Applicator pads
Cosmetic applicators, and methods for making and using the same, are described. The applicators are selectively configured so as to include, without limitation, one or more surfaces operable to access various confined spaces, such as but not limited to crevices, creases, folds, and the like of a human face. The applicators may be shaped in configurations selected from the group consisting of teardrops, ovals, diamonds, squares, multi-points, and combinations thereof. The applicators are provided with a relatively weak adhesive material disposed on a surface opposite the operative surface so as to permit the user to place the applicator on a fingertip and manipulate the applicator with having to grasp the applicator.
The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/573,999, filed May 24, 2004, the entire specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to cosmetic applicators and more particularly to cosmetic applicators, and methods of making and using the same, that are selectively configured so as to include, without limitation, one or more surfaces operable to access various confined spaces, such as but not limited to crevices, creases, folds, and the like of a human face.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConventional cosmetic applicators are typically employed to selectively apply cosmetics, as well to selectively remove cosmetics. These applicators are sometimes comprised of foam and/or sponge materials.
In practice, the applicator is typically used to accumulate a suitable amount of cosmetic material on an outer major surface (i.e., an operative surface) of the applicator, whereupon the accumulated cosmetic material is then applied by a user or to a subject, e.g., during the application of make-up. Likewise, when it is desired to remove the cosmetic material from the user or the subject, a new (i.e., unsoiled) applicator is typically used to physically remove, typically by wiping, the cosmetic material.
Applicators that are shaped in a round configuration about the size of a human fingertip have been recently developed and are readily commercially available from L'Oreal (Paris, France) under the trade name LANCOME MAKEUP DOTS. These applicators typically have a weak adhesive material disposed on a major face (i.e., opposite the operative surface) thereof so as to permit the user to position the applicator on his/her fingertip without having to grasp the applicator during the makeup application process. Once the applicator is used, it can then be easily removed from the user's fingertip and either discarded or stored for later use, if so desired. These applicators typically include an approximate 0.59-inch length and can be packaged in kit form.
Although these types of applicators are useful, they suffer from the major disadvantage of being incapable of accessing those portions of the human face wherein space is very limited. That is, the human face contains many crevices, creases, folds, and the like, that make it very difficult, if not impossible, for a round applicator to easily access. Non-limiting examples of these areas include the corners of the eyes and lips, the eyelids, the nostrils, the exterior portions of the ears, and the like.
Accordingly, there exists a desire for cosmetic applicators and methods of making and using the same, wherein the applicators are selectively configured so as to include, without limitation, one or more surfaces operable to access various confined spaces, such as but not limited to crevices, creases, folds, and the like of a human face
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, cosmetic applicators, and methods of making and using the same, are provided.
In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic applicator is provided including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.
In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, a kit is provided, comprising at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.
In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided, comprising: (1) a backing layer; and (2) at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one cosmetic applicator is selectively removable from the backing layer.
In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for making a cosmetic applicator comprising providing a cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.
In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for making a kit, comprising providing at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.
In accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for making a system, comprising: (1) providing a backing layer; and (2) providing at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one cosmetic applicator is selectively removable from the backing layer.
A further understanding of the present invention will be had in view of the description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention, when viewed in conjunction with the subjoined claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONWhile the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter, it is to be understood at the outset that persons of skill in the art may modify the invention herein described while still achieving the favorable results of this disclosure. Accordingly, the description that follows is to be understood as being a broad teaching disclosure directed to persons of skill in the appropriate arts, and not as limiting upon the present invention.
Referring to
Applicator 10 can be comprised of any number of suitable materials, including but not limited to foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and the like. Regardless of the composition of applicator 10, it is preferred to employ materials that will not harm or damage the user or subject's skin. Thus, materials that are relatively deformable and/or resilient are preferred.
Applicator 10 primarily includes a body 12 having at least one major face 14 that is intended to function as an operative surface 16. By “operative surface,” as that term is used herein, it is meant to include any surface that is capable of being used to either apply and/or remove cosmetics and the like from the skin of a user or subject. An opposed second major face 18 is intended to be used in conjunction with the user's fingertip, to be discussed herein.
