U.S. patent application number 12/005723 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for mascara applicator and dispenser.
Invention is credited to Barbara Carey Stachowski.
Application Number | 20090044824 12/005723 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40350950 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090044824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stachowski; Barbara Carey |
February 19, 2009 |
Mascara applicator and dispenser
Abstract
A mascara dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a
motorized applicator unit with an applicator brush attached to a
revolving running staff surrounded by a stabilizing sleeve. The
motorized applicator unit is configured to automatically revolve
the applicator brush in a selectable direction and/or at a
selectable rotational speed via a control pad or switch. The system
also includes a container unit that holds a mascara formulation or
a replaceable mascara cartridge. The container unit detachably
couples to the motorized applicator unit through one or more
securing features that provide a user feedback when opening and
closing and that provide a substantially air-tight seal between the
motorized applicator unit and the container unit. In accordance
with further embodiments of the invention, the container unit
includes a contoured insert feature that minimizes the amount of
air or space between the container unit and the motorized
applicator unit when they are coupled together.
Inventors: |
Stachowski; Barbara Carey;
(Orinda, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAVERSTOCK & OWENS LLP
162 N WOLFE ROAD
SUNNYVALE
CA
94086
US
|
Family ID: |
40350950 |
Appl. No.: |
12/005723 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60964989 |
Aug 15, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/218 ;
15/22.1; 401/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0091 20130101;
A45D 40/265 20130101; A46B 2200/1053 20130101; A45D 40/24 20130101;
A46B 13/02 20130101; A46B 11/0065 20130101; A46B 11/0006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/218 ;
15/22.1; 401/121 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46B 13/00 20060101 A46B013/00; A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00 |
Claims
1. A system comprising a motorized applicator unit comprising: a)
an applicator brush with a applicator brush and a revolving running
staff; b) a motorized handle for automatically rotating the
applicator brush in a selectable direction; and c) a stabilizing
sleeve coupled to the motorized handle and surrounding the
revolving running staff.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a container unit that
detachably couples to the motorized applicator and over the brush
applicator through one or more securing features, wherein the one
or more securing features provides an audible or tactile indication
that the container unit and the motorized applicator sealed.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the motorized handle includes and
touch control panel for controlling one or more of a rotational
direction of the applicator brush and a speed of rotation of the
applicator brush.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the motorized handle includes a
power supply and a safety clutch.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the power supply is
rechargeable.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the container unit includes a
compartment for holding mascara.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the container unit includes a
wiping sleeve.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the applicator brush is
detachably couples to the motorized handle.
9. The system of claim 1, further include a removable and
replaceable mascara cartridge.
10. A system comprising: a) a motorized applicator unit comprising:
i) an applicator brush with a applicator brush and a revolving
running staff; ii) a motorized handle for automatically rotating
the applicator brush in a selectable direction; and iii) a
stabilizing sleeve coupled to the motorized handle and surrounding
the revolving running staff; and b) a container unit with a
removable and replaceable mascara cartridge for holding a mascara,
wherein the container detachably couples to the motorized
applicator and over the brush applicator through one or more or a
twist lock features and snap features.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the motorized handle includes
and touch control panel for controlling one or more of a rotational
direction of the applicator brush and a speed of rotation of the
applicator brush.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the motorized handle includes a
power supply.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the power supply is
rechargeable.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein the container unit includes a
wiping sleeve that wipes the applicator brush when the container
unit is detachably coupled to the motorized applicator and through
one or more or a twist lock features and snap features.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein the applicator brush is
detachably couples to the motorized handle.
16. The system of claim 10, further include a safety clutch
features configured prevent the revolving running staff form moving
when a pressure is applied to the applicator brush.
17. A system comprising: a) a motorized applicator unit comprising:
i) an applicator brush with a applicator brush and a revolving
running staff; ii) a motorized handle for automatically rotating
the applicator brush in a selectable direction; and iii) a
stabilizing sleeve coupled to the motorized handle and surrounding
the revolving running staff; and b) a plurality of container units
each with a suitable mascara formulation and each configured to
detachably couple to the motorized applicator and over the brush
applicator
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising caps uniquely
corresponding to the plurality of container units, wherein the caps
include identifiers indicating a color of the mascara formulation
contained therein.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of container
units are configured to detachably couple to the motorized
applicator through one or more or a twist lock features and snap
features.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This Patent Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
119(e) of the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 60/964,989, filed Aug. 15, 2007, and entitled "MASCARA
APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER." The Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 60/964,989, filed Aug. 15, 2007, and entitled "MASCARA
APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER" is also hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to cosmetics. More
specifically, this invention relates to systems and devices for
applying and dispensing mascara.
