U.S. patent application number 15/042192 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for mascara applicator for simultaneously curling and applying mascara to eyelashes and a storage system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Maria A. Navarro, Alessandro Parodi. Invention is credited to Maria A. Navarro, Alessandro Parodi.
Application Number | 20170231368 15/042192 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59559894 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170231368 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Navarro; Maria A. ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
MASCARA APPLICATOR FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY CURLING AND APPLYING MASCARA
TO EYELASHES AND A STORAGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A mascara applicator system for simultaneously separating,
curling and applying mascara, stored in the system, to eyelashes
having a first applicator arm with a brush on one end and a second
applicator arm with a circular cylinder comb on one end with some
embodiments rotateably connected to a circular U-shaped member to
provide articulating surfaces for a human hand with a spring
functionally mounted between for bringing the brush and circular
cylinder comb on the first and second applicator arms into parallel
relationship for being closed on an eyelash and being pull upward
from 0-180.degree. and away from the eye to simultaneously apply
mascara and curl eyelash. The applicator arm with the brush on it
being hinged to move out to 90.degree. for use as a touch up
mascara brush and returned back to its position as a first
applicator arm in mascara applicator system.
Inventors: |
Navarro; Maria A.; (Houston,
TX) ; Parodi; Alessandro; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Navarro; Maria A.
Parodi; Alessandro |
Houston
Houston |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59559894 |
Appl. No.: |
15/042192 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/218 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2/48 20130101; A45D
40/18 20130101; A45D 40/265 20130101; A45D 40/267 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A45D 24/00 20060101 A45D024/00; A45D 2/48 20060101
A45D002/48 |
Claims
1. A mascara applicator for both curling and separating eyelashes
and applying mascara to said eyelashes simultaneously and for
forming a storage system for applicators and mascara comprising; a.
a first applicator arm having a brush on one end for applying
mascara, and connector means on the other end, b. a second
applicator arm having a circular cylinder comb formed on one end
for separating said eyelashes and connector means on the other end,
c. a storage member having at least two separate compartments one
for mascara storage and storage of said first applicator arm having
said brush on one end and another for storage of said second
applicator arm with said circular cylinder comb on one end in said
other compartment, d. a circular U-shaped member formed to provide
rounded gripping and articulating surfaces for a human hand and for
providing a first arm for connection on said other end of said
first applicator arm and a second arm for connection on said other
end of said second applicator arm for bringing said first
applicator arm having said brush and said second applicator arm
having said circular cylinder comb into parallel spaced apart
relationship, and e. a spring means functionally mounted between
said first arm of said circular U-shaped member and connector means
on said other end of said first applicator arm and said second arm
of said circular U-shaped member and connector means on said other
end of said second applicator arm for being compressed by a human
hand holding said rounded gripping and articulating surface for
driving said brush and circular cylinder comb into engagement about
said eyelashes at the eye lid and holding said eyelashes separated
between said brush and said circular cylinder comb as said gripping
surface is moved up and back on said eyelashes for simultaneously
curling and applying mascara to said eyelashes and upon being
released by said human hand said spring means drives said first and
second applicator arms and first and second arms of said U-shaped
member back into parallel relationship for use in reapplying
mascara or for reinsertion in said storage member having at least
two separate compartments.
2. A mascara applicator of claim 1 for both curling and separating
eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes simultaneously and
for forming a storage system for applicator and mascara further
comprising; a. a section of said first arm of said circular
U-shaped member connected to said first applicator having said
brush on said one end of said first applicator arm is sectioned and
connected for articulating as an arm which can be bent to
90.degree. from its position on said first arm of circular U-shaped
member for applying mascara without using said circular cylinder
comb and be returned 90.degree. back to said first arm of circular
U-shaped member for allowing operation of said first and second
applicator arms in parallel spaced apart relationship as part of
said mascara applicator for both curling and separating eyelashes
and for storage in said storage member.
3. A mascara applicator of claim 2 for both curling and separating
eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes simultaneously and
for forming a storage system for applicators and mascara having a
spring means functionally mounted between said first arm of said
circular U-shaped member and connector means on said other end of
said first applicator arm and said second arm of said circular
U-shaped member and connector means on said other end of said
second applicator arm further compressing; a. said spring means
being mounted on only one of said circular U-shaped member and
connector means on said other end and is unmounted for allowing
free movement of said other section of said circular U-shaped
member and connector means on said other end.
4. A mascara applicator of claim 3 for both curling and separating
eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes simultaneously and
for forming a storage system for applicators and mascara having a
brush on one end for applying mascara and connector means on the
other end and circular cylinder comb on one end for acting with
said brush and connector means on the other end further comprising;
a. a brush having circular spiral bristle for applying mascara to
eyelashes in conjunction with interfacing with said circular
cylinder comb on said second applicator arm, and b. a circular
cylinder comb formed on a shaft of said second applicator arm with
said circular teeth mounted at right angles to said shaft of said
circular cylinder comb for separating said eyelashes and has a
connector means on the other end on said second applicator arm.
5. A mascara applicator of claim 4 for both curling and separating
eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes simultaneously and
for forming a storage system for applicator and mascara wherein
said means for connection on said other end of said first and
second applicator arms further comprises; a. a connector means for
allowing rotation of said first applicator arm and circular spiral
bristle brush to position different surfaces of said circular
spiral bristle brush for parallel relationship with said circular
cylinder comb, and b. a connector means for allowing rotation of
said second applicator arm and circular cylinder comb to position
different surfaces of said circular cylinder comb for parallel
relationship with said circular spiral bristle brush.
6. A mascara applicator of claim 5 for both curling and separating
eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes simultaneously and
for forming a storage system for applicator and mascara wherein
circular cylinder comb formed on a shaft with circular teeth
mounted at right angles to said shaft of said comb on one end for
separating said eyelashes further comprises; a. circular spaced
apart disk teeth on said shaft having common dimensional outer
edges and disk surfaces between said circular spaced apart disk
teeth being at right angles to said shaft.
