Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MAKEUP APPLICATOR
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No.
61/881,340, filed on September 23, 2013, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a makeup applicator, and
more
specifically to an eye makeup applicator.
[0003] Applying makeup can be difficult, at best, especially when applying
eye
make-up, such as eyeliner. Eyeliner can be applied with a pencil or with a
brush, which is
dipped into a gel, ink mousse, pressed powder, or some other cosmetic pigment
formulation.
Eye shadow or eyebrow makeup is typically applied using a brush.
[0004] For eyeliner, the goal for some people is to create a smooth thin
line with
consistent color that tapers off smoothly at the ends. Others may want a
thicker, more
diffused line, but nevertheless with smooth transitions. Similar challenges
occur with
applying eye shadow where the goal may be to create a region of color around
the eye with a
varying degree of intensity across the region so that it fades out at the
edges.
[0005] Regardless of the method or goal, it can be difficult to produce an
even and
clean application. You need a steady hand, good hand and eye coordination, and
also good
eyesight. The more practice and experience that you have, the better your
technique and the
better your results. Even for the more experienced people, it can be messy and
time
consuming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly an eye makeup applicator is disclosed that is easy to
use and can
apply a perfect line or region of color.
[0007] In one embodiment, a makeup applicator includes a base and a head.
The
head includes a resilient body formed from a resilient material, which body
has an applicator
surface to receive makeup to form a mark on the person's skin, for example, on
the area
around the person's eye by pressing the head onto the person's skin. For
example, a suitable
resilient material includes materials that can absorb at least some of the
makeup.
[0008] In another embodiment, a makeup applicator includes a base and a
head. The
head includes a body that forms a surface that is adapted to receive an
application of makeup
that is shaped for direct application onto a person's skin by pressing the
application onto the
person's skin.
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[0009] In another embodiment, the makeup applicator includes a base and a
head.
The head includes a body that forms a surface that is adapted to deliver an
application of
makeup by rolling the applicator onto a person's skin.
[0010] In one aspect, in any of the above, the body may comprise a foam or
sponge
body. The foam or sponge body may utilize nitrite butadiene rubber ("NBR") or
rubicell
materials.
[0011] In one aspect the head may comprise bristles configured to apply
the makeup
to a person's skin.
[0012] In any of the above, the applicator surface may be a rubber-like
wheel.
[0013] In another aspect, in any of the above, the applicator surface
comprises a
smooth applicator surface. Alternately, the applicator surface may include at
least a region
with a non-smooth surface, such as a surface with a plurality of recesses or
projections. The
recesses or projections may have uniform depths or heights and be uniformly
spaced or may
have varied depths or heights or varied spacing between the recesses or
projections to create
a mark that appears to fade or to create a feathered look.
[0014] In a further aspect, in any of the above, the body may be adapted
to be
reconfigurable so that a user may alter the shape of the applicator surface.
For example, the
body may comprise a resilient body that is pliable and/or that exhibits
plastic properties. The
pliable or plastic properties may be provided by the material forming the body
itself or may
be formed by a plastic or metal insert, such as a wire, that allows the body
to be reconfigured.
For example, the insert may be molded with or inserted into the body.
[0015] Accordingly to yet another aspect, in any of the above, the
applicator surface
may be configured to form a defined shape, such as a line or area, such as
generally
triangular shaped area, for example, for applying eye shadow.
[0016] In yet another form, in any of the above, the head may be
releasably mounted
to the handle.
[0017] In one form, the handle may be adapted to hold a supply of makeup
for
dispensing from the head.
[0018] In other aspects, the head may include foam or sponge body that is
has an
applicator surface to receive an application or deposit of makeup, with the
surface having a
varying surface topology so that the application of makeup varies across its
surface. For
example, the applicator surface may include a plurality of raised portions,
such as bumps, or
recesses.
[0019] According to yet another embodiment, a kit is provided that
includes an
applicator handle and a plurality of applicator heads, which are each adapted
to releasably
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mount to the handle. Each head is configured to hold an application of makeup
in a shape
that can then be simply pressed on to a person's skin to form a mark.
[0020] In one aspect, the head is configured so that it can be dragged or
moved to
create, for example, a smudge¨to create a different kind of effect.
[0021] In one aspect, in any of the above, the applicator may include a
handle to
which heads are mounted on either end.
[0022] In one aspect, in any of the above, the applicator may include a
primary
handle with a primary head and an auxiliary handle having an auxiliary head
attached to the
primary handle.