BACKGROUND ON INVENTION
[0003] Various techniques have been employed to package mascara and
apply the mascara to eyelashes. Many of the prior art devices and
systems includes an applicator unit with a handle and an applicator
brush and a container unit with a storage compartment. In use, the
applicator brush of the applicator unit fits through a neck portion
of the container unit and is dipped into a mascara solution
contained therein. The applicator unit and the container unit are
typically configured to fit together not only for convenient
storage, but also hygienic reasons.
[0004] There are a number of deficiencies with prior art mascara
systems and devices. Prior art mascara systems and devices only
allow a user to choose a single mascara formulation. Also, the
applicator brush typically applies the mascara to uneven eyelashes
causing the mascara to clump together and/or causing the eyelashes
to stick together. To address some of the aforementioned
deficiencies, Diaz in U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,276 disclosed a motorized
mascara system with an applicator unit that includes a motorized
handle. The motorized handle rotates the applicator brush and
applies the mascara to the eyelashes in a controlled manner. The
motorized handle includes a two-way motor and a switch for changing
a rotational direction of the applicator brush. The system of Diaz
also includes a container unit with mascara contained therein,
wherein the container unit is configured to couple to the motorized
handle through a set of threaded features.
[0005] There are also a number of hazards associated with the use
and application of eye cosmetics, such as mascara. For example,
when mascara is not stored properly and/or if the mascara container
is not closed properly, dangerous bacteria or fungi can grow within
the mascara. The bacteria or fungi once in the mascara can get into
the user's eyes when the mascara is applied to eyelashes and lead
to infection. Infection of the eyes can also occur though sharing
of the mascara and/or mascara applicators.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a mascara system and
applicator that provides for easy and proper storage of the mascara
and reduce the potential for contamination of the mascara that can
result in the growth of bacteria or fungi. The mascara system and
applicator of the present invention also provides safety features
that reduce the chance of injury to eyes or eyelashes when the
mascara is being applied. The system and applicator of the present
invention also preferably allows for changing applicator tips
and/or mascara formations without requiring replacement of the
entire system or applicator.
[0007] The present invention is directed to a system for applying
mascara to eyelashes uniformly and hygienically. The system
includes a motorized applicator unit. The motorized applicator unit
includes an applicator. The applicator includes an applicator brush
and a revolving running staff. The motorized applicator unit
further includes a motorized handle for automatically rotating the
applicator brush and the revolving running staff in a selectable
direction and/or at a selectable rotational speed. Preferably, the
motorized applicator unit also includes a stabilizing sleeve
coupled to the motorized handle and surrounding the revolving
running staff. The stabilizing sleeve helps to stabilize
positioning of the applicator brush as it revolves and provides a
high degree of control while applying the mascara to the eyelashes.
The motorized applicator unit also preferably includes a built-in
safety clutch that is coupled to the revolving running staff. The
built-in safety clutch prevents the revolving running staff from
moving when a sufficient pressure and/or force is applied to the
applicator brush. The built-in safety clutch thereby provides a
degree of safety for the user in the event that the bush head
contacts a portion of the user's eye and/or gets caught on a
portion of the user's eyelash or surrounding hair, causing the
brush to stop.
[0008] The system of the present further includes a container unit.
The container unit is configured to detachably couple to the
motorized applicator unit and over the applicator brush, revolving
running staff and stabilizing sleeve through one or more securing
features. The securing features preferably include one or more
twist and lock features, snap features and compression features.
The securing features preferably provides a user feedback that
encourages proper use of the mascara system, adds to the longevity
to the mascara and reduces the risk contamination to the mascara.
For example, the securing features make a nose, click or vibrate
when the container unit is properly coupled to the motorized
applicator unit.
[0009] The twist and lock features are similar to those used on
small light bulbs to fix the small light bulb into a light bulb
socket. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the
twist and lock features include protruding or nodule features on
the container unit and/or on the motorized applicator unit. The
protruding features are configured to fit into or slide into
contoured grooved or slotted features on the container unit and/or
motorized applicator. In operation the system is closed for storage
by placing the protruding or nodule features into the contoured
grooved or slotted features or by sliding the protruding or nodule
features into the contoured grooved or slotted features. Then the
container unit and motorized applicator are pressed together and
twisted relative to each other. Twisting the container unit and the
motorized applicator relative to each other causes the protruding
or nodule features and the contoured grooved or slotted features to
snap or pop into a locked position, thereby holding the container
unit and the motorized applicator firmly together. Twist and lock
features preferably provide a tactile and/or audible indication
that the system is properly closed or sealed for storage. For
example the twist and lock features make a popping or clicking
sound that can be heard and or a detent that can be felt by the
user when the system is properly closed or sealed for storage.
