Patents by Inventor William R. Bickford

William R. Bickford has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11877641
    Abstract: An applicator includes a first applicator tool and a second applicator tool, wherein the first and second applicator tools are positioned diagonally apart from each other; and the applicator has an overall width that decreases with the flexing of a spring holding the first and second applicator tools as the first and second tools overlap with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Publication number: 20220061502
    Abstract: An applicator includes a first applicator tool and a second applicator tool, wherein the first and second applicator tools are positioned diagonally apart from each other; and the applicator has an overall width that decreases with the flexing of a spring holding the first and second applicator tools as the first and second tools overlap with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Patent number: 11253112
    Abstract: A wipes pack comprises a barrel having a central axis extending the length of the barrel, the barrel having an open top and a closed bottom; and a cap having a central axis extending the length of the cap, the cap has an open bottom and a closed top, wherein the cap is configured to fit within the open top of the barrel, the cap is lowered in the barrel to conceal a sidewall of the cap, and the cap is raised to expose the sidewall of the cap, wherein the sidewall of the cap includes a dispensing orifice; and the wipes pack includes a spindle that extends along the central axis of the cap or barrel or both, wherein the spindle is configured to support a roll aligned with the central axes of the cap or barrel or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: William R. Bickford, Gloriana Redondo
  • Patent number: 8844543
    Abstract: A dual-ended applicator is provided. The applicator includes a handle, a first roller having a broad concave surface at one end of the handle, and a second, ball-like roller having a convex surface, at the opposite end of the handle. The first roller, having a greater axial length and surface area than does the second roller is intended for applying a cosmetic to broader convex areas of the skin. The second roller, having a lesser axial dimension and surface area as compared with the first roller is intended for distributing a cosmetic to the narrower, concave areas of the skin. The first roller is mounted on the applicator so as to rotate about a fixed axis lateral to the longitudinal axis of the applicator, and will move in straight paths along the skin, in line with the longitudinal axis of the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ELC Management LLC
    Inventors: William R. Bickford, Anne T. Carullo, Herve F. Bouix
  • Patent number: 8763195
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: ELC Management, LLC
    Inventors: Herve F. Bouix, Francis Corbellini, William R. Bickford
  • Patent number: 8578948
    Abstract: A cosmetic brush includes bristles made from shape memory polymer (SMP) filaments or fibers. The shape memory polymer filaments are selected to exhibit a first shape during assembly of the brush, and a second shape after exposure to an external stimulus in the form of heat or other energy. The SMP filaments are initially assembled to the base of the brush. The first shape can be straight to facilitate assembly of the fibers to the base. The second shape, after assembly and after being subjected to the external stimulus, can be any bristle shape suitable for enhancing the function of the brush, e.g., kinked, wavy or coiled. The brush may be comprised solely of SMP filaments, or may be a blend of SMP filaments and any other suitable filament (e.g., nylon, natural plant or animal fibers, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: ELC Management LLC
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Publication number: 20130048011
    Abstract: A dual-ended applicator is provided. The applicator includes a handle, a first roller having a broad concave surface at one end of the handle, and a second, ball-like roller having a convex surface, at the opposite end of the handle. The first roller, having a greater axial length and surface area than does the second roller is intended for applying a cosmetic to broader convex areas of the skin. The second roller, having a lesser axial dimension and surface area as compared with the first roller is intended for distributing a cosmetic to the narrower, concave areas of the skin. The first roller is mounted on the applicator so as to rotate about a fixed axis lateral to the longitudinal axis of the applicator, and will move in straight paths along the skin, in line with the longitudinal axis of the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: William R. Bickford, Anne T. Carullo, Herve F. Bouix
  • Publication number: 20120138080
    Abstract: A cosmetic brush includes bristles made from shape memory polymer (SMP) filaments or fibers. The shape memory polymer filaments are selected to exhibit a first shape during assembly of the brush, and a second shape after exposure to an external stimulus in the form of heat or other energy. The SMP filaments are initially assembled to the base of the brush. The first shape can be straight to facilitate assembly of the fibers to the base. The second shape, after assembly and after being subjected to the external stimulus, can be any bristle shape suitable for enhancing the function of the brush, e.g., kinked, wavy or coiled. The brush may be comprised solely of SMP filaments, or may be a blend of SMP filaments and any other suitable filament (e.g., nylon, natural plant or animal fibers, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Patent number: 8136536