On a portion of the operative surface 16 there is preferably formed an operative edge 20. By “operative edge,” as that term is used herein, it is meant any surface that is capable of accessing a confined space. In this embodiment, the operative edge 20 is depicted as being an area of narrowed width, as compared to the rest of the body 12, thus allowing it to relatively easily fit within a confined space. By way of a non-limiting example, a confined space can include, without limitation, a crevice, crease, fold, and the like of a human face. Non-limiting examples of these areas include the corners of the eyes and lips, the eyelids, the nostrils, the exterior portions of the ears, and the like. It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be practiced on other objects other than a human face, such as mannequins, models, sculptures, animal faces, and the like.
The exact dimensions of the applicator 10 are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator 10 are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.125 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 20.
An optional adhesive material 22 may be disposed on the second major face 18. Without being bound to a particular theory of the operation of the present invention, the adhesive material 22 is intended to facilitate the selective adherence of the second major face 18 to the user's fingertip. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive material 22 should be strong enough so as to allow the second major face 18 to adhere to the user's fingertip wherein the applicator 10 can be manipulated without falling off from the user's fingertip. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive material 22 should not be so strong as to make removal of the second major face 18 from the second major face 18 difficult. By way of a non-limiting example, the adhesive material 22 can include various types of adhesives, resins, tackifiers, waxes, and the like. It should also be appreciated that the adhesive material 22 can be pre-applied to the second major face 18 or, alternatively, the adhesive material 22 can be applied to the second major face 18 at the time of use of the applicator 10.
Referring to
However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment, in that the applicator 100, specifically the body 102, has a substantially raindrop-shaped configuration. Although a raindrop-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention, such as but not limited to teardrops, fingernails, ovals, diamonds, squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the function of the applicator 100 is intended to be substantially identical to the previously described embodiment in that the operative edge 110 is intended to be able to access confined spaces.
The exact dimensions of the applicator 100 are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator 100 are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 110.
Referring to
However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments, in that the applicator 200, specifically the body 202, has a substantially fingernail-shaped configuration. Although a fingernail-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention, such as but not limited to teardrops, raindrops, ovals, diamonds, squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the function of the applicator 200 is intended to be substantially identical to the previously described embodiments in that the operative edge 210 is intended to be able to access confined spaces.
The exact dimensions of the applicator 200 are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator 200 are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 210.
Referring to
However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments, in that the applicator 300, specifically the body 302, has a substantially oval-shaped configuration. Although an oval-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention, such as but not limited to teardrops, raindrops, fingernails, diamonds, squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the function of the applicator 300 is intended to be substantially identical to the previously described embodiment in that the operative edge 310 is intended to be able to access confined spaces.
The exact dimensions of the applicator 300 are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator 300 are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.37 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 310.
Referring to
However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments, in that the applicator 400, specifically the body 402, has a substantially diamond-shaped configuration. Although a diamond-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention, such as but not limited to teardrops, raindrops, fingernails, ovals, squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the function of the applicator 400 is intended to be substantially identical to the previously described embodiments in that the operative edge 410 is intended to be able to access confined spaces.
Because of the diamond shape, the applicator 400 can include a second operative edge 410′, located at a spaced and opposed end of the applicator 400 from the other operative edge 410.
The exact dimensions of the applicator 400 are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator 400 are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to either operative edge 410, 410′, respectively.
Because some individuals have various size fingertips, the present invention envisions the use of applicators of varying sizes and dimensions.
Referring to
However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment shown in
Referring to
However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in several respects. First, the applicator 600, specifically the body 602, is substantially dauber-shaped (e.g. pear-shaped). Second, the applicator 600, specifically the body 502, is relatively larger than most of the previously described embodiments. The exact dimensions of the applicator 600 are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator 600 are approximately 0.59 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.36 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 610.
Referring to
However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment shown in
Referring to
However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment shown in
Referring to
However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment shown in
As previously noted, the applicators of the present invention can be configured in any number of shapes, provided that at least one operative edge is provided.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In practice, any of the afore-mentioned applicators are intended to apply and remove cosmetic materials and the like from the skin of the user and/or subject. Toward this end, cosmetic materials are preferably applied, disposed, accumulated, or otherwise placed any of the operative surfaces. Cosmetic materials are then preferably applied to the user's/subject's skin. Likewise, any of the afore-mentioned applicators may be employed to remove previously applied cosmetic materials from the skin of users/subjects. By way of a non-limiting example, any of the afore-mentioned unsoiled operative surfaces are preferably wiped, rubbed or otherwise manipulated against the user's/subject's skin such that the cosmetic materials adhere thereto.
