Cosmetic applicator and associated method

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In FIG.
1 is seen a cosmetic unit comprising an applicator 1 and a container 2 for a cosmetic liquid 3 adapted for application to the eyelashes or eyebrows of the user.
By way of example, the cosmetic liquid 3 may be mascara.
The applicator comprises a handle 4 in the form of a tubular element which tightly engages a hub 5 which carries an integral stem 6.
An applicator means 7 for application of the liquid 3 to the eyelashes or eyebrows is mounted on the end of stem 6.
In operation, the stem is inserted into the container 2 so that the applicator means 7 will pick-up cosmetic liquid 3 so that upon removal from the container 2, it is ready to apply the liquid to the eyelashes or eyebrows.
The container 2 carries a wiper 8 at the end thereof to remove excess liquid from the applicator means 7.
The hub 5 has internal threading 9 adapted to cooperate with external threads 10 on the mouth of the container 2 so that, in storage position, the stem 6 is inserted into the container and the threads 9 are threadably engaged with the threads 10 to form a sealed closure with the container.
Up to this point, the construction is conventional.
The invention is particularly drawn to the construction of the applicator means 7.
In particular, the applicator means 7 is composed of a substrate 11 having a plurality of filaments 12 projecting therefrom.
The free ends of the filaments 12 are formed as hooks to confer a hook-shape to the filaments.
The hooks are oriented in random directions on the substrate.
The applicator means 7 can be constituted as a tape woven of monofilament nylon in the form of raised and staggered loops.
The loops are precisely cut in alternate directions to provide a concentration of hook-shape filaments of the order of 400 hooks per square inch.
The tape is sold commercially as Velcro hook tape by Velcro Corporation, New York.
The hook members have a relatively low profile and project only about 3 mm from the substrate.
In order to mount the tape on the stem 6, the stem is provided with a slot 13 extending from the free end thereof axially over a length equal to the length of the tape