[0023] Before the embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be
understood that the
invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of
construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the
drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of
being
practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed
herein. Also, it is to
be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the
purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising"
and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and
equivalents
thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further,
enumeration may be
used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly
stated, the use of
enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific
order or
number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as
excluding from
the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be
combined with or
into the enumerated steps or components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an eye makeup
applicator;
[0025] FIG. lA is a cross-section taken through the head of FIG. 1
illustrating the
body and base of the head of the applicator;
[0026] FIG. 1B is similar view to FIG. lA illustrating another embodiment
of the
head body and base;
[0027] FIG. 1C is similar view to FIG. lA illustrating a third embodiment
of the head
body and base;
[0028] FIG. 1D is similar view to FIG. lA illustrating a third embodiment
of the head
body and base;
[0029] FIG. lE is a cross-section taken through the handle of FIG. 1;
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[0030] FIG. 1F is side view of another embodiment of the handle;
[0031] FIG. 1G is side view of a second embodiment of the handle;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an eye
makeup
applicator;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an eye makeup
applicator;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an eye
makeup
applicator;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an eye makeup
applicator;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a similar view to FIG. 1 illustrating another cross-
section of a head
of an applicator;
[0037] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a kit;
[0038] FIG. 8 is another embodiment of a kit of applicator;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a second third embodiment of a kit;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a makeup
applicator;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 10 with a
cover
mounted about the applicator head;
[0042] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 10 in
opened
configuration;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a kit;
[0044] FIG. 14 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of an eye makeup
applicator;
[0045] FIG. 15 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of an eye makeup
application;
[0046] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of an eye
makeup
applicator;
[0047] FIG. 17A is a side view of an additional embodiment of an eye
makeup
applicator;
[0048] FIG. 17 B is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of an
eye
makeup applicator;
[0049] FIG. 17C is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of an
eye makeup
applicator;
[0050] FIG. 18 is a schematic drawing of a dual use eye makeup applicator;
[0051] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a dual use eye makeup applicator;
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[0052] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an eye makeup
applicator
with an auxiliary handle and head;
[0053] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an eye
makeup
applicator with an auxiliary handle and head;
[0054] FIG. 22A is a front view of another embodiment of an eye makeup
applicator;
[0055] FIG. 22B is a perspective view of an applicator head for eye
makeup; and
[0056] FIG. 22C is a top view of a mark left by the applicator head of
either FIG.
22A or FIG. 22B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 generally designates a first
embodiment of
a makeup applicator. As will be more fully described below, applicator 10 is
adapted to
apply makeup to person's skin, such as around the eye, by simply, at least
initially, pressing
the applicator head and makeup supported thereon on the person's skin to form
a mark in a
defined shape, for example, in the shape of a line or an area. The term "line"
is used herein
to refer to a shape that is characterized by its length and slenderness, e.g.
a shape that is
longer than it is wide by a multiplier of at least 5. Furthermore, the
applicator may be
adapted so that it can be reconfigured to change the shape of the mark to suit
the individual
user's taste.
[0058] As best seen in FIG. 1, applicator 10 includes a head 12 and a
handle 14.
Head 12 includes an applicator surface 12a that is configured to receive and
hold an
application of makeup in a preformed shape that can then be applied by simply
pressing on a
person's skin to form a mark, such as a colored line or area. The makeup may
comprise
liquid makeup, gel makeup, powder makeup, or a film of makeup or another
cosmetic
formulation containing pigment that can be applied to head 12. To hold the
makeup, head 12
may include an absorbent, resilient body 16, for example a foam (such as a
closed cell foam
rubber) or sponge body that forms applicator surface 12a. Surface 12a is
configured in a
shape to form the desired shape of the makeup as it is applied to the person's
skin. Body 16,
as noted, is formed from a material that may absorb at least some of the
makeup and/or hold
the makeup in a shape so that the makeup can then be pressed on the person's
skin to create,
for example, an eye line or eyebrow line or eye shadow.
[0059] Suitable materials for forming body 16 include materials that are
used to form
cosmetic sponges sold under the trademarks Yukilon, Tera, Flocked Yukilon
Grace, New
Tera Venus, Flocked Tera Venus, Black Yukilon Crayon, and Yukilon Grace. It
should be
understood that other resilient materials may be used. Further, the desired
shape may vary
and comprise an elongated thin region or line with a uniform thickness or
comprise a tapered
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line with a decreasing thickness along its length. The line may be curved,
including a line
with a compound curve or curves. The makeup may be pressed onto, wiped on,
sprayed on
or rolled on body 16. Or the body may be dipped into the makeup. Further, the
makeup may
be formed from a film, which is supported on the body.
[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, body 16 forms a smooth applicator
surface and
is configured to form a natural looking line for applying makeup on the eyelid
of the user
adjacent the eyelashes to form an eyeliner. However as described below, the
body may be
configured to form other shapes.
