Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2020/009716 PCT/US2018/053922
GEM APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY
[0001] This application claims priority to US Application No. 16/028,628,
filed on July 6,
2018.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This disclosure relates to application of gems to hair, ribbons,
notebooks, dolls hair,
artwork, paper, cloth and other items. More particularly, the invention
relates to a gem applicator
configured to apply gems and a dispenser configured to support the gems for
application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are two companies marketing 'gems' for hair. One device uses
batteries to affix
a spring-loaded plastic jewel to the hair. The child has to manually insert
each jewel into the
device and then they need to have an adult help them to remove the jewels - it
can damage the
hair. The other device utilizes gems sold in sheets which are applied to the
hair using a heating
element, such as a flat iron. Both require electricity and significant effort
either in applying or in
removing the gems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In at least one aspect, the present invention provides a gem
applicator which provides
the ability to apply gems more easily and with much more versatility. It is a
simple and
affordable handheld device that efficiently and quickly applies crystals,
rhinestones or other
gems (with adhesive already on them) to the hair, paper, cloth, etc.
(material) without heat,
batteries, or electricity and without any damage to the hair. Simply place a
section of the material
into the application area of the device, squeeze the trigger and the gem is
applied. In the case of
gems applied to hair, the gems may be removed by simply brushing them out.
[0005] In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a gem
applicator assembly
including a dispenser supporting a plurality of gems and an applicator. Each
gem has an adhesive
backing. The applicator includes a body with a support assembly supported by
the body and
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configured to receive and support the dispenser with one of the gems aligned
with an application
target area. A plunger having a push rod is supported by the body and movable
relative thereto
between an initial position and an application position wherein the push rod
engages the aligned
gem and pushes the aligned gem such that the adhesive backing of the aligned
gem moves
toward the application target area. The gem dispenser may include a circular
disk configuration
with a plurality of spaced apart gem openings extending through the disk. Each
gem is aligned
with a respective gem opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
constitute part of this
specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the
invention, and, together with
the general description given above and the detailed description given below,
serve to explain the
features of the invention. In the drawings:
[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a gem applicator assembly in
accordance with an
embodiment of the invention including an exemplary applicator and an exemplary
dispenser.
[0008] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary dispenser in
the form of a belt.
[0009] Fig. 3 is a front elevation view of the belt of Fig. 2.
[0010] Fig. 4 is a rear elevation view of another exemplary belt.
[0011] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary belt drum of the
applicator of Fig. I.
[0012] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the applicator of Fig. 1.
[0013] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary cover
assembly of the
applicator of Fig. 1.
[0014] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line 8-8 in Fig. 1.
[0015] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary indexing
assembly of the
applicator of Fig. I.
[0016] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line 10-10 in Fig. 1.
[0017] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of alternative backing plate assembly
in accordance with
an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0018] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line 12-12 in Fig. 1.
[0019] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view along the line 13-13 in Fig. 1.
[0020] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the applicator as illustrated in
Fig. 13.
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[0021] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a gem applicator assembly in
accordance with another
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0022] Fig. 16 is a side elevation view of the gem applicator assembly of
Fig. 15.
[0023] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of another exemplary dispenser in the
form of a disk.
[0024] Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the disk of Fig. 17.
[0025] Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the gem applicator
assembly of Fig. 15.
[0026] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view along the line 20-20 in Fig. 15.
[0027] Fig. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the gem applicator assembly
of Fig. 15.
[0028] Fig. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the gem applicator assembly
of Fig. 15 with
the backing plate disconnected.
[0029] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 15 with
the handle body
removed and the actuation trigger in an initial position.
[0030] Fig. 24 is a top perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 15
with the handle body
removed and the actuation trigger in an initial position.
[0031] Fig. 25 is a top perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 15
with the handle body
removed and the actuation trigger in a partially actuated position.
[0032] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 15 with
the handle body and
reset spring removed and the actuation trigger in a partially actuated
position.
[0033] Fig. 27 is a top perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 15
with the handle body
and reset spring removed and the actuation trigger in a fully actuated
position and the plunger in
a loaded position.
[0034] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 15 with
the handle body and
reset spring removed and the actuation trigger in a fully actuated position
and the plunger in a
loaded position.
[0035] Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 15 with
the handle body and
reset spring removed and the actuation trigger in a partially actuated
position and the plunger in a
fired position.
[0036] Fig. 30 is a side perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 15
with the handle
body and reset spring removed and the actuation trigger in a partially
actuated position and the
plunger in a fired position.
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[0037] Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 15 with
the handle body and
reset spring removed and the actuation trigger in a partially returned
position.
[0038] Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 15 with
the handle body and
reset spring removed and the actuation trigger just prior to fully reaching
the initial position.
[0039] Fig. 33 is a top perspective view of a gem applicator assembly in
accordance with
another embodiment of the disclosure.
[0040] Fig. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the gem applicator assembly
of Fig. 33.
[0041] Fig. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the gem applicator
assembly of Fig. 33.
[0042] Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 33 in a
disk loading
position.
[0043] Fig. 37 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary
dispenser in the form of
a disk.
[0044] Fig. 38 is a top perspective view of the gem applicator of Fig. 33
with a portion
thereof shown in expanded view.
[0045] Fig. 39 is a side elevation view of the gem applicator of Fig. 33 in
an initial position.
[0046] Fig. 40 is a side elevation view of the gem applicator of Fig. 33 in
an application
position.
[0047] Fig. 41 is a side elevation view of the gem applicator assembly of
Fig. 33 with the
backing plate pivoted to a non-contact position.
[0048] Fig. 42 is a side elevation view of the gem applicator of Fig. 33 in
a locked condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout.
Certain terminology
is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on
the present
invention. The following describes preferred embodiments of the present
invention. However, it
should be understood, based on this disclosure, that the invention is not
limited by the preferred
embodiments described herein.
[0050] Referring to Figs. 1-14, an exemplary embodiment of a gem applicator
assembly 10 in
accordance with the disclosure will be described. As used herein, the term gem
encompasses
items of various shapes and sizes and made from various materials including
natural and
synthetic materials, including crystals, plastics, rhinestones, glass beads,
pearls and the like. The
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gems have an adhesive which causes them to adhere to the intended material. In
applications
wherein the gems are applied to hair, the adhesive is selected such that it is
safe for hair and skin.
