Cosmetic applicator with antimicrobial device

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator has a base, a brush retained by the base and a cap positioned on the base in a closed configuration of the applicator to fully enclose the brush within the applicator. An antimicrobial device is retained within the cap and is configured for direct contact with the bristles of the brush in the closed configuration of the applicator.

1 . A cosmetic applicator comprising:
 a base;   a brush comprising a plurality of bristles retained by said base;   a cap positioned on the base in a closed configuration of said applicator to fully enclose said brush within said applicator; and   an antimicrobial device retained within the cap and configured for direct contact with bristles of said brush in said closed configuration of the applicator.   
     
     
         2 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1  wherein the antimicrobial device comprises a plurality of prongs extending longitudinally within said cap and being retained by said cap for direct contact with said bristles of said brush in said closed configuration of said applicator. 
     
     
         3 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 2  wherein said prongs are generally cylindrical with rounded tips. 
     
     
         4 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 2  wherein said prongs comprise a metal having an oligodynamic effect. 
     
     
         5 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 4 , wherein at least one of said base and said cap comprises a metal having an oligodynamic effect. 
     
     
         6 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 5  wherein said prongs comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 6  wherein said base and said cap comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 4  wherein said prongs comprise at least one of copper and an alloy thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1  wherein said base includes a sleeve moveable relative to said base. 
     
     
         10 . A cosmetic applicator comprising:
 a base;   a brush comprising a plurality of bristles retained by said base; and   a cap including a plurality of prongs extending within said cap, said plurality of prongs having an antimicrobial on an outer surface thereof;   wherein said prongs are interspersed within said bristles of said brush when said cap is positioned on said base in a closed configuration so as to fully enclose said brush within said base and said cap.   
     
     
         11 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 10  wherein said prongs are formed from a metal having an oligodynamic effect. 
     
     
         12 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 10  wherein said prongs are coated with a metal having an oligodynamic effect. 
     
     
         13 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 10  wherein said prongs are formed from copper or an alloy thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 10  wherein said prongs are coated with copper or an alloy thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 10  wherein said cap is formed from a metal having an oligodynamic effect. 
     
     
         16 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 10  wherein said cap is coated with a metal having an oligodynamic effect. 
     
     
         17 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 10  wherein said antimicrobial is a source of metal ions.