 . The cosmetic applicator according to  claim 8 , wherein the gap is sealed. 
   
   
       10 . The cosmetic applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluidic or viscous coupling comprises a gas, a liquid, a semi-solid or a solid with fluid-like characteristics.