[0061] As best shown in FIG. 1A, body 16 may be mounted to abase 22, which
is
either rigidly attached to the handle, such as by an adhesive, a weld, or
molding, or may be
releasably mounted to the handle, as described below. Base 22 may comprise
plastic, wood,
metal, or a composite material or another foam or sponge that is more rigid
than the foam or
sponge forming body 16, which provides sufficient rigidity to body 16 so that
body 16 can
then be employed as described above and below. Base 22 may be mounted to body
16 by an
adhesive or molded with the body, for example, by co-injection molding, and
then secured to
the handle, as noted above and described in more detail below. Although not
shown, base 22
may include either one or more recesses and/or projections into which or about
which body
16 may be molded to thereby form a mechanical coupling between body 16 and
base 22.
Further, base 22 may be releasably coupled to body 16 to allow just the body
to be replaced,
if desired. For example, body 16 may be press fit into a recess formed in base
22 or vice
versa (e.g., the base may be press fit into a recess formed in body 16 as
noted below).
[0062] When formed from plastic, wood, metal or a composite material, base
22 may
include a threaded opening to receive a threaded end of the handle or may
include an opening
which forms a snap fit connection with the top of the handle. Optionally, the
opening may
have two or more recesses formed in the material surrounding the opening to
form a detent
mechanism. For example, the end of the handle may support a pair of spring
arms that are
depressed when the handle is inserted into the opening but when aligned with
the recesses
spring out to engage the base to thereby form a spring released coupling
between the handle
and the head. The arms may include ramps which when sufficient force is
applied the handle
or the head cause the spring arms to disengage and allow the head to be
removed from the
handle (or vice versa).
[0063] Referring to FIG. 1B, in another embodiment, head 12' may include a
body
16' which is formed with a recess into which base 22' may be inserted and then
joined with
the body by an adhesive or just by a friction fit connection. Alternately,
body 16' may be
molded over base 22' or co-injection molded with base 22'. Further, in a
similar manner to
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as noted above, base 22' may be formed from a plastic, wood, metal, or
composite material,
or a more rigid foam or sponge, which provides sufficient rigidity to body 16
so that body 16
can then be employed as described above and below. Similarly, base 22' may be
rigidly
attached to the handle, such as by an adhesive, by a weld, or molding, or also
may be
releasably mounted to the handle, such as described above.
[0064] As best seen in FIG. 1C, head 12" may be formed almost entirely by
a foam
or sponge body 16" with a smaller base 22", which may be in the form plastic,
wood, metal,
or a composite material body or another foam or sponge body that is formed
with body 16",
such as by molding, and which provides sufficient rigidity to mount body 16"
to the handle
as described above.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 1D, head 12" ' is similar to head 12' with a foam
or sponge
body 16¨ mounted to a base 22a, but with base 22a including or joined with a
coupler 22b
that extends below base 22a for coupling head 12¨ to the handle. Coupler 22b
may
comprise a threaded collar or may similarly receive the top of the handle to
form a friction fit
or mechanical coupling with the handle, as described above. Alternately,
coupler 22b may
extend into and be received in a bore formed in the top of the handle, also
with a friction fit
or mechanical coupling similar to those described above.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 22A, the applicator 1610 may include a head
1612 of
bristles 1630 with attached ends 1632 and applicator ends 1634 opposite the
attached ends
1632. The attached ends 1632 may be attached to a base 1622 on a handle 1614.
The bristles
may be formed from any suitable natural or synthetic fiber and may be arranged
in any
number of different configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 22A, the
bristles 1630
may be arranged in a "V-shape" and the applicator ends 1634 are available to
receive and
hold an application of makeup in the preformed shape (e.g., the V-shape of
FIG. 22A) that
can be applied by pressing the applicator ends 1634 of the bristles 1630 on a
persons' skin to
form a mark.
[0067] Alternatively, the head 1612a may be independent of a handle. For
example
the head 1612a shown in FIG. 22B includes bristles 1630a with attached ends
1632a and
applicator ends 1634a. The attached ends 1632a may be attached to a base 1622a
which can
be attached to a handle as desired. The mark 1640, shown in FIG. 22C, provided
by the head
1612, 1612a as shown in FIGs. 22A and 22B is reflective of the configuration
of the bristles
1630, 1630a.
[0068] Referring again to FIG. 1, handle 14 may comprise a cylindrical
body 18.
