Unitary flocked cosmetics applicator

Abstract

A cosmetics applicator includes a molded plastic cap having a top and a sidewall with a generally cylindrical interior surface, with threads defined thereon, adapting the cap for removable engagement on a bottle containing cosmetics. A molded plastic applicator rod is formed integrally with the cap and extends from the top of the cap coaxially through the cylindrical sidewall. A molded plastic applicator tip is formed integrally with the applicator rod at a distal end thereof spaced apart from the cap, the applicator tip having a surface shaped for application of cosmetics. Flocking is applied to the surface of the applicator tip. The applicator rod is preferably cylindrical, and the outer surface of the applicator tip is recessed with respect to the applicator rod with the flocking, with the flocking applied to a depth equal to or greater than recess.

1 . A cosmetics applicator comprising: 
 A) a molded plastic cap having a top and a sidewall with a generally cylindrical interior surface, having threads defined thereon, adapting the cap for removable engagement on a bottle containing cosmetics;    B) a molded plastic applicator rod formed integrally with the cap and extending from the top of the cap coaxially through the cylindrical sidewall;    C) a molded plastic applicator tip formed integrally with the applicator rod at a distal end thereof spaced apart from the cap, the applicator tip having a surface shaped for application of cosmetics; and    D) flocking applied to the surface of the applicator tip.    
   
   
       2 . A cosmetics applicator as defined in  claim 1  wherein the applicator rod is cylindrical, and the surface of the applicator tip is recessed with respect to the applicator rod.  
   
   
       3 . A cosmetics applicator as defined in  claim 1  wherein the outer surface of the applicator rod is cylindrical, the outer surface of the applicator tip adjacent to the applicator rod is also cylindrical and has a smaller radius than the radius of the applicator rod, and the flocking is applied to a depth equal to or greater than the difference between the radii of the applicator rod and tip.  
   
   
       4 . A cosmetics applicator as defined in  claim 1  wherein the applicator tip has a beveled end.  
   
   
       5 . A cosmetics applicator as defined in  claim 1  wherein the plastic from which the plastic cap, plastic applicator rod and plastic applicator tip are integrally molded comprises a polyolefin.  
   
   
       6 . A cosmetics applicator as defined in  claim 5  wherein the polyolefin comprises polyethylene.  
   
   
       7 . A cosmetics applicator as defined in  claim 5  wherein the polyolefin comprises polypropylene.  
   
   
       8 . A cosmetics container as defined in  claim 1  wherein the surface of the applicator tip is textured to facilitate the application of flocking thereto.  
   
   
       9 . A method of fabricating a cosmetics applicator comprising the steps of: 
 A) integrally molding a cap, applicator rod and applicator tip from a plastic material;    B) applying adhesive to the surface of the applicator tip; and    C) thereafter applying flocking to the applicator tip, wherein the flocking is secured to the applicator tip.