[0010] Preferably, the securing feature provides an air tight seal
between the container unit and the motorized handle when they are
coupled together, which helps to prevent air-born contaminants from
entering the mascara while the system is being stored. The
container unit also preferably includes a contoured insert feature
that minimizes the amount of air or space between the container
unit and the motorized applicator unit when they are coupled
together and, thereby, minimizes drying of the mascara and further
reduces air-born contaminants from entering the mascara while the
system is being stored.
[0011] In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the
motorized handle includes a touch control panel or switch. The
touch control panel or switch is configured for controlling one or
more of a rotational direction of the applicator brush and a speed
of rotation of the applicator brush. The motorized handle also
preferably includes a power supply, which is either a replaceable
battery or a permanently sealed battery. The motorized handle, in
further embodiments of the invention, is configured to plug into an
outlet through a power cord and/or configured to be recharged
through a cord plugged into a power outlet.
[0012] In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the
container unit includes a compartment for holding a mascara. The
compartment is configured to directly hold mascara or alternatively
is configured to receive and hold a replaceable mascara cartridge
and/or a replaceable mascara cartridge with a brush. The container
unit also preferably includes a wiping sleeve for removing excess
mascara from the applicator brush when the motorized applicator
unit and container unit are separated.
[0013] In still further embodiments of the invention, a system
includes a motorized applicator unit, such as described above and
below and a set or plurality of container units or replaceable
cartridges. The container units and/or cartridges each contain a
suitable mascara formulation and/or mascara formulation with a
brush are each configured to detachably couple to the motorized
applicator unit or a container unit, respectively. The container
units or cartridges preferably include identifiers. The identifiers
provides an indication of a color or other physical property of the
mascara formulation contained therein. Suitable identifiers
include, but are not limited to, geocentric shapes, color markers
and labels. The system in accordance with the embodiments of the
invention also includes a tray for holding and displaying the
container units or the cartridges. The system can also include any
number detachable and replaceable applicators or applicator
brushes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a mascara system, in accordance with the
embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a mascara with a flexible running staff and a
stabilizing sleeve, in accordance with the current invention.
[0016] FIGS. 3A-B show eyelashes with mascara applied using a
tradition mascara applicator and the mascara applicator of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a mascara system with packaging that allows a
user to demonstrate and observe rotation of the revolving running
staff and the applicator brush without removing or opening the
packaging, in accordance with the embodiments of the present
invention.
[0018] FIGS. 5A-B show an exploded and a cross-sectional view of a
mascara systems, in accordance with the embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 in accordance with the
embodiments of the invention includes a motorized applicator unit
121 and a container unit 101 that detachably couples to the
motorized applicator unit 121. The motorized applicator unit 121
includes an applicator brush 107 and a revolving running staff 113.
Preferably, the container unit 101 is configure to detachably
couple to the motorized applicator unit 121 and over the brush
applicator 107 through one or more securing features 109. Suitable
securing features include, but are not limited to, snap features
and compression features and/or protrusion or nodule features with
matched contoured grooved or slotted features, also referred to
herein as twist and lock securing features. Preferably, the
securing features provides a user feedback that encourages proper
use of the mascara system, adds to the longevity to the mascara and
reduces the risk contamination to the mascara. For example, the
twist and lock features provides a tactile and/or audible
indication that the container unit 101 motorized applicator 121 are
properly sealed for storage.
[0020] The motorized applicator unit 121 includes a motorized
handle 123 that is configured to automatically rotate the
applicator brush 107 in a selectable direction and/or at a
selectable speed. The motorized handle 123 includes a built-in
motor 117 with a drive mechanism (not shown) for rotating the
revolving running staff 113 and the applicator brush 107. The
built-in motor 117 is preferably a multi-direction and/or a
variable speed motor that responds to and/or is controlled by
switch with a touch control panel or pad 119. The motorized
applicator unit 121 also includes a stabilizing sleeve 111 coupled
to the motorized handle 123 and surrounding the revolving running
staff 113. The stabilizing running staff 111 helps to stabilize the
positioning of the applicator brush 107 as it revolves and provides
a high degree of control while applying the mascara to the
eyelashes.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 2, the motorized applicator unit 121
also preferably includes a built-in safety clutch 118 that is
coupled to the revolving running staff 113. The built-in safety
clutch 118 prevents the revolving running staff 113 from moving
when a sufficient pressure and/or force is applied to the
applicator brush and/or when the revolving running staff 113 is
bent in a direction indicted by the arrow 130 away from its normal
central position. The built-in safety clutch 118, thereby, provides
a degree of safety for the user in the event that the brush head
contacts a portion of the user's eye and/or gets caught on a
portion of the user's eyelash or surrounding hair.
