MULTIPURPOSE MASCARA AND EYELINER APPLICATOR DEVICE

Abstract

A multipurpose mascara and eyeliner applicator device is described. In this device, a brush tip for the application of eyeliner by the user in combination with a mascara brush for the application of a cosmetic to the eye lashes of the user with a single self-contained device. The brush tip and mascara brush are in fluid communication with a cartridge member having a preferably liquid cosmetic contained therein. The applicator device preferable includes a pair of components that are movable relative to each other to cause the mascara brush and brush tip to extend through the forward opening of the applicator device. The device may also include a mascara brush and brush tip are moveable relative to each other such that the components may be extended depending on whether or not the user is applying eyeliner or mascara.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending application No. 62/038,635 filed on Aug. 18, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to an applicator for cosmetics and in particular to a multi-purpose applicator for the application of eyeliner and mascara.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The cosmetic industry has supplied and used eye makeup with applicator brushes for many years. More specifically, the industry standard brush for the application of a cosmetic to eye lash has been a twisted wire bristles on mascara brushes. The twisted wire bristles on mascara brushes have been used for many years because of the ease of manufacture and durability.

Mascara is used to elongate, thicken and darken the eye lashes. Eyeliner is used to accentuate the eyes by outlining and giving definition to the shape of the eyes. Mascara and eyeliner are available in a light fluid paste wax or in liquid form in various forms such as dyes or similar compositions. The mascara is typically applied by a makeup brush that is attached to the end of a wand. Eyeliner is typically applied using a separate brush or an eyeliner pencil.

Mascara is usually applied by holding the wand horizontally, rolling the wand slightly in an upward motion for applying the mascara to the upper lashes and in a downward motion for applying mascara to the lower lashes, moving along the length of the lashes to brush on and distribute the mascara evenly. Applying mascara to lower lashes should be done lightly to avoid smudging. Eyeliner is applied by drawing a thin line along the length of the upper and lower lash lines, close to the base of the lashes. This is typically done using a separate brush or an eyeliner pencil. An example of a common mascara brush is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,230 granted to Miraglia.

U.S. Publication No. 2006/0162736 filed by Gray and published on Jul. 27, 2006 is directed to a brush that includes sections for applying mascara to eye lashes and a brush section with multiple flexible bristles that extend outwardly from the end of the wand for applying mascara to the lash lines. As shown, the bristles are basically aligned perpendicular to each other to provide a section of the brush that may be used to apply mascara to the eyebrows and another group of bristles that are aligned to allow for the application of eyeliner to the base of the eye brows. In this application, the inventor emphasizes that the bristles of the mascara brush section and eye liner brush tip section are made of nylon, polyester or horsehair such that they are more flexible than the standard twisted wire brushes.

U.S. Publication No. 2012/0132222 filed by Gueret and published on May 31, 2012 is directed to an eyeliner applicator. As disclosed in this publication, the eyeliner applicator is intended to be a leak proof device that includes an applicator tip that is stored in contact with the liquid eyeliner. When the user desires to use the eyeliner, the applicator is separated from the liquid eyeliner composition container and the tip of the applicator is applied to the lash line of the user.

According to a translation of Chinese Publication No. CN103040229 published on Apr. 17, 2013 a combination eyeliner and lipstick container is provided. In this device, one end of the container includes the lipstick while the other end includes an eyeliner applicator. As described, this container basically consists of an eyeliner applicator connected to the end of a lipstick to provide the user with a device that provides two types of makeup in a single container.

The mascara and eyeliner applicator of the present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art devices by providing a convenient dual purpose applicator that may be conveniently carried by the user. Instead of requiring separate containers and brushes for the mascara and eyeliner or a mascara brush and a separate eyeliner pencil, the present invention provides a combination device that includes both a mascara brush and eyeliner applicator in a single device.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the mascara brush or the eyeliner applicator may alternately be exposed to allow the user to apply makeup to the desired location. In one form of this invention, the eyeliner applicator may be exposed in one position of an actuator and the mascara brush may alternately be exposed in another position of the actuator while both the mascara brush and eyeliner applicator are in fluid communication with the fluid makeup when the respective component is exposed for use. These and other advantages and improvements over the existing devices are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a top side view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the present invention with the eyeliner applicator exposed.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the present invention with the mascara brush exposed.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the present invention showing the internal components of the invention aligned in the feeder tube.