7. A mascara applicator of claim 6 for both curling and separating
eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes simultaneously and
for forming a storage system for applicator and mascara wherein
said connector means on said other end of said second applicator
arm with said circular cylinder comb with circular teeth further
comprises; a. circular teeth sloped one direction from the outer
edges of said circular teeth of said comb to said full width of
said teeth of said comb at said shaft of said comb.
8. A mascara applicator of claim 7 for both curling and separating
eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes simultaneously and
for forming a storage system for applicator and mascara wherein
said circular cylinder comb with circular teeth further comprises;
a. circular teeth sloped both directions from said center of said
edge of said circular teeth of said comb to said full width of said
teeth of said comb at said shaft of said comb.
9. A mascara applicator of claim 8 for both curling and separating
eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes simultaneously and
for forming a storage system for applicator and mascara wherein
said storage member further comprises; a. Parallel ports for
receiving said first and second applicators arms in parallel
relationship through said parallel ports for storage of said first
and second applicators arms in said storage member or reloading
mascara on said first applicator arm with said circular spiral
bristle brush for removal and for application to eyelashes, and b.
parallel passageways connecting said parallel ports to said at
least two separate compartments one for mascara storage and storage
of said first applicator arm having said circular spiral brush on
one end and another for storage of said second applicator arm
having said circular cylinder comb on one end.
10. A mascara applicator of claim 9 for both curling and separating
eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes simultaneously and
for forming a storage system for applicator and mascara wherein
said parallel passages connecting said parallel ports to said at
least two separate compartments of said storage member further
comprises; a. push in clip means in said parallel passageways of
said storage member for receiving said parallel arms and removably
holding said first and second applicator arms in said storage
member.
11. A mascara applicator of claim 10 for both curling and
separating eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes
simultaneously and for forming a storage system for applicator and
mascara wherein said first and second applicator arms at said
connector means on said other ends of said first and second
applicator arms and said first and second arms of said U-shaped
member with circular tubular gripping surfaces meet at said
parallel passageways connecting said parallel ports further
comprises; a. compression seals on said first and second applicator
arms at said connection on said other end, and b. compression seal
receiving ports on said parallel passageways for receiving said
compression seals on said first and second applicator arms for
sealing said storage member from drying out.
12. A mascara applicator of claim 11 for both curling and
separating eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes
simultaneously and for forming a storage system for applicator and
mascara wherein said circular spiral bristle brush on one end of
said first applicator arm further comprises; a. an advancing spiral
of bristles in said brush at an angle from 30-60.degree. to said
axis of said first applicator arm.
13. A mascara applicator of claim 12 for both curling and
separating eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes
simultaneously and for forming a storage system for applicator and
mascara wherein an advancing spiral of bristles in said brush at an
angle from 30-60.degree. to said axis of said first applicator arm
further comprises; a. an advancing spiral of said bristles of said
brush having an angle from 30-60.degree. to said axis of said comb
on said second applicator arm for providing meshing with said teeth
of said circular Cylindrical comb for forming optimum holding
forces of said eyelash between said teeth of said circular
cylindrical comb and said bristles of said brush and allowing
optimum spreading forces to distribute said mascara over said
eyelash and curling of said eyelash.
14. A mascara applicator of claim 13 for both curling and
separating eyelashes and applying mascara to said eyelashes
simultaneously and for forming a storage system for applicator and
mascara wherein said circular spiral bristle brush on one end of
said first applicator arm further comprises; a. advancing bristles
of said spiral bristle brush that penetrate said circular cylinder
comb from said edges of said circular teeth of said circular
cylinder comb to said shaft of said comb.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This present invention relates generally to mascara
applicators for simultaneously curling and separating eyelashes and
homogeneously applying mascara to the eyelashes without clumping of
the mascara on the eyelashes. It also relates to and allows for
additional refinement of the mascara by having an adjustable arm
for movement out to a position for allowing additional refinements
to the mascara on the upper and lower eye lashes and return of the
adjustable arm back to its original position. The invention also
provides a storage system for the applicators and mascara.
[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
[0004] In the application of mascara to eyelashes there have been
huge improvements in the new mascara formulations. However, while
there have been numerous new brush designs or applicators that have
improved the application of the new mascara products, allowing for
better lash separation and mascara application, the curling effect
has been typically left to or provided by a separate tool, the lash
curler. Thus far the prior art has made few attempts at
simultaneously enhancing the curling function and simultaneously
applying mascara to eyelashes. Most of the eyelash curlers just
curled the eye lashes. The rest of the applicators just applied and
touched up the eyelashes with mascara without providing much
curling effects. Those applicators that just applied mascara have
generally been the applicators that had storage compartments for
the mascara that they applied. Those that curled eyelashes were
separate instruments that were specialized for just curling the eye
lashes and then mascara was applied. These eyelash curling
instruments generally did not have mascara storage provided with
the eyelash curling applicators because they were separate
instruments apart from the mascara storage containers.
[0005] While there have been many new applicator brush designs for
applying new eyelash makeup formulas, little design and development
has been directed toward attempts at the development to enhance the
curling function while simultaneously applying the mascara. The
curling applicators generally were comprised of a brush on an
applicator arm or device and had an opposing device, such as a
teethed comb on another applicator arm. The teeth of the comb were
flat and in opposing surface position on the opposing applicator
arm or device to the brush. In some prior art cases the opposing
applicator arms had double rows of flat teeth on it to allow the
brush bristles to pass through the comb when the opposing
applicator arms of the two applicator arms were engaged with each
other about the eyelashes. Once the eyelashes were engaged the
brush and comb were then gently pulled away by the apparatus from
the eyelashes to spread the mascara but it still left clumps of
mascara by the brush on the eyelashes and clumps of mascara on the
comb.
[0006] The applicator arms used in curling and applying mascara
generally either were "V" shaped tong apparatus or configured as a
pair of pliers or scissors with surfaces in opposition to each
other. One end of the "V" shaped tongs apparatus was configured for
being griped by the fingers of a human hand but did not provide a
large rounded smooth gripping surfaces for the fingers of a human
hand to grip the device for good finger dexterity in the human
hand. Also the opposing applicator arms which were configured as
pliers or scissors were hinged or pivoted at their own crossing
over points by a pin, hinge or bolt but did not provide a gentle
means for manipulation of the device in a roll direction opposed to
the axis of the opposing arms and in direction that would curl the
eyelashes over a 180.degree. of rotation by a hand and provide good
finger gripping throughout this 180.degree. rotation. The emphasis
was on the brush and comb forming a curled eyelash based on the
driving of the two opposing brush and comb surfaces together for
the curl and the application of the mascara by the moving them off
the eyelashes trapped between them.
[0007] The brushes of the prior art were simply twisted wire with
bristles trapped at random angles between to create a brush to
catch and pick up mascara and apply it to the eyelashes proximate
to it. However, an eyelash is soft or not stiff and they will keep
moving away from a brush thus the brush will just coat a small
portion of the lash for each time the mascara is applied. This thus
required multiple passes by the brush over the eyelash to get a
proper coating which took a great amount of effort and time because
it was not held or kept by a comb or opposing surface in place for
the brush to apply the mascara over the comb or opposing surface
area because the comb or opposing surfaces had limited planar
surfaces.
[0008] The combs or opposing surfaces which were used in some of
the prior art had combs made of planar teeth but in two rows of
planar teeth such as in (U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,701) for the
separation of the individual eyelash hairs and trying to hold them
while they are being coated with mascara but because the surface
area of a planar comb was a small surface area for holding the
individual eyelash hairs of the eyelash these applicators required
many applications of mascara to coat the eyelashes. Also since the
brush passes over the eyelash and against the comb the mascara is
wiped on to the teeth of the comb after it passes over the eyelash
and comb which will cause clumping on the teeth of the comb and
rendered it ineffective and "clumped up".
[0009] The applicator arms of the prior art were generally fixed
into one position with the brush being fixed in one position to be
in opposition with an applicator arm of a toothed comb. The toothed
comb was in a fixed position in opposition with the brush and could
not be moved or rotated if a surface became "clumped up" with
mascara. This meant the prior art applicators thus had to be either
thrown away or cleaned to continue to use them. Also their
applicator arms were fixed in one position and their operable
surfaces were fixed into one position that would only allow them to
be used in that one position or orientation because of the operable
surfaces of the brush and comb were set up to only operate in one
orientation with each other. Thus the useful life of these prior
art applicators was limited in use and degraded rapidly over a
short period of time to become useless because of clumping on the
comb because they could not be rotated or changed to provide
additional comb teeth or new surface areas in a position for acting
with the brush of the applicator.
[0010] The brush applicator arms and comb teeth applicator arms of
the prior art did not provide enough surface area for "swiping" the
brush applicator over a continuous surface area of a teethed comb
to coat the eyelash hairs because the teeth of the combs were not
formed into continuous teeth surfaces which allowed bristles of the
brush applicator to fully cover and "swipe" over the full length of
the hair of the eyelash while the eyelash hairs were held against
the linear surface of the comb.
[0011] Since eyelash curling applicators or tools were generally
multiple armed applicators they where not provided with their own
reservoirs for mascara because of sealing problems associated with
the multiple armed applicators. The multiple armed applicators
created problems of forming a sealed surface for the applicator
arms in the mascara by being inserted into multiple storage areas
for the brush and comb because of multiple arm movement. Thus the
use of mascara storage with single arm mascara applicators became
the norm because it allowed the formation of a seal on the
containers that also stored the mascara in the container. The two
armed applicators created problems of forming seals for the two
movable arms when they were inserted into the mascara storage
compartments. The prior art which used two armed applicators in
storage chambers for mascara tried to use springs, from the pivot
point to force the two arms or rods to open and form a seal in the
single opening of the dispenser and insure tight sealing to prevent
their drying out. The two applicator arms were in general formed as
to half round elongated shapes, but when they were in a closed
position the rods became cylindrical for insertion into a single
opening of a dispenser for the mascara. In other cases when two
armed applicators have been used many of them just provided storage
chambers only for the mascara and brush and left the comb or other
applicator on the out side of the storage chambers. While this
provided protection for the mascara and brush applicator, the comb
or other applicator was left out side to the ambient atmosphere and
the residual mascara on this applicator would dry out and leave
hardened residue which would interfere with the application of the
mascara in later applications and shorten the life of the
instrument.
[0012] The multiple armed applicators of the prior art for curling
eyelashes had springs or resilient means which were designed to
move the applicator arms apart, and have the human hand for driving
them to engagement with the eyelashes, but generally not into
parallel position for separating the eye lashes and engaging them
for mascara application. The springs were attached to both
applicator arms and dynamically drove the applicator arms forcibly
passed a parallel relationship of arms to prevent them from being
parallel which created storage problems and engagement problems for
the opposing applicators in engaging the eyelashes evenly. Also by
the spring being engaged with both arms of the applicator there was
no way for one arm of the applicator to be free to rotate to
90.degree. and act as a single arm mascara applicator and then be
returned back to the applicator to again be in a parallel
relationship for performing the curling function.
[0013] The brushes of the prior art were also randomly configured
such that some of the bristles of the brushes of the prior art
while picking up mascara in great quantities created problems,
because of there random configuration some of the bristles of the
brush actually interfered with the application of the mascara to
the eyelashes. This interference was caused by the angle of the
bristles of the brush which were either so flat as to be under
30.degree. in relation to the comb of the opposing surface or which
were so steep as to be greater than 60.degree. in relation to the
comb of the bristles of the brush, that they were not effective in
applying mascara to the eyelashes but simply smearing it over the
comb or opposing surface. These bristles under 30.degree. and
greater than 60.degree. actually interfered with the other bristles
of the brush and comb.