[0051] Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, the exemplary gem applicator assembly 10
generally
comprises a gem dispenser 20 and a gem applicator 50. The gem applicator 50 is
a purely
mechanical device, to facilitate applying gems, for example, crystals, to
hair, paper, cloth and or
other materials (application target). In the present embodiment, the gem
dispenser 20 is in the
form of a belt which will be easily inserted into the applicator 50 via a
removable cover
assembly 100. The removable cover assembly 100 provides an easy operation to
replace the gem
belt 22 so that, for instance, the user can change the color, shape and size
of the gem the user
wants to apply next. The applicator assembly 10 will cater for gems 30 of
different size and
shapes, thus making it more versatile in its use.
[0052] The applicator 50 includes a hollow handle body 52, an outer drum
cover 80 supported
on the handle body 52, and the cover assembly 100. The belt 22 is supported by
a belt drum 90
which is within the drum cover 80. The internal belt drum 90 is engaged by the
cover assembly
100 such that rotation of the cover 102 causes rotation of the belt 22 to
align a gem 30 with an
opening 86 in the drum cover 80. Such a manual rotation of the belt 22 allows
a user to align a
desired gem 30 with the opening 86 to apply the desired gem 30. This may also
be useful where
a belt 22 has some of the gems 30 missing, for example, the gems have already
been used, and
the user wants to advance the belt 22 to the next gem 30 that can be applied.
As will be described
in more detail hereinafter, the applicator 50 may include an indexing assembly
140 to
automatically advance the belt 22 in addition to or in place of the manual
rotation.
[0053] To apply a gem 30, the applicator 50 operates with a trigger 54
pivotally supported by
the handle body 52. The trigger 54 pushes a plunger 60 (see Fig. 6) which in
turn presses a gem
30 through the outer ring opening 86 and against the location on the hair or
other material where
it is wanted. In order to press the gem firmly against the hair, so that it
stays in place long
enough, a portion of the applicator 50 serves as a backing plate 114 to press
the gem against the
hair. The trigger mechanism may serve a double function whereby it is also
part of the indexing
assembly such that it advances the belt with gems one position, each time it
is pressed. Such
allows the user to install the gems in succession, one each time the trigger
is pressed.
[0054] Referring to Figs. 2-4, exemplary gem dispensers 20, 20' in the form
of belts 22 will
be described. Each belt 22 is a strip with a series of spaced apart gem
openings 24, 24'. The size
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of the openings 24, 24' are preferably selected to correspond to the size of
the gem 30. For
example, the belt 22 of Figs. 2 and 3 would supports gems 30 which are larger
than the gems
supported on the belt 22 of Fig. 4. In each case, the openings 24, 24' are
preferably provided
with a series of radial slits 25. Furthermore, some of the slits 25 may
terminate in openings 26.
The radial slits 25 and openings 26 allow the material of the belt 22 to
deform as the gem 30 is
pressed through the opening 24, 24' and thereby guide the gem 30 to the
application material
(hair, paper, cloth, etc.). The shape also prevents the belt from sticking to
the plunger. The shape
of the gem mounting can be modified to accommodate different sizes and shapes
of gems.
[0055] As illustrated in Fig. 2, an adhesive material 32 is positioned on
the back surface of
each gem 30 to facilitate adhering of the gem 30 to the intended surface. An
exemplary adhesive
material 32, when the gems 30 are applied to hair, is 3M 1522 acrylic
adhesive. In at least one
embodiment, the belt 22 is polystyrene material with a polyester non-stick
coating. The coating
is designed to partially adhere to the acrylic adhesive material 32 on the gem
30. Other
exemplary belt materials include polyester, polycarbonate, paper, styrene,
acrylic, polyethylene,
polypropylene, and many other polymers. Exemplary coatings include polyester,
silicone,
fluorinated materials, olefin materials, and other materials that resist
adhesion by acrylic
adhesives.
[0056] The dispenser 20 is configured to be supported within the applicator
50 by a support
assembly such that the gems 30 may be applied utilizing a mechanical
application mechanism. In
the present embodiment of the applicator assembly 10, the support assembly is
a belt drum 90 as
illustrated in Fig. 5. Each belt 22 is configured to be positioned within and
supported by the belt
drum 90. The belt drum 90 has a cylindrical body 91 with a series of drum
openings 92, each of
which aligns with a respective gem 30. A support surface 94 extends radially
inward from the
cylindrical body 91 to support the belt 22. To align the belt 22 and to ensure
the belt 22 moves
with the drum 90, the drum 90 includes a plurality of tabs 96 which engage
corresponding
notches 28 in the belt 22.
[0057] Referring to Figs. 6-8, the components of the gem applicator 50 of the
present
embodiment will be described. The exemplary applicator 50 generally includes:
a handle body
52 to support all components, the drum 90 rotatably supported by the body 52,
the drum cover 80
which extends about the drum 90 and may be formed integrally with or
separately from the body
52 and which may be transparent, a removable cover assembly 100 to insert the
belt and which
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may also be transparent and which may double up as a knob to turn the belt 22;
(the transparent
parts will allow the user to see what gems are still inside), the indexing
mechanism 140 to
automatically advance the belt 22 to each gem position for application, the
trigger 54 to drive the
plunger 60 to push the gem 30 through the opening 86 in the drum cover 80 and
toward the
backing plate 114 to apply the gem. The body 52 or trigger 54 may include a
raised grip.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle body 52 is formed by
opposed body shell
members 53a, 53b. The body shell members 53a, 53b may be joined to one another
via screws,
snap fit or in various other manners. The trigger 54 similarly comprises
opposed trigger members
55a, 55b which are joined together to form the trigger. It is understood that
both the body 52 and
the trigger 54 may be made from more or fewer components. The trigger 54 is
pivotally
supported relative to the body 52 by, for example, a bushing 56.
[0059] The trigger 54 is configured to pivotally move the plunger 60. In
the illustrated
embodiment, the plunger 60 includes an axial body 62 extending between a pivot
end 61 and a
head 64. The pivot end 61 includes a through bore 63 configured to receive the
bushing 56 such
that the plunger 60 pivots with the trigger 54. The head 64 includes a push
rod 66 which is
configured to extend through a respective drum opening 92 and the drum cover
opening 86 when
the trigger is activated. With such movement, the push rod 66 engages the gem
30 and pushes it
through the belt opening 24, 24', the drum opening 92 and the drum cover
opening 86 where it is
adhesively applied to the intended item at the drum cover opening 86.
[0060] A resilient member 70 engages the plunger 60 and is configured to
bias the plunger
60 to an initial position withdrawn from the opening 86. In the illustrated
embodiment, the
resilient member 70 is a ring 72 made of elastomeric material, for example,
rubber or the like.
