U.S. patent application number 12/855392 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-23 for lip applicator.
Invention is credited to Vincent Mallardi, III.
Application Number | 20100322693 12/855392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38981940 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100322693 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mallardi, III; Vincent |
December 23, 2010 |
LIP APPLICATOR
Abstract
A lip applicator generally relating to the application of a
variety of products, including lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, or
any such beauty aid, to one's lips. The lip applicator disclosed
herein may be held during use, but is adapted for upright placement
on a table-top or other flat surface during non-use. The lip
applicator disclosed herein facilitates the facile, rapid, and
reliable application a lip product, and may be of particular import
in those settings requiring the repeated or frequent application of
a beauty aid to one or more people's lips, such as the set of a
motion picture or theatrical performance.
Inventors: |
Mallardi, III; Vincent;
(Cold Spring Harbor, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARTER, DELUCA, FARRELL & SCHMIDT, LLP
445 BROAD HOLLOW ROAD, SUITE 420
MELVILLE
NY
11747
US
|
Family ID: |
38981940 |
Appl. No.: |
12/855392 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11811132 |
Jun 8, 2007 |
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12855392 |
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60879180 |
Jan 8, 2007 |
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60832338 |
Jul 21, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/24 20130101;
A45D 40/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/11 |
International
Class: |
A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00 |
Claims
1: A lip applicator, comprising: an applying portion; and a base
portion operatively connected to the applying portion, the base
portion being configured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid
therein, and at least partially formed from a semi-resilient
material such that the base portion is selectively deformable to
expel an amount of the beauty aid onto the applying portion.
2: The lip applicator of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes
a bladder at least partially positioned therein, the bladder being
configured and dimensioned to retain the beauty aid.
3: The lip applicator of claim 2, wherein the bladder is in
communication with the applying portion, the bladder being at least
partially formed from a semi-resilient material, and selectively
deformable via application of an external force thereto to expel
the beauty aid from the bladder onto the applying portion.
4: A lip applicator, comprising: a base portion including at least
one surface configured and dimensioned to stabilize the lip
applicator in a free-standing orientation; a stem portion having a
proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being connected to
the base portion; an applying portion connected to the proximal end
of the stem portion, the applying portion being generally
lip-shaped; and an applicator sponge that is selectively engagable
with the applying portion.
5: The lip applicator of claim 4, wherein the applying portion is
releasably connected to the stem portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/811,132, filed on Jun. 8, 2007, which claims priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/832,338 and
60/879,180, filed Jul. 21, 2006 and Jan. 8, 2007, respectively, the
entire contents of each application being incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for
applying lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, or any such beauty aid to
one's lips. There are many cosmetic and other lip products on the
market, including, for example, lip gloss, lip sticks, and lip
balm. While some lip products may be applied by a finger or a
brush, many are dispensed using an applicator. For example, lip
sticks are usually applied through the use of an applicator that
incorporates a lip product disposed within a receptacle. The
receptacle is generally a recessed member designed to hold a
portion of one end of the product, the remainder of the product
extending therefrom. As is common, the receptacle may incorporate a
mechanism that allows the user to extend and retract the product as
desired.
[0003] One of the problems with applicators is the ease, speed, and
consistency with which a lip product may be applied. This problem
is especially evident in the context of a performance setting, such
as the set of a theatre or a motion picture. In such circumstances,
it is often necessary to repeatedly apply a lip product to the lips
of a single performer, or to the lips of a great multitude of
performers. In this setting, it would be desirable to be able to do
so very quickly in preparation for the next scene or segment of a
performance. Accordingly, applying such products using an
individual lip stick, for example, may be cumbersome or impractical
given the need for accuracy and caution during application to
ensure that the lip product is applied evenly and correctly to the
performer's lips.
[0004] Therefore, a need exists for a product that facilitates
facile, rapid, and reliable application a lip product.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one embodiment, a lip applicator is disclosed which
includes a base portion having at least one surface configured and
dimensioned to stabilize the lip applicator in a free-standing
orientation, a stem portion, and a generally lip-shaped applying
portion. The stem portion has a proximal end connected to the
applying portion and a distal end connected to the base portion. In
one embodiment, the proximal end of the stem portion is releasably
connected to the applying portion, and in another embodiment, the
applying portion is configured and dimensioned to rotate relative
to the stem portion.
[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the lip applicator
further includes one or more applicator sponges that are
selectively engagable with the applying portion.
[0007] The present disclosure contemplates that the stem portion
may include first and second stem portions that are configured and
dimensioned to be selectively movable with respect to one another.
