U.S. patent application number 11/391961 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for mascara tube with attached under eye shield.
Invention is credited to Ardelia G. Secosky.
Application Number | 20060225761 11/391961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37082005 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060225761 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Secosky; Ardelia G. |
October 12, 2006 |
Mascara tube with attached under eye shield
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device that is used to apply
mascara more easily and accurately. The device is a mascara tube
with an integrally attached under eye shield. As a mascara tube, it
consists of two parts. Part one comprises a cap with a shaft and
attached applicator (brush or comb) which allows for the transfer
of mascara onto the eyelashes and is fastened onto part two, the
tubular portion which contains the mascara. The improvement
consists of the tubular portion being designed with a slightly
arced, slightly curved, integral shield which conforms to the shape
and curvature of the lower eyelash line. After withdrawing the
applicator from the tubular portion, the user places the shield
underneath the lower eyelashes and applies mascara to the lower
eyelashes. Unwanted and excess mascara is deposited on the shield
instead of the skin below the eye.
Inventors: |
Secosky; Ardelia G.;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ardelia G. Secosky
105 Black Oak Drive
Cheswick
PA
15024
US
|
Family ID: |
37082005 |
Appl. No.: |
11/391961 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60668856 |
Apr 7, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/218 ;
132/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/18 20130101;
A45D 2040/0012 20130101; A45D 44/12 20130101; A45D 40/265 20130101;
A45D 40/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/218 ;
132/319 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A45D 40/30 20060101 A45D040/30 |
Claims
1. A device which contains mascara and provides for the accurate
application of said mascara comprising of: a cap portion which is
made up of a cap with a shaft and attached small brush or comb
applicator which is used to coat the eyelashes with the said
mascara and which is removably fastened to the tubular portion
which contains the said mascara wherein the improvement comprises
of the said tubular portion having an integral attached lower
eyelash shield which protects the skin under the eye from unwanted
mascara and smudges; the said tubular portion transitions from the
tubular shape into an angled shape and then transitions into the
said shield; the said shield flares into a slightly arced, slightly
curved, symmetrically winged shape which conforms to the general
shape and curvature of the lower eyelash line of the human eye; the
said shield having rounded corners which provides a means to
protect the eye from injury during use; the said shield, when
placed under the lower eyelash line, allows the lower eyelashes to
rest upon it and provides a surface on which the user can
accurately coat the lower eyelashes with said mascara and any
excess and unwanted mascara is deposited on the said shield,
instead of the skin below the lower eyelashes.
2. A device as described in claim 1 wherein the shield can be
constructed of a rigid or slightly flexible material.
3. A device as described in claim 1 wherein the edge of the convex
surface can be either smooth or have slight grooves arranged onto
it as to aid in the separation of the lower eyelashes.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
U.S. 60/668,856 filed Apr. 7, 2005 (confirmation number 3246).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to devices that are used to apply
mascara more easily and accurately, particularly those used as to
prevent the smudging of mascara or depositing mascara where it is
not wanted, such as the delicate skin below the lower eyelash
line.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0003] Numerous devices have been proposed or made to be used as
shields for applying makeup, specifically mascara. The major
problem with these devices is that they are handheld and are
separate from the source of the mascara. My invention includes a
mascara shield that is comfortable, safe, fits the contours of the
lower eyelash line and is an integral part of the mascara tube.
This maximizes convenience, as a person who uses mascara has the
shield readily in hand.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,364 issued to Inzana, et al. describes a
handle with a hollow container which can house mascara, but is
proposed with hinges which can interfere with the comfort of the
device. Likewise with U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,170 issued to Kassai, the
alternate embodiment allows the shield device to be affixed to a
cylindrical makeup case by means of a spring clip. This, too, is an
uncomfortable device to use. As noted with my invention, the shield
is an integral part of the cylinder or mascara tube and can lie
comfortably on the cheek. My device not only is comfortable but
also allows for maximum convenience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Applying mascara to the lower eyelashes has long been a
common and bothersome problem because the lower eyelashes lie very
close to the delicate skin below. When one attempts to coat the
lower eyelashes, excess and unwanted mascara is often deposited on
the skin below.
[0006] A readily available, hygienic, and comfortable device which
conforms to the curvature of the lower eyelashes provides the
solution.
[0007] Because the shield is part of the mascara tube, it is always
available. After opening the mascara tube by unfastening the two
portions and withdrawing the applicator from the tubular portion, a
person simply positions the shield by placing the slightly arced
shaped, slightly curved flared shield underneath the bottom
eyelashes. The lower eye lashes rest upon the shield. A person
holds the tubular portion with her left hand and applies the
mascara to her eyelashes with her right hand, assuming the person
is right-handed. Therefore when a person places the flared shield
under her eyelashes and applies mascara, the mascara coats the
lower eyelashes and the unwanted mascara which typically is
deposited on the skin below the eye is instead deposited on the
shield. The shield portion is made of the same non porous material
as the rest of the device, such as plastic or other durable
material and therefore can be wiped or washed clean after each use
providing a clean and hygienic solution.
[0008] The thin yet sturdy construction of the flared shield with
its rounded edges provides a comfortable feel for the user. The
shield can be adjusted to fit the contours of the user's eye by
simply moving or rotating the tubular portion. The flared shield
(rigid or slightly flexible) can be held along the lower eyelash
line allowing the user to further enhance the ability to apply the
mascara accurately. The concave surface, which lies along the skin,
is always smooth and comfortable, whereas the convex side which the
lower eyelashes lie upon can be either smooth or slightly grooved
for separation of the lower eyelashes.
