Lip applicator
A lip applicator generally relating to the application of a variety of products, including lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, or any such beauty aid, to one's lips. The lip applicator disclosed herein may be held during use, but is adapted for upright placement on a table-top or other flat surface during non-use. The lip applicator disclosed herein facilitates the facile, rapid, and reliable application a lip product, and may be of particular import in those settings requiring the repeated or frequent application of a beauty aid to one or more people's lips, such as the set of a motion picture or theatrical performance.
This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 60/832,338 and 60/879,180, filed Jul. 21, 2006 and Jan. 8, 2007, respectively, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUNDThe present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for applying lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, or any such beauty aid to one's lips. There are many cosmetic and other lip products on the market, including, for example, lip gloss, lip sticks, and lip balm. While some lip products may be applied by a finger or a brush, many are dispensed using an applicator. For example, lip sticks are usually applied through the use of an applicator that incorporates a lip product disposed within a receptacle. The receptacle is generally a recessed member designed to hold a portion of one end of the product, the remainder of the product extending therefrom. As is common, the receptacle may incorporate a mechanism that allows the user to extend and retract the product as desired.
One of the problems with applicators is the ease, speed, and consistency with which a lip product may be applied. This problem is especially evident in the context of a performance setting, such as the set of a theatre or a motion picture. In such circumstances, it is often necessary to repeatedly apply a lip product to the lips of a single performer, or to the lips of a great multitude of performers. In this setting, it would be desirable to be able to do so very quickly in preparation for the next scene or segment of a performance. Accordingly, applying such products using an individual lip stick, for example, may be cumbersome or impractical given the need for accuracy and caution during application to ensure that the lip product is applied evenly and correctly to the performer's lips.
Therefore, a need exists for a product that facilitates facile, rapid, and reliable application a lip product.
SUMMARYIn one embodiment, a lip applicator is disclosed which includes a base portion having at least one surface configured and dimensioned to stabilize the lip applicator in a free-standing orientation, a stem portion, and a generally lip-shaped applying portion. The stem portion has a proximal end connected to the applying portion and a distal end connected to the base portion. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the stem portion is releasably connected to the applying portion, and in another embodiment, the applying portion is configured and dimensioned to rotate relative to the stem portion.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, the lip applicator further includes one or more applicator sponges that are selectively engagable with the applying portion.
The present disclosure contemplates that the stem portion may include first and second stem portions that are configured and dimensioned to be selectively movable with respect to one another. In one embodiment, the first and second stem portions are configured and dimensioned such that the first stem portion may be telescopically received within the second stem portion.
In still another embodiment, the base portion is at least partially composed of a semi-resilient material. In another embodiment, the base portion includes a cavity defined therein that is dimensioned to house or retain a beauty aid. It is contemplated that the base portion may be configured and dimensioned to selectively extend or releasably engage the beauty aid, or that the base portion may be integrally associated with therewith.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lip applicator includes an applying portion that is configured and dimensioned to transition from a first position, in which the applying portion is configured for the application of a beauty aid, to a second position, in which the applying portion is configured for storage. In one embodiment, the applying portion includes a hinge portion that permits the selective folding of the applying portion thereabout prior to transitioning from the first position to the second position.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lip applicator is disclosed which includes an applying portion, a stem portion that supports the applying portion, and a base portion that is operatively connected to the applying portion through the stem portion. In this embodiment, the base portion is at least partially semi-resilient such that the base portion may be selectively deformed from a first position, in which a beauty aid is retained therein, to at least one subsequent position, in which the base portion is at least partially deformed such that the beauty aid is at least partially expelled therefrom, subsequently traversing the stem portion, and exiting onto the applying portion.
In one embodiment, the lip applicator further includes a bladder disposed within the base portion that is configured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid therein. In this embodiment, the bladder is in communication with the stem portion and is at least partially semi-resilient such that the bladder is selectively deformable from a first position to at least one subsequent position. In the first position, the bladder remains undefomed and the beauty aid remains therein. In the at least one subsequent position, however, the bladder is at least partially deformed such that the beauty aid is at least partially expelled therefrom, subsequently traversing the stem portion, and exiting onto the applying portion.
In another embodiment, the base portion is selectively engagable with the stem portion, and in an additional embodiment, the base portion defines a recess therein that is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive at least one cleaning sheet. In yet another embodiment, the base portion includes at least one surface that is at least partