Ergonomic Mascara Applicator

Abstract

An ergonomic applicator is provided for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes. The applicator comprises a handle portion and a head portion wherein the longitudinal axis of the head portion is positioned or can be rotatably positioned at an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The handle being suitable dimensioned for holding between the thumb and fingers without rotation of the handle. The head portion having at its distal end means for holding a charge of cosmetic composition and transferring it to the eyelashes on contact therewith, such as but not limited to, bristles, projections, indentations fins, tines, Velcro, teeth, grooves, sponges and flocked surfaces.

1 . An ergonomic applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes comprising:
 a handle portion suitably dimensioned to permit the applicator to be held between the thumb and fingers on opposing faces thereof, the opposing faces being of sufficient width relative to the thickness separating the faces to prevent rotation of the handle when held between the thumb and fingers; and   a head portion having at its distal end at least one transfer element comprising a textured surface for holding a charge of cosmetic composition and transferring it to the eyelashes on contact therewith,   the at least one transfer element extending substantially across the width of the head portion and in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the handle,   wherein the longitudinal axis of said head portion is oriented, or is rotatable to be oriented, at an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of said handle.   
     
     
         2 . The applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein said head portion has a terminal arcuate edge at the distal end thereof, said arcuate edge being concave with respect to the head portion. 
     
     
         3 . The applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein said head portion has an arcuate cross-section about its longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         4 . The applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one transfer element is included on one or both opposing faces of said head portion. 
     
     
         5 . The applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein said transfer element is disposed along the terminal edge at the distal end of said head portion. 
     
     
         6 . The applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one textured surface is independently selected from the group consisting of bristles, projections, indentations, fins, tines, Velcro, teeth, grooves, sponges, and flocked surfaces. 
     
     
         7 . The applicator according to  claim 6 , wherein said at least one textured surface comprises fins 
     
     
         8 . The applicator according to  claim 6 , wherein said at least one textured surface comprises bristles. 
     
     
         9 . The applicator according to  claim 8 , wherein said bristles have a length less than 5 mm. 
     
     
         10 . The applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein said head portion further comprises a first support and a second support defining an opening therebetween for receiving said transfer element, said transfer element mounted between said first and second supports. 
     
     
         11 . The applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the handle portion further comprises finger grip enhancements or cut-outs to increase friction between the handle portion and the thumb or fingers. 
     
     
         12 . The applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein said obtuse angle is from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees. 
     
     
         13 . The applicator according to claim I, wherein the maximum thickness separating the faces of the handle portion compared to the maximum width of the handle portion is at a ratio from about 1:5 to about 1:50. 
     
     
         14 . The applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein said applicator is from about 35 mm to about 80 mm at its longest point. 
     
     
         15 . The applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein said head portion is rotatably adjustable with respect to said handle portion so as to adjust the obtuse angle between said longitudinal axis of said head portion and said longitudinal axis of said handle portion. 
     
     
         16 . The applicator according to  claim 15 , wherein said head portion and said handle portion are rotatable about an axis orthogonal to said longitudinal axis of said head portion and said longitudinal axis of said handle portion. 
     
     
         17 . The applicator according to  claim 16 , further comprising a hinge permitting rotation of said head portion with respect to said handle portion. 
     
     
         18 . A kit comprising the applicator according to  claim 1  and a container charged with a liquid cosmetic for application to a keratin fiber, and configured to receive the head portion of said applicator when inserted into said container so as to bring said transfer element into contact with said composition, and a wiper attached to said container for removing excess composition from said transfer element upon removal of the applicator from the container. 
     
     
         19 . A method for applying mascara to the eyelashes comprising metering a charge of mascara onto the transfer element of the applicator according to  claim 1  and transferring the composition to the eyelashes by contacting the transfer element with said eyelashes while holding the applicator in a substantially vertical position.