Optionally as described below, head 12 may be removably mounted to handle 14
to allow a
user to replace the head, for example, with another or similar head. In the
illustrated
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embodiment, the cylindrical body 18 comprises a straight cylindrical body and
may be
hollow or solid. Alternately, handle 14 may comprise a curved cylindrical body
or nonlinear
cylindrical body to facilitate proper placement of the head on the eyelid. The
handle may be
adjustable and/or may incorporate, for example, sliding or telescoping members
to adjust its
length.
[0069] For example, referring to FIG. 1E, cylindrical body 18 may comprise
a
reinforced body, including a reinforced elastomer body so that handle 14 can
be bent to allow
the handle to be reconfigured to adjust the position of the head to suit the
user. As best seen
in FIG. 1E, body 18 may have a reinforcement member, such as a metal wire 26,
which
allows body 18 to be bent but will retain its shape until it is reformed into
another shape or
returned to its original shape.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 1F, handle 14' may be formed from rigid material,
such as
plastic, wood, metal, or a composite material, and optionally includes one or
more joints 30
that allow for articulation of one more sections of handle 14. Further, joint
or joints 30 allow
articulation of one or more sections of the handle about one or more axes so
that the handle to
be reconfigured to adjust the position of the head. In addition, handle 14'
may incorporate a
gripping surface 32 about its lower end, which can facilitate the use of
applicator 10.
[0071] As best seen in FIG. 1G, handle 14" is formed from two telescoping
members
18a, 18b so that, as noted, the length of the handle can be adjusted to
simplify storage, such
as described below. The two members may have a friction fit so that the length
may be
adjusted by simply pulling on the two members and thereby provide infinite
positioning
between the maximum and minimum lengths of the handle (with stops defining the
minimum
or maximum length) or may provide discrete positions defined by one or more
detent
mechanism formed between the two members.
[0072] Further, the head (e.g. head 12) may be adjustable so that the
orientation of the
head may be adjusted. For example, head 12 may be mounted by a ball and socket
connection, which are biased into engagement, for example, by a spring to
provide multi axis
pivoting for adjustment. In this manner, the position of the head may be
adjusted by simply
providing sufficient force to overcome the biasing force so that the head can
be pivoted until
the force is removed. Optionally, the position of the head may be biased by
the surfaces of
the ball or socket. For example, the ball or socket may have discrete raised
surfaces and the
other may have corresponding discrete recesses, which when aligned define the
position of
the head. In a similar manner, the position of the head may be adjusted by
simply providing
sufficient force to dislodge the raised surfaces from the recesses. Once moved
out of
alignment, continued force (typically smaller force) must be applied to move
the head (to
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overcome the friction) until the raised surfaces once again align with another
set of recesses.
It should be understood that a single raised surface may be used in
combination with two
recesses to define two discrete positions.
[0073] Alternately, rather than holding or absorbing the makeup like a
stamp, head 12
may be configured as a dispenser. For example, head 12 may be configured to
hold a
plurality of makeup layers that exhibit adhesive properties on their top
sides, so that when the
topmost layer is applied to the person's skin, the next layer will be ready
for application.
In each case, the applicator may have a cover that snaps on, for example, to
the sides
of the head or slides on, for example, into grooves formed on the sides of the
head to project
the head and/or makeup applied thereto.
[0074] As noted above, the shape of the head or body may be varied.
Referring to
FIG. 2, applicator 110, which is similar to applicator 10, includes a head 112
mounted to
handle 14, with the head having a body 116 that is shaped to form a more
curved line to
create a "cat eye look". It should be understood, that in addition to applying
line to the
eyelid, applicator may be used to apply a line to enhance or form an eyebrow.
[0075] In addition to applying a line of makeup to form eyeliner or to
fill in an
eyebrow, the applicator may also apply a larger area of makeup as noted, for
example, to
apply eye shadow. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, makeup applicators 210, 310 and 410
each
include a larger head 212, 312, and 412, which are each supported on a handle,
such as
handle 14 described above. For examples of the handle and how the head may be
mounted,
reference is made to the above descriptions.
[0076] As best seen in FIG. 3, head 212 may be similarly formed from a
foam or
sponge body, which forms the applicator surface 212a. The size and shape of
surface 212a
may be varied but is optionally sized to cover at least a portion of the
eyelid for applying eye
shadow. Again, the makeup applied to surface 212a may be powder makeup, a
liquid
makeup, gel makeup, or a layer of makeup. Optionally, applicator surface 212a
may have a
non-smooth surface or a surface with a varied surface topology so that the
application of
makeup varies in density across its surface to create a faded or feathered
look. For example,
the surface may include, as shown, a plurality of raised portions, such as
bumps. The uneven
surface allows the surface to hold more makeup between the raised portions
than on the
raised portions so that it creates variation or some contrast in the applied
makeup. The size
(e.g. height or width) and/or spacing of the bumps may vary to increase or
decrease the
amount of makeup held between the bumps, for example. Alternately, recesses
can be used.