FIG. 5 shows another exploded view of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of an alternate form of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the alternate form of the present invention illustrating the extended mascara brush.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the alternate form of the present invention illustrating the components enclosed within the forward component of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

As shown in the drawings, the present invention is directed to an improved mascara and eyeliner applicator device 10 having an overall elongate and generally pen-like shape with an outer casing 12 having a front opening 14 on the forward end of the casing and a plunger member 34 on the rear end of the casing. The outer casing 12 generally consists of a forward component 16 and a rear component 18. The forward component 16 and rear component 18 are movable with respect to each other to cause the actuation of an ejector wheel member 30 that is described in more detail below. As shown, the outer surface of the rear component 18 is preferably configured to facilitate the grasping of the outer surface of the device 10 by the user for the convenient application of eyeliner and mascara.

As shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 is arranged in a storage or transport configuration wherein the brush tip 22 and mascara brush 24 are enclosed within the forward component of the outer casing 12. FIG. 2 is illustrative of an arrangement wherein the brush tip 22 extends through the front opening 14 and forward of the front component 16. The movement of device from the transport configuration to the arrangement wherein the brush tip 22 is extended is caused by the relative movement of the forward component 16 and rear component 18 wherein the ejector wheel engages a member such as a threaded area on the interior of the casing and causes the feeder tube 20 to move forward relative to the outer casing 12. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the user is able to apply eyeliner to the base of their eye brows.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 10 is arranged in a further configuration wherein the mascara brush 24 is caused to extend through the front opening 14 of the outer casing 12. The movement of device from the extended brush tip 22 configuration to the arrangement wherein the mascara brush 22 is extended is caused by the additional relative movement of the forward component 16 and the rear component 18 wherein the ejector wheel causes the feeder tube 20 to move forward relative to the outer casing 12. In this configuration, the user is able to apply mascara to the eye lashes using the mascara brush 24.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are illustrative of the components located internally of the outer casing 12. On the forward end of the device, the brush tip 22 is configured with a tapered tip to allow the user to apply small lines along the base of their eye lashes. In this embodiment, the cosmetic fluid 36 that is dispensed by the device 10 preferably flows out of the forward end of the brush tip 22 when the user depresses the plunger member 34. The fluid flow from the brush tip 22 may be caused by the pressure of the user depressing the plunger member 34 or by capillary action once the cosmetic fluid 36 is flowing to the brush tip 22. It is anticipated that the brush tip may be approximately ¼ inch long and is formed of a variety of materials, such as plastics, metals or porous materials to provide the desired form or shape of the brush tip 22 to allow the user to apply the cosmetic fluid 36 to the base of the eye lashes of the user. The cosmetic fluid 36 of the present invention may be in the form of a dye or other currently available flowable material.