The resilient member 70 includes an inwardly protruding connector 76 which is
configured to be
received and retained in a corresponding groove 68 on the back of the plunger
head 64. The
opposite side of the ring 72 has a through hole 76 which aligns with the drum
cover opening 86.
When the plunger 60 is actuated, the ring 72 is compressed between the plunger
head 64 and the
inside of the drum 90 (see Fig. 8). Upon release of the trigger 54, the
resilient nature of the ring
72 causes the plunger 60 to move to the initial position. While an elastomeric
ring is illustrated,
the resilient member 70 may have other configurations, for example, a spring
or the like.
[0061] As described above, the plunger head 60 is surrounded by the drum 90
and the drum
cover 80. The drum cover 80 preferably has a generally cylindrical body 82
although other
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configurations are possible. As illustrated, the area of the opening 86
preferably includes a
flattened area 85 of the body 82. Tabs 84 extend from the bottom edge of the
body 82 and are
configured for connection to the body 52, however, other mechanism of
attachment may be
utilized. Alternatively, the drum cover 80 may be formed integrally with the
body 52. The drum
90 is rotatably positioned within the drum cover 80. In the illustrated
embodiment, the drum 90
is positioned on a support surface 152 of an upper plate 150 of the indexing
assembly 140. The
upper plate 150 supports a plurality of drum rollers 154 which assist the
rotation of the drum 90.
[0062] To access the drum 90 and to position belts 22 within the drum cover
80, the cover
assembly 100 includes a removable cover 102. In the illustrated embodiment,
the cover
102 includes a series of radial projections 101 which assist with manual
rotation of the cover
102, and thereby the drum 90. The cover 102 defines an internal slot 104 into
which a release
button 106 is positioned. A spring 108 is positioned between a tab 103 in the
slot 104 and a tab
105 on the release button 106 to bias the release button radially outward. The
release button 106
has a through passage 107 with an inner contact surface 109.
[0063] Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, the through passage 107 is configured
such that an internal
top bearing 156, which is positioned on a center pivot pin 158 extending from
the upper plate
150 and which defines a retaining groove 157, extends through the passage 107
with the groove
157 aligned with the inner contact surface 109. When the release button 106 is
in its normal
position due to the bias of the spring 108, the inner contact surface 109 is
received in the groove
157 and the cover assembly 100 is axially secured relative to the drum cover
80 and body 52.
The cover 102 is still free to rotate relative to the drum cover 80 as the
push button 106 simply
rotates about the top bearing 156. To remove the cover 102, the release button
106 is pressed
radially inward such that the inner contact surface 109 is disengaged from the
groove 157 and the
top bearing 156 is aligned with the through passage 107 such that the cover
may be lifted off. A
cover plate 110 may extend over the slot 104.
[0064] Turning to Figs. 8-10, an exemplary backing plate assembly 120 and
indexing
assembly 140 will be described. The backing plate assembly 120 includes a body
122 which
extends into the handle body 52 and a backing plate 124 which extends
generally perpendicular
to the body 122, outside of the handle body 52 in alignment with the drum
cover opening 86. The
backing plate 124 provides a generally rigid support surface as the gem 30 is
applied. In the
illustrated embodiment, the indexing assembly 140 is configured to advance the
drum 90 each
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time the trigger 54 is actuated and to also move the backing plate 124 toward
the plunger push
rod 66 while the trigger 54 is pressed to reduce the gap between the backing
plate 124 and the
drum cover 80.
[0065] The initial position of the backing plate 124 allows the user to add
materials including
hair, paper, cloth, etc. into the gap formed by the backing plate 124 and drum
cover 80 with a
relatively wider opening. When the trigger 54 is pressed, the backing plate
124 moves toward the
plunger 60, providing a reliable support surface. As the trigger is released,
the backing plate 124
returns to the open position to allow the user to remove the material with the
gem applied. By
opening the gap between the drum cover 80 and backing plate 124, the applied
gem can clear the
drum cover 80 and plunger 60 and be removed without being stripped from the
material.
[0066] Referring to Fig. 9, the backing plate assembly body 122 includes
downwardly
extending rails 123 which engage upwardly extending rails 146, 148 of the
bottom plate 142 of
the indexing assembly 140 to guide axial movement thereof. The backing plate
assembly body
122 may also include a slot 129 which receives a pin 145 extending from the
bottom plate 142 to
define the axial range of motion of the backing plate assembly 120. It is
noted that the backing
plate assembly body 122, the bottom plate 142, and the upper plate 150 have
respective slots
121, 143, 151 through which the plunger 60 extends and is movable within.
[0067] In the present embodiment, the movement of the backing plate
assembly 120 is
facilitated by a cam gear 160 and a gear rack 170 of the indexing assembly
140. The gear rack
170 has a linear body 172 with a plurality of teeth 174 extending therefrom.
The gear rack 170 is
configured to move along the bottom plate 142 and is supported against one of
the rails 148. A
flange 176 extends from the linear body 172 and extends through a slot 147 in
the bottom plate
142 such that a bore 178 in the flange 176 is below the bottom plate 142 and
extends into the
trigger 54. A bushing 58 within the trigger 54 (see Fig. 6) extends through
the bore 178 such
that movement of the trigger 54 causes linear movement of the gear rack 170.
[0068] The cam gear 160 includes a plurality of circumferential teeth 162.
The cam gear 160
is rotatably mounted on the bottom plate 142 via a cam gear pin 161 and is
aligned such that the
circumferential teeth 162 engage the gear rack teeth 174. As such, as the
trigger 54 is moved, the
cam gear 160 is rotated in response thereto. The cam gear 160 includes an
eccentric body portion
164 above the teeth 162 that extends through an opening 125 in the backing
plate assembly body
122 and aligns with an arm 126. Referring to Fig. 10, when the trigger 54 is
depressed, the gear
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rack 170 moves as indicated by arrow A, which in turn causes the cam gear 160
to rotate as
indicated by arrow B. As the cam gear 160 rotates, the eccentric body portion
164 engages the
arm 126, thereby causing the backing plate assembly body 122 and backing plate
124 to move in
the direction of arrow C. When the trigger 54 is released, the gear rack 170
and cam gear 160
move in the opposite direction, returning the backing plate 124 to the
original position.