[0077] Optionally, as shown in reference to applicator 310, head 312 may
similarly
include a plurality of raised portions, such as bumps, with spacing between
the raised
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portions varying across the length of the head 312 and optionally terminating
before the end
of the head 312. Further, the size of the raised portions may vary. For
example, as viewed in
FIG. 4, the raised portions on the left side of head 312 may be larger or
taller than the raised
portions in the central portion of the head 312 to further vary the amount of
applied makeup,
which for example can create a smudge affect. For example, head 312 may be
configured to
form an inner blurred region of makeup, while head 412 illustrated in FIG.5B
is configured
to form an outer blurred region of makeup. As would be understood by those
will skilled in
the art, different eye shapes need different makeup application to enhance the
eyes. For
example, closer set eyes are typically enhanced by applying an outer blurred
region of eye
shadow, while wider set eyes are typically enhanced applying an inner blurred
region of eye
shadow.
[0078] Alternately, as noted, in lieu of raised portions, the bodies of
heads 212, 312,
412 may have recesses, for example, which may be formed by the pores of an
open cell foam,
with the openings or pores in the foam creating the same effect as the space
between the
raised portions described above. In addition, the applicator body may be
formed from two
different materials, with one material optionally comprising an open cell foam
to form the
varying surface topology, and the other formed from a closed cell foam to form
a smooth
applicator surface.
[0079] Similar to applicators 10 and 110, applicators 210, 310, 410 may
also be
configured as dispensers, which can support layers of makeup.
[0080] It should be understood further that each of the heads (12, 12',
12", 12¨,
112, 212, 312, 412) may be formed from a single body of material or maybe
formed from
multiple bodies, for example of foam or sponge, that together form the
applicator surface. In
addition, as shown in FIG. 6, when any of the heads are formed from a foam or
sponge body,
the body may be configured so that it can be reconfigured and hold it shape.
For example, as
shown in FIG. 6, body 16 may incorporate a plastic or metal member, such as
wire 20, that
allows the shape of the body to be adjusted, for example, by bending or
twisting. In this
manner the user may adjust the shape of the body to suit their tastes or to
suit their eye shape.
In addition, each head (12, 12', 12", 12¨, 112, 212, 312, 412) may have a body
with a
thickness extending up from its respective base (from its underside) and an
applicator surface
with a lateral or longitudinal expanse that is greater than its thickness. In
this manner, the
applicator surface provides a surface with sufficient expanse to form the
intended makeup
shape¨whether that is a line, including a curved line, a tapered line etc. or
an area sufficient
to apply eye shadow on at least apportion of the users eyelid with a simple
pressing motion,
like a stamp. Though it should be understood that after the makeup is
"stamped" on the
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person's skin, the applicator may then be used to (e.g., dragged) smear or
smudge the mark
that is applied.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 7, as noted above, the heads of the applicators
described
above may be removably mounted to handles. For example, a kit 510 may be
provided that
includes a handle 14 and a head 412, as well as alternate or replacement
heads, such as heads
12, 112, 212, and 312. For example, body 416 of head 412 may be mounted to a
base 412b
that is configured to releasably mount to handle 14, for example, by friction
or by a
mechanical coupling, such as described above. In this manner, the applicator
may be used to
apply eye liner or eye shadow using the same applicator handle. Further as
best seen in FIS.
8 and 9, the applicator may be disassembled for placement in a case, which may
include
makeup in the case. Further shown in FIG. 9, the case may be configured with
several
compartments for storing multiple heads, e.g. one or more set of left and
right heads.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 10, the applicator 610 generally designates yet
another
embodiment of a makeup applicator. Applicator 610 includes a handle 614 and a
head 612,
which is similar to the previous embodiments. For general details of optional
heads, reference
is made to the description above. In this embodiment, the applicator itself is
configured to
store makeup, which is then dispensed from the head.
[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, handle 614 comprises a hollow
cylindrical body
618, which forms a chamber 620 for holding a fluid-based makeup, e.g. a liquid
makeup or
gel makeup, or for holding a cartridge holding a fluid-based makeup. Chamber
620 (or
cartridge) includes an outlet 624 through which the makeup can flow to head
612. For
example, as described above, head 612 may include a hollow base 622 with which
outlet 624
is in fluid communication and through which the makeup may flow into the head.
Given the
porous nature of the head (e.g., when the head includes a foam or sponge
body), the head
may act like a wick to draw the makeup into the head. Alternately, the makeup
may be
applied by pressing or pushing the makeup into the head as noted below.