    Abstract: A mascara brush includes bristles made from shape memory polymer (SMP) filaments. The SMP filaments are selected to exhibit a first shape during assembly of the brush, and a second shape after exposure to an external stimulus in the form of heat or other energy. During assembly, the SMP filaments are clamped between wire segments twisted to form a core. The first shape can be straight to facilitate assembly of the fibers in the wire core. The second shape, after assembly in the core and after being subjected to the external stimulus, can be any bristle shape suitable for enhancing the function of the brush, e.g., kinked, wavy or coiled. The brush head may be made solely of SMP filaments, or may be a blend of SMP filaments and any other suitable filament (e.g., nylon, natural plant or animal fibers, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: ELC Management LLC
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Publication number: 20120060858
    Abstract: A hair roller and roller cover that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that directly affect the disulfide bonds in hair (and may also affect alterations in secondary protein structure). The invention includes methods of perming hair and a kit of infrared emitting hair rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ELC MANAGEMENT LLC
    Inventors: William R. Bickford, Stephen van Beek Faletti, Jack Lombardi
  • Patent number: 8087842
    Abstract: A multi-compartment, wiper-applicator package comprising a container holding a first formulation, a wiper, initially sealed at both ends and a barbed tool. Within the sealed wiper is a quantity of secondary ingredients that is to be mixed with the first formulation in the container. The barbed tool is able to pierce the top seal, then dislocate the bottom seal, completely separating the bottom seal from the wiper. Thereafter the barbed tool removes the top seal completely, so that, what remains, is a conventional wiper. The barbed tool can be inserted only to a defined depth in the wiper. This prevents the barbed tool from removing the wiper from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ELC Management, LLC
    Inventors: Herve F. Bouix, William R. Bickford, Elsa Marie Ovtchinnikoff
  • Publication number: 20100071715
    Abstract: A mascara brush head includes bristles made from shape memory polymer (SMP) filaments or fibers. The shape memory polymer filaments are selected to exhibit a first shape during assembly of the brush, and a second shape after exposure to an external stimulus in the form of heat or other energy. The brush head is initially assembled, i.e., lengths of SMP filaments are placed between wire segments and the wire segments are then twisted about each other to form a twisted wire core. The core grips the filament lengths medially of their outer ends, usually substantially at their midpoints, so as to clamp them. The first shape can be straight to facilitate assembly of the fibers in the wire core. The second shape, after assembly in the core and after being subjected to the external stimulus, can be any bristle shape suitable for enhancing the function of the brush, e.g., kinked, wavy or coiled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Publication number: 20090320871
    Abstract: A multi-compartment, wiper-applicator package comprising a container holding a first formulation, a wiper, initially sealed at both ends and a barbed tool. Within the sealed wiper is a quantity of secondary ingredients that is to be mixed with the first formulation in the container. The barbed tool is able to pierce the top seal, then dislocate the bottom seal, completely separating the bottom seal from the wiper. Thereafter the barbed tool removes the top seal completely, so that, what remains, is a conventional wiper. The barbed tool can be inserted only to a defined depth in the wiper. This prevents the barbed tool from removing the wiper from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Herve F. Bouix, William R. Bickford, Elsa Marie Ovtchinnikoff
  • Patent number: D676975
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ELC Management, LLC
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Patent number: D677391
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ELC Management, LLC
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Patent number: D677392
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ELC Managment, LLC
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Patent number: D678540
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: ELC Management, LLC
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Patent number: D678541
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: ELC Management LLC
    Inventor: William R. Bickford
  • Patent number: D678542
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: ELC Management LLC
    Inventor: William R. Bickford