[0069] It is noted that the arm 126 and spring 127 in the illustrated
embodiment provide
flexibility. Since the material may have different thickness, the spring 127
allows the backing
plate assembly 120 to accommodate thin or thick material without damaging the
mechanism. If a
thick piece of material is placed in the backing plate gap, as cam gear
rotates, the backing plate
assembly body 122 will not be able to move, however, the arm 126 will simply
push against and
compress the spring 127 rather than moving the backing plate. When thinner
material is placed in
the gap, the spring 127 is not compressed and the backing plate 124 moves in
response to the
cam gear 160.
[0070] Referring to Fig. 11, an alternative backing plate assembly 120' is
illustrated. The
backing plate assembly 120' is substantially the same as in the previous
embodiment except that
the backing plate 124' is removable. A removable backing plate 124' allows the
applicator 50 to
be used to apply gems to a material which would not fit in the gap between the
drum cover 80
and backing plate 124'. In the illustrated embodiment, the backing plate
assembly body 122'
includes a rear body portion 130 with a receiving slot 132 defined therein. A
locking hole 131
extends through the rear body portion 130 into communication with the
receiving slot 132. The
removable backing plate 124' includes a depending tab 134 which is configured
to be received in
the receiving slot 132. A locking projection 134 extends from the tab 134 and
is configured to
engage within the locking hole 131 to lock the removable backing plate 124' to
the back plate
assembly body 122'. To remove the removable backing plate 124', the locking
projection 134 is
depressed until it clears the locking hole 131. Other removable connection
assemblies are
contemplated, for example, a snap fit, a friction fit, a dovetail connection,
or a threaded
connection. Other than described, the backing plate assembly 120' functions in
a similar manner
to the previously described embodiment.
[0071] Referring to Figs. 9 and 12-14, the indexing function of the
indexing assembly 140
will be described. The cam gear 160 further supports an indexing pin 166 which
moves when the
circumferential teeth 162 are engaged by the gear rack teeth 174. The indexing
pin 166 is
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received within an index slot 184 of the indexing arm support 180. The
indexing arm support
180 is pivotally supported relative to the bottom plate 142 via a pin 182. The
indexing arm
support 180 defines a slot 186 configured to receive the indexing arm 190 and
guide reciprocal
axial motion thereof. The indexing aim 190 includes a body 192 with a guide
slot 194 which
receives a tab 187 extending within the slot 186. Engagement of the tab 187
within the guide slot
194 defines the axial range of motion of the indexing arm 190. The indexing
arm body 192
includes a post 193 configured to engage a spring 188 within the slot 186 such
that the indexing
arm 190 is biased radially outward. An engagement surface 196 is defined on
the outer portion of
the indexing arm 190. The engagement surface 196 is configured to engage the
inward ramped
surfaces 97 of the drum 90. Upon engaging the flat portion of the ramped
surfaces 97, the
engagement surface 196 causes the drum 90 to rotate. When moving in the
opposite direction,
i.e. during release of the trigger or when the drum is rotated manually, and
engaging the tapered
portion of the ramped surfaces 97, the spring 188 allows the indexing arm 190
to move radially
inward and ride over the ramped surfaces 97. A block 168 extending from the
cam gear 160
defines a rotational stop in both directions for the indexing arm support 180.
[0072] In operation, when the trigger 54 is actuated, the cam gear 160
rotates in the direction
indicated by arrow B in Fig. 12 which in turn causes the indexing pin 166 to
move in the
direction indicated by arrow D. As the indexing pin 166 moves along the index
slot 184 of the
indexing arm support 180, the indexing arm support 180 rotates in the
direction indicated by
arrow E, thereby moving the engagement surface 196 of the indexing arm 190 to
engage the flat
portion of the next ramped surface 97, which in turn causes the drum 90 to
automatically rotate
and move the next gem into position.
[0073] To hold the drum 90 in place during application, a holding pin 128
is configured to
engage a respective notch 98 of the drum 90 when the trigger is actuated as
illustrated in Figs. 13
and 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding pin 128 is formed integral
with the backing
plate assembly body 122 and moves when the trigger 54 is actuated. The holding
pin 128 may be
formed as a separate component. The holding pin 128 moves into engagement with
the drum
notch 98 when the indexing motion is complete. This centers the gem 30 in
preparation for
application and holds the drum 90 in place while the gem 30 is applied. The
pin 128 is retracted,
allowing the drum 90 to move, when the trigger 54 is released.
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[0074] Having generally described the components, an exemplary method of
applying and
indexing the gems will be described. The actuating trigger initially moves the
gem to the
application position. Further trigger movement pushes the gem from the belt to
a material (hair,
paper, cloth). Further trigger movement applies the gem to the material.
Releasing the trigger
resets the belt indexing mechanism.
[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator 50 can index up to 18
gems. The
applicator 50 and belt 22 can be configured to index more or fewer gems. The
belt can be in a
ring or linear strip configuration. The belt can be removed and a new one re-
loaded to provide
more gems. No heat or electricity is required to apply or index gems. Other
configurations of the
applicator assembly 10 could use dispensers in the form of rings, linear
strips, or disks to carry
the gems.
[0076] Referring to Figs. 15-32, another exemplary embodiment of a gem
applicator
assembly 210 in accordance with the disclosure will be described. Referring to
Figs. 15-21, the
exemplary gem applicator assembly 210 generally comprises a gem dispenser 220
and a gem
applicator 250. The gem applicator 250 is a purely mechanical device, to
facilitate applying
gems, for example, crystals, to hair, paper, cloth and or other materials
(application target). In the
present embodiment, the gem dispenser 220 is in the form of a disk which will
be easily inserted
into the applicator 250 via a removable cover assembly 310. The removable
cover assembly 310
provides an easy operation to replace the gem disk 222 so that, for instance,
the user can change
the color, shape and size of the gem the user wants to apply next. The
applicator assembly 210
will cater for gems 30 of different size and shapes, thus making it more
versatile in its use.
[0077] The applicator 250 includes a hollow handle body 252, an actuation
trigger 280 and
the cover assembly 310. The disk 222 is supported between the handle body 252
and the cover
assembly 310. The disk 222 is engaged by an indexing assembly associated with
the actuation
trigger 280 such that rotation of the actuation trigger 280 causes rotation of
the disk 222 to align
a gem 30 with an opening 315 in the cover assembly 310. The actuation trigger
280 also drives
the plunger 270 to push the gem 30 through the opening 315 in the cover
assembly 310 and
toward the application target area 212 to apply the gem 30. A backing plate
330 may be utilized
as a support at the application target area 212.
[0078] Referring to Figs. 17-18, an exemplary gem dispenser 220 in the form
of a disk 222
will be described. Each disk 222 includes a circular body 223 with a series of
circumferentially
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spaced apart gem openings 224. In the illustrated embodiment, each disk body
223 also defines a
central mounting hole 225 and a plurality of indexing slots 227. The disk body
223 of the
present embodiment is defined by an adhesive sheet 230 positioned between
opposed disk plates
226, 228. The disk plates 226, 228 and the adhesive sheet 230 each have
corresponding central
holes 225' and slots 227' which align to define the central mounting hole 225
and indexing slots
227 of the disk 222. With respect to the gem openings 224, the disk plates
226, 228 define
corresponding openings 224', however, the adhesive sheet 230 is generally
continuous,
extending across the gem openings 224 defined by the plate openings 224'. The
adhesive sheet
230 is preferably of a thickness that allows the adhesive sheet 230 to support
a respective gem 30
positioned in each gem opening 224, however, to tear about the perimeter of
the gem 30 as the
gem 30 is pushed therethrough by plunger, as described hereinafter, such that
the gem 30 has an
adhesive backing as it is applied. Alternatively, the adhesive sheet 230 may
be provided with
perforations within each gem opening 224 with the perforations having a
configuration similar to
the perimeter configuration of the respective gem 30. The disk plates 226, 228
may be made of
cardboard, polystyrene material, polyester, polycarbonate, paper, styrene,
acrylic, polyethylene,
polypropylene, and many other polymers. An exemplary adhesive material for the
adhesive sheet
230, when the gems 30 are applied to hair, is 3M 1522 acrylic adhesive.
[0079] Referring to Figs. 15, 16 and 19-22, the components of the gem
applicator 250 of the
present embodiment will be described. The handle body 252 generally comprises
a handle
member 256 extending from a hollow body 258 which defines a chamber 259. A
slot 260 in the
side of the hollow body 258 receives the actuation trigger 280 and defines the
range of motion
thereof. An opening 263 may be defined through the hollow body 258 and closed
with a
transparent member 265 to define a window into the chamber 259 to facilitate
viewing of the
disk 222 and gems 30 within the gem applicator 250.
[0080] A post 266 within the chamber 259 is configured to support the
actuation trigger 280
for rotational movement relative to the handle body 252. The post 266 also
defines a receiving
bore 268 for receiving and securing the cover screw 320. The receiving bore
268 may have
internal threads or may be otherwise configured to secure the cover screw 320.
[0081] A plunger guide 262 is also defined within the chamber 259 and is
aligned with the
opening 315 in the cover assembly 310 when the cover assembly 310 is attached
to the handle
body 252. The plunger guide 262 defines a passage 263 into which a portion of
the push rod 272
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of the plunger 270 is received. A through opening 264 may be provided through
the hollow
body 258 in alignment with the passage 263. The through opening 264 assists
with molding, but
also may provide guidance to the push rod 272, with a portion of the push rod
272 traveling into
the through opening 264 thereby maintaining linear alignment, and/or
facilitate a longer path of
travel for the push rod 272. A pair of springs 276 and 278 are also positioned
within the passage
263 and are configured to drive the push rod 272 and return the push rod 272,
respectively, as
will be described in more detail hereinafter. The driving spring 276 extends
between un upper
groove 275 in the push rod 272 and an end of the passage 263. The driving
spring 276 is
configured to compress while the plunger 270 is loaded and then release and
drive the
engagement end 273 of the push rod 272 through the opening 315 toward the
application target
area 212. The return spring 278 extends between a lower groove 277 in the push
rod 272 and a
securing washer 279 secured to the plunger guide 262. In the illustrated
embodiment, the
securing washer 279 defines a first hole 281 which aligns with the passage 263
and through
which the plunger 270 passes. The securing washer 279 also defines a second
hole 283 which
receives and supports a spring post 306 as will be described hereinafter. The
plunger 270 also
includes a radial flange 274 extending from the push rod 272 outside of the
plunger guide 262.
The flange 274 is configured to be engaged by a portion of the actuation
trigger 280 to load the
plunger 270 as will be described.
[0082] The actuation trigger 280 generally comprises a handle member 282
and a drive
portion 284. The drive portion 284 defines a central post receiving opening
286 configured to
receive the post 266 of the handle body 252. A washer 285 is secured to the
post 266 to retain
the drive portion 284 rotationally secured within the chamber 259. The handle
member 282
extends out of the slot 260 and is moveable within the slot 260 toward and
away from the handle
member 256. The drive portion 284 defines an opening 287 which aligns with the
opening 263
in the hollow body 258 to allow viewing of the gem disk 222.
[0083] With reference to Figs. 19 and 23-32, the drive portion 284 defines
a drive ramp 288
configured to engage the flange 274 of the plunger 270 to facilitate actuation
of the push rod 272.
The drive ramp 288 includes a ramped surface 289 ramping from a lower height
to an increasing
height. A slot 291 extends through the ramped surface 289. The slot 291 has a
width greater
than the diameter of the push rod 272 but smaller than the diameter of the
flange 274. At the top
of the ramped surface 289, the drive portion 284 defines an actuation hole 290
which has an
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inside diameter which is greater than the diameter of the flange 274. As such,
as the drive
portion 284 is rotated toward the plunger 270, by moving the handle member 282
toward the
handle member 256, the flange 274 will contact and ride up the ramped surface
289, with the
push rod 272 passing through the slot 291. As the flange 274 moves up the
ramped surface 289,
the driving spring 276 is compressed, thereby loading the plunger 270. As the
drive portion 284
continues to rotate, the flange 274 aligns with the actuation hole 290, at
which point the plunger
270 is no longer retained and the drive spring 276 causes the push rod 272 to
fire toward the
application target area 212, with the engagement end 273 extending outside of
the cover opening
315 (see Fig. 30). After firing, the actuation trigger 280 is released and the
handle member 282
is moved in the opposite direction toward its original position. As the drive
portion 284 moves
in the opposite direction, the flange 274 moves under the drive ramp 288 (see
Figs. 31-32) until
it is clear thereof, at which point the return spring 278 moves the plunger
270 to its original
position.
[0084] In
the illustrated embodiment, a reset spring 300 causes the actuation trigger
280 to
automatically return to the original position. One end 301 of the reset spring
300 is attached to a
post 304 defined by the drive portion 284 of the actuation trigger 280 and an
opposite end 303 is
attached to the post 306 secured within the washer 279 secured to the plunger
guide 262 of the
handle body 252. As such, as the actuation trigger 280 is moved in the
actuation direction, the
spring 300 is stretched. Once the actuation trigger 280 is released, the
spring 300 causes rotation
back to the original position.
[0085] The
illustrated embodiment also includes an indexing assembly associated with the
actuation trigger 280. Referring again to Figs. 19 and 23-32, the index
assembly includes an
indexing clip 292 pivotally supported on the actuation trigger. The indexing
clip 292 includes a
contact end 294 and a pair of pivot member 293. Each pivot member 293 is
received in a
respective pivot support 295 defined by the drive portion 284 of the actuation
trigger 280. The
pivot supports 295 are adjacent to a stop wall 296 such that the indexing clip
292 can only pivot
in one direction. As shown in Figs. 24, 26 and 28, as the actuation trigger
280 is moved in the
actuation direction, the stop wall 296 prevents the indexing clip 292 from
pivoting. As such, the
contact end 294 remains in a respective indexing slot 227 and moves the disk
222 in conjunction
with the movement of the actuation trigger 280. Such movement of the disk 222
moves the next
gem 30 into alignment with the plunger 270 and the cover opening 315. When the
actuation
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trigger 280 is released, and the drive portion 284 begins to rotate in the
opposite direction, the
indexing clip 292 is free to pivot relative to the pivot supports 295. With
such pivoting, the
contact end 294 moves out of the indexing slot 227a, across the disk surface,
and into the next
indexing slot 227b, as shown in Figs. 31 and 32. The index assembly is thereby
reset and ready
to index the disk 222 the next time the actuation trigger 280 is actuated.
[0086] Referring to Figs. 19-22, the cover assembly 310 and the backing
plate 330 of the
present embodiment will be described. The cover assembly 310 includes a cover
surface 312
with a perimeter rim 314 such that a disk receiving area 313 is defined within
the cover assembly
310. A center post 316 is configured to be received in the central opening 225
of the disk 222 to
align the disk 222 within the disk receiving area 313 and allow rotation
thereabout. The cover
opening 315 is defined through the cover surface 312 and is configured to be
aligned with the
plunger 270. A depending rim 318 extends from the bottom of the cover surface
312. A
plurality of retention slots 317 are defined in the depending rim 318 and are
configured to
releasably receive corresponding tabs 337 on the removable backing plate 330.
The cover screw
320 includes a shaft 322 and a head 324. The shaft 322 extends through the
center post 316 of
the cover assembly 310 and is engaged in the bore 268 defined by the post 266
to retain the
screw 320, and thereby the cover assembly 310, connected to the handle body
252. The shaft
322 may include threads or some other connection configuration, for example, a
press fit. The
head 324 facilitates manipulation of the shaft 322 into and out of the bore
268. The cover screw
320 is removed and the cover assembly 310 easily removed to unload/load gem
disks 222 into
the disk receiving area 313.
[0087] The backing plate 330 is preferably removably connected to the cover
assembly 310.
When connected, the backing plate 330 defines a confined application target
area 212 with a
backing surface 334, for example, to hold hair when applying gems thereto.
When the backing
plate 330 is disconnected, the application target area 212 is unconfined, for
example, to allow
gems to be applied to a book, calendar, paper or the like. The illustrated
backing plate 330
includes a u-shaped body 332, with the free ends 333 defining cover contact
surfaces with angled
surfaces 335 leading to the central backing surface 334. The angled surfaces
335 move the
central backing surface 335 away from the cover assembly 310 to define the
confined application
target area 212. A central recessed area 336 is configured to receive the
depending rim 318 of
the cover assembly 310. A plurality of tabs 337 are defined within the
recessed area 336 and are
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configured to be releasably received in the slots 317 defined by the depending
rim 318. In the
illustrated embodiment, the slots 317 have a large area to receive the tabs
337 and then the
backing plate 330 is rotated slightly such that the tabs 337 are retained in a
narrow portion of the
slots 317. Various other releasable interconnections may be utilized. It is
noted that the cover
screw 320 does not interact with the backing plate 330 such that the cover
assembly 310 may be
removed and connected whether or not the backing plate 330 is attached.
[0088] Referring to Figs. 33-42, another exemplary embodiment of a gem
applicator
assembly 410 in accordance with the disclosure will be described. Referring to
Figs. 33-37, the
exemplary gem applicator assembly 410 generally comprises a gem dispenser 420
and a gem
applicator 450. The gem applicator 450 is a purely mechanical device, to
facilitate applying
gems, for example, crystals, to hair, paper, cloth and or other materials
(application target). In the
present embodiment, the gem dispenser 420 is in the form of a disk which will
be easily inserted
into the applicator 450 via a hinged cover assembly 510 (see Fig. 37). The
hinged cover
assembly 510 provides an easy operation to replace the gem disk 422 so that,
for instance, the
user can change the color, shape and size of the gem the user wants to apply
next. The applicator
assembly 410 will cater for gems 30 of different size and shapes, thus making
it more versatile in
its use.
[0089] The applicator 450 includes a housing body 452, an actuation trigger
480 and the
cover assembly 510. The disk 422 is supported between the body 452 and the
cover assembly
510. The disk 422 is supported on a mount wheel 470, which serves as the
support assembly of
the present embodiment, positioned within a chamber 459 of the body 452 and
rotatable therein.
The mount wheel 470 is engaged by an indexing assembly associated with the
actuation trigger
480 such that depression of the actuation trigger 480 causes rotation of the
disk 422 to align a
gem 30 with an opening 415 in the cover assembly 510 and an application
opening 455 in the
body 452. The actuation trigger 480 also drives the plunger 488 to push the
gem 30 through the
application opening 455 in the body 452 and toward the application target area
412 to apply the
gem 30. A backing plate 530 may be utilized as a support at the application
target area 412.
[0090] Referring to Fig. 37, an exemplary gem dispenser 420 in the form of
a disk 422 will be
described. Each disk 422 includes a circular body 423 with a series of
circumferentially spaced
apart gem openings 424. In the illustrated embodiment, each disk body 423 also
defines a central
mounting hole 425 and a plurality of alignment holes 427. The disk body 423 of
the present
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embodiment is defined by a single disk plate. The disk plate may be made of
cardboard,
polystyrene material, polyester, polycarbonate, paper, styrene, acrylic,
polyethylene,
polypropylene, and many other polymers. An adhesive tab 428 is positioned on
the bottom
surface of each gem 30. The adhesive tabs 428 initially hold the gems 30 in
place on the disk
body 423 aligned with a respective opening 424 and then adhere the gem 30 to
the application
target upon actuation of the plunger 470. An exemplary adhesive material for
the adhesive tabs
428, when the gems 30 are applied to hair, is 3M 1522 acrylic adhesive.
[0091] Referring to Figs. 33-36 and 38, the components of the gem
applicator 450 of the
present embodiment will be described. The housing body 452, the cover assembly
510, the
actuation trigger 480 and the backing plate 530 are pivotally connecting to
one another. A pair
of pivot flanges 454 extend from the housing body 452 with each defining a
pivot pin receiving
slot 456. Similarly, a pair of pivot flanges 484 extend from the actuation
trigger 480 and are
positioned within the housing body pivot flanges 454. Each actuation trigger
pivot flange 484
has a pivot pin hole 486. A pair of pivot flanges 514 extend from the body 512
of the cover
assembly 510. The pivot flanges 514 are positioned within the actuation
trigger pivot flanges
484. Each of the cover assembly pivot flanges 514 has a laterally extending
post 511 with a
through hole 516 extending therethrough. A torsion spring 522 extends about
each of the posts
511 and is configured to engage portions of the actuation trigger pivot
flanges 484 and portions
of the cover assembly pivot flanges 514. As such, the torsion spring 522
biases the actuation
trigger 480 to the initial position as shown in Fig. 39. The backing plate 530
also includes a pair
of pivot flanges 534, each with a respective pivot pin hole 536, which are
configured to be
positioned between the cover assembly pivot flanges 514. During assembly, the
backing plate
pivot flanges 534, cover assembly pivot flanges 514 and actuation trigger
pivot flanges 484 are
positioned together with their respective holes 536, 516, 486 aligned. A pivot
pin 451 is
positioned through the holes 536, 516, 486 with the ends thereof extending
beyond the actuation
trigger pivot flanges 484. The ends of the pivot pin 451 are then snapped into
the pivot pin
receiving slots 456 of the housing body pivot flanges 454. Upon assembly, the
cover assembly
510 and the actuation trigger 480 may be pivoted to the loading position shown
in Fig. 36 and,
after loading of a disk 422, pivoted back to the initial position shown in
Fig. 39. Additionally,
the actuation trigger 480 and the backing plate 530 may be pivoted from the
initial position
shown in Fig. 39 to the application position shown in Fig. 40. As an
additional option, the
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backing plate 530 may be pivoted to a non-contact position as indicated by
arrow H in Fig. 41.
The non-contact position allows the housing body 452 to be positioned directly
on the
application target 550, for example, a hair braid on the top of the head.
[0092] The illustrated housing body 452 and mount wheel 470 will be
described in more
detail with reference to Figs. 33-36. The mount wheel 470 has a generally
planar body 472
having a circular configuration configured to fit within the chamber 459 of
the housing body
452. A snap post 473 extends from a lower surface of the planar body 472 and
is received within
a hole 466 in the housing body 452 to secure the mount wheel 470 within the
chamber 459 (see
Fig. 34). The planar body 472 defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced
through holes 474,
each configured to align with a respective gem 30 on the gem dispenser 420.
The upper surface
of the wheel body 472 defines a plurality of disk engagement projections 475
configured to
extend into the disk alignment holes 427 to properly align the disk 422 and
cause the disk 422 to
rotate in conjunction with rotation of the mount wheel 470. The side surface
of the wheel body
472 defines an indexing notch 471 in between each of the through holes 474. An
indexing ball
461 is positioned within a slot 460 in the housing body 452 and is biased by a
spring 463 into
engagement with the indexing notches 471. The spring 463 is retained in a hole
462 in the side
wall of the housing body 452. As the mount wheel 470 is rotated, the ball 461
rides up the slope
of the indexing notch 471 and out of engagement therewith. Once the ball 461
is aligned with
the next indexing notch 471, the spring 463 biases the ball 461 into
engagement with that next
indexing notch 471, thereby indicating proper alignment of the mount wheel 470
and disk 422
with the application opening 455.
[0093] The housing body 452 has a pair of slots 457 in the side walls which
facilitate access
to the wheel mount 470. A user can manually rotate the mount wheel 470 via the
slots 457. In
this regard, the indexing notches 471 further serve to provide a contoured
surface to facilitate
such manual rotation of the mount wheel 470. The mount wheel 470 will also
automatically
rotate via an indexing assembly 490 which engages a plurality of indexing
members 478
extending from a central portion of the mount wheel 470. Each indexing member
478 includes a
ramped surface 477 and a perpendicular surface 479 (see Fig. 38). As will be
described in more
detail hereinafter, the indexing assembly 490 is configured to contact the
perpendicular surface
479 and cause the mount wheel 470 to rotate as the actuation trigger 480 is
depressed and to ride
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up the ramped surface 477 to the next perpendicular surface 479 when the
actuation trigger 480
is released.
[0094] The actuation trigger 480 has a generally planar body 482 extending
from the pivot
flanges 484 to a free end. The plunger 470 extends from the lower surface of
the free end of the
trigger body 482. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger 488 is a separate
component which
is connected to the trigger body 482 via a screw 489, however, the plunger 488
may be formed
unitary with the trigger body 482. In the illustrated embodiment, a gem cover
491 covers the
screw 489. The plunger 488 is positioned such that upon depression of the
actuation trigger 480,
the plunger 488 will pass through the opening 515 in the cover assembly 510,
engage the gem 30
aligned therewith, and push the gem through the application opening 455 in the
housing body
452 to the application area 412.
[0095] The actuation trigger 480 also supports the indexing assembly 490.
The indexing
assembly 490 includes a body 492 which is pivotally connected to the lower
side of the trigger
body 482 via a pivot pin 495 extending through holes 493 in the indexing body
492. Referring
to Fig. 34, a spring 496 extends from a mount 483 on the lower surface of the
trigger body 492 to
a rear surface of the indexing body 492 and biases the indexing body 492
rearward. A forward
end of the indexing body 492 defines an indexing finger 494 configured to
engage the indexing
members 478 on the mount wheel 470. With reference to Fig. 38, when the
actuation trigger 480
is in the initial position, the spring 496 pulls the indexing body 492
rearward such that the
indexing finger 494 aligns with and engages the perpendicular surface 479 of a
respective
indexing member 478. As the actuation trigger 480 is depressed, the indexing
body 492 pivots
relative to the trigger body 482, thereby causing the indexing finger 494 to
advance forward. As
the indexing finger 494 advances forward, engagement with the perpendicular
surface 479
causes the mount wheel 470 to rotate and index to the next gem 30. Upon
release of the
actuation trigger 480, the trigger 480 will be biased back to the initial
position via the spring 522.
As the actuation trigger 480 moves to the initial position, the spring 496
causes the indexing
body 492 to pivot rearward with the indexing finger 494 riding up the ramped
surface 477 of the
next indexing member 478 until the indexing finger 494 is aligned with and
engages the next
perpendicular surface 479. The actuation trigger 480 and indexing assembly 490
are now reset
for application of the next gem 30.
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[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation trigger 480 also
supports a lock
mechanism 500. The lock mechanism 500 includes an elastic band 502 extending
between a pair
of mounting posts 504. Each mounting post 504 is received in a respective hole
485 in the side
of the trigger body 482. In an unlocked condition, the elastic band 502 may be
stored in a
storage slot 487 extending across the front of the trigger body 482 as shown
in Figs. 33 and 34.
To lock the gem applicator 450 in a closed position, similar to that shown in
Fig. 42, for
example, for transport, the elastic band 502 is moved from the storage slot
487 on the actuation
trigger 480 to a locking slot 535 on the bottom surface of the backing plate
530. Other locking
mechanism may alternatively be utilized.
[0097] The cover assembly 510 includes the cover body 512 extending from
the cover
assembly pivot flanges 514. The cover body 512 is configured to fit within the
chamber 459 of
the housing body 452 with an engaging fit such that the cover body 512 will
generally remain in
a closed position, as shown in Fig. 33, unless a force is applied to move it
to an open, loading
position, as shown in Fig. 36. In the illustrated embodiment, a lip 520
extends from a front
portion of the cover body 512 and is configured to engage the housing body
452. The cover
body 512 has a central opening 513 through which the mount wheel indexing
members 478
extend when the cover assembly 510 is in the closed position. As described
above, the cover
body 512 defines a through hole 515 which is aligned with the plunger 488 and
the application
hole 455 such that the plunger 488 passes through the hole 515 and engages a
gem 30 when the
actuation trigger 480 is depressed. Since the indexing assembly 490 moves the
mount wheel 470
as the actuation trigger is depressed, the gem location one spot
counterclockwise from the
application hole 455 will be moved into alignment with the alignment hole 455
prior to the
plunger 488 passing through the through hole 515. To allow the user to see
which gem 30 will
be applied when the actuation trigger 480 is depressed, a viewing window 519
is provided
through the cover body 512 in alignment with the gem 30 located one spot
counterclockwise
from the application hole 455. If the user is manually indexing the mount
wheel 470, they will
rotate the mount wheel 470 until the desired gem 30 is in view within the
viewing window 519.
Depression of the actuation trigger 480 will index the gem within the viewing
window 519 to
alignment with the application hole 455 and thereafter the plunger 488 will
push the desired gem
through the application hole 455 toward the application target area 412. It is
noted that the cover
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body 512 may include slots 517 which align with the slots 457 in the housing
body 452 to make
the mount wheel 470 more accessible.
[0098] As described above, the backing plate 530 is preferably pivotably
connected to the
housing body 452 and moveable between a contact position and a non-contact
position.
Alternatively, instead of pivoting to a non-contact position, the backing
plate 530 may be
configured to be removable. When in the contact position as illustrated in
Figs. 33 and 34, the
backing plate 530 defines a confined application target area 512 with a
backing surface 531, for
example, to hold hair when applying gems thereto. When the backing plate 530
is in the non-
contact position, the application target area 412 is unconfined, for example,
to allow gems to be
applied to the top of the head, a book, calendar, paper or the like. The
illustrated backing plate
530 includes a body 532 extending from the pivot flanges 534 to the backing
surface 531. The
body 532 defines a cavity 533 in which a return member 538 is positioned. The
return member
is pivotally connected within the cavity 533 with a pivot pin 540 extending
through an opening
537 in one end of the return member 538. A spring 539 is positioned between
the backing plate
body 532 and the return member 538 such that the free end of the return member
538 is biased
out of the cavity 533. As such, when an application force is removed from the
backing plate
530, the return member 538 is biased against the lower surface of the housing
body 452 and
moves the backing plate 530 away therefrom, opening the application target
area 412, as shown
in Fig. 34.
[0099] Having generally described the components of the gem applicator
assembly 410,
operation thereof will now be described with reference to Figs. 36 and 38-41.
Initially, the cover
assembly 510 is moved to an open, loading position as illustrated in Fig. 36.
A disk 422 with
one or more gems 30 thereon is loaded onto the mount wheel 470 with the disk
engagement
projections 475 extending into the disk alignment holes 427 and the indexing
members 478
extending through the opening 425. With the disk 422 in position, the cover
assembly 510 is
moved to the closed position illustrated in Fig. 38 with the gem applicator
assembly 410 now in
an initial position ready for gem application.
[0100] The user may manually rotate the mount wheel 470 until a desired gem
30 is aligned
with the viewing window 519. With the desired gem 30 so aligned, the user than
positions the
gem applicator 450 such that a desired application target is within the
application target area 412
between the backing surface 531 and the housing body 452. With the application
target so
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positioned, the user applies forces to the actuation trigger 480 and the
backing plate 530 as
indicated by arrows F and G in Fig. 40. As an example, the gem applicator 450
may be held like
a staple remover, with the fingers applying the force F to the actuation
trigger 480 and the thumb
applying the force G to the backing plate 530. If the application target can
not be positioned
between the backing plate 530 and the housing body 452, the backing plate 530
may be pivoted
to the non-contact position, as indicated by arrow H in Fig. 41, and the
housing body 452
positioned directly on the application target 550. With the housing body 452
so positioned, the
user applies an application force to the actuation trigger 480 as indicated by
arrow I.
[0101] In either scenario, as the actuation trigger 480 is moved toward the
housing body 452,
the indexing finger 494 will engage a respective indexing member 478 and cause
the mount
wheel 470, thereby aligning the desired gem 30 with the application hole 455.
The plunger 488
will pass through the hole 515 in the cover body 512, contact the gem 30 and
push it through the
disk opening 424 and the application opening 455 toward the application target
area 412. The
gem 30 is delivered to the application target area 412 with the adhesive tab
428 contacting and
applied to the application target. Upon release of the application force, the
spring 522 urges the
actuation trigger 480 to the initial position and the return member 538 urges
the backing plate
530 to the initial position. As the actuation trigger 480 moves to the initial
position, the indexing
assembly is reset.
[0102] These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent
to those skilled
in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it will be
recognized by those skilled in
the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described
embodiments without
departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should
therefore be understood
that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described
herein, but is intended
to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit
of the invention as
defined in the claims.
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