[0014] The nature of the spring mechanisms used with the multiple
arm applicators was such that it made it very difficult for the
multiple arm applicators to be inserted into multiple ports on the
storage device which contained the mascara chamber and also a
chamber for storing the comb in a sealed environment for the
prevention of drying out of the comb. The spring mechanisms tended
to create problems by pushing the applicator arms beyond horizontal
position which would allow for easy insertion into ports on the
storage mechanism. This was especially true where the ports were
located in parallel position to each other as the applicator arms
and the spring mechanisms would cause misalignment because they
proceeded to push applicator arms beyond a horizontal position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The apparatus of the present invention has been developed
for the purpose of providing a single universal device for
simultaneously curling and separating eyelashes and homogeneously
applying mascara to eyelashes and further providing a storage
system for the mascara and the applicators. It also provides an
adjustable arm for movement out to a position for allowing its use
for additional refinements of the mascara on the eyelashes and
standard application of mascara like a single applicator and then
for being returned back to its original position for reinsertion
into the storage reservoir for mascara or more eyelash curling.
[0016] The mascara applicator of this invention provides for both
curling and separating eyelashes and applying mascara to the
eyelashes simultaneously and also for applying maraca to eyelashes
in conventional ways by providing an adjustable arm for movement
out to a position for allowing refinements to the eyelashes on the
upper and lower eyelashes. The mascara applicator of this invention
can then be reinserted in its storage system for storage or to
re-wet the mascara applicator for any other way to apply the
mascara to the eyelashes of the person having the mascara
applied.
[0017] The mascara applicator of this invention has a circular
U-shaped member formed for providing a sufficient gripping and
articulating surface for a human hand to allow the circular
U-shaped member to be easily rolled between the fingers for
manipulating the circular U-shaped member. Connected to one arm of
the U-shaped member is a first applicator arm having a circular
spiral brush at its opposite end and connected to the other of the
circular U-shaped members is a second applicator arm having a
circular cylinder comb for providing an eyelash separator for
acting with the circular spiral brush to apply the mascara evenly
and smoothly over the eyelashes. The first applicator arm with a
circular spiral bristle brush on one end for applying mascara is
connected at its other end to the first applicator arm of the
U-shaped arms to allow rotation of the circular spiral bristle
brush. The second applicator arm with a circular cylinder comb for
acting against the circular spiral brush is connected at its other
end to second applicator arm of the U-shaped arms to allow rotation
of the circular cylinder comb.
[0018] The teeth of the circular cylinder comb of this invention
are provided as circular teeth that wrap 360.degree. around the
applicator arm and provide a circular cylinder comb formed on a
shaft with circular teeth mounted at right angles to the shaft of
the comb on one end for separating the eyelashes when the comb
comes into engagement with the eyelashes as the mascara brush with
mascara is "swiped" against the eyelashes which are up against the
360.degree. comb over at least 180.degree. of the circular cylinder
comb surface to smoothly "swipe" the mascara on the eyelash and
over the 180.degree. of the 360.degree. comb to evenly apply the
mascara and wipe the teeth of the comb relatively clean.
[0019] The applicator arms of this invention are U-shaped with one
end being circular and formed to provide gripping surfaces and
articulating surfaces for a human hand to allow the applicator
instrument to be easily rotated 180.degree. for curling the
eyelashes and applying the mascara over the lashes as it is moved
from the beginning point of the eyelashes at the eye and is moved
to the tips of the eyelash. The U-shaped arms are in parallel
relationship and provide means of attachment for movably attaching
the applicator arms with the brush and comb on them to bring them
into parallel relationship so that the brush and comb are in
opposition to each other. The movably attached arms of the brush
and comb are attached so that they may be rotated through
360.degree. to allow the brush and comb to be in operationally
opposing relationship through 360.degree. of rotation of the brush
and comb to allow them to be rotated as needed to keep a functional
surface of the brush and comb in operation and provide new surfaces
as needed.
[0020] The applicator arm that is attached to the circular brush is
sectioned and provided with an articulating connection which can be
bent out to 90.degree. from its position on the first arm of the
circular U-shaped member for being used to apply mascara with out
using the circular cylinder comb and be returned back to the first
position for operation as a curling and mascara applicator or for
the storage of the two applicators in the storage members.
[0021] The connectors for allowing rotation of the first applicator
arm and circular spiral brush and circular cylinder comb, at least
in one embodiment, are formed by a shaft of the arm of the circular
spiral brush and the circular cylinder comb being formed for
insertion into a tubular shaft of the U-shaped arms for forming a
frictional connection that can be easily broken and then the
circular spiral brush and the circular cylinder comb rotate to
provide new facing clean surfaces toward each other and then
reinserted for frictional engagement to allow the eyelash curler to
be operated again with clean fresh faces in opposition to each
other. In some embodiments they may be connected by providing a
metal tip which engages with a magnet in the hollowed out shaft of
the U-shaped arms of the U-shaped members. In others the connection
may be just plastic snap together connections to allow easy
disconnection and reconnection for the continued operation of the
eyelash curler.
[0022] A spring or resilient member, which in one embodiment is a
leaf spring, is functionally connected between the two first and
second applicator arms for allowing the first applicator arm to be
moved by the fingers of a human hand to engagement with the second
applicator arm which results in the engagement of the circular
spiral brush and circular cylinder comb about the eyelashes and
returning the two first and second applicator arms back to parallel
spaced apart relationship upon release. In some embodiments the
leaf spring is only connected to the first applicator arm which has
the circular spiral brush on it and provides an unattached end of
the leaf spring to push against the second applicator arm with the
circular cylinder comb but is not connected to the arm of the
circular cylinder comb. In this embodiment of the spring between
the first and second arms the first arm is free to be articulated
for rotation to 90.degree. for use as a simple mascara brush to
enhance the application of the upper or lower lashes of the eye and
then be returned back to a parallel position on the device for use
as a curling device.
[0023] The first applicator arm in some embodiments is made into
two parts and attached back together by a hinge which allows the
first applicator arm to be bent to 90.degree. and then returned
back to a linear position to act as an applicator arm to be in
parallel position with the second applicator arm. In this
configuration the first applicator arm may be bent to 90.degree.
and function as an independent applicator arm much like a single
mascara arm applicator to apply mascara to eyelashes and then be
returned back to its parallel position to be used in the eye lash
curling application in parallel relationship with the second
applicator arm. Thus allowing the device to serve as a curling and
mascara applicator and a single arm applicator for mascara for
applying mascara to eyelashes.