In one embodiment, the first and second stem portions are
configured and dimensioned such that the first stem portion may be
telescopically received within the second stem portion.
[0008] In still another embodiment, the base portion is at least
partially composed of a semi-resilient material. In another
embodiment, the base portion includes a cavity defined therein that
is dimensioned to house or retain a beauty aid. It is contemplated
that the base portion may be configured and dimensioned to
selectively extend or releasably engage the beauty aid, or that the
base portion may be integrally associated with therewith.
[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lip
applicator includes an applying portion that is configured and
dimensioned to transition from a first position, in which the
applying portion is configured for the application of a beauty aid,
to a second position, in which the applying portion is configured
for storage. In one embodiment, the applying portion includes a
hinge portion that permits the selective folding of the applying
portion thereabout prior to transitioning from the first position
to the second position.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lip
applicator is disclosed which includes an applying portion, a stem
portion that supports the applying portion, and a base portion that
is operatively connected to the applying portion through the stem
portion. In this embodiment, the base portion is at least partially
semi-resilient such that the base portion may be selectively
deformed from a first position, in which a beauty aid is retained
therein, to at least one subsequent position, in which the base
portion is at least partially deformed such that the beauty aid is
at least partially expelled therefrom, subsequently traversing the
stem portion, and exiting onto the applying portion.
[0011] In one embodiment, the lip applicator further includes a
bladder disposed within the base portion that is configured and
dimensioned to retain a beauty aid therein. In this embodiment, the
bladder is in communication with the stem portion and is at least
partially semi-resilient such that the bladder is selectively
deformable from a first position to at least one subsequent
position. In the first position, the bladder remains undefomed and
the beauty aid remains therein. In the at least one subsequent
position, however, the bladder is at least partially deformed such
that the beauty aid is at least partially expelled therefrom,
subsequently traversing the stem portion, and exiting onto the
applying portion.
[0012] In another embodiment, the base portion is selectively
engagable with the stem portion, and in an additional embodiment,
the base portion defines a recess therein that is configured and
dimensioned to selectively receive at least one cleaning sheet. In
yet another embodiment, the base portion includes at least one
surface that is at least partially reflective.
[0013] The present disclosure also contemplates a kit which
includes a base portion, a stem portion having a proximal end
connected to an applying portion and a distal end connected to the
base portion, and a plurality of applicator sponges configured and
dimensioned to selectively engage the applying portion. The present
disclosure contemplates that the applicator sponges may have a
beauty aid disposed thereupon.
[0014] These and other features of the microwave tissue treatment
device and method of use disclosed herein will become more readily
apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description of various embodiments of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described
hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, including
a selectively extendible stem portion;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure,
including a base portion with a cavity dimensioned and configured
to retain a beauty aid therein;
[0019] FIG. 4A is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in
accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3, shown in a first
position;
[0020] FIG. 4B is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in
accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3, shown in a second
position;
[0021] FIG. 5A is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in
a first position, including a release mechanism and a cavity
dimensioned and configured to receive a stem portion and an
applying portion;
[0022] FIG. 5B is a front, perspective view of the lip applicator
of FIG. 5A, shown in a second position;
[0023] FIG. 6A is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, shown
in a first position, that includes a release mechanism, a
selectively foldable applying portion, a stem portion, and a base
portion with a cavity dimensioned and configured to receive the
stem portion and the applying portion;
[0024] FIG. 6B is a front, perspective view of the lip applicator
of FIG. 6A shown in a second position;
[0025] FIG. 7A is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, that
includes a conduit disposed within a stem portion, and an applying
portion having an aperture;
[0026] FIG. 7B is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure,
including a conduit disposed within a stem portion, an applying
portion having an aperture, a base portion, and a bladder;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, including
a base portion that defines a recess;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator,
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure,
including a base portion with a reflective surface;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a side, plan view illustrating the use of a lip
applicator in accordance with the principles of present
disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator,
according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, that
includes an applicator surface configured to retain an applicator
sponge;
[0031] FIG. 12A is a front, perspective view of a sheet that
includes a multitude of applicator sponges varying in size; and
[0032] FIG. 12B is a front, perspective view of a sheet that
includes a multitude of applicator sponges of one particular
size.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Specific embodiments of the lip applicator disclosed herein
will now be described in detail with reference to the foregoing
figures, wherein like reference numerals identify similar or
identical elements. In the drawings, and in the description which
follows, the term "beauty aid" may refer to a lipstick, a lip
gloss, or any such product that may be topically applied to one's
lips. In addition, the term "user" may refer either to the person
to whom the beauty aid is applied, or to the person handling the
lip applicator and applying a beauty aid to the lips of another.
Finally, the terms "proximal" and "distal" will be understood as
referring to those portions of the lip applicator that are closest
to, and furthest from, respectively, the applying portion, as
defined below.
[0034] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 generally illustrates
a lip applicator 10 for applying a beauty aid 12 to one's lips (see
also FIG. 10). Lip applicator 10 includes a generally lip-shaped
applying portion 14, which is configured to retain beauty aid 12
thereon, a stem portion 16 that extends distally from and supports
the applying portion 14, and a base portion 18 that is configured
to support the lip applicator 10 in an upward, or free-standing
orientation, as seen in FIG. 1, if so desired.
[0035] In each embodiment of the present disclosure described
herein, a variety of configurations and sizes are contemplated for
applying portion 14, such that lip applicator 10 may be compatible
with a greater multitude of user's.
[0036] Base portion 18 may be configured to facilitate handling and
may include various contours, scallops, protuberances and/or
gripping surfaces to enhance a user's grip thereof. The base
portion 18 includes a bottom surface 20 which is configured and
dimensioned to stabilize the lip applicator 10 atop a table or
other surface 22 when not in use. Bottom surface 20 may be
configured and dimensioned in any suitable manner that facilitates
the stabilization of lip applicator 10. Configurations for bottom
surface 20 may include, but are not limited to, a flat surface, a
concave surface, a surface including independent support legs, or a
surface that includes an adhesive mechanism, e.g., a suction-cup,
as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. As
depicted in FIG. 1, bottom surface 20 is flat and rectilinear in
shape, but a base portion 18 having another geometric
configuration, or an ornamental shape, is not beyond the scope of
the present disclosure. Bottom surface 20 may also be textured, or
may include a plastic, rubberized, or any other suitable surface
that may enhance the stability and/or handling of lip applicator
10.
[0037] Referring still to FIG. 1, applying portion 14 is generally
"lip-shaped". This configuration allows for the even and facile
application of a beauty aid 12 to one's lips. The present
disclosure contemplates that applying portion 14 may be integrally
formed with stem portion 16 through any suitable method or
mechanism including, but not being limited to, screws, adhesives,
or monolithic formation therewith. It is further contemplated that
applying portion 14 may be releasably connected to stem portion 16,
again through any suitable method, including, but not limited to, a
snap-fit arrangement or interference fitting, such that applying
portion 14 may be selectively engagable therewith, or
replaceable.
[0038] In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, lip applicator 100
includes an applying portion 114, a stem portion 116, and a base
portion 118. It is contemplated that applying portion 114 and base
portion 118 may each be releasably or integrally connected to stem
portion 116. Stem portion 116 includes a first portion 116a
configured and dimensioned to be selectively movable with respect
to a second portion 116b. First and second stem portions 116a, 116b
may allow for continuous or incremental movement with respect to
one another such that applying portion 114 may be adjusted relative
to base portion 118 during or prior to use.
[0039] First and second stem portions 116a, 116b may be configured
and dimensioned in any manner such that one of the first and second
stem portions 116a, 116b is movable in relation to, and may be
received by, the other, e.g. telescopically. In the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 2, first stem portion 116a is telescopically
moveable in the direction indicated by arrow "A" within lower stem
portion 116b, such that lip applicator 100 is selectively
extendable. In an alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that
second stem portion 116b may be received by, and may be movable
within, first stem portion 116a, again enabling the selective
extension of the lip applicator 100.
[0040] In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3, lip applicator 200
includes an applying portion 214, a stem portion 216 and a base
portion 218 that defines a cavity 224 therein which is dimensioned
to releasably retain a beauty aid 212. Beauty aid 212 may be
releasably engageable with base portion 218 through any suitable
mechanism or structure including, but not limited to, snap-fit or
interference fit arrangements, to allow for the selective removal,
replacement, and/or substitution of various beauty aids, or beauty
aid 212 may be integrally associated with, or formed within, base
portion 218 such that beauty aid 212 may not be replaced,
substituted, or removed therefrom.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, a lip applicator 300 is
disclosed that includes an applying portion 314, a stem portion
316, and a base portion 318 rotatably connected to the stem portion
316 through any suitable mechanism or structural adaptation, such
that lip applicator 300 may be selectively transitioned or moved
from a first position to a second position.
