Multiprong applicator with membrane

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator is formed from two lateral branches that extend from a hub. The lateral branches arc away from one another and then toward one another as they extend in the distal direction with each branch forming a concave inside edge. The concave edges of the branches define a cavity. Distal ends of the branches are unconnected, allowing the branches to flex independently of one another. A membrane extends from the hub and is at least partially positioned in the cavity between the branches. The hub and branches are formed from a first material with a first hardness. The membrane is formed from a second material with a hardness different from the first material.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An applicator for cosmetics comprising:
 a hub;   two or more branches extending from the hub in a distal direction, wherein the branches each comprise respective free ends at distal ends of the branches, wherein the respective free ends define a distal gap, and wherein the branches define a cavity; and   a membrane connected with one or more of the hub or the two or more branches and the hub, wherein the membrane extends into the cavity, wherein at least a portion of the membrane is disposed between the branches.   
     
     
         2 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein a proximal end of the membrane connects with the hub and wherein a distal end of the membrane is not connected with the branches to allow the membrane to flex relative to the branches 
     
     
         3 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein proximal ends of the two or more branches connect with the hub and define a first width, wherein the two or more branches define a second width at a middle portion of the branches, and wherein the two or more branches define a third width at the distal ends of the branches and wherein the second width is larger than the first and second widths. 
     
     
         4 . The applicator of  claim 2 , further comprising a wiping orifice with an opening larger than the first width and smaller than the second width, wherein, when the applicator is drawn through the wiping orifice, the two or more branches are deflected so that the free ends contact one another. 
     
     
         5 . The applicator of  claim 1 , comprising a longitudinal axis, wherein proximal ends of the two or more branches extend from the hub parallel with the longitudinal axis and wherein the two or more branches bend away from the longitudinal axis at a selected angle as the two or more branches extend in the distal direction. 
     
     
         6 . The applicator of  claim 5 , wherein the selected angle is between about 0 degrees and about 10.5 degrees. 
     
     
         7 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the membrane defines a first width, wherein a middle portion of membrane defines a second width, wherein the distal end of the membrane defines a third width, and wherein the second width is different than the first and third widths. 
     
     
         8 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the membrane defines a first thickness, wherein a middle portion of membrane defines a second thickness, wherein the distal end of the membrane defines a third thickness, and wherein the second thickness is different than the first and third thicknesses. 
     
     
         9 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane is formed from a first material and wherein the branches are formed from a second material different than the first material. 
     
     
         10 . The applicator of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second materials are thermoplastics. 
     
     
         11 . The applicator of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second materials are formed by injection molding. 
     
     
         12 . The applicator of  claim 9 , wherein the hub comprises a central opening between proximal ends of the branches, wherein the membrane is formed separate from the branches, and wherein the membrane comprises a stem inserted into the central opening. 
     
     
         13 . The applicator of  claim 10 , wherein the branches, the hub, and the membrane are formed by co-injection molding. 
     
     
         14 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising flocking along at least a portion of one or more of the branches and the membrane. 
     
     
         15 . The applicator of  claim 12 , further comprising flocking, wherein the flocking is applied to the membrane before the stem is inserted into the central opening. 
     
     
         16 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the two or more branches comprise two branches. 
     
     
         17 . The applicator of  claim 16 , wherein at least a portion of the membrane is positioned between the two branches. 
     
     
         18 . The applicator of  claim 17 , wherein the two branches define a plane and wherein the membrane further comprises a middle portion that extends out of the plane. 
     
     
         19 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane comprises one or more petals, wherein the two or more branches comprise two branches, and wherein the one or more petals extend from one or more of the branches and the hub. 
     
     
         20 . The applicator of  claim 19 , wherein the one or more petals comprise three petals, wherein two of the petals extend respectively from each of the two branches into the cavity and wherein one of the petals extends from the hub into the cavity.