Referring to
Referring to
Once the applicator 1600 has been removed from the sheet member 1602, it is preferred that the user place the applicator 1600 on a fingertip so that the adhesive material 1604 is adjacent to the user's fingertip and the first major face 1606 is exposed to the environment. In this manner, the adhesive material 1604 will serve to keep the applicator on the user's fingertip without requiring the user to grasp, e.g., with his/her other fingers, the applicator 1600 so as to keep it from falling off the user's fingertip. Thus, the user can use the applicator 1600 without fear that the applicator 1600 will fall off the user's fingertip.
Although the operative edge 1608 is shown as being oriented towards the tip of the user's fingertip, it should be appreciated that the operative edge 1608 can be oriented in any number of directions on the user's fingertip, depending, in part, on the particular needs and requirements of the user.
Referring to
The foregoing embodiments and examples are to be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive of the invention, and those modifications, which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims, are to be included therein.
Claims
1. A cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.
2. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising at least one other surface operable to access the confined space on the human face.
3. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of surfaces operable to access the confined space on the human face.
4. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the application is comprised of materials selected from the group consisting of foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and combinations thereof.
5. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive material disposed on a surface of the applicator.
6. The invention according to claim 5, further comprising a backing layer adjacent to the adhesive material.
7. The invention according to claim 6, wherein the backing layer is selectively removable from the adhesive material.
8. A kit, comprising:
- at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.
9. The invention according to claim 8, further comprising at least one other surface operable to access the confined space on the human face.
10. The invention according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of surfaces operable to access the confined space on the human face.
11. The invention according to claim 8, wherein the application is comprised of materials selected from the group consisting of foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and combinations thereof.
12. The invention according to claim 8, further comprising an adhesive material disposed on a surface of the applicator.
13. The invention according to claim 12, further comprising a backing layer adjacent to the adhesive material.
14. The invention according to claim 13, wherein the backing layer is selectively removable from the adhesive material.
15. A system, comprising:
- a backing layer; and
- at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one cosmetic applicator is selectively removable from the backing layer.
16. The invention according to claim 15, further comprising at least one other surface operable to access the confined space on the human face.
17. The invention according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of surfaces operable to access the confined space on the human face.
18. The invention according to claim 15, wherein the application is comprised of materials selected from the group consisting of foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and combinations thereof.
19. The invention according to claim 15, further comprising an adhesive material disposed on a surface of the applicator.
20. The invention according to claim 19, wherein the backing layer is selectively removable from the adhesive material.
21. A method for making a cosmetic applicator comprising providing a cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.
22. The invention according to claim 21, further comprising at least one other surface operable to access the confined space on the human face.
23. The invention according to claim 21, further comprising a plurality of surfaces operable to access the confined space on the human face.
24. The invention according to claim 21, wherein the application is comprised of materials selected from the group consisting of foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and combinations thereof.
25. The invention according to claim 21, further comprising providing an adhesive material disposed on a surface of the applicator.
26. The invention according to claim 25, further comprising a backing layer adjacent to the adhesive material.
27. The invention according to claim 26, wherein the backing layer is selectively removable from the adhesive material.
28. A method for making a kit, comprising:
- providing at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.
29. The invention according to claim 28, further comprising at least one other surface operable to access the confined space on the human face.
30. The invention according to claim 28, further comprising a plurality of surfaces operable to access the confined space on the human face.
31. The invention according to claim 28, wherein the application is comprised of materials selected from the group consisting of foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and combinations thereof.
32. The invention according to claim 28, further comprising providing an adhesive material disposed on a surface of the applicator.
33. The invention according to claim 32, further comprising providing a backing layer adjacent to the adhesive material.
34. The invention according to claim 33, wherein the backing layer is selectively removable from the adhesive material.
35. A method for making a system, comprising:
- providing a backing layer; and
- providing at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one cosmetic applicator is selectively removable from the backing layer.
36. The invention according to claim 35, further comprising at least one other surface operable to access the confined space on the human face.
37. The invention according to claim 35, further comprising a plurality of surfaces operable to access the confined space on the human face.
38. The invention according to claim 35, wherein the application is comprised of materials selected from the group consisting of foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and combinations thereof.
39. The invention according to claim 35, further comprising providing an adhesive material disposed on a surface of the applicator.
40. The invention according to claim 39, wherein the backing layer is selectively removable from the adhesive material.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 8, 2004
Publication Date: Nov 24, 2005
Inventor: Lendell Williams (St. Charles, MI)
Application Number: 10/961,791