[0042] In the first position, seen in FIG. 4A, beauty aid 312 is
disposed within cavity 324, whereas in the second position, seen in
FIG. 4B, beauty aid 312 at least partially extends therefrom. To
move lip applicator 300 from the first position to the second
position, and thereby selectively extend beauty aid 312 from cavity
324, either base portion 318, or stem portion 316, may be rotated.
To move lip applicator 300 from the second position to the first
position, and thereby selectively retract beauty aid 312, again,
either base portion 318, or stem portion 316, may be rotated. In
transitioning from the first position to the second position, or
from the second position to the first position, base portion 318,
or stem portion 316, may be rotated either clockwise, in the
direction of arrow "B", or counterclockwise, in the direction of
arrow "C".
[0043] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B, it is
contemplated that the configuration and dimensions of the cavity
may be varied such that base portion may accommodate a variety of
beauty aids. In addition, with respect to each embodiment discussed
heretofore, it is contemplated that the lip applicator may employ a
plurality of cavities, each of which may vary in size and/or
configuration, thereby allowing for the incorporation of a
multitude of beauty aids. It is further contemplated, in each
embodiment described thus far, that the stem portion may include
two or more sections configured and dimensioned to be respectively
movable with respect to each other, e.g., telescopically, as
disclosed in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.
[0044] In FIGS. 5A-5B, a lip applicator 400 is disclosed that
includes an applying portion 414, a stem portion 416, and a base
portion 418. Lip applicator 400 further includes a release
mechanism 426 and a cavity 424 defined in base portion 418 that is
configured and dimensioned to removably receive stem portion 416
and applying portion 414, as will be discussed in further detail
below. Applying portion 414 is movably secured to stem portion 416,
e.g. rotatably or pivotably secured, such that applying portion 414
and stem portion 416 are selectively movable in relation to one
another, either in the direction of arrow "D" or arrow "E", from a
first position, seen in FIG. 5A, to a second position, seen in FIG.
5B.
[0045] In the first or applying position, seen in FIG. 5A, lip
applicator 400 defines a first height H.sub.1, and applying portion
414 is substantially horizontal in orientation, thereby
facilitating the application of beauty aid 412 by a user. If
desired, applying portion 414 may be rotated and moved into the
second position, in which applying portion 414 is substantially
vertical in orientation and at least a portion thereof is removably
disposed within cavity 424, together with at least a portion of
stem portion 416, as seen in FIG. 5B. In the second position, lip
applying portion 414 may be substantially protected from the
ambient, thereby remaining free of dust, particulates, or the like
during non-use. In the second position, the overall height H.sub.2
of lip applicator 400 is substantially reduced when compared to
that of lip applicator 400 in the first position. This reduction in
height may facilitate the convenient storage or transport of the
lip applicator 400, if so desired. It is contemplated that stem
portion 416 may include two or more sections that may be configured
and dimensioned to move with respect to one another in any suitable
manner such that one of the portions may be movable in relation to,
and may be received by, the other portion, e.g. telescopically, as
depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0046] Referring still to FIGS. 5A-5B, as discussed above, lip
applicator 400 includes release 426. Release 426 maintains lip
applicator 400 in either the first position, or the second
position, until it is desired by the user to move therebetween. At
such time, the user may actuate release 426 and configure the lip
applicator 400 either for storage, or for use. Release 426 may be
any mechanical mechanism suitable for the intended purpose of
preventing the unintentional transitioning between the first and
second positions, illustrative examples of which include, but are
not limited to, a depressible button, a rotatable knob, or a
slidable button set within a track 428, as seen in FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0047] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a lip applicator 500 having an
applying portion 514 with two individual portions 514a, 514b and a
hinge portion 530, a stem portion 416, and a base portion 418. Lip
applicator 500 functions in a manner identical to that disclosed
with respect to the previous embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5A-5B,
in that lip applicator 500 is adapted to transition from a first,
applying position, to a second storage position in which lip
applying portion 514 and stem portion 516 are at least partially
disposed within and removable from a cavity 524 in base portion
518.
[0048] Portions 514a and 514b are selectively foldable in the
direction of arrow "G" relative to one another about hinge portion
530, such that the dimensions of applying portion 514 may be
substantially reduced, thereby facilitating the storage thereof in
base portion 518 while in the second position. In one aspect of the
present disclosure, applying portion 514 may be manually folded
about hinge portion 530 at the will of the user, whereas in another
aspect, applying portion 514 may only be folded upon the actuation
of release 526. Release 526, therefore, may serve dual purposes.
