US20090044824A1 - Mascara applicator and dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A mascara dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a motorized applicator unit with an applicator brush attached to a revolving running staff surrounded by a stabilizing sleeve. The motorized applicator unit is configured to automatically revolve the applicator brush in a selectable direction and/or at a selectable rotational speed via a control pad or switch. The system also includes a container unit that holds a mascara formulation or a replaceable mascara cartridge. The container unit detachably couples to the motorized applicator unit through one or more securing features that provide a user feedback when opening and closing and that provide a substantially air-tight seal between the motorized applicator unit and the container unit. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the container unit includes a contoured insert feature that minimizes the amount of air or space between the container unit and the motorized applicator unit when they are coupled together.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION(S)
• This Patent Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/964,989, filed Aug. 15, 2007, and entitled “MASCARA APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER.” The Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/964,989, filed Aug. 15, 2007, and entitled “MASCARA APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER” is also hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates generally to cosmetics. More specifically, this invention relates to systems and devices for applying and dispensing mascara.
BACKGROUND ON INVENTION
• Various techniques have been employed to package mascara and apply the mascara to eyelashes. Many of the prior art devices and systems includes an applicator unit with a handle and an applicator brush and a container unit with a storage compartment. In use, the applicator brush of the applicator unit fits through a neck portion of the container unit and is dipped into a mascara solution contained therein. The applicator unit and the container unit are typically configured to fit together not only for convenient storage, but also hygienic reasons.
• There are a number of deficiencies with prior art mascara systems and devices. Prior art mascara systems and devices only allow a user to choose a single mascara formulation. Also, the applicator brush typically applies the mascara to uneven eyelashes causing the mascara to clump together and/or causing the eyelashes to stick together. To address some of the aforementioned deficiencies, Diaz in U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,276 disclosed a motorized mascara system with an applicator unit that includes a motorized handle. The motorized handle rotates the applicator brush and applies the mascara to the eyelashes in a controlled manner. The motorized handle includes a two-way motor and a switch for changing a rotational direction of the applicator brush. The system of Diaz also includes a container unit with mascara contained therein, wherein the container unit is configured to couple to the motorized handle through a set of threaded features.
• There are also a number of hazards associated with the use and application of eye cosmetics, such as mascara. For example, when mascara is not stored properly and/or if the mascara container is not closed properly, dangerous bacteria or fungi can grow within the mascara. The bacteria or fungi once in the mascara can get into the user's eyes when the mascara is applied to eyelashes and lead to infection. Infection of the eyes can also occur though sharing of the mascara and/or mascara applicators.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is directed to a mascara system and applicator that provides for easy and proper storage of the mascara and reduce the potential for contamination of the mascara that can result in the growth of bacteria or fungi. The mascara system and applicator of the present invention also provides safety features that reduce the chance of injury to eyes or eyelashes when the mascara is being applied. The system and applicator of the present invention also preferably allows for changing applicator tips and/or mascara formations without requiring replacement of the entire system or applicator.
• The present invention is directed to a system for applying mascara to eyelashes uniformly and hygienically. The system includes a motorized applicator unit. The motorized applicator unit includes an applicator. The applicator includes an applicator brush and a revolving running staff. The motorized applicator unit further includes a motorized handle for automatically rotating the applicator brush and the revolving running staff in a selectable direction and/or at a selectable rotational speed. Preferably, the motorized applicator unit also includes a stabilizing sleeve coupled to the motorized handle and surrounding the revolving running staff. The stabilizing sleeve helps to stabilize positioning of the applicator brush as it revolves and provides a high degree of control while applying the mascara to the eyelashes. The motorized applicator unit also preferably includes a built-in safety clutch that is coupled to the revolving running staff. The built-in safety clutch prevents the revolving running staff from moving when a sufficient pressure and/or force is applied to the applicator brush. The built-in safety clutch thereby provides a degree of safety for the user in the event that the bush head contacts a portion of the user's eye and/or gets caught on a portion of the user's eyelash or surrounding hair, causing the brush to stop.