[0009] Also the smooth transition between the shield and tubular
portion is tapered at an angle as to allow the tube to rest
comfortably along the cheekbone and face of the user.
[0010] In summary, the proposed device is a safe, readily
available, sanitary, comfortable, and compactly designed solution
to an annoying problem for users of mascara.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is the back view of the invention. The cap and
tubular portions are shown fastened together.
[0012] FIG. 2 is the back view of the invention with the cap and
tubular portions illustrated separately.
[0013] FIG. 3 is the front view of the invention with the cap and
tubular portions fastened together.
[0014] FIG. 4 is the side view of the invention with the cap and
tubular portions fastened together.
[0015] FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the invention with the cap
and tubular portions fastened together.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an illustration showing the invention being used
by a woman in the application of mascara.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The invention will now be described in further detail using
the drawings. The back view of the invention is shown in FIG. 1.
The cap 1 is shown fastened to the tubular portion 2. You will note
the tubular portion 2 transitions into the shield 3. This shield 3
flares out with a slightly arced edge 8, slightly curved surface 9,
with symmetrically rounded winged edges 10. The slightly arced edge
8 fits the crescent shape of the lower eyelid of the human eye. The
lower eyelid is an elongated u-shape and the slightly arced edge 8
of the shield follows the shape of the lower eye and allows the
shield 3 to rest comfortably along the lower eyelid pressing gently
onto the skin below the eye. The lower eyelashes rest on top of the
shield 3. The rounded edges 10 allow for maximum comfort and
safety.
[0018] In addition to the slightly arced edge 8, the shield 3 also
has a slightly curved surface 9. The curved surface 9 conforms to
the convex shape of the human eye. The mid portion of the human eye
slightly protrudes out beyond the corners of the eye. Likewise, the
invention corresponds to this shape by curving around the lower
eyelid. As a result, the shield 3 fits the natural shape and
curvature of the human eye area. The outer convex surface 14 allows
the lower eyelashes to rest on top of the shield. The outer convex
surface 14 may be smooth as illustrated or may be slightly grooved
to allow the acceptance of the lower eyelashes in an orderly
fashion. The shield 3 can be made of a durable material which may
be rigid or somewhat flexible. The shield 3 is thin enough to be
comfortable, but thick enough to provide a stable surface. Those
skilled in the art would easily be able to determine the material
to be used for the invention.
[0019] In FIG. 2, the invention is shown in two separate parts. The
first part, the cap portion shows the cap 1 with the centrally
attached shaft 4. At the end of the shaft is the applicator 5. The
applicator 5 shown is a brush, but a comb or other type of
applicator may be used. The diameter, length of cap or shaft may
vary without compromising the integrity of the invention. Inside
the cap 1 are threads which allow the cap 1 to be fastened onto the
tubular portion 2 of the invention. The shaft 4 and the applicator
5 are inserted into the opening 6 of the tubular portion 2 of the
invention. Tubular portion 2 has a threaded neck portion. These
threads 7 correspond to opposite threads found inside the cap 1 and
allow the cap 1 to be fastened onto the body portion 2 securely.
The tubular portion 2 of the mascara tube stores the mascara and
accepts the applicator 5 for storage and use. Threads are shown as
a means of fastening, but other methods may be employed. Those
skilled in the art would determine the best means of fastening the
two portions together.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows the front view of the invention with the two
portions, cap 1 and tubular portion 2 fastened together. Note in
this illustration, the smooth concave surface 13 of the shield 3.
The concave surface 13 is the side which is pressed against the
lower eyelid onto the skin below the eye. You will also note in
this drawing, the transition from the tubular structure ends at
point 12 and angle towards the back of the device ending at point
11 where it then flares out into the shield 3.
[0021] The side view is shown in FIG. 4 with the two portions
fastened together. The arced edge 8 and the curved surface 9 are
clearly illustrated. The transition from point 12 to point 11 is
also illustrated.
[0022] FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the invention. The areas
mentioned in the other drawings are shown in a different and
perhaps better view. The slightly arced edge 8 and slightly curved
surface 9 are clearly shown, as well as the concave surface 13 and
convex surface 14. Also the transition from the tubular portion 2
to the shield 3 is seen clearer in this view. The tubular portion
ends at point 12 and transforms angularly to a point 11 where it
then transitions into the shield 3.
[0023] Using the invention is easy and quick. By using FIG. 1, 2,
3, 4, and 5, one can visualize this usage. Assuming the person is
right handed, a person unfastens the cap 1 from the tubular portion
2 and withdraws the shaft 4 and applicator 5 with her right hand.
She then holds the front portion of the tubular portion 2 near her
cheek and aligns the shield 3 underneath her lower eyelashes with
her left hand. The concave surface 13 lies against her skin, and
the eyelashes rest on top of the convex surface 14. She uses her
right hand to apply the mascara to her lower eyelashes. She uses
the applicator 5 to stroke the mascara over the eyelashes to coat
them. Any excess mascara which would normally fall on the delicate
skin below is instead captured on the shield 3. The tubular portion
2 with the attached shield 3 is withdrawn from under the eye and
the shield 3 is wiped or washed clean. The device is made from a
plastic or similar durable material which permits the shield 3 to
be repeatedly cleaned. You will also note that the tubular portion
2 of the devise can be slightly rotated when in use to allow the
person to place the shield area more accurately against the under
eye area. The rounded edges 10 allow for comfort and safety.
[0024] FIG 6 is an illustration of a woman using the invention as
described above.
[0025] Modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art would be
able modify such things as the thickness of the shield area, the
degree of curvature or the length or circumference of the tubular
portion without deviating from the spirit or integrity of the
invention.
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