First, release 526 may facilitate the folding of applying portion
514 about hinge portion 530. And second, release 526 may facilitate
the movement or transition of lip applicator 500 from the first
position, seen in FIG. 6A, to the second position, seen in FIG. 6B,
or from the second position to the first position, as discussed
above. In a further aspect of the present disclosure, lip
applicator 500 may employ multiple, independent release mechanisms
(not shown), one to permit the folding and/or the unfolding of the
applying portion 514 about a hinge portion 530, and a second to
permit the transition of the lip applicator from the first position
to the second position. With respect to the folding and unfolding
of the applying portion, the release, or releases, employed may be
any mechanism or structural adaptation suitable for preventing
against the inadvertent folding or unfolding of the applying
portion.
[0049] With respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 5A-6B, the base
portion may be configured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid
therein, either integrally or selectively, as disclosed in the
embodiments of FIGS. 2-4B. It is also contemplated that the
dimensions of the cavity may be varied such that base portion may
accommodate a variety of beauty aids. In addition, the lip
applicator may employ a plurality of cavities, each of which may
vary in size and/or configuration, thereby allowing for the
incorporation of additional beauty aids. It is also contemplated
that the stem portion may include two or more sections that may be
configured and dimensioned to move with respect to one another in
any suitable manner such that one section may be movable in
relation to, and may be received by, the other section, e.g.
telescopically, as disclosed in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 7A, lip applicator 600 includes an
applying portion 614 with an aperture 638, a stem portion 616
having a conduit 632 defining proximal and distal ends 634, 636
disposed therein, and a base portion 618.
[0051] Base portion 618 is configured and dimensioned to retain a
beauty aid 612 therein, and is formed, either in whole or in part,
of any resilient or semi-resilient material capable of
transitioning from a first, initial position (not shown) to a
second, deformed position (not shown), upon the application of a
force "F" thereto, as may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill
in the art. Force "F" may be generated by squeezing base portion
618, or in any other suitable manner, including, but not being
limited to, twisting.
[0052] In the first position, base portion 618 is not subject to
any external force. Accordingly, in this position, beauty aid 612
remains within the base portion 618. However, upon the application
of force "F" thereto, the walls 640 of base portion 618 may begin
to deform inwardly, thereby decreasing the volume of base portion
618, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art,
such that the beauty aid 612 may be forced outwardly therefrom.
Conduit 632 is in fluid communication with base portion 618 such
that beauty aid 612 may enter conduit 632 through the distal end
636 thereof upon expulsion from base portion 618, subsequently
being communicated therethrough, and exiting onto applying portion
614 through proximal end 634 and aperture 638.
[0053] It is contemplated herein that base portion 618 may be
rotatably secured to stem portion 616 such that the force "F"
required to deform the base portion 618, and expel beauty aid 612
therefrom, may be generated through the rotation, or twisting, of
base portion 618.
[0054] Base portion 618 may be selectively engageable with stem
portion 616 through any suitable mechanism or arrangement,
including, but not limited to, screw-type or snap-fit arrangements,
such that base portion 618 and the beauty aid 612 retained therein,
may be replaced when necessary or desired. Alternatively, base
portion 618 may be integrally formed with stem portion 616 such
that the lip applicator 600 may be considered disposable.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 7B, lip applicator 700 includes an
applying portion 714, a stem portion 716, and a base portion 718
having a bladder 742 disposed therein and secured thereto through
any suitable means, including, but not being limited to, adhesives.
Base portion 718 and bladder 742 may be formed, either in whole or
in part, of any resilient or semi-resilient material capable of
transitioning from a first, initial position (not shown) to a
second, deformed position (not shown) upon the application of a
force "F" thereto, again generated in any suitable manner. Conduit
732 is in fluid communication with bladder 742 such that a beauty
aid 712, retained therein, may enter conduit 732 through a distal
end 736 thereof upon being expelled from bladder 742, as discussed
above with respect to the disclosure in FIG. 7A. Subsequently,
beauty aid 712 may be communicated through conduit 732, and the
proximal end 734 thereof, onto applying portion 714 through an
aperture 738.
[0056] In one embodiment, base portion 718 may be rotatably secured
to stem portion 716 such that the force "F" required to deform
bladder 742 and expel beauty aid 712 therefrom may be generated
through the rotation of base portion 718. In this embodiment, the
force "F" created through the rotation of base portion 718 is
transmitted to bladder 742 through the connection therebetween.