[0024] The storage chambers of this invention are designed for
providing a separate chamber for mascara and a separate chamber for
the circular cylinder comb. The separate chamber for the mascara is
provided such that the applicator arm when stored or inserted into
the mascara chamber, the circular spiral brush is immersed in the
mascara so that when it is removed it will be charged with new
supply mascara. The separate chamber for a circular cylinder comb
provides a storage area which can be sealed off from the atmosphere
to help control the drying of the circular cylinder comb while the
comb is being stored in the storage chamber. Both the entrances to
the mascara chamber and the circular cylinder comb chamber are
provided with sealing grommets, which engage raised surfaces on the
shafts of the applicator arms on both circular spiral brush and the
circular cylinder comb to form a seal. The parallel alignment of
the applicator arms and the pressure from the spring which pushes
the two applicator arms into parallel position and not beyond
parallel position allow for easy insertion of the applicator arms
of the U-shaped hand piece into sealing engagement in the storage
chambers.
[0025] The bristles of the circular axial brush of this invention
are arranged in the preferred embodiment such that the bristles
maintain a critical angle of interface between the hairs of the
eyelash and the circular cylindrical comb which does not exceed a
spread of 30-60.degree. which eliminates bristles which would
either push eyelashes away from the circular cylindrical comb or
pull eyelashes away from the circular cylinder comb. This critical
angle of from 30-60.degree. to the incident of the bristles of the
circular axial brush with the circular cylindrical comb also
provide maximum "swiping" effect of the mascara over the eyelashes
and comb with the removal of excess mascara both from the eyelashes
and the surface of the circular cylinder comb.
[0026] A variety of additional advantage of the invention will be
set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part
will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice
of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized
and attained by means of the elements and combinations particular
pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that both the
foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments of the invention and together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention. A brief
description of the drawings is as follows:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mascara applicator for
both applying mascara and curling eye lashes simultaneously with
first and second applicator arms shown being moved into position
for engagement of human eyelashes by a human hand and starting
compression of a spring member functionally mounted between the
first and second applicator arms.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a side view of the mascara applicator with first
and second applicator arms for both applying mascara and curling
eye lashes simultaneously and for being inserted into a storage
system for holding the applicators with the spring member located
on a different side from the spring member of FIG. 1 and compressed
and showing the storage member.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the storage member for
holding the first and second applicators arms, not shown, and
mascara to be applied showing the at least two separate
compartments one for a first applicator arm with a brush and with
mascara being held and another for the storage of a second
applicator arm with a comb.
[0031] FIG. 3A is a top view of the storage member which show the
entry ports for holding the applicator arms for the at least two
separate compartments one for an applicator arm with a brush and
with mascara being held and one for a applicator arm with a
comb.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a side view of the mascara applicator for both
applying mascara and curling eye lashes simultaneously with the two
applicator arms being inserted into the at least two separate
compartments of the storage member and closed to the ambient
environment and not visible.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a side view of mascara applicator showing a first
applicator arm having a brush on one end and a second applicator
arm having circular cylinder comb on one end showing the parallel
engagement and interface between the brush on one end and the
circular cylinder comb and these first and second applicator arms
joined to a circular U-shaped member formed to provide rounded
gripping and articulating surfaces for a human hand and compression
of the spring member functionally mounted between the first and
second applicator arms of the U-shaped member.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a side view of the circular U-shaped member for
providing rounded gripping and articulating surfaces for a human
hand showing that the one arm of the circular U-shaped member
connected to the first applicator arm having a brush on it is
segmented and not connected to the spring member on one side of the
arm of the circular U-shaped member and has a hinge formed at the
segment to allow the brush and segmented portion to be moved to
90.degree. for acting just as a mascara brush and be returned back
to its original position as part of the circular U-shaped member
with engagement with the spring member.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a side view of the circular cylinder comb formed
on one end of the second applicator arm connected to the circular
U-shaped member showing circular cylinder comb teeth which are at
right angles to the applicator arm for separating the eyelash hairs
apart from each other in the curling and applying of mascara to the
eyelashes, in conjunction with the applicator arm with the brush,
having common dimensional outer edge teeth and disk surfaces
between the circular spaced apart disk teeth.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a side view of the circular cylinder comb formed
on one end of the second applicator arm connected to the circular
U-shaped member showing the circular cylinder comb teeth which are
at right angles to the applicator arm of FIG. 8 but being sloped
both directions from the center edge of the circular teeth of the
comb to the full width of the teeth of the comb at the shaft of the
comb.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a side view of the circular cylinder comb formed
on one end of the second applicator arm connected to the circular
U-shaped member showing the circular cylinder comb teeth which are
at right angles to the applicator arm of FIG. 9 but being sloped
one direction from the edge of the circular teeth of the comb to
the full width of the teeth of the comb at the shaft of the
comb.
[0038] FIG. 10 is diagrammatic side view of the interface between
the circular spiral bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder
comb teeth showing the critical angle interface of from
30-60.degree. of the circular spiral bristles of the brush to the
circular cylinder comb teeth and that the bristles of the circular
spiral bristles of the brush penetrate the circular cylinder comb
all the way to the shaft of the comb.
[0039] FIG. 11A is a cross section of the first and second
applicator arms taken through the circular spiral bristles of the
brush and the circular cylinder comb just before engagement with
the eyelash of a human eye.
[0040] FIG. 11B is a cross section of the first and second
applicator arms taken through the circular spiral bristles of the
brush and the circular cylinder comb after the first engagement of
the circular spiral bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder
comb with the eyelash of a human eye for showing the staring
process of applying mascara and curling the eyelashes
simultaneously and showing the large surface area of engagement
between the circular spiral bristles of the brush and the circular
cylinder comb.