• The system of the present further includes a container unit. The container unit is configured to detachably couple to the motorized applicator unit and over the applicator brush, revolving running staff and stabilizing sleeve through one or more securing features. The securing features preferably include one or more twist and lock features, snap features and compression features. The securing features preferably provides a user feedback that encourages proper use of the mascara system, adds to the longevity to the mascara and reduces the risk contamination to the mascara. For example, the securing features make a nose, click or vibrate when the container unit is properly coupled to the motorized applicator unit.
• The twist and lock features are similar to those used on small light bulbs to fix the small light bulb into a light bulb socket. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the twist and lock features include protruding or nodule features on the container unit and/or on the motorized applicator unit. The protruding features are configured to fit into or slide into contoured grooved or slotted features on the container unit and/or motorized applicator. In operation the system is closed for storage by placing the protruding or nodule features into the contoured grooved or slotted features or by sliding the protruding or nodule features into the contoured grooved or slotted features. Then the container unit and motorized applicator are pressed together and twisted relative to each other. Twisting the container unit and the motorized applicator relative to each other causes the protruding or nodule features and the contoured grooved or slotted features to snap or pop into a locked position, thereby holding the container unit and the motorized applicator firmly together. Twist and lock features preferably provide a tactile and/or audible indication that the system is properly closed or sealed for storage. For example the twist and lock features make a popping or clicking sound that can be heard and or a detent that can be felt by the user when the system is properly closed or sealed for storage.
• Preferably, the securing feature provides an air tight seal between the container unit and the motorized handle when they are coupled together, which helps to prevent air-born contaminants from entering the mascara while the system is being stored. The container unit also preferably includes a contoured insert feature that minimizes the amount of air or space between the container unit and the motorized applicator unit when they are coupled together and, thereby, minimizes drying of the mascara and further reduces air-born contaminants from entering the mascara while the system is being stored.
• In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the motorized handle includes a touch control panel or switch. The touch control panel or switch is configured for controlling one or more of a rotational direction of the applicator brush and a speed of rotation of the applicator brush. The motorized handle also preferably includes a power supply, which is either a replaceable battery or a permanently sealed battery. The motorized handle, in further embodiments of the invention, is configured to plug into an outlet through a power cord and/or configured to be recharged through a cord plugged into a power outlet.
• In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the container unit includes a compartment for holding a mascara. The compartment is configured to directly hold mascara or alternatively is configured to receive and hold a replaceable mascara cartridge and/or a replaceable mascara cartridge with a brush. The container unit also preferably includes a wiping sleeve for removing excess mascara from the applicator brush when the motorized applicator unit and container unit are separated.
• In still further embodiments of the invention, a system includes a motorized applicator unit, such as described above and below and a set or plurality of container units or replaceable cartridges. The container units and/or cartridges each contain a suitable mascara formulation and/or mascara formulation with a brush are each configured to detachably couple to the motorized applicator unit or a container unit, respectively. The container units or cartridges preferably include identifiers. The identifiers provides an indication of a color or other physical property of the mascara formulation contained therein. Suitable identifiers include, but are not limited to, geocentric shapes, color markers and labels. The system in accordance with the embodiments of the invention also includes a tray for holding and displaying the container units or the cartridges. The system can also include any number detachable and replaceable applicators or applicator brushes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
• FIG. 1 shows a mascara system, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 shows a mascara with a flexible running staff and a stabilizing sleeve, in accordance with the current invention.
• FIGS. 3A-B show eyelashes with mascara applied using a tradition mascara applicator and the mascara applicator of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 shows a mascara system with packaging that allows a user to demonstrate and observe rotation of the revolving running staff and the applicator brush without removing or opening the packaging, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
• FIGS. 5A-B show an exploded and a cross-sectional view of a mascara systems, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Referring toFIG. 1, asystem100 in accordance with the embodiments of the invention includes amotorized applicator unit121 and acontainer unit101 that detachably couples to themotorized applicator unit121. Themotorized applicator unit121 includes anapplicator brush107 and a revolving runningstaff113. Preferably, thecontainer unit101 is configure to detachably couple to themotorized applicator unit121 and over thebrush applicator107 through one or more securing features109. Suitable securing features include, but are not limited to, snap features and compression features and/or protrusion or nodule features with matched contoured grooved or slotted features, also referred to herein as twist and lock securing features. Preferably, the securing features provides a user feedback that encourages proper use of the mascara system, adds to the longevity to the mascara and reduces the risk contamination to the mascara. For example, the twist and lock features provides a tactile and/or audible indication that thecontainer unit101motorized applicator121 are properly sealed for storage.
• Themotorized applicator unit121 includes amotorized handle123 that is configured to automatically rotate theapplicator brush107 in a selectable direction and/or at a selectable speed. Themotorized handle123 includes a built-inmotor117 with a drive mechanism (not shown) for rotating the revolving runningstaff113 and theapplicator brush107. The built-inmotor117 is preferably a multi-direction and/or a variable speed motor that responds to and/or is controlled by switch with a touch control panel orpad119. Themotorized applicator unit121 also includes a stabilizingsleeve111 coupled to themotorized handle123 and surrounding the revolving runningstaff113. The stabilizingrunning staff111 helps to stabilize the positioning of theapplicator brush107 as it revolves and provides a high degree of control while applying the mascara to the eyelashes.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, themotorized applicator unit121 also preferably includes a built-insafety clutch118 that is coupled to the revolving runningstaff113. The built-insafety clutch118 prevents the revolving runningstaff113 from moving when a sufficient pressure and/or force is applied to the applicator brush and/or when the revolving runningstaff113 is bent in a direction indicted by thearrow130 away from its normal central position. The built-insafety clutch118, thereby, provides a degree of safety for the user in the event that the brush head contacts a portion of the user's eye and/or gets caught on a portion of the user's eyelash or surrounding hair.
• Referring nor to bothFIG. 1 andFIG. 2, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention the revolving runningstaff113 and theapplicator brush107 are configured to detachably couple to themotorized handle123, such that the revolving runningstaff113 and theapplicator brush107 can be replaced when theapplicator brush107 is worn out or when changing mascara formulations, mascara cartridges or container units, such as described below.
• In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, thesystem100 includes additional applicator units (not shown) with running staffs and applicator heads that are interchanged with the revolving runningstaff113 and theapplicator brush107 shown. Accordingly, thesystem100 of the present invention is capable of being used with any number of cosmetic products. For example, mascara cartridges, such as amascara cartridge127 described below, is manufactured with an applicator unit and sold separately from themotorized handle121. In operation, a user attaches the applicator unit to themotorized handle121 to dispense and apply mascara from a separate mascara cartridge.
• In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, themotorized handle123 includes a touch control panel or pad119 for controlling one or more of a rotational direction of theapplicator brush107 and a speed of rotation of theapplicator brush107. The touch control panel orpad119 is preferably circular, which allow the user to migrate through selections or setting on touch control panel or pad119 without looking at the touch control panel orpad119. In accordance with this embodiment, themotorized handle123 includes an internal power supply, such as a battery that is configured to be recharged through asuitable charging unit135. Alternatively, themotorized handle123 is configured to be powered through a disposable and replaceable battery517 (FIGS. 5A-B) that fits into a body portion of themotorized handle123 and which is accessible by removing acap feature115. Thebattery517 is in an alternative embodiment of the invention is permanently sealed within the body portion of themotorized handle123. In further embodiments of the invention, themotorize handle123 is powered through a cord that plugs into a power outlet (not shown) or a rechargeable battery.
• Thecontainer unit101 preferably includes acompartment103 for holding a mascara and a wipingsleeve105 for removing excess mascara from theapplicator brush107 when theapplicator brush107 is dipped into the mascara and separated from thecontainer unit101.
• In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, thesystem100 includes one or more removable andreplaceable mascara cartridges125 with acompartment127 for holding mascara. Themascara cartridges125 are configured to fit into thecompartment103 of thecontainer unit101, such that a user can select or change mascara without replacing thecontainer unit101 and/or themotorized applicator unit121. Thesystem100 can also include adisplay tray150 withdocking sites131 and133 for holding themascara cartridges125. Themascara cartridges125 preferably include wipingsleeves129 for removing excess mascara from theapplicator brush107 in a manner described previously. Thesystem100 can also include any number of replaceable revolving runningstaffs113 and/or replaceable applicator brushes107 that are provided separately or in combination with themascara cartridges125.
• In still further embodiments of the invention, thesystem100 includes a plurality of container units, such as thecontainer unit101 described above. Each of the container units include a suitable mascara formulation. In accordance with this embodiment, the container units includecaps139 and are configured to fit into thedocking sites131 and133 of thedisplay tray150. In further embodiments of the invention thecontainer units101,cartridges127 and/or caps139 includeidentifiers143 and141. Theidentifiers143 and141 provide an indication of a color or other physical property of the mascara formulation contained therein. Suitable identifiers include, but are not limited to, geometric shapes, color markers and or labels.
• FIG. 3A shows aview300 ofeyelashes301 with mascara applied using a traditional mascara applicator. Note thateyelashes301 are clumped together as a result uneven application of mascara to theeyelashes301. By way of comparison,FIG. 3B shows aview350 ofeyelashes301 with the mascara applied using the mascara applicator illustrated inFIG. 1,FIG. 2,FIG. 4,FIG. 5A andFIG. 5B. Note that the eyelashes310′ are well separated and defined as a result of uniform application of mascara and styling of the eyelashes310′.
• FIG. 4 show amascara systems400 withpackaging401 for displaying themotorized applicator unit121 and thecontainer unit101. The packaging allows a user to demonstrate and observe rotation of the revolving runningstaff113 and theapplicator brush107 without removing or opening the packaging by pressing or moving the touch pad or switch119 through a depression oropening119 in thepackaging401.
• FIGS. 5A-B show an explodedview500 and across-sectional view550 of a mascara systems, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. The system includes amotorized applicator unit521 and acontainer unit501, similar to those described above.
• Themotorized applicator unit521 includes ahousing structure510 with a stabilizingsleeve511. Themotorized applicator unit521 further includes amotor body insert519″ that fits into thehousing structure510. Themotor body insert519″ is coupled to aelectrical control switch519′ and switch cover or pad519 for operating the motor insert and rotating theflexible running staff513 and theapplicator brush507 with the system assembled, such as shown inFIG. 5B.
• Themotor body insert519″ has a cavity for holding abattery517 that powers themotor body insert519″. The system also includes acontact pad514 for providing an electrical connection between thebattery517 themotor body insert519″ and anend cap515 for holding the battery within the cavity of themotor body insert519″ with the system assembled, such as shown inFIG. 5B.
• Thecontainer unit501 includes acap portion502, aninsert portion505 and a contouredinsert feature527. As described previously, thecontainer unit501 is configured to hold mascara and dispense the mascara from thebrush applicator507, when thebrush applicator507 is inserted into thecontainer unit501 and removed from thecontainer unit501. The contouredinsert feature527 preferably includes a wipingsleeve527″ for removing excess mascara from thebrush applicator507 when thebrush applicator507 is removed from thecontainer unit501.
• With the system assembled, theinsert portion505 fits into thecap portion502 and the contouredinsert feature527 fits behind theinsert portion505 with theconical portion527′ of the contouredinsert feature527 positioned within an opening of theinsert portion550, such as shown inFIG. 5B. The contouredinsert feature527 minimizes the amount of air or space between thecontainer unit501 and themotorized applicator unit521 when they are coupled together and, thereby, minimizes drying of the mascara and helps to reduces air-born contaminants from entering the mascara while the system is assembled, for storage, such as shown inFIG. 5B.
• Thecap portion502, theinsert portion505 and the contouredinsert feature527 are held together by aring structure539 that screws into matchedfeatures539′ on thecap portion502. Preferably thecontainer unit501 and themotorized applicator unit521 are configured to detachably couple through twist and lock features509 and509′. The twist and lock features509 and509′ preferably provide a substantially air-tight seal between thecontainer unit501 and themotorized applicator unit521 and, thereby, further minimizes drying of the mascara while the system is assembled, such as shown inFIG. 5B. The system of the present further includes a container unit.
• Thecontainer unit501 is configured to detachably couple to the motorized applicator unit and over the applicator brush, revolving running staff and stabilizing sleeve through one or more securing features. The twist and lock features509 and509′ of the present invention, for example, comprise protruding features or nodules and contoured grooved or slotted features. In operation the protruding features or modules are fitted into contoured grooved or slotted features, thecontainer unit501motorized applicator521 are pressed together and twisted relative to each other causing the protruding features or nodules and the contoured grooved or slotted features to snap or pop into a locked position. The twist and lock features509 and509′ preferably provide a tactile and/or audible indication that thecontainer unit501motorized applicator521 are properly sealed for storage. For example, the twist and lock features509 and509′ pop or click when thecontainer unit501motorized applicator521 are properly sealed for storage. The tactile and/or audible indication that thecontainer unit501motorized applicator521 are properly sealed for storage provides a user feedback that encourages proper use of the mascara system, adds to the hygiene of the mascara and this reduces the risk contamination to the mascara.
• It will be clear to one skilled in the art that thecontainer unit501 and themotorized applicator unit521 can be configured to detachably couple through any number of different securing features to provide user feedback. For example, thecontainer unit501 and the motorized applicator unit can include ribbed features capable of being press fitted together.
• The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the system of the present invention could be implemented in several different ways and the apparatus disclosed above is only illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the invention and is in no way a limitation.

Claims (19)

1. A system comprising a motorized applicator unit comprising:

a) an applicator brush with a applicator brush and a revolving running staff;

b) a motorized handle for automatically rotating the applicator brush in a selectable direction; and

c) a stabilizing sleeve coupled to the motorized handle and surrounding the revolving running staff.

2. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a container unit that detachably couples to the motorized applicator and over the brush applicator through one or more securing features, wherein the one or more securing features provides an audible or tactile indication that the container unit and the motorized applicator sealed.

3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the motorized handle includes and touch control panel for controlling one or more of a rotational direction of the applicator brush and a speed of rotation of the applicator brush.

4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the motorized handle includes a power supply and a safety clutch.

5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the power supply is rechargeable.

6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the container unit includes a compartment for holding mascara.

7. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the container unit includes a wiping sleeve.

8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the applicator brush is detachably couples to the motorized handle.

9. The system ofclaim 1, further include a removable and replaceable mascara cartridge.

10. A system comprising:

a) a motorized applicator unit comprising:

i) an applicator brush with a applicator brush and a revolving running staff;

ii) a motorized handle for automatically rotating the applicator brush in a selectable direction; and

iii) a stabilizing sleeve coupled to the motorized handle and surrounding the revolving running staff; and

b) a container unit with a removable and replaceable mascara cartridge for holding a mascara, wherein the container detachably couples to the motorized applicator and over the brush applicator through one or more or a twist lock features and snap features.

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the motorized handle includes and touch control panel for controlling one or more of a rotational direction of the applicator brush and a speed of rotation of the applicator brush.

12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the motorized handle includes a power supply.

13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the power supply is rechargeable.

14. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the container unit includes a wiping sleeve that wipes the applicator brush when the container unit is detachably coupled to the motorized applicator and through one or more or a twist lock features and snap features.

15. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the applicator brush is detachably couples to the motorized handle.

16. The system ofclaim 10, further include a safety clutch features configured prevent the revolving running staff form moving when a pressure is applied to the applicator brush.

17. A system comprising:

a) a motorized applicator unit comprising:

i) an applicator brush with a applicator brush and a revolving running staff;

ii) a motorized handle for automatically rotating the applicator brush in a selectable direction; and

iii) a stabilizing sleeve coupled to the motorized handle and surrounding the revolving running staff; and

b) a plurality of container units each with a suitable mascara formulation and each configured to detachably couple to the motorized applicator and over the brush applicator

18. The system ofclaim 17, further comprising caps uniquely corresponding to the plurality of container units, wherein the caps include identifiers indicating a color of the mascara formulation contained therein.

19. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the plurality of container units are configured to detachably couple to the motorized applicator through one or more or a twist lock features and snap features.

Images