[0057] Base portion 718, and therefore bladder 742, may be
selectively engagable with stem portion 716 through any suitable
mechanism or arrangement, including, but not limited to, screw-type
or snap-fit arrangements, such that base portion 718, bladder 742,
and the beauty aid 712 retained therein, may be replaced when
necessary or desired. It is further contemplated that base portion
718 may be integrally formed with stem portion 716 such that lip
applicator 700 may be considered disposable.
[0058] In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 8, lip applicator 800 is
disclosed which includes an applying portion 814, a stem portion
816, and a base portion 818 that defines a recess 844 therein
configured and dimensioned to releasably retain at least one
cleaning sheet 846, e.g., a tissue or an anti-bacterial wipe, for
selective distribution. Base portion 818 may be selectively
engagable with stem portion 816 such that base portion 818, and the
cleaning sheets 846 retained therein, may be replaced when
necessary. It is further contemplated that base portion 818 may be
integrally formed with stem portion 816 such that lip applicator
800 may be considered disposable.
[0059] In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 9, a lip applicator
900 is disclosed that includes an applying portion 914, a stem
portion 916, and a base portion 918 including at least one
reflective surface 948. Reflective surface 948 may be disposed on
any suitable surface of base portion 918, including, but not
limited to, any face 950, or the bottom surface 952. Reflective
surface 948 may also be disposed in any other suitable location,
including, but not being limited to applying portion 914. It is
further envisioned that base portion 918 itself be formed, in whole
or in part, of a reflective material, thereby obviating the need
for an additional reflective element.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 10, a lip applicator 1000 is
illustrated. As illustrated, base portion 1018 and/or stem portion
1016 may be grasped by the user. Applying portion 1014 may then be
raised and pressed to the user's lips, either by the user, or by
another party, as shown. Applying portion 1014 is then pressed
against the user's lips until such time that the desired beauty aid
(not shown) is sufficiently applied thereto.
[0061] FIG. 11 discloses yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure. Lip applicator 1100 is generally similar to lip
applicator 10 shown in FIG. 1 and includes applying portion 1114,
stem portion 1116, and base portion 1118. Applicator 1100 further
includes an applicator surface 1154 configured to releasably retain
an applicator sponge 1156. Applicator sponge 1156 has a general
configuration mimicking that of applicator surface 1154. Applicator
sponges of various shapes and sizes, in particular, but not limited
to, small, medium, and large sponges 1156a, 1156b, 1156c may be
used in conjunction with lip applicator 1100 dependent upon the
labial characteristics of the person to whom a beauty aid (not
shown) need be applied.
[0062] In preparation for use, the user orients applicator sponge
1156 with respect to applicator surface 1154 and applies a force
thereto in the direction of arrow "H". Applicator sponge 1156 may
include an adhesive substrate (not shown) disposed on any suitable
surface thereof, including, but not being limited to, underside
1158, which may releasably adhere to applicator surface 1154.
Applicator sponge 1156 may also include a peel-away liner (not
shown) to protect the adhesive substrate (not shown) prior to use.
Any adhesive substrate may be employed, including water or
liquid-activated adhesives. Alternatively, applicator surface 1154
may include an adhesive-like substance (not shown) which adheres to
applicator sponge 1156 when placed upon applicator surface 1154. A
reusable or tacky substance may be utilized to accomplish this
purpose.
[0063] As best shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a plurality of
applicator sponges 1156a-1156c, that may vary in size, may be
arranged on sheet 1160 and sold as a package. Sheet 1160 may be
made from a releasable film (e.g., wax-like paper) that allows a
user to simply peel-away one or more sponges 1156a-1156c for use.
Sheet 1160 may also simply be a support structure, e.g., cardboard,
for selling a large number of sponges in a single package. After
use, the user simply peels applicator sponge 1156 from surface 1154
and discards the sponge 1156.
[0064] The present disclosure contemplates that a beauty aid (not
shown) may be pre-applied to applicator sponges 1156. To preserve
the integrity of the beauty aid (not shown) prior to application,
the beauty aid may by disposed beneath and protected by a peel-away
film (not shown), or the like, as would be appreciated by one of
ordinary skill in the art. Following the orientation of sponge 1156
atop applicator surface 1154, as describe above, the user may
simply remove the protective film (not shown), and thereby expose
the beauty aid (not shown).
[0065] From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure
drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain
modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without
departing from the scope of the same. While several embodiments of
the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended
that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the
disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the
specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description
should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications
of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision
other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims to be
appended hereto.
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