In this embodiment, the mascara brush 24 is located rearwardly of the brush tip 22 such that when the forward component 16 and rear component 18 are moved relative to each other, the mascara brush 24 will be exposed for use by the user. The relative rotation of the forward component 16 and rear component 18 may be arranged to be further rotation of these components in the same direction as needed to expose the brush tip 22 or in the opposite direction such that rotation in a clockwise manner will expose the brush tip 22 while rotation in the counterclockwise direction will expose the mascara brush 24. In this embodiment, the mascara brush 24 is fluidly connected to the cosmetic cartridge 26 such that depression of the plunger member 34 causes the cosmetic fluid 36 to flow through or around the bristles of the mascara brush 24. This allows the user to brush the cosmetic fluid 36 onto their eye lashes in the manner described above. In a preferred form of the mascara brush 24, it is preferably about 1 inch long and is formed of metal or plastic bristles.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an embodiment of the present invention includes an elongate and cylindrical feeder tube 20 attached to and extending rearwardly from the mascara brush 24 and brush tip 22. As shown, the feeder tube 20 encloses the cosmetic fluid 36 containing cartridge 38. As described above, the forward end of the cartridge 26 is in fluid communication with the mascara brush 24 and brush tip 22 to supply to the cosmetic fluid 36 to the application components of the device 10. The rear end of the cartridge 26 is contacted by the forward end of a plunger member 34 which operates in combination with an inner spring member 32 to allow the plunger member 34 to engage and retract from the cartridge in response to actuation by the user on the back end of the rear component 18 of the outer casing 12. The use of a cosmetic fluid 36 containing cartridge 26 in this embodiment provides a secure leak proof repository of cosmetic fluid 36 to reduce the likelihood that the device of the present invention will leak during storage or use. Additionally, the present invention may be configured to allow for the use of multiple different colored or replacement cosmetic fluid 36 containing cartridges using the same device 10 or the device may be configured to initially pierce the cartridge during the initial use, thereby providing a secure leak proof device prior to use. The combination of the plunger member 34 and inner spring 32 allows the user to precisely control the amount of cosmetic fluid 36 that flows to the brush tip 22 and/or mascara brush 24.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer surface of the rear portion of the feeder tube 20 includes the ejector wheel 30 thereon. The ejector wheel preferably threadedly engages a surface on the interior of the rear component 18 of the outer casing 12. Therefore, relative movement between the forward component 16 and the rear component 18 engages the interior of the outer casing 12 and the ejector wheel 30 to cause the feeder tube 12, mascara brush 24 and brush tip 22 to move relative to the outer casing 12.

As described above, operation of the present invention is relatively simple and allows the user to apply the cosmetic fluid as an eyeliner and a mascara. The device is initially provided in a first configuration wherein the brush tip 22 and mascara brush 24 are enclosed within the front opening 14 of the device 10. Additionally, the plunger member 34 is spaced apart from the cartridge 26 such that no cosmetic fluid 36 is provided to the brush tip 22 or mascara brush 24 until the user depresses the plunger member 34. When the user desires to apply eyeliner, they may move the forward component 16 relative to the rear component 18 to cause the ejector wheel 30 to engage the interior surface of the outer casing 12. This causes the brush tip 22 to extend through the front opening 14 of the device. The user may then depress the plunger member 34 on the back end of the device to cause the cosmetic fluid 36 to flow from the cartridge 26 to the brush tip 22. Once the user has completed the application of the eyeliner, they may again move the forward component 16 relative to the rear component 18 to cause the ejector wheel 30 to engage the interior surface of the outer casing and expose the mascara brush 24 of the device 10. The user may then depress the plunger member 34 to cause the cosmetic fluid 36 to flow to the bristles of the mascara brush 24. When the user has completed the application of the cosmetic fluid 36 to the eyebrows, they may rotate the forward component 16 relative to the rear component 18 to cause the brush tip 22 and mascara brush 24 to retract into the front opening 14 of the device 10. The present invention also provides the user with the flexibility to apply mascara and/or eyeliner with a single self-contained device. Although the brush tip 22 and mascara brush 24 are shown in this embodiment as being located on a single extension, it is anticipated that the brush tip 22 and mascara brush 24 may be located on independently movable extensions such that actuation of the ejector wheel 30 or similar device will allow the user to extend the desired brush tip 22 or mascara brush 24.

FIGS. 6-9 are illustrative of an alternate form of the present invention wherein the mascara brush 56 is movable relative to the brush tip 58. In this embodiment, a number of components are in common or similar in function to the components described above and therefore, for the sake of brevity, are not separately described in detail below. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cosmetic device 40 of the present embodiment includes an outer casing 42 comprised of a front opening 44, forward component 46, rear component 48 and a plunger member 50 located on the back end of the cosmetic device 40. As with the prior embodiment, the forward component 46 and rear component 48 are movable relative to each other to cause the mascara brush 56 and brush tip 58 to extend beyond the front opening 44 of the cosmetic device 40 in response to the interaction between the ejector wheel and the outer casing 42.