[0041] FIG. 11C is a cross section of the first and second
applicator arms taken through the circular spiral bristles of the
brush and the circular cylinder comb after the first engagement of
the circular spiral bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder
comb with the eyelashes of a human eye and moving the engaged
circular spiral bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder
comb away from the eye and with a turn upward from the eye at an
angle of about 30.degree. for showing the process of starting to
apply mascara and curling the eyelashes simultaneously and showing
the large surface area of engagement between the circular spiral
bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder comb.
[0042] FIG. 11D is a cross section of the first and second
applicator arms taken through the circular spiral bristles of the
brush and the circular cylinder comb after the first engagement of
the circular spiral bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder
comb with the eyelashes of a human eye and moving the engaged
circular spiral bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder
comb away from the eye and with a turn upward from the eye at an
angle of about 90.degree. for showing the process of applying
mascara and curling the eyelashes simultaneously and showing the
large surface area of engagement between the circular spiral
bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder comb.
[0043] FIG. 11E is a cross section of the first and second
applicator arms taken through the circular spiral bristles of the
brush and the circular cylinder comb after the first engagement of
the circular spiral bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder
comb with the eyelashes of a human eye and moving the engaged
circular spiral bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder
comb away from the eye and with a turn upward from the eye at an
angle of about 180.degree. for showing the process of applying
mascara and curling the eyelashes simultaneously and showing the
large surface area of engagement between the circular spiral
bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder comb.
[0044] FIG. 11F is a cross section of the first and second
applicator arms taken through the circular spiral bristles of the
brush and the circular cylinder comb after the circular spiral
bristles of the brush and the circular cylinder comb have fully
curled the eyelashes of a human eye and applied the mascara and
have been moved to a new starting position for reapplication and
re-curling the eyelashes simultaneously.
[0045] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of one embodiment which
shows the U-shaped member and two applicator arms, one with a brush
and the other with a comb, having detachable connector arms with
the U-shaped member for rotating the brush and comb surfaces to new
engaging parallel surface relationships but still having the same
functional engaging surfaces between the brush and comb after
rotation but just new and clean surfaces for applying mascara and
simultaneously curling the eye lashes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to some of the present
preferred embodiments which illustrate some of the concepts of this
invention without limitation but to teach the broad concepts of
this invention as applied.
[0047] In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the applicator 100 for
simultaneously curling and applying mascara to the eyelashes is
shown with a first applicator arm 110 and a second applicator arm
120 being connected to a circular U-shaped member 130 held by the
fingers 10 of a human hand and is moving the applicator 100 toward
a human eye 11 which shows the human eye 11 surrounded by upper eye
lashes 12 and lower eye lashes 13 for the purpose of engaging the
eyelashes for simultaneously curling and separating the eyelashes
and applying mascara to the eyelashes as they are rendered into a
curled state.
[0048] The applicator 100 is generally formed in this embodiment as
shown in FIG. 1 as being composed of first applicator arm 110
formed by a first arm 14 having a brush 15 on one end and a second
applicator arm 120 formed by a second arm 16 having a circular
cylinder comb 17 on one end. The other ends 18 and 19 of first arm
14 and second arm 16 are connected to the circular U-shaped member
130 at the open ends 20 and 21 of the U-shaped arms 22 and 23 of
the circular U-shaped member 130 to bring the brush 15 on the first
arm 14 and the circular cylinder comb 17 on the second arm 16 into
parallel spaced apart relationship with each other.
[0049] A spring 24 is functionally mounted between the circular
U-shaped member 130 on one of either of the U-shaped arms 22 or 23,
which in FIG. 1 it is mounted at point 26 on U-shaped arm 23, but
in another embodiment in FIG. 2 it is mounted at point 26 on
U-shaped arm 22. For example, the mounting of spring 24 on U-shaped
arm 23 in FIG. 1 is to bring the first applicator arm 110 with a
first arm 14 having a brush 15 on it and second applicator arm 120
with a second arm 16 having a circular cylinder comb 17 on it into
parallel relationship with each other. While for example the
mounting the spring 24 at point 26 on U-shaped arm 22 in FIG. 2 is
also to bring the second applicator arm 120 with second arm 16
having a circular cylinder comb 17 on it and first applicator arm
110 with a first arm 14 having a brush on it into parallel
relationship with each other. The spring 24 is also mounted between
circular U-shaped member 130 on one of either of the U-shaped arms
22 and 23 for allowing compression of the spring 24 and driving of
the brush 15 on the first arm 14 of the first applicator arms 110
of U-shaped arm 22 of the U-shaped member 130 into engagement with
the circular cylinder comb 17 on the second arm 16 of the
applicator arm 120 of the U-shaped arm 23. The other common feature
is to have the spring 24 only attached at one point 26 no matter to
which arm it is attached, as will be further discussed in the
description of FIG. 6. It is important for the brush 15 and the
circular cylinder comb 17 to be in parallel relationship as the
applicator 100 is moved into position to be closed about, for
example, the eye lash 12 to be both curled and have mascara applied
to them. The application of mascara and curling of the eye lash,
such as eyelash 12, is achieved in this invention by the unique and
novel structures and interface of the applicator's 100 parts, when
it is closed on the eyelash 12 and then pulled over the eyelash 12
away from the eye 11 and with a turn upward, on the upper eyelash
12, from the eye at an angle starting at 0.degree. and progressing
to up to about 180.degree., as will be further discussed later in
FIGS. 11A-11F.
[0050] The circular U-shaped member 130 is provided with rounded
gripping and articulating surfaces 25 which allow for the fingers
10 of a human hand to hold the applicator 100 and compress the
spring 24 and allow intricate manipulation of the applicator 100.
This intricate manipulation of the applicator in one form is
necessary when it is closed on the eyelash 12 and then pulled over
the eyelash 12 away from the eye 11 and with a turn upward, on the
upper eyelash 12, from the eye 11 at an angle starting at 0.degree.
and progressing to up to about 180.degree. to both curl the eyelash
and simultaneously apply the mascara evenly.
[0051] In some embodiments of the applicator 100, as shown in FIGS.
