U.S. patent application number 13/217095 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for adjustable cosmetics applicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to HCT Asia Ltd. The applicant listed for this patent is Cindy Lim, Christopher John Tarling. Invention is credited to Cindy Lim, Christopher John Tarling.
Application Number | 20130051894 13/217095 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47743960 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130051894 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lim; Cindy ; et al. |
February 28, 2013 |
ADJUSTABLE COSMETICS APPLICATOR
Abstract
An adjustable implement includes an adjustable applicator
assembly comprising a variably adjustable applicator selectively
pivotable at least about 90 degrees relative to a body or handle of
the implement. By virtue of having a variably adjustable
applicator, the adjustable implement is capable of applying a
product at various different angles of orientation.
Inventors: |
Lim; Cindy; (Santa Monica,
CA) ; Tarling; Christopher John; (New York,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lim; Cindy
Tarling; Christopher John |
Santa Monica
New York |
CA
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HCT Asia Ltd
Central
HK
|
Family ID: |
47743960 |
Appl. No.: |
13/217095 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/88 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2200/1072 20130101;
A45D 40/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/88 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/20 20060101
A45D040/20 |
Claims
1. An implement comprising: a body; an adjustable applicator
assembly coupled to the body, the adjustable applicator assembly
comprising: a head having a top end and a bottom end; an applicator
coupled to the top end of the head, wherein the applicator
comprises an eyeliner applicator, the eyeliner applicator
comprising a soft brush; a hinge linking a top end of the body to
the bottom end of the head, the head being selectively pivotable
about the hinge by at least about 90 degrees relative to the body;
and a rotational friction mechanism to hold the head in position
relative to the body.
2. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational
friction mechanism comprises one of indentions or protrusions on
the top end of the body and the other of indentions or protrusions
on the bottom end of the head, the indentions or protrusions on the
top end of the body configured to slidably mate with the other of
indentions or protrusions on the bottom end of the head.
3. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational
friction mechanism comprises one of dimples or protrusions on the
bottom end of the head and the other of dimples or protrusions on
the top end of the body, the dimples or protrusions on the bottom
end of the head configured to slidably mate with the other of
dimples or protrusions on the top end of the body.
4. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational
friction mechanism is configured to maintain position of the
applicator relative to the body when a force applied to the
applicator is below an adjusting threshold, and to allow the
applicator to pivot relative to the body in response to application
of a force at or above the adjusting threshold.
5. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises
plastic, wood, metal, ceramic, glass, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or
a composite of any of the foregoing.
6. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the head comprises
thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), rubber, or polypropylene or
(PP).
7. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises
metal or ceramic.
8. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the head comprises
metal or ceramic.
9. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational
friction mechanism comprises one or more shapes on the bottom of
the head configured to engage one or more complimentary shapes on
the top of the body.
10. An implement according to claim 9, wherein the one or more
shapes on the bottom of the head comprises indents configured to
receive and retain one or more protrusions of the one or more
complimentary shapes on the top of the body.
11. An implement according to claim 9, wherein the one or more
complimentary shapes on the top of the body comprises one or more
indents configured to receive and retain one or more protrusions of
the one or more shapes on the bottom of the head.
12. An implement according to claim 9, wherein the one or more
shapes on the bottom of the head comprise indents, dimples, ribs,
ridges, channels, depressions, protrusions, and/or grooves, and
wherein the one or more complimentary shapes on the top of the body
comprise indents, dimples, ribs, ridges, channels, depressions,
protrusions, or grooves.
13. (canceled)
14. An implement according to claim 1, further comprising a locking
mechanism to lock the head in a position relative to the body.
15. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational
friction mechanism comprises a surface having frictional
characteristics greater than that of the body and the head, the
surface comprising a frictional material.
16. An adjustable implement comprising: a body having a top end and
a bottom end, the bottom end having a gripping surface area; an
applicator pivotally coupled to the top end of the body via a
hinge, the applicator being pivotable at least about 90 degrees
relative to the body and comprising a soft brush; and the hinge
including a rotational friction mechanism that maintains the
applicator in a set position relative to the body by a restraining
force that resists rotation of the applicator relative to the
body.
17. An adjustable implement according to claim 16, wherein the
rotational friction mechanism comprises a first plurality of
engagement surfaces on the top end of the body configured to engage
with a second plurality of complimentary engagement surfaces on the
applicator.
18. An adjustable implement according to claim 17, wherein the
first and second pluralities of engagement surfaces comprise
indents, dimples, ribs, ridges, channels, depressions, protrusions,
or grooves.
19. An adjustable implement according to claim 17, wherein the
plurality of engagement surfaces of the body are held in place
relative to the engagement surfaces of the applicator by a locking
mechanism.