[0084] Optionally, base 622 may extend into or be adjacent a lower surface
of the
portion of body 616 that forms the applicator surface. In this manner, the
makeup can flow
from the chamber or cartridge through the outlet into the base and then into
the body so that
when the head is pressed against a user's skin at least part of the makeup
will then be
transferred onto the person's skin. Depending on the makeup's viscosity and
the porosity of
the material forming body 616, body 616 may be saturated with the makeup or
only partially
saturated with the makeup.
[0085] In addition, the chamber or cartridge may include a valve to
control the flow
of makeup from the chamber or cartridge to the head. For example, the valve
may be
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actuated to open simply from pressure applied to the valve, for example from
the head when
pressed on the user's skin or direct pressure from the user, for example by
way of a trigger on
the side of the handle, for example. In this manner, when the applicator is
not in use the
valve will remain closed, which could preserve the life of the makeup in the
chamber or
cartridge. Optionally, a secondary or charging chamber may be provided between
the valve
and the head, so that when the valve is open, the makeup will flow into the
charging chamber
and thereafter be configured to close to limit the amount of fluid flowing
into the head.
[0086] The handle may be formed from a rigid material or a flexible
material, or at
least have one or more regions formed from a flexible material, so that a user
may press on
the flexible portion(s) to increase the pressure in the chamber to facilitate
the flow of the
makeup from the handle into the head.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, applicator 610 may optionally include
a cover
or cap 640 that extends over the head and about the base of the head and
further couples to
handle 614, for example, by a snap fit or friction coupling. In the
illustrated embodiment,
cover 640 is formed from a clamshell configuration with two halves 642 and
644, which may
be connected by a living hinge 646. This allows the two halves to be opened or
closed by
simply unfolding or folding the two halves. For example, the facing surfaces
of the two
halves of the cover may include detent mechanisms or snap fit connections,
which join the
two halves together by simply applying pressure, which can then be opened
simply by
pulling the two halves apart. Suitable materials for forming the cover include
plastics or
lightweight metals.
[0088] As best seen in FIG. 12, each half 642, 644 includes a semi-
cylindrical body
648, 650 and an intersecting semi-cylindrical body 652, 654 to form a T-shaped
recess. The
semi-cylindrical bodies 648 and 650 are generally the same size and sized to
extend over and
once joined cover the head of the applicator. Similarly, semi-cylindrical
bodies 652, 654 are
generally the same size and sized to extend over and once joined enclose the
end of the
handle about the base of the applicator head. Semi-cylindrical bodies 652, 654
have closed
ends 648a and 650a, respectively, to thereby enclose the heads and protect
them from drying
out. Semi-cylindrical bodies 652 and 654 each have open ends and are size to
extend around
handle 614 with a close, if not tight, fit so that when cover 640 is properly
mounted on the
applicator, it will protect the head from damage and also from drying out.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 13, the numeral 710 generally designates another
kit which
is adapted for holding the applicator and optional heads described above in
reference to
applicator 610, which includes a case with multiple compartments for holding
handle 614 and
two smaller compartments for holding two more pairs of heads (left and right
heads).
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[0090] As an alternative, to the applicator heads described relative to
FIGs. 1-5, the
applicator may include an applicator head that is a convex shape to allow the
makeup to be
gently stamped or pressed onto the skin and then applied in a rolling or
rocking manner. For
example, as shown in FIG. 14, the applicator 810 may include a wheel head 812
rotatably
coupled to a handle 814 by a shaft 820 at a central axis 820a of the wheel
head 812. The
wheel head 812 may include an applicator surface 812a and a body 816 formed
from a
material suitable cosmetic application, such as the sponges or foams described
above. The
body 816 may be annular and mounted on a rigid base 822, which is then mounted
to handle
814 by shaft 820.
[0091] The makeup may be pressed onto, wiped on, sprayed on or rolled on
the
applicator surface 812a and then transferred to a person's skin by grasping
the handle 814,
placing the applicator surface 812a on the skin, and linearly moving the
applicator 810. The
wheel head 812 rotates about the axis 820a as the applicator 810 is moved and
makeup is
rolled onto the desired location of the skin.
[0092] Rather than having a handle, an applicator may include a ring for
holding the
applicator. As shown in FIG. 15, the applicator 910 may include a wheel head
912, with an
applicator surface 912a, coupled to a ring 914. For example, the ring 914 may
be formed
from an open C-shaped spring clip that allows the ring 914 to be mounted on
fingers of
different sizes and also allows the ring 914 to be quickly and easily mounted
to a user's
finger.
[0093] Wheel head 912 may be mounted to ring 914 by a U-shaped cover 922
and
rotatably mounted to cover 922 by a shaft 920 about an axis 920a of the wheel
head 912. A
user may apply the makeup of the applicator surface 912a to the skin in a
manner similar to
that described with respect to the applicator 810 shown in FIG. 14, by
grasping the ring 914
or placing the ring 914 on a finger and contacting the wheel head or the skin
moving the
applicator 910 over the skin to transfer the makeup from the roller onto the
skin. The cover
922 may provide a barrier between the wheel head 912 and the finger ring 914
to prevent the
makeup of the wheel head 912 from being inadvertently applied to the hand or
fingers of the
user.
[0094] Similarly, the applicator may have a fixed convex shape to allow
the makeup
to be gently stamped or pressed onto the skin and then applied in a rocking
manner. For
example, as shown in FIG. 16, the applicator 1010 may include a head 1012 with
an
applicator surface 1012a and a base 1022. The base 1022 may be coupled to a
ring 1014. A
user may apply the makeup of the applicator surface 1012a to the skin by
grasping the ring
1014 and contacting the applicator surface 1012a to the skin to press or stamp
on an initial
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amount of makeup. The then applicator 1010 may be rocked or rolled from side
to side to
provide additional makeup coverage.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 17A, in an alternate embodiment, the applicator
1110 may
include a head 1112 with an applicator surface 1112a and a base 1122. The base
1122 may
be coupled to a handle 1114. A user may apply the makeup of the applicator
surface 1112a
to the skin by grasping handle 1114 and contacting the applicator surface
1112a to the skin to
press or stamp on an initial amount of makeup. The then applicator 1110 may be
rocked or
rolled from side to side to provide additional makeup coverage similar to the
previous
embodiment.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 17B, the applicator 1110' may have a head 1112'
with an
applicator surface 1112a' of a specific shape such as, for example, a shape
that would allow
of the application of different marks in the corners of the eye of a user. The
applicator
surface 1112a' may include two ends 1113a and 1113b. In FIG. 17B one end 1113a
includes
a solid surface for the application of a mark to a person's skin while the
opposite end 1113b
of the applicator surface 1112a' includes a bifurcated surface which, when
applied to the skin
will leave a mark similar to the shape of a greater than (">") or lesser than
("<") symbol
which differs from the shape of the mark to be left by the surface 1113a of
the opposite end.
[0097] An applicator such as that shown in FIG. 17A may include a hollow
cylindrical body which forms a chamber for holding a fluid-based makeup, e.g.
a liquid
makeup or gel makeup, or for holding a cartridge holding a fluid-based makeup
such as that
shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 17C includes an applicator 1110" with a head 1112"
similar to the
head in FIG. 17B including a surface 1112a" with two ends of different shapes
1113a',
1113b'. The head 1112" may be attached to an elongated base 1122 coupled to a
hollow
cylindrical body 1118 which forms a chamber 1120 for holding a fluid-based
makeup, e.g. a
liquid makeup or gel makeup, or for holding a cartridge holding a fluid-based
makeup. The
elongated base 1122 may include a passageway with an inlet 1123 and an outlet
1124
through which the makeup can flow from the chamber 1120 (or cartridge) to the
head 1112".
Given the porous nature of the head 1112" (e.g., when the head includes a
felt, foam or
sponge body), the head may act like a wick to draw the makeup into the head as
described
above.
[0098] In addition, the elongated base 1122 may include a valve to control
the flow of
makeup from the chamber or cartridge to the head. The valve may be actuated
similar to that
of a ball point pen. For example, a suitably rigid barrier to flow of makeup
from the chamber
1120 to the head 1112" may be positioned in or near the outlet 1124 of the
elongated base
1122. The barrier such as a ball may be at least slightly displaced from the
outlet 1124 by
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applying pressure to the head 1112" to allow the flow of makeup from the
chamber 1120 to
the head 1112" and surface 1112a". In this manner, when the applicator is not
in use the
barrier may remain in place preventing the flow of makeup from the chamber
1120.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 18, another embodiment of an applicator 1210
includes
a handle 1214, a left applicator head 1212a, and a right applicator head
1212b. Applicator
heads 1212a, 1212b may be included on either or both ends of the handle to be
used as a dual
end tool. The heads 1212a, 1212b can be removeable and interchangeable and,
further, can
be selected from any of the type of applicator head described herein or may
include other
tools such as brushes, sponges and/or a smudger. The heads 1212a, 1212b may be
the same
shape or may be or different types of heads.
[0100] The applicator 1310 of FIG. 19 is an example of a dual applicator.
The
applicator 1310 includes a handle 1314 that may further include handle pads
1315 of a soft
material. On one end is a wheel head applicator 1312a similar to that shown in
FIGs. 14 and
15 and discussed above. The wheel head applicator 1312a is mounted to the
handle 1314 by
a shaft 1320 and rotates about an axis 1320a. On the end of the handle 1314
opposite the
wheel head 1312a is a brush 1312b.
[0101] Additionally or alternatively, any of the applicators described
above may have
multiple heads available for the application of makeup at the same end of the
applicator. As
shown in FIG. 20, the applicator 1410 may include a primary handle 1414 with a
primary
head 1411. On the applicator 1410 of FIG. 20, the primary head is a wheel head
1412 similar
that described above and shown in FIGs 14, 15, and 19 with a rotating disk
surface 1412a
connected to the handle 1414 by a base 1422 and shaft 1420 so that the surface
1412a rotates
about the an axis 1420a. In addition to the primary handle 1414, the
applicator 1410 may
include any number of auxiliary handles such as, for example, secondary handle
1434. The
auxiliary handle may include an auxiliary head such as a smudger, brush,
sponge, or any
applicator head such as those described above. The auxiliary head may be
configured to
augment the mark made by the primary head. Such augmentation may include the
application of additional makeup by the auxiliary head and/or the altering of
the mark applied
by the primary head. The applicator 1410 of FIG. 20 includes a secondary head
1442
including a smudger.
[0102] Referring now to FIG. 21, the applicator 1510 may include a primary
head
1511 that is a wheel head 1512 similar in structure and function to the wheel
head 1412
shown in FIG. 20. As an auxiliary handle, the applicator 1510 includes a
secondary handle
1534 with a secondary head 1542 including a brush.
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[0103] The auxiliary handles (e.g., handle 1434, 1534) may be connected to
the
primary handle 1414, 1514 in any number of ways. For example, the auxiliary
handles may
be fixed on a particular point along the primary handle 1414, 1514 and fixed
to project from
primary handle 1414, 1514 at a particular angle such as by a pin mount.
Alternatively, either
or both the position of the auxiliary handle along the primary handle and the
angle of
projection (e.g., angle 1560 of FIG. 21) of the auxiliary handle relative to
the primary handle
1414, 1514 may be adjustable over a range or may be biased, for example, by a
coil or leaf
spring, toward a particular angle. The position of the auxiliary handle along
the length of the
primary handle 1414, 1514 may be adjusted, for example, by providing a cam on
end of the
auxiliary handle that can fit over the primary handle and move along the
length of the
primary handle 1414, 1514 to a desired location or by providing a slot or
groove along the
length of the primary handle 1414, 1514 into which a protrusion on the
auxiliary handle is
fitted and may slide along the slot or groove to the desired position.
[0104] The angle of the projection of the auxiliary handle relative to the
primary
handle 1414, 1514 may be adjusted, for example, by attaching the auxiliary
handle to the
primary handle 1414, 1514 by a shaft similar to the shaft (e.g., shaft 1420)
that connects the
wheel head 1412, 1512 to the base (e.g., base 1422) and allows the auxiliary
handle to rotate
about an axis of the shaft. Alternatively, the auxiliary handle may be
attached by a ball joint
to the primary handle 1414, 1514, thereby allowing adjustment of the angle of
the projection
of the auxiliary handle relative to the primary handle 1414, 1514 in three
dimensions.
[0105] The angle of projection of the auxiliary handle relative to the
primary handle
and/or the position of the auxiliary handle along the length of the primary
handle 1414, 1514
may range from a stowed position in which the auxiliary head is not engaged
for contact with
the user's skin, and any one of a deployed positions in which the auxiliary
head is positioned
to contact the skin in concert with the application of makeup by the primary
head 1411, 1511.
Further, the auxiliary handle may be selectively attached or removed by any
manner suitable
snap fittings for quick connections.
[0106] While several forms of the inventions have been shown and
described, the
above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various
alterations and
changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of
the invention
as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance
with the
principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This
disclosure is presented
for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive
description of all
embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the
specific elements
illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example,
and without
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limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be
replaced by
alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or
otherwise provide
adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative
elements, such
as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and
alternative elements that
may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art
might, upon
development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments
include a
plurality of features that are described in concert but which can be used
independently and/ or
combined with other features. The present invention is not limited to only
those
embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the
stated benefits, except
to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. For example,
any reference to
claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an,"
"the" or "said," is
not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Additionally,
directional terms
used in the specification, such as "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom,"
"upper," "lower,"
"inner," "inwardly," "outer" and "outwardly," are used to assist in describing
the invention
based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The
use of
directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any
specific
orientation(s).
[0107] Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the
drawings
and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended
to limit the
scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow as
interpreted under the
principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.
17
