Compressible Cosmetic Applicator

Abstract

An applicator head for cosmetic products such as mascara is described. The applicator head has two arched supports, each with and outwardly directed applicator surface. The arched supports surround a clearance and define a relatively large, expanded configuration for loading and application purposes. The arched supports flex inwardly, into the clearance, so that the expanded configuration can collapse to permit the applicator head to be drawn through a relatively smaller wiper opening. The applicator head can be used in stock packaging.

1 . A compressible mascara applicator head for use in a package including a wiper defining a wiper opening with a first dimension, the applicator head comprising:
 a base adapted to be connected to an applicator rod, a central longitudinal axis defined through the base;   an arched first support extending along the longitudinal axis from a first proximal end connected to the base to a first distal end, the first support having a first outwardly directed applicator surface adapted to convey and apply mascara product; and   an arched second support extending along the longitudinal axis generally opposite the first support, the second support extending from a second proximal end connected to the base to a second distal end, the second support having a second outwardly directed applicator surface adapted to convey and apply mascara product;   wherein the first support is outwardly biased from the longitudinal axis to define an expanded configuration with a second dimension greater than the first dimension of the wiper opening, the expanded configuration including a clearance about the longitudinal axis between the first support and the second support, and the first support is adapted to flex into the clearance when the applicator head is drawn through the first dimension of the wiper opening, and   wherein the first distal end and the second distal end are free ends, or are connected to one another by a hinge.   
     
     
         2 . The compressible mascara applicator head of  claim 1  wherein the second support is outwardly biased from the longitudinal axis to further define the expanded configuration including the clearance, and the second support is adapted to flex into the clearance when the applicator head is drawn through the first dimension of the wiper opening. 
     
     
         3 . The compressible mascara applicator head of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a first plurality of tines extending outwardly from at least one of the applicator surface of the first support and the applicator surface of the second support. 
 
     
     
         4 . The compressible mascara applicator head of  claim 3  further comprising:
 a second plurality of tines extending outwardly from the other of the applicator surface of the first support and the applicator surface of the second support. 
 
     
     
         5 . The compressible mascara applicator head of  claim 4  wherein at least one of the first plurality of tines or the second plurality of tines is adapted to convey and apply a cosmetic product. 
     
     
         6 . The compressible mascara applicator head of  claim 5  wherein the other of the first plurality of tines or the second plurality of tines is adapted to separate lashes. 
     
     
         7 . The compressible mascara applicator head of  claim 3  wherein the first plurality of tines is adapted to perform at least one function selected from conveying mascara, applying mascara, doctoring mascara, shaping lashes and separating lashes. 
     
     
         8 . The compressible mascara applicator head of  claim 4  wherein the first plurality of tines is adapted to perform at least one function selected from conveying cosmetic, applying cosmetic and doctoring cosmetic. 
     
     
         9 . The compressible mascara applicator head of  claim 8  wherein the second plurality of tines is adapted to perform at least one function selected from conveying mascara, applying mascara, doctoring mascara, shaping lashes and separating lashes. 
     
     
         10 . The compressible mascara applicator of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the base, the first support and the second support are made from a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. 
     
     
         11 . The compressible mascara applicator of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the base, the first support and the second support are made of a flexible material having a durometer in the range of 40-100 Shore D. 
     
     
         12 . The compressible mascara applicator of  claim 11  wherein the at least one of the base, the first support and the second support is made of a flexible material having a durometer in the range of 62-70 Shore D. 
     
     
         13 . The compressible mascara applicator of  claim 1  wherein the hinge is in the form of a flexible web. 
     
     
         14 . The compressible mascara applicator head of  claim 13  wherein the hinge comprises an inwardly directed web. 
     
     
         15 . The compressible mascara applicator head of  claim 13  wherein the hinge comprises an outwardly directed web shaped to guide the applicator head into the wiper opening.