20. An adjustable implement according to claim 19, wherein the
locking mechanism comprises a spring loaded detent or spring loaded
pin.
21. (canceled)
22. An implement according to claim 15, wherein the frictional
material comprises rubber or silicone.
23. An adjustable implement according to claim 16, wherein the body
comprises a substantially square cross section.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Devices exist for applying cosmetic or medicinal products to
a body (e.g., eyeliner to the eyelid). Existing applicators
designed to apply eyeliner to eyelids vary in style. For example,
one applicator for applying eyeliner to eyelids may be generally
straight achieving one orientation with which the applicator
contacts the eyelid. Another applicator for applying eyeliner to
eyelids may incorporate an angled tip achieving a different
orientation with which the applicator contacts the eyelid. Straight
applicators may be useful in some orientations and/or with some
products, while angled applicators may be useful in other
orientations and/or with other products. However, existing
applicators have limited functionality as more than one applicator
is needed to optimally change the orientation with which an
applicator contacts the eyelid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the
accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a
reference number identifies the figure in which the reference
number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in
different figures indicates similar or identical items.
[0003] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example adjustable
cosmetic implement, having an articulating head for adjusting an
angle/orientation of an applicator.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustable implement of FIG.
1.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the adjustable implement of
FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a top view of the adjustable implement of FIG.
1.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the adjustable implement of FIG.
1.
[0008] FIGS. 6A-6H show example heads that articulate relative to
the body of the implement.
[0009] FIGS. 7A-7B depict the example adjustable cosmetic implement
of FIG. 1 with the applicator straight and selectively pivoted.
[0010] FIG. 8 depicts an example locking mechanism disposed on an
adjustable cosmetic implement of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0011] Existing implements to apply a product to a body (e.g.,
eyeliner, to eyelids) are designed in a variety of styles. Each
style is designed to apply product at a specific orientation and/or
to achieve a desired effect. For example, one applicator may be
used to apply eyeliner to the inside or outside corners of the eye,
while another applicator may be used to apply eyeliner above the
upper eyelashes or below the lower eyelashes. Using currently
available applicators, a user must use multiple applicators to
achieve multiple desired angles for applying eyeliner to
eyelids.
[0012] This application describes an adjustable implement that
pivots to selectable positions via a hinge. By virtue of having a
pivotable applicator, the adjustable implement can be adjusted to
apply a product at various different angles of orientation.
Examples of products that can be applied using the adjustable
implement include without limitation, cosmetic, medicinal, and/or
personal care products.
[0013] Generally, an implement according to this disclosure has a
body or handle and an adjustable applicator assembly. The
adjustable applicator assembly includes a hinge which allows the
applicator to rotate to multiple positions relative to the handle
for easier product distribution. In addition to the hinge, the
adjustable applicator assembly comprises a rotational friction
mechanism to maintain the applicator in selectable positions. In
some implementations, the implement may also include a locking
mechanism to lock the adjustable applicator against motion relative
to the handle. Alternatively, the articulating heads may include a
holding mechanism to maintain the head and applicator in a user
defined position.
[0014] For each example given below, the implement is described in
the context of an applicator for applying an eyeliner product to
eyelids. However, applicators as described herein may be used and
adapted to apply other products (e.g. lipstick, chap stick, lip
gloss, lotions, creams, gels, powders, rouges, blushes, foundation,
etc.) and may be used to apply product to other portions of the
body.
Illustrative Adjustable Implement
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts an example adjustable cosmetic applicator.
The adjustable cosmetic implement 100 includes a head 102, a body
104, an applicator 106, and a pivot 108. A bottom of head 102 is
pivotably attached to a top of body 104, where the top of body 104
is defined as the end with pivot 108. While body 104 is illustrated
as having a substantially rectangular cross-section, a variety of
other cross-sectional shapes and types are contemplated. For
example, the body 104 may have a tubular, triangular, cylindrical,
or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. Head 102 and body 104
may be constructed of any suitable material which, by way of
example and not limitation, may include plastic, metal, wood,
ceramic, glass, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a composite of any of
the forgoing. In some specific examples, suitable materials may
include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), steel, chrome,
stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, copper, bronze, titanium, gold,
platinum, silver, or Zamac. Different components may be made of
different materials (e.g., head 102 made of one material, while
body 104 made of another material). Moreover, components may be
made of more than one material (e.g., head 102 or body 104 may have
a plastic core covered in metal or a metal core surrounded in
plastic).
[0016] The top of head 102 contains an applicator 106. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the applicator 106 comprises a soft
brush for application of a product such as eyeliner, or other
liquid, gel, or powder-based cosmetic products. In other examples,
applicator 106 may be comprised of a brush of hair or bristles, a
foam pad, a sponge, a solid stick of pigment (e.g., an eyeliner
pencil), or any other suitable applicator. Applicator 106 may
additionally or alternatively be formed of rubber, thermoplastic
elastomers (TPE), plastic (e.g. polypropylene (PP)), fabric mesh,
or any other suitable material. While applicator 106 is shown here
to have a pointed shape, other applicator shapes such as a
bulb-shape, a ring-shape, a flat-shape, or the like may
alternatively be used. For example, the shape of applicator 106 may
include a flat shaped brush with an angled edge. Head 102 rotates
relative to body 104 about pivot 108 via a hinge. Pivot 108, by way
of the hinge, allows the applicator 106 to rotate to multiple
positions within its range of motion. In some examples, the head
102 may be continuously pivotable relative to the body 104 such
that it may be positioned at substantially any angle within the
range of motion. In other examples, the head 102 may be pivotable
between multiple discreet positions within the range of motion. In
that case, the head 102 may be held in place in each discreet
position by a holding mechanism, such as a rotational friction
mechanism, that resists rotation and maintains the head 102 in a
set position relative to the body 104.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view 200 of the adjustable implement 100
of FIG. 1. The back view is a mirror image of front view 200.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a right side view 300 of the adjustable implement
100 of FIG. 1. The left side view is a mirror image of the right
side view 300.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view 400 of the adjustable implement 100 of
FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a bottom view 500 of the adjustable implement 100
of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIGS. 6A-6H show example heads that, when interconnected
with body 104, create a rotational friction mechanism to maintain
the implement in user-selected position. In FIGS. 6A-6F, rotational
friction is achieved when one or more shapes on the bottom of head
102 are dimensioned to form a friction fit with one or more
complimentary shapes on the top of body 104. In FIGS. 6G-6H
rotational friction is achieved when a frictional material,
disposed on the head 102 and/or the body 104, has frictional
characteristics greater than that of the head or body. Each of the
example heads 102 and interconnecting bodies 104 in FIGS. 6A-6H are
configured to maintain position of the applicator relative to the
body when a force applied to the head 102 is below an adjusting
threshold. The adjusting threshold is chosen to be a force greater
than a force typically applied to the head during normal
application of a product using the implement. Additionally, each of
the example heads 102 and interconnecting bodies 104 in FIGS. 6A-6H
allow the head 102 to pivot relative to the body 104 in response to
application of a force at or above the adjusting threshold.
[0022] FIG. 6A shows a front view of head 102 with rib 602 on a
periphery thereof. Rib 602 interconnects with complimentary shapes
604(1) to 604(N) on body 104 to create a friction fit. While rib
602 is shown on one surface of head 102, rib 602 may be on more
than one surface, with additional complimentary shapes on body 104
as needed to create an interference fit. Further, while only one
rib is shown, in other embodiments multiple ribs 602 or
complimentary shapes 604(1) to 604(N) may be included to create a
friction fit which allows for applicator 106 to pivot to multiple
positions relative to body 104.
[0023] FIG. 6B shows a front view of head 102 with a dimple 606
which creates a friction fit when mated with a complimentary
recesses or opening 608(1) to 608(M) on body 104.
[0024] FIG. 6C shows a front view of head 102 with dimple 610(1) to
610(P), collectively referred to as dimple 610 herein, on the
periphery. In the illustrated example, dimple 610 would fixedly
intermesh with a recess or opening 612 on body 104. In one example,
the recess or opening 612 may be disposed on the bottom of head 102
and dimple 610 may be disposed on body 104.
[0025] FIG. 6D shows a side view of head 102 with ridges 614(1) to
614(L), collectively referred to as ridge 614 herein. Ridge 614
extends radially outward from the center of pivot 108, the width of
each ridge 614 increasing radially outward. In this illustrated
example, ridge 614 on head 102 slidably mates with complementary
ridge 616 on body 104 to maintain applicator 106 in position.
[0026] In yet another alternative, FIG. 6E illustrates a side view
of head 102 with indents 618(1) to 618(S), collectively referred to
as indent 618 herein on the bottom of head 102. Indent 618 is
designed to fixedly intermesh with complimentary protrusion 620 on
the top of body 104 to maintain applicator 106 in a selected
position. It is contemplated that protrusion 620 may be on head 102
and indent 618 may be on the top of body 104. Although indent 618
and protrusion 620 are configured to receive and retain one
another, a force at or above an adjusting threshold will overcome a
restraining force causing retention.
[0027] FIG. 6F illustrates a side view of head 102 with curvilinear
notches 622(1) to 622(T), collectively referred to as notch 622
herein. Notch 622 would maintain the head 102 in a selected
position relative to the body 104 by fixedly intermeshing with
complimentary protrusion 624 on body 104. Alternatively, protrusion
624 may be located on the bottom of head 102 and curvilinear notch
622 may be located on body 104. While notch 622 is shown on the
periphery of head 102, notch 622 may be alternatively disposed on
any surface of head 102.
[0028] In FIGS. 6A-6F, the frictional retention mechanisms of the
illustrated head 102 may vary in quantity, size, orientation,
configuration, and placement. For example, rib 602, dimple 606,
dimple 610, ridge 614, indent 618, and notch 622 may be disposed
along any edge of head 102 that may interconnect with a
complimentary shape on body 104. Additionally, the shape of head
102 may include indents, dimples, ribs, ridges, channels,
depressions, protrusions, grooves, and/or other suitable shapes
that form a friction fit with body 104.
[0029] FIG. 6G shows front (left hand part of the figure) and side
(right hand part of figure) views of head 102 with frictional
material 626 disposed on the periphery of head 102. The surface of
frictional material 626 creates a restraining force that resists
rotation of the applicator relative to the body 104. By having
frictional characteristics greater than that of head 102 and body
104, friction material 626 allows applicator 106 to be continuously
variable (i.e. no discrete positions) relative to body 104. By way
of example and not limitation, suitable frictional materials may
include rubber, silicone, combinations of the foregoing, or the
like.
[0030] FIG. 6H shows a side view of the body 104 (the right hand
part of the figure) and a cross-sectional front view of body 104,
taken along line H--H, with frictional material 626 on its
periphery. Frictional material 626 may vary in size, shape,
quantity, configuration, and placement.
[0031] FIG. 7A depicts an illustrative adjustable implement 100 of
FIG. 1 with the applicator not being selectively pivoted. In one
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, head 102 is not selectively
pivoted when applicator 106 is positioned in line with longitudinal
axis 704 of body 104 that is centered on pivot 108.
[0032] FIG. 7B depicts the illustrative adjustable implement 100 of
FIG. 1 with the applicator selectively pivoted. When head 102 is
selectively pivoted, applicator 106 is positioned at an angle
relative to the body 104. In FIG. 7B, the head 102 is shown in a
ninety degree pivot position 706 relative to the body 104. Head 102
is selectively pivotable relative to longitudinal axis 704 of body
104 that is centered on pivot 108. In this embodiment, the ninety
degree pivot position 706 is described as being generated while a
sufficient amount of rotational force is applied by a user to the
head 102 relative to the body 104 that disengages the rotational
friction mechanism as described in FIGS. 6A-6H. When a desired
position is reached, releasing the pressure causes a friction fit
as described in FIGS. 6A-6H. Although FIG. 7B shows applicator 106
pivoted to about ninety degrees, applicator 106 may be selectively
pivoted in any number of positions about pivot 108. For example,
applicator 106 may be adjusted to any angle .theta. within the
range of motion of the adjustable implement 100. Selectively
pivoting applicator 106 enables a user to apply eyeliner at varying
orientations using a single adjustable implement 100 rather than
multiple different fixed implements. While head 102 is shown here
to be pivotable about a pivot 108 via a hinge, other pivoting
mechanisms, such as substituting the hinge with a living hinge or
an additional hinge pin, are also possible. The angle .theta. may
be any angle up to about 350 degrees. For example, in some
embodiments, .theta. may be about 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270
degrees, or any other desired angle.
[0033] FIG. 8 depicts an example locking mechanism 802 of an
example adjustable implement 100. Locking mechanism 802 allows head
102 and likewise applicator 106 to be temporarily locked in a
position relative to the body 104. Locking the head 102 in a
position relative to the body 104 may provide a force resisting
rotation which is greater than a force applied by the rotational
friction mechanism, thereby preventing the head 102 from being
accidentally or inadvertently bumped out of a desired position
relative to the body 104. Locking mechanism 802 includes a spring
804, a slot 806, an actuator 808, and a pin 810. In operation, the
pin 810 is biased by the spring 804 into engagement with a
receptacle or aperture in the head 102, thereby locking the head
102 in position relative to the body. A user may unlock the lock
mechanism by using the actuator 808 to slide the pin 810 in the
slot 806 to remove the pin 810 from the receptacle in the head 102,
thereby allowing the head 102 to pivot relative to the body 104.
The head may include multiple different receptacles corresponding
to multiple different discrete positions, such that the head 102
can be locked in each of the discrete positions by the locking
mechanism. Though FIG. 8 depicts a spring loaded pin, other locking
mechanisms may alternatively be implemented. For example, a spring
loaded detent, set-screw, or other configuration may be utilized to
securely retain head 102 in a desired orientation relative to body
104.
CONCLUSION
[0034] Although embodiments have been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to
the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific
features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of
implementing the embodiments.
* * * * *