[0022] Referring nor to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in accordance with
the embodiments of the invention the revolving running staff 113
and the applicator brush 107 are configured to detachably couple to
the motorized handle 123, such that the revolving running staff 113
and the applicator brush 107 can be replaced when the applicator
brush 107 is worn out or when changing mascara formulations,
mascara cartridges or container units, such as described below.
[0023] In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the
system 100 includes additional applicator units (not shown) with
running staffs and applicator heads that are interchanged with the
revolving running staff 113 and the applicator brush 107 shown.
Accordingly, the system 100 of the present invention is capable of
being used with any number of cosmetic products. For example,
mascara cartridges, such as a mascara cartridge 127 described
below, is manufactured with an applicator unit and sold separately
from the motorized handle 121. In operation, a user attaches the
applicator unit to the motorized handle 121 to dispense and apply
mascara from a separate mascara cartridge.
[0024] In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the
motorized handle 123 includes a touch control panel or pad 119 for
controlling one or more of a rotational direction of the applicator
brush 107 and a speed of rotation of the applicator brush 107. The
touch control panel or pad 119 is preferably circular, which allow
the user to migrate through selections or setting on touch control
panel or pad 119 without looking at the touch control panel or pad
119. In accordance with this embodiment, the motorized handle 123
includes an internal power supply, such as a battery that is
configured to be recharged through a suitable charging unit 135.
Alternatively, the motorized handle 123 is configured to be powered
through a disposable and replaceable battery 517 (FIGS. 5A-B) that
fits into a body portion of the motorized handle 123 and which is
accessible by removing a cap feature 115. The battery 517 is in an
alternative embodiment of the invention is permanently sealed
within the body portion of the motorized handle 123. In further
embodiments of the invention, the motorize handle 123 is powered
through a cord that plugs into a power outlet (not shown) or a
rechargeable battery.
[0025] The container unit 101 preferably includes a compartment 103
for holding a mascara and a wiping sleeve 105 for removing excess
mascara from the applicator brush 107 when the applicator brush 107
is dipped into the mascara and separated from the container unit
101.
[0026] In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the
system 100 includes one or more removable and replaceable mascara
cartridges 125 with a compartment 127 for holding mascara. The
mascara cartridges 125 are configured to fit into the compartment
103 of the container unit 101, such that a user can select or
change mascara without replacing the container unit 101 and/or the
motorized applicator unit 121. The system 100 can also include a
display tray 150 with docking sites 131 and 133 for holding the
mascara cartridges 125. The mascara cartridges 125 preferably
include wiping sleeves 129 for removing excess mascara from the
applicator brush 107 in a manner described previously. The system
100 can also include any number of replaceable revolving running
staffs 113 and/or replaceable applicator brushes 107 that are
provided separately or in combination with the mascara cartridges
125.
[0027] In still further embodiments of the invention, the system
100 includes a plurality of container units, such as the container
unit 101 described above. Each of the container units include a
suitable mascara formulation. In accordance with this embodiment,
the container units include caps 139 and are configured to fit into
the docking sites 131 and 133 of the display tray 150. In further
embodiments of the invention the container units 101, cartridges
127 and/or caps 139 include identifiers 143 and 141. The
identifiers 143 and 141 provide an indication of a color or other
physical property of the mascara formulation contained therein.
Suitable identifiers include, but are not limited to, geometric
shapes, color markers and or labels.
[0028] FIG. 3A shows a view 300 of eyelashes 301 with mascara
applied using a traditional mascara applicator. Note that eyelashes
301 are clumped together as a result uneven application of mascara
to the eyelashes 301. By way of comparison, FIG. 3B shows a view
350 of eyelashes 301 with the mascara applied using the mascara
applicator illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5A and FIG.
5B. Note that the eyelashes 310' are well separated and defined as
a result of uniform application of mascara and styling of the
eyelashes 310'.