1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 12 a portion of the U-shaped arm 22 is sectioned
at a point 27 and attached back to the U-shaped arm 22 by a hinge
pin 28 which is put through a hinge member 28a half of which is
shown around the hinge pin 28, for movement of the U-shaped arm 22
out to 90.degree. from its position at the sectioned point 27 at
the hinge pin 28 and hinge member 28a on the Applicator 100, as
best seen in FIG. 6, and then be returned back to its position,
although sectioned, as part of the U-shaped arm 22. The use of this
feature will be further discussed later in the detailed
specification in discussions of FIG. 6.
[0052] The applicator 100 of this invention is also provided with
and incorporates a storage member 140, as can be seen in FIGS. 2,
3, 3A and 4. The storage member 140 is provided for storage of
mascara 29, as shown in FIG. 3, and for receiving and storage of
the applicator 100 with its first applicator arm 110 and second
applicator arm 120 in a respective compartment 30 and compartment
31, as shown in FIG. 3, in an environment which can be sealed to
the ambient atmosphere. The storage member 140 in some embodiments
requires the first and second applicator arms 110 and 120 to be
pushed into close parallel position as shown in FIG. 2 for
insertion into the storage member 140 through ports 34 and 35 as
shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A. Sealing rings 32 and 33 are provided
on first applicator arm 110 and second applicator arm 120 of
applicator 100 at their other ends 18 and 19 for mating with
circular recessed surfaces 36 and 37 located near the ports 34 and
35 of storage member 140 to create a sealed environment from the
ambient air.
[0053] Internal of the compartment 30 in storage member 140, as
shown in FIG. 3, is provided with a mascara scraping circular
surface 38 proximate to the circular recessed surface 36 for
controlled removal of excess mascara from the brush 15 located on
the first applicator arm 110 as it is removed from the compartment
30 for use. This mascara scraping circular surface 38 may also be
used to evenly spread the mascara 29 over the brush 15 before using
the applicator 100 to apply the mascara 29 to the eyelashes.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 4 once the circular U-shaped member 130
with first applicator arm 110 and second applicator arm 120 are
inserted into the storage member 140 all the functional parts such
as the brush 15 and circular cylinder comb 17 are stored out of the
ambient environment to prevent drying out and contamination of the
mascara to the users environment. Even the spring 24 which is only
attached at point 26 on U-shaped arm 22 of applicator 100, as shown
in FIG. 4 is pushed to a flat position out of the way and from
being caught on something in a user's purse.
[0055] In FIG. 5 is shown the applicator 100 and its U-shaped arms
22 and 23 compressed together at their opens ends 20 and 21 which
drives the brush 15 and circular cylinder comb 17 into penetrating
engagement with each other. This penetrating engagement is
substantially simultaneous and substantially over large surface
areas of the brush 15 and the circular cylinder comb 17, the
importance of which will be discussed in more detail in FIG.
10.
[0056] The applicator 100 as shown in the positioned embodiment of
FIG. 6 allows the mascara applicator 100 for both curling and
separating eyelashes and applying mascara to be used just as a
regular eye lash mascara brush to touch up the eyelashes and refine
them and then be returned back for use as an eyelash curler and
mascara applicator. This is achieved by the U-shaped arm 22 being
sectioned at a point 27 and attached back to the U-shaped arm 22 by
a hinge pin 28 being inserted in a hinge member 28a only partially
shown about the hinge pin 28 for movement of the U-shaped arm 22
out to about 90.degree. from its position on the Applicator 100 and
then be returned back to its position as part of the U-shaped arm
22. It should be observed that the spring 24 is only attached at
point 26 on the U-shaped arm 23 which leaves U-shaped arm 22 and
first applicator arm 110 free for movement at its hinge pin 28 and
hinge 28a at its sectioned point 27 out to 90.degree. but still
allows the spring 24 to serve its resilient function when the
U-shaped arm 22 and first applicator arm 110 are returned back to a
parallel position. It should further be understood that the
U-shaped arm 22 is connected to first applicator arm 110 which has
the brush 15 on it, so when the U-shaped arm 22 with the brush 15
on it is turned out to about 90.degree. it can function like a
regular mascara brush to touch up eyelashes and correct specific
problems on the eyelashes but then be turned back to its position
as part of the applicator 100 with the brush 15 on the first
applicator arm 110 being brought into parallel relationship with
the circular cylinder comb 17 on second applicator arm 120. Thus
the applicator 100 of this invention can serve the function of
curling and simultaneously applying mascara to eyelashes and serve
the function of a regular mascara eyelash applicator brush which
eliminates the need for two instruments and allows the applicator
100 of this invention to serve both functions.
[0057] The circular cylinder comb 17 connected to second arm 16 of
second applicator arm 120 is designed to separate the individual or
groups of hairs of the eyelashes into which mascara is to be
applied by the brush 15 and this is achieved in some embodiments as
shown in FIGS. 7-9 by the use of teeth 39a, 39b, and 39c being
provided on circular cylindrical comb 17.
[0058] In FIG. 7 circular cylinder teeth 39a of the circular
cylinder comb 17 are formed on a shaft 40 of the second arm 16, not
fully shown, like circular washer mounted to the shaft 40 with
spaces left in between for separating the hair or groups of hairs
into the chambered spaces created between the individual circular
teeth 39a of the circular cylinder comb 17 as the circular cylinder
comb 17 is engaged in closing parallel relationship with the brush
15 on first arm 14 not shown in FIG. 7 to create a "smeshing"
effect with the brush 15.
[0059] In FIG. 8 the circular teeth 39b of the circular cylinder
comb 17 as shown also provide substantial surfaces of circular
teeth 39b of the circular cylinder comb 17 as the teeth 39a did in
FIG. 7, but the circular teeth 39b of circular cylinder comb 17 in
the embodiment of FIG. 8 are sloped both directions from the center
of the edge of the circular teeth 39b of the circular cylinder comb
17 to the full width of the teeth 39b of the circular cylinder comb
17 at the shaft 40 of the circular cylinder comb 17.
[0060] The circular teeth 39c of the circular cylinder comb 17 as
shown in FIG. 9 also provide substantial surfaces of circular teeth
39c of the circular cylinder comb 17 as the teeth 39a did in FIG.