As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 8, the alternate embodiment includes a feeder tube extension 52 which connects to and extends forwardly of the feeder tube (not shown). In this embodiment, a mascara brush actuator 54 is provided to cause the mascara brush 56 to move relative to the brush tip 58. The relative movement of the mascara brush 58 and brush tip 58 in this embodiment is accomplished through the use of a threaded component that causes the mascara brush 56 to move forwardly along the feeder tube extension 52 to substantially cover the brush tip 58. This allows the user to move the mascara brush 56 to the forward end of the alternate device to ensure that the brush tip 58 does not interfere with the application of the cosmetic fluid to the eye lashes of the user.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outer diameters of the forward component 46 and rear component 48 may be of different outer dimensions relative to each other. For example, in FIG. 9, the outer diameter of the forward component is sufficiently large to allow it to be readily moved over the mascara brush 56. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the front opening 44 and forward component 46 of this embodiment are shown smaller than their actual size relative to the feeder tube extension 52 to emphasize the features of mascara brush actuator 54 and the relative movement of the mascara brush 56 and brush tip 58.

The cosmetic device 40 also includes a plurality of openings 60 and 62 to provide for the flow of cosmetic fluid (not shown) from the cartridge (not shown) in response to the actuation of the plunger member 50. As shown, a plurality of mascara brush openings 60 are located along the base of the bristles of the mascara brush 56. A plurality of brush tip openings 62 are preferably located forwardly of the mascara brush 56 to provide cosmetic fluid to the brush tip for the application of eyeliner to the base of the eye lashes of the user. In a preferred form of the embodiment, the mascara brush openings 60 are in separate fluid communication with the cartridge from the brush tip openings 62 to provide for the flow of cosmetic fluid to the brush tip 58 when the brush tip 58 is extended and through the mascara brush openings 60 when the mascara brush 56 is moved forwardly to cover the majority of the brush tip 58. In an alternate form of this embodiment, the flow of cosmetic fluid may be allowed through each set of openings without regard to the relative position between the mascara brush 56 and brush tip 58.

Claims

1. A cosmetic application device comprising;

An elongate and generally cylindrical casing having a forward end and a rear end;

A mascara brush movable between an enclosed position within the casing and an extended position wherein the mascara brush extends beyond the forward end of the casing;

A brush tip movable between an enclosed position within the casing and an extended position wherein the brush tip extends beyond the forward end of the casing;

At least one of the mascara brush and the brush tip are in cosmetic flow communication with a cosmetic containing component located within the casing; and

The casing including a plurality of components that are movable with respect to each other to cause at least one of the mascara brush and brush tip to move from the enclosed position to the extended position in response to the relative movement of the casing components.

2. The cosmetic application device of claim 1 wherein the mascara brush and brush tip are located on an elongate member which includes at least one fluid communication channel to allow the cosmetic to flow from the cosmetic containing component to at least one of the mascara brush and the brush tip.

3. The cosmetic application device of claim 2 wherein the casing further includes a plunger element which is actuatable by a user to allow the user to cause the flow of cosmetic from the cosmetic containing component to at least one of the mascara brush and brush tip.

4. The cosmetic application device of claim 1 wherein the mascara brush includes a plurality of bristles therein and a fluid channel to allow a user to control the flow of cosmetic from the cosmetic containing component to the bristles of the mascara brush.

5. The cosmetic application device of claim 1 wherein the brush tip is a generally tapered member and includes at least one fluid channel in communication therewith to allow the user to control the flow of cosmetic from the cosmetic containing component to a location generally adjacent to a portion of the brush tip.

6. The cosmetic application device of claim 1 wherein the mascara brush and brush tip are movable relative to each other.

7. The cosmetic application device of claim 1 wherein the rear end of the casing includes a plunger member associated therewith to allow for the flow of the cosmetic from the cosmetic containing component to at least one of the mascara brush and brush tip.

8. The cosmetic application of claim 7 wherein both the mascara brush and brush tip are in flow communication with a cartridge member enclosed within the casing.

9. The cosmetic application device of claim 8 wherein the casing includes a plurality of members that are movable relative to each other to cause at least one of the mascara brush and brush tip to move from an enclosed position within the casing to an extended position and a plunger member further associated with the casing such that actuation of the plunger member causes the flow of a cosmetic fluid from the cartridge in the casing to a location adjacent to at least one of the mascara brush or brush tip.

10. A cosmetic application device comprising;

An elongate and generally cylindrical casing having a forward end and a rear end;

A mascara brush movable between an enclosed position within the casing and an extended position wherein the mascara brush extends beyond the forward end of the casing;

A brush tip movable between an enclosed position within the casing and an extended position wherein the brush tip extends beyond the forward end of the casing;

At least one of the mascara brush and the brush tip are in cosmetic flow communication with a cosmetic containing cartridge located within the casing;

The casing including a plurality of components that are movable with respect to each other to cause at least one of the mascara brush and brush tip to move from the enclosed position to the extended position in response to the relative movement of the casing components; and

A plunger member movable with respect to the casing and cartridge to cause the flow of cosmetic from the cartridge to at least one of the mascara brush and brush tip.

11. The cosmetic application device of claim 10 wherein clockwise or counterclockwise relative movement of a forward and rearward component of the casing cause the extension of at least one of the mascara brush and brush tip from the enclosed position to the extended position.

12. The cosmetic application device of claim 10 wherein the mascara brush and brush tip are movable relative to each other.

13. The cosmetic application device of claim 10 wherein the mascara brush and brush tip are in fluid communication with at least one fluid channel that extends forwardly from the cartridge to cause the flow of cosmetic from the cartridge to at least one of the mascara brush and brush tip.

14. A cosmetic application device comprising;

An elongate and generally cylindrical casing having a forward end and a rear end;

A mascara brush movable between an enclosed position within the casing and an extended position wherein the mascara brush extends beyond the forward end of the casing;

A brush tip movable between an enclosed position within the casing and an extended position wherein the brush tip extends beyond the forward end of the casing;

At least one of the mascara brush and the brush tip are in cosmetic flow communication with a cosmetic containing cartridge located within the casing;

The casing including a plurality of components that are movable with respect to each other to cause the mascara brush and brush tip to move from the enclosed position to the extended position in response to the relative movement of the casing components; and

A plunger member movable with respect to the casing and cartridge to cause the flow of cosmetic from the cartridge to at least one of the mascara brush and brush tip.

15. The cosmetic application device of claim 14 further including at least one opening adjacent to bristles on the mascara brush to allow the flow of cosmetic from the cartridge to the bristles in response to the movement of the plunger member.

16. The cosmetic application device of claim 14 further including at least one opening adjacent to the brush tip to allow the flow of cosmetic from the cartridge to a location adjacent to the brush tip in response to the movement of the plunger member.

17. The cosmetic application device of claim 14 further including at least one opening adjacent to bristles on the mascara brush to allow the flow of cosmetic from the cartridge to the bristles in response to the movement of the plunger member and at least one opening adjacent to the brush tip to allow the flow of cosmetic from the cartridge to a location adjacent to the brush tip in response to the movement of the plunger member.

18. The cosmetic application device of claim 14 further including at least one opening adjacent to bristles on the mascara brush to allow the flow of cosmetic from the cartridge to the bristles in response to the movement of the plunger member and at least one opening adjacent to the brush tip to allow the flow of cosmetic from the cartridge to a location adjacent to the brush tip in response to the movement of the plunger member and wherein each of said at least one openings are in separate flow communication with the cartridge.