[0029] FIG. 4 show a mascara systems 400 with packaging 401 for
displaying the motorized applicator unit 121 and the container unit
101. The packaging allows a user to demonstrate and observe
rotation of the revolving running staff 113 and the applicator
brush 107 without removing or opening the packaging by pressing or
moving the touch pad or switch 119 through a depression or opening
119 in the packaging 401.
[0030] FIGS. 5A-B show an exploded view 500 and a cross-sectional
view 550 of a mascara systems, in accordance with the embodiments
of the present invention. The system includes a motorized
applicator unit 521 and a container unit 501, similar to those
described above.
[0031] The motorized applicator unit 521 includes a housing
structure 510 with a stabilizing sleeve 511. The motorized
applicator unit 521 further includes a motor body insert 519'' that
fits into the housing structure 510. The motor body insert 519'' is
coupled to a electrical control switch 519' and switch cover or pad
519 for operating the motor insert and rotating the flexible
running staff 513 and the applicator brush 507 with the system
assembled, such as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0032] The motor body insert 519'' has a cavity for holding a
battery 517 that powers the motor body insert 519''. The system
also includes a contact pad 514 for providing an electrical
connection between the battery 517 the motor body insert 519'' and
an end cap 515 for holding the battery within the cavity of the
motor body insert 519'' with the system assembled, such as shown in
FIG. 5B.
[0033] The container unit 501 includes a cap portion 502, an insert
portion 505 and a contoured insert feature 527. As described
previously, the container unit 501 is configured to hold mascara
and dispense the mascara from the brush applicator 507, when the
brush applicator 507 is inserted into the container unit 501 and
removed from the container unit 501. The contoured insert feature
527 preferably includes a wiping sleeve 527'' for removing excess
mascara from the brush applicator 507 when the brush applicator 507
is removed from the container unit 501.
[0034] With the system assembled, the insert portion 505 fits into
the cap portion 502 and the contoured insert feature 527 fits
behind the insert portion 505 with the conical portion 527' of the
contoured insert feature 527 positioned within an opening of the
insert portion 550, such as shown in FIG. 5B. The contoured insert
feature 527 minimizes the amount of air or space between the
container unit 501 and the motorized applicator unit 521 when they
are coupled together and, thereby, minimizes drying of the mascara
and helps to reduces air-born contaminants from entering the
mascara while the system is assembled, for storage, such as shown
in FIG. 5B.
[0035] The cap portion 502, the insert portion 505 and the
contoured insert feature 527 are held together by a ring structure
539 that screws into matched features 539' on the cap portion 502.
Preferably the container unit 501 and the motorized applicator unit
521 are configured to detachably couple through twist and lock
features 509 and 509'. The twist and lock features 509 and 509'
preferably provide a substantially air-tight seal between the
container unit 501 and the motorized applicator unit 521 and,
thereby, further minimizes drying of the mascara while the system
is assembled, such as shown in FIG. 5B. The system of the present
further includes a container unit.
[0036] The container unit 501 is configured to detachably couple to
the motorized applicator unit and over the applicator brush,
revolving running staff and stabilizing sleeve through one or more
securing features. The twist and lock features 509 and 509' of the
present invention, for example, comprise protruding features or
nodules and contoured grooved or slotted features. In operation the
protruding features or modules are fitted into contoured grooved or
slotted features, the container unit 501 motorized applicator 521
are pressed together and twisted relative to each other causing the
protruding features or nodules and the contoured grooved or slotted
features to snap or pop into a locked position. The twist and lock
features 509 and 509' preferably provide a tactile and/or audible
indication that the container unit 501 motorized applicator 521 are
properly sealed for storage. For example, the twist and lock
features 509 and 509' pop or click when the container unit 501
motorized applicator 521 are properly sealed for storage. The
tactile and/or audible indication that the container unit 501
motorized applicator 521 are properly sealed for storage provides a
user feedback that encourages proper use of the mascara system,
adds to the hygiene of the mascara and this reduces the risk
contamination to the mascara.
[0037] It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the
container unit 501 and the motorized applicator unit 521 can be
configured to detachably couple through any number of different
securing features to provide user feedback. For example, the
container unit 501 and the motorized applicator unit can include
ribbed features capable of being press fitted together.
[0038] The present invention has been described in terms of
specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the
understanding of the principles of construction and operation of
the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and
details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims
appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that modifications can be made in the embodiment chosen for
illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Specifically, it will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art that the system of the present invention could be
implemented in several different ways and the apparatus disclosed
above is only illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the
invention and is in no way a limitation.
* * * * *