7, but the circular teeth 39c of circular cylinder comb 17 in the
embodiment of FIG. 9 are sloped one direction from the outer edges
of the circular teeth 39c of the curricular cylinder comb 17 to the
full width of circular teeth 39c of the circular cylinder comb 17
at the shaft 40 of the circular cylinder comb 17.
[0061] While many brushes have been used in applying mascara in the
prior art and some have even used forward spiral bristle brushes
there has been found in this invention a critical relationship
between the brush bristles of the current invention with the
circular cylinder comb 17 and its teeth 39a, 39b, and 39c, to
achieve "smeshing" of the hairs of the eyelash between the axial
spiral bristles of the brush 15 and circular cylindrical teeth of
the comb 17. "Smeshing" means the "smearing" and "pressing" of the
eyelash hairs between the bristles of the brush 15 and the teeth
39a, 39b, and 39c of the circular cylinder comb 17 over a sustained
surface area interface to apply a smooth coat of mascara to the
eyelash and to cause it to form and hold a curl created by the
movement of the applicator in a desired direction. The critical
relationship to achieve the "Smeshing" with the circular cylinder
comb 17 of this invention is shown in FIG. 10 where the brush 15
has spiral bristles 41 that interface at between 30-60.degree. with
the teeth of the circular cylinder comb 17 and some of the bristles
41 penetrate to shaft 40 of the circular cylinder comb 17. This
"Smeshing" thus holds the eyelash against the large surface areas
of teeth 39a, 39b, and 39c of the circular cylinder comb 17 as the
spiral bristles 41 of the brush 15 are moved over some distance
through the at least 0-180.degree. of rotation of the applicator
100.
[0062] To achieve both the simultaneous curling and applying of
mascara to the eye lash, such as eyelash 12, is achieved in this
invention by the unique and novel structures and interface of the
applicators 100 parts, when it is closed on the eyelash and then
pulled over the eyelash away from the eye and with a turn upward,
on the upper eyelashes, from the eye at an angle starting at
0.degree. and progressing to up to about 180.degree.. The
applicator 100 is provided with a circular U-shaped member 130
which has a rounded gripping and articulating surfaces 25 which
allow for the fingers 10 of a human hand to hold the applicator 100
and compress the spring 24 and allow intricate manipulation of the
applicator 100. This intricate manipulation of the applicator 100
is necessary for it to be closed on the eyelash 12 and then pulled
over the eyelash 12 away from the eye and turned upward, on the
upper eyelash 12, from the eye 11 at an angle starting at 0.degree.
and progressing to up to about 180.degree. to both curl the eyelash
12 and simultaneously apply the mascara. This can best be seen in
FIGS. 11A-11F.
[0063] In FIG. 11A the brush 15 and comb 17 are being held in
parallel relationship about the eyelash 12 to bring the brush 15
and circular cylinder comb 17 into place before applying pressure
to begin operation of the applicator 100. Once in place the fingers
of a human hand not shown compress the first applicator arm 110 and
second applicator arm 120 connected to the circular U-shaped member
130 to engage the eyelash 12 and separate the eyelashes as shown in
FIG. 11B. Once closed on the eyelash 12 the applicator 100 is then
pulled, as shown in FIG. 11C away from the eye 11 and with a turn
upward from the eye 11 which in FIG. 11C is at about 45.degree..
This pulling away and turning upward continues as shown in FIG. 11D
to have progressed to about 90.degree. and progresses until it is
moved to up to about 180.degree. at FIG. 11E to both curl the
eyelash 12 and simultaneously apply the mascara evenly over the
eyelash 12. Once this process has been performed, it may be started
over again as indicated at FIG. 11F to thicken the mascara and
reinforce the curl of the eyelash 12.
[0064] In some embodiments of this invention as shown in FIG. 12
the applicator 100 is provided with connector members 42 and 43 for
allowing rotation of the first applicator arm 110 which is formed
by a first arm 14 having an axial spiral brush 15 on one end and
for allowing rotation of the second applicator arm 120 which is
formed by a second arm 16 having a circular cylinder comb 17 on one
end for providing new and clean surfaces of the axial spiral brush
15 and circular cylinder comb 17 to be presented to each other in
parallel relationship if the old parallel surfaces of the axial
spiral brush 15 and circular cylinder comb 17 are dirtied and
rendered no longer useful.
[0065] These connector members are formed, in one embodiment, by
providing a removable insert members 44 and 45 on the other ends 18
and 19 of first arm 14 and second arm 16. These removable insert
members 44 and 45 are provided with male locking projections 46 and
47 which in this embodiment are comprised of four such with male
locking projections 46 and 47, however only two male locking
projections 46 and 47 are shown in FIG. 12. The circular U-shaped
member 130 at the open ends 20 and 21 have provided cavity mating
channels 48 and 49 and four female locking cavities 50 and 51 in
the open ends 20 and 21 for removably receiving removable insert
members 44 and 45 with the male locking projections 46 and 47 to
lock the first applicator arm 110 and the second applicator arm 120
into place on the circular U-shaped member 130. It should be
understood that by pulling the first applicator arm 110 and the
second applicator arm 120 out of the cavity mating channels 48 and
49 they can then be rotated to provide clean parallel surfaces of
the circular cylinder comb 17 and the axial spiral brush 15 to each
other and then have the first applicator arm 110 and the second
applicator arm 120 reinserted into place in the cavity mating
channels 48 and 49 on the circular U-shaped member 130 for
continued use of the applicator 100. This novel feature is made
possible not only by the removable insert members 44 and 45 mating
with the cavity mating channels 48 and 49 but by the fact that the
circular cylinder comb 17 and axial spiral brush 15 have the same
surfaces in 360.degree. and thus are functional in parallel
relationship with each other at any position in the 360.degree. of
rotation of the first applicator arm 110 and the second applicator
arm 120 into place on the circular U-shaped member 130.
[0066] In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present
invention cover modifications and variations of this invention,
provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *