U.S. patent application number 10/632657 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for applicator shield.
Invention is credited to Davis, Cecelia Katherine.
Application Number | 20050022838 10/632657 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34104441 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050022838 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis, Cecelia Katherine |
February 3, 2005 |
Applicator shield
Abstract
An applicator shield for use in the application or removal of
eye and surrounding area makeup comprises a body portion having a
contoured wall and a shaped edge for locating about the eye. A
handle is connected to and extends from the body portion.
Inventors: |
Davis, Cecelia Katherine;
(Simi Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Colin P. Abrahams
Suite 400
5850 Canoga Avenue
Woodland Hills
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
34104441 |
Appl. No.: |
10/632657 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 44/12 20130101;
A45D 40/265 20130101; A45D 40/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/319 |
International
Class: |
A45D 040/30 |
Claims
1. An applicator shield for use in the application or removal of
eye and surrounding area makeup, the applicator shield comprising:
a body portion having a contoured wall and a shaped edge for
locating about the eye; and a handle connected to and extending
from the body portion.
2. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body
portion is located between eyelashes and the adjacent area of the
eye.
3. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body
portion comprises a contoured wall of variable contour for a
fitting locating about the eye
4. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle
comprises two sections, and is connected to the body portion so
that, infuse, the body portion can be located such that access to
the eye is not obstructed by the handle.
5. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle
includes a container portion.
6. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 5 wherein the container
portion includes a brush.
7. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein the contoured
wall has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the outer
surface against which the lashes adapted to abut contains score
lines.
8. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein it is made
out of plastic
9. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein it made out
of metal.
10. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least the
body portion is comprised of a color which can provide a contrast
to the color of the eyelashes.
11. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
mirror formed thereon.
12. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
light and a power source for the light.
13. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
contoured wall varies in its degree of contour so as to suit the
particular features of a user.
14. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shaped
wall is of arcuate shape.
15. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 14 wherein the arcuate
shape can be varied depending upon the features of the user.
16. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 5 wherein the
container has a removable cap, the removable cap being connected to
a mascara brush stored in the container.
17. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 5 wherein the
container contains a clean brush.
18. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 4 wherein the handle
comprises a first portion connected to the body portion at an
upward angle and a second, portion, the second portion being
connected to the first portion at an angle relative thereto.
19. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle
is generally of rounded configuration.
20. An applicator shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein shaped edge
of the body portion has a flat or blunted surface for engagement
with the eye or surrounding area.
21. An applicator shield for use in the application or removal of
eye and surrounding area makeup, the applicator shield comprising a
body portion having a contoured wall and a shaped edge for locating
about the eye.
22. A method for applying or removing makeup to the eye or
surrounding area comprising the steps of inserting an applicator
shield between the eyelashes and the area of the eye behind the
eyelashes, and applying or removing the makeup with an implement
against the eyelashes such that the shield forms a back wall behind
the eyelashes to meet the implement.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to applicator shields, particularly
for applying or removing mascara or other facial makeup, to the
face and/or eyes. More particularly, the invention is for a device
useful in applying or removing makeup, especially mascara to the
eyelashes, and which can be easily held in position with respect to
the eye and face so as to protect the area around the eyelashes
from receiving any mascara during application and/or removal.
[0002] Applying makeup is widespread in many countries and cultures
of the world. Many women apply makeup as part of their daily
grooming, and makeup is also used extensively in the field of
entertainment, such as by actors in movies and on the stage, as
well as by people appearing on television. There may, additionally,
be many other contexts in which makeup is applied to the face. One
common form of makeup involves the use of mascara, which is a
cosmetic used particularly for coloring the eyelashes. Typically,
mascara is applied using a small, round brush, the brush being
rubbed or dipped in the coloring prior to the application on the
eye lashes, and thereafter brushed onto the eyelashes.
[0003] Applying mascara in an effective and consistent manner is
not always easy. For one thing, there is nothing behind the
eyelashes to prevent them from simply moving away from the brush,
and, additionally, unless the application is carried out with great
care, mascara may be applied to areas around the eye by mistake,
thereby coloring such other areas where the color is not desired.
The absence of any support behind the eyelashes could also lead to
clumping of the coloring on the eyelashes so that it is
inconsistently applied, and lacks a smooth, natural look as a
result thereof.
[0004] When there is nothing behind the eyelashes against which the
brush can push, so as to sandwich the eyelashes between the brush
and another structure, the mascara must be applied very lightly,
and even when carefully applied, can result in undesirable fouling
and clumped mascara being deposited on the back of the eyelid or
other areas around the eye.
[0005] When removing mascara, the eyelashes must be washed,
typically by using the cheek or other areas around the eye against
which the eyelashes are pressed, and this can result in residual
mascara rubbing off on the cheek or around the eye, and which must
itself then be removed. Further, and for this reason, it is
generally extremely difficult to remove mascara without disturbing
other eye or adjacent facial makeup. Therefore, if mascara is to be
removed and reapplied, this process will often involve asa a
consequence removal of all other eye and adjacent facial makeup
which has been applied.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides an eye guard
or eye protector or eye shield for use when applying makeup, the
eye protector isolating certain parts of the eye, or eyelashes, so
that makeup can be applied more effectively and consistently to an
isolated area.
[0007] Generally, the invention, therefore relates to a device for
shielding a part of the eye, while exposing another part of the eye
or eyelashes, so that the exposed part can be more readily and
efficiently applied with makeup. The invention has a particularly
useful function when applying mascara.
[0008] The device or shield of the invention can be used with equal
effectiveness in removing makeup as well, and particularly for
removing mascara which has been applied to eyelashes.
[0009] Preferably, the device comprises a body portion, dimensioned
and configured based on the shape and curvature of the eyelid and
surrounding areas, and a handle portion for holding the device or
shield in the preferred position. Preferably, the handle portion is
configured relative to the body portion so as to provide an
unimpeded view and access to the eye, and particularly the
eyelashes, so that the device of the invention has the effect of
shielding certain parts, but without causing any inconvenience in
reaching those parts of the eye, such as the eyelashes, where
makeup, including mascara, needs to be applied or removed.
[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
an applicator shield for use in the application or removal of eye
and surrounding area makeup, the applicator shield comprising a
body portion having a contoured wall ad a shaped edge for locating
about the eye; and a handle connected to and extending from the
body portion.
[0011] Preferably, the body portion is located between eyelashes
and the adjacent area of the eye, comprises a contoured wall of
variable contour for a fitting locating about the eye
[0012] The handle comprise may two sections, and is connected to
the body portion so that, in use, the body portion can be located
such that access to the eye is not obstructed by the handle. In one
embodiment, the handle includes a container portion and the
container portion may include a brush.
[0013] In one form, the contoured wall has an inner surface and an
outer surface, and the outer surface against which the lashes
adapted to abut contains score lines.
[0014] The applicator shield may be made out of plastic, metal, or
the like. At least the body portion may be comprised of a color
which can provide a contrast to the color of the eyelashes. The
applicator shield may also have a mirror formed thereon, and a
light and a power source for the light.
[0015] Preferably, the contoured wall varies in its degree of
contour so as to suit the particular features of a user. Also, the
shaped wall may be of arcuate shape, and the arcuate shape can be
varied depending upon the features of the user. The shaped edge of
the body portion may have a flat or blunted surface for engagement
with the eye or surrounding area.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided an applicator shield for use in the application or removal
of eye and surrounding area makeup, the applicator shield
comprising a body portion having a contoured wall and a shaped edge
for locating about the eye.
[0017] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for applying or removing makeup to the eye or
surrounding area comprising the steps of inserting an applicator
shield between the eyelashes and the area of the eye behind the
eyelashes, and applying or removing the makeup with an implement
against the eyelashes such that the shield forms a back wall behind
the eyelashes to meet the implement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In the drawings:
[0019] FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of one
embodiment of an applicator shield in accordance with the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of the applicator shield as shown in
FIG. 1 of the drawings;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a top view of the applicator shield shown in FIGS.
1 and 2 of the drawings;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention, showing certain additional and optional features
thereof;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a detail view of the container on the applicator
shield as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of the applicator
shield of the invention; and
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an applicator shield of the
invention shown schematically on the face of a user to isolate the
eyelashes for the application of mascara.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Reference is now made to the various Figures illustrating
different views and embodiments of the invention. The drawings
generally show an applicator shield for use in applying or removing
makeup, and more particularly for the application to or removal of
mascara on the eyelashes. The applicator shield isolates off
portions of the eye which are to receive makeup, providing a shield
or protection for those remaining parts of the eye and surrounding
areas.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown an
applicator shield 10 in accordance with the principles of the
invention. The applicator shield 10 comprises a body portion 14,
and a handle 16.
[0028] The body portion 14 comprises a curved wall 18 having side
edge 20 and side edge 22, as well as a blunt or flattened lower
edge 24. The lower edge 24 is also of arcuate design, so as to
follow the contours of the body around the eye, as will be
described more fully below. The curved wall 18 is widest near the
lower edge 24, and narrows or tapers towards a connecting portion
26, where the body portion 14 is attached to the handle portion
16.
[0029] The handle portion 16 comprises an elongate member generally
integral with the body portion 14, and has a mid-section 28 and an
end section 30. The mid-section 28 extends from the connecting
portion 26, and the end section 30 is slightly angled relative to
the mid-section 28 to facilitate convenience of use, as will be
described. The handle portion 16 has flat side walls 34 and 36, an
upper wall 38 and a lower wall 40.
[0030] As mentioned, it will be seen, particularly from FIGS. 1 and
2, that the mid-section 28 of the handle portion 16 is angled with
respect to the body portion 14. This mid-section 28 thus tends to
extend upward, and generally away from, the lower edge 24. As will
be clearer from FIG. 7 of the drawings, this preferred
configuration of the mid-section 28 allows the user to place the
applicator shield 10 over or on the eye such that it is held away
from the eye and does not get in the way of the user when applying
or removing the mascara. The end section 30 is angled relative to
the mid-section 28, so as to, in use, form a more horizontal
position, once more for the convenience of the user. Thus, the
two-part sectioned handle portion 16 in overall effect results in
the applicator shield 10, and particularly the body portion 14
thereof, being over the eye, but the handle portion 16 being above
the eye, so that the user can use the area below the handle portion
16 to more effectively view the application process in the mirror,
and also to have better access to the eyelashes.
[0031] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 of the drawings, which shows
another embodiment of the applicator shield 10 of the invention.
(Note that, throughout this specification, like numerals will be
used for like components in different embodiments for ease of
understanding). In FIG. 4, an applicator shield 10a comprises the
body portion 14 and handle portion 16. The body portion 14 is in
most respects very similar to that illustrated and described with
reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings. The body portion 14, and
particularly the curved wall 18 thereof, has an inner surface 44
and an outer surface 46. The end section 30 of the handle portion
has attached thereto a small container 48, of generally rectangular
shape, although other embodiments may have any suitable or desired
shape and/or dimensions. The container 48 has a front edge 50 which
is integrally connected to the end section 30. As will be
described, the container 48 is hollowed out, and comprises a cap 52
which can be releasably removed and reinserted on the container
48.
[0032] The container 48 comprises flat surfaces 54 and 56, and the
flat surface 54 includes a mirror 58 of small dimension. The mirror
58 may be useful for users who may be applying makeup away from
another readily available larger mirror, so that the progress and
effects of the application can be monitored using the mirror
58.
[0033] In FIG. 5 of the drawings, which shows a detail of the
container 48, it will be seen that the cap 52 can be removed by
pulling it out, and that the cap 52 is connected to a shaft 60
having a brush 62 at its end 64. The inside of the container 48 has
a supply of mascara 66. When the cap 52 is inserted through open
end 68 of the container 48, the brush 62 will scrape along the
supply of mascara 66, so that some of the mascara 66 will adhere to
the brush 62. The cap 52 and shaft 60 can then be entirely removed
from the container 48, and the mascara on the brush 62 then applied
to the eyelashes.
[0034] The cap 52 engages the container 48 by releasably fastening
to it, so that the cap 52 will be firmly attached to the container
48, but can be easily removed by the user when required.
[0035] FIG. 6 of the drawings shows yet a further embodiment of the
invention. In FIG. 6, it will be seen that the body portion 14 has
an outer surface 46 which is scored with a plurality, of small
grooves or channels 70. The depth of these grooves 70 as well as
the number of such grooves 70 scored within the outer surface 46
may vary considerably. In any event, the grooves 70 are intended to
receive the eyelashes or bristles of a mascara applicator brush
during application of the mascara, and have the important
consequence in the application process of the mascara by tending to
keep the eyelashes separate, or in separate groups, for enhanced
application.
[0036] The applicator shield 10 of the invention has a number of
beneficial effects to improve and enhance the process for applying
mascara to the eyelashes. One such benefit may be felt by people
with longer eyelashes, since it is more likely for people with
longer eyelashes will touch the back of the eye, or some other part
around the eye, during mascara application and cause undesired
rub-off or fouling. Importantly, too, the applicator shield 10 of
the invention provides a surface against which the mascara brush
can operate. In normal circumstances, the brush must simply be
lightly rotated around the eyelash, since there is nothing behind
the eyelash to stop the brush. There is also nothing to hold the
eyelashes apart, with the concomitant result that the application
of the mascara can sometimes cause clumping or uneven
application.
[0037] The invention thus has the advantage that the mascara brush
hits the application shield, instead of the eye. Further, in
applying the makeup, the brush can go all the way through the
eyelashes, hitting the back surface of the applicator guide or
shield, once more allowing for a more even application. Without the
guard/guide, the very light touch required in the application makes
it more difficult for the brush to go through or across the
eyelashes. If more force is required to go through the eyelashes,
this can of course result in misapplication of mascara other than
on the eyelashes, clumping, and uneven application.
[0038] The applicator shield 10 of the invention is useful not only
in applying mascara to the eyelashes, but also in washing it off or
removing it. Such a process can now be achieved more effectively
and quickly, and without affecting other eye makeup. With the
applicator shield 10 in place, as will be described below with
respect to FIG. 7, an appropriate medium, such as cotton, cloth or
cotton cloth, can be used to simply wipe off the mascara.
[0039] As mentioned, the body portion 14 has a curved wall 18, and
the lower edge 24 is arcuate or somewhat flattened, to fit around
the eye. It will, of course, be appreciated that the invention is
not in any way limited to one particular curvature configuration,
or arcuate or other shape of the lower edge. This arcuate shape of
the lower edge 24 can best be seen in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The
invention acknowledges that different people have differently
configured features. For example, some women may have a flatter
curvature or curve of the eye, while others may have a
configuration which is more curved or rounded. The invention may
therefore come in different sizes, shapes, curvatures and surface
arcs, so that a person can select the applicator shield which best
suits her needs, and the particular shape of her features. Thus, a
woman may experiment with different sizes and curvatures of the
applicator shield to choose one most comfortable for her
features.
[0040] Not only is the curvature of the curved wall 18 variable,
but also the degree of arcing of the lower edge 24 may be varied.
The curved wall 18 is configured so as to gently accommodate the
typical shape of the eyelid when covering the eye, while the lower
edge 24 is actually applied and touches the upper or lower eyelid,
just above or below the eyelashes respectively, to form a barrier
or wall between the mascara brush and the surrounding eye, other
than the eyelashes. These two characteristics (i.e. curvature and
extent of arcing) of the applicator device are thus ones which can
be varied between a large number of different forms, and designed
independently of each other so as to fit different features.
[0041] The handle portion 16 is, as described above, formed at an
angle to the body portion 14 so that it conveniently keeps the hand
holding the applicator shield 10 above or below the eye level, so
that access to the eye, and in particularly the eyelashes is not
obstructed. Furthermore, the user is able to view the application
of the mascara in a mirror, without obstruction when the handle is
configured as shown in the drawings. While the handle in the
drawings is shown as a two-section component, having a "dog-leg"
shape or bend, the invention is not limited to this precise
configuration. For example, the handle could be rounded in another
embodiment, or such other shape as may be suitable.
[0042] Either the inner and/or the outer surfaces 44 and 46 of the
body portion 14 may have a scored configuration, or may be flat. If
scored, as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings, the bristles of the
brush, and/or the eyelashes may go into the scores, which may help
to improve the definition of the lashes when applied with mascara.
In other words, the eyelashes, as well as the brush bristles, may
be separated or grouped during the application so that each lash
can be more uniformly and individually applied with mascara.
[0043] The applicator shield 10 of the invention may be washable,
reusable and/or disposable. It may be available as multiples in
packs, and may also have different colors on the whole or a part
thereof. The different colors may be useful in highlighting the
eyelashes. For example, dark eyelashes stand out better against an
applicator shield of a light color, and vice versa.
[0044] The applicator shield may also be made of any suitable
component/material, such as metal, plastic, plastic-coated
cardboard, or any other component/material or a combination
thereof.
[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the handle may be a
container, such as a housing for a brush and mascara as indicated
in one of the Figures. However, the container may be for other
items. These may include a clean brush which can be used after
applying mascara, often used for providing better definition. The
container may also have within, or otherwise attached to a handle,
a mirror of the type shown, a light with a small light power
source, pivoting arms, or the device itself may be part of a kit,
or comprise a separate kit. The device itself may therefore be
placed in a container with other contents to form a kit useful for
the application of makeup. The applicator shield may be foldable or
bendable to facilitate compact storage thereof during non-use.
[0046] FIG. 7 of the drawings illustrates schematically the
applicator shield 10 of the device in use. In one form, the
applicator device 10 is shown above the eye 80, with the lower edge
24 sitting on the eye lid behind eyelashes 82, but in front of or
over the eye lid 84. It will be seen that the handle portion 16 is
well above the level of the eye, indicated by line 86, so as to
provide unimpeded access and viewing in a mirror. With the
eyelashes 82 being supported by the rearwardly placed applicator
shield 10, application of mascara to the eyelashes 82 can be easily
achieved. Likewise, removal of mascara from the eyelashes can also
be effectively carried out.
[0047] In the same Figure, an applicator shield 10b is shown, but
in this case below the eye 80. (Of course, in use, the applicator
shield 10 will either be above or below the eye, and FIG. 7, for
illustrative purposes only, shows the position of both) The
applicator shield 10b has a handle 16b, which by its shape is also
well below the observation and access points, indicated by the line
86. The lower lashes 88 also use the applicator shield 10b as a
backdrop against which the mascara can be applied or removed.
[0048] The invention is not limited to the precise details, but
many variations of the applicator shield within the scope of the
invention can be made.
* * * * *