Toilet – Hair device – Eyelash or eyebrow
Reexamination Certificate
2001-05-29
2004-11-09
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3732)
Toilet
Hair device
Eyelash or eyebrow
C132S317000, C401S122000, C401S126000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06814084
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a device for applying a product, for example, a cosmetic or care product, to the eyelashes, the eyebrows, or any other keratinous fibers or hairs.
Although devices of that type are generally known, there exists a need for an improved applicator capable of holding a relatively large quantity of product so as to ensure that the user does not need to refill the applicator too frequently while making up. In known applicators having a row of teeth, the quantity of product retained between the teeth depends on the spacing of the teeth. As such, the quantity of product that can be held by the applicator is limited by the fact that the teeth must remain relatively close together in order to be able to take hold of the eyelashes.
There also exists a need for an applicator that is comfortable to use and that presents a certain amount of flexibility at the moment of application.
An optional aspect of the present invention relates to an applicator capable of taking hold of hairs and/or of spreading the product on the surface thereof in a manner that is satisfactory, while being comfortable to use and allowing sufficient time between refills.
As embodied and broadly described herein, one optional aspect of the invention includes an application member for applying a product to hair. The application member may comprise a first portion, a second portion, and a base portion interconnecting the first and second portions. The application member may also comprise a plurality of application elements configured to apply the product. The plurality of application elements may be located between the first and second portions. The application member may further comprise at least one support element located between the first and second portions. The at least one support element may comprise at least some of the plurality of application elements and may be connected to the base portion over no more than a portion of a length of the support element. For example, the at least one support element may be connected to the base portion along a portion of the length of the support member or the support member may not be connected to the base portion along any portion of its length.
In an embodiment, the at least one support element may be suspended between the first and second portions of the application member so that the at least one support element does not contact the base portion.
In another embodiment, the at least one support element may comprise at least one bridge member. The at least one bridge member may connect the at least one support element to the base portion. For example, the at least one bridge member may comprise first and second bridge members, wherein the first bridge member is separated from the second bridge member by a gap.
The at least one support element may be a separate piece coupled to at least one of the first portion, the second portion, and the base portion. Alternatively, the at least one support element, the first portion, the second portion, and the base portion may be formed of a single piece, for example, by injection molding.
The at least one support element may comprise a material that is different from a material used for making at least one other part of the application member (e.g., first portion, second portion, base portion). Alternatively, the at least one support element may comprise a material different from a material used for making any other part of the application member. In an embodiment, the at least one support element may comprise an elastomer.
In still another embodiment, the at least one support element may comprise a wall having an edge that is at least one of serrated and provided with spikes. Optionally, the at least one support element is one of substantially planar and folded in shape. For example, the at least one support element may comprise a folded wall, wherein the folded wall comprises an edge that is at least one of serrated and provided with spikes.
The at least one support element may comprise a single support element or it may comprise a plurality of support elements. For example, the at least one support element may comprise a plurality of support elements defining a plurality of walls, wherein each of the walls has at least one of the application elements for applying product to hair.
In an embodiment, the at least one support element may comprise a plurality of branches defining a plurality of walls, wherein each of the walls has at least one of the application elements for applying product to hair.
Optionally, the at least one support comprises a plurality of edges configured for applying product. For example, the plurality of edges may be configured so that an eyelash can come into contact with at least two of the edges during application.
In another embodiment, the at least one support element may comprise first and second support elements. The first support element may comprise a first wall having a serrated top edge, and the second support element may comprise a second wall located between the first wall and the base portion. Optionally, the first and second walls are one of planar and folded in shape. The first and second walls may have different orientations with respect to one another. For example, the first wall may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the second wall. One of the first and second walls may comprise two opposing edges, wherein each of the opposing edges is at least one of serrated and provided with spikes.
In yet another embodiment, the at least one support element may comprise a plurality of edges. The edges may comprise at least some of the plurality of application elements for applying product, and the edges may at least partially define an envelope surface interconnecting the first and second portions of the application member and bearing thereagainst.
The first and second portions of the application member may comprise front and rear portions respectively. The front and rear portions may be shaped so as to make it easier to pass the application member through a wiper.
In an embodiment, the at least one support element may comprise a zigzag configuration. Optionally, a longitudinal axis of the at least one support element is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the base portion. For example, the at least one support element may extend on either side of a plane, and the at least one support element may comprise teeth located alternately on opposing sides of the plane.
In still another embodiment, the at least one support element may comprise a plurality of walls disposed in a flared configuration when the application member is viewed in cross-section, wherein each of the walls comprises at least one edge configured to comb hairs. Optionally, the plurality of walls are configured to enable a hair to come into contact with two adjacent edges of the walls simultaneously during application.
In a further embodiment, the at least one support element may comprise a core and a plurality of leaves supported by the core. The leaves may be oriented transversely to the core. Optionally, the leaves overlap when the application member is viewed from a side, so as to form V-shaped notches. A size of the leaves may vary along the core. A profile of the leaves may substantially correspond to an outline of an eyelid.
In an additional embodiment, the at least one support element may comprise a wall extending obliquely over the base portion.
In another embodiment, the first portion may define a first plane and the second portion may define a second plane, wherein the first and second planes are substantially parallel to one another. The base portion may define a third plane, wherein the first and second planes are optionally substantially perpendicular to the third plane.
In another aspect, the invention includes an applicator comprising an application member and a wand, wherein the application member is on an end of the wand. In one embodiment, an axis of the wand is substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the base portion. Alternatively, the axis of the wand may be subst
Doan Robyn Kien
Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner LLP
L'Oreal (S.A.)
Shaver Kevin
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