FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in the field of cosmetic applicators, specifically applicators that rotate as they are inserted into and removed from a product reservoir.

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic brushes that rotate during application are known. Rotation occurs around the longitudinal axis of the applicator rod. U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,111 describes a motor-driven, rotatable mascara brush. The motor may comprise a rewindable spiral spring (i.e. a clock-work motor) or a battery powered motor may be used. U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,276 discloses a battery powered motor, rotating mascara brush head. In either case, the brush can be made to rotate in either direction to accommodate left and right handed operation for either eye. The stated advantage is convenience and less movement required by the user. U.S. Pat. No. 4,397,326 describes a non-motorized mascara brush, the head of which is free to rotate and does so when the brush head contacts the eyelashes during application, but not when the applicator is being inserted into and removed from a product reservoir. It is the act of brushing that causes the rotation. It is claimed that the rotation of the brush head allows more mascara to be deposited on the lashes in a single application than otherwise would be possible. U.S. Pat. No. 4,632,136 describes a rotating brush applicator for mascaras having a viscosity range from 1,500 to 25,000 poise at ambient temperatures. A motor housed in the handle of the applicator turns the brush, however, It is explicitly disclosed that the brush is not made to rotate until after the brush is removed from the reservoir. No shearing of the product takes place in the reservoir, because the purpose of the rotating brush is not to shear the product, it is to separate and comb the lashes. JP 2005-095531 discloses an electric motor that operates a gear that rotates a brush head at fixed speed. The rotation occurs around the long axis of the applicator rod. None of these references disclose a mascara brush of simple design, that rotates only when being inserted into and removed from a product reservoir.

While the present invention has been described in terms of an applicator and wiper for mascara, the invention is not so limited. The structure and principles described herein are applicable to various relatively viscous products, such as creams and gels.

Mascara applicators must perform two broad functions, which we call loading and grooming. Loading means that the applicator takes up a dose of product for depositing onto the eyelashes. The act of grooming the eyelashes includes depositing the product, and smoothing it evenly over the lashes, and separating and/or curling the individual lashes. A single applicator must perform both functions. However, mascara is a heavy, viscous, sticky product that does not flow easily in manufacture, filling or application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The rotating cosmetic applicator system of present invention comprises a cosmetic applicator (10) and custom wiper (11). The applicator (10) comprises a handle (1), a stem (2) fixedly attached to the handle; a rod (3) which proximal end is rotatably attached to the stem, and an applicator head (4) fixedly attached to the distal end of the rod. The rod is formed as helix, and has a square cross section. The rod and applicator head are enabled to rotate when being inserted into and removed from a product reservoir, but not at other times. The wiper comprises a square orifice. The rotation of the applicator head results in a more even loading of product onto the applicator head than with a conventional mascara system. A more even load of product on the brush will support a more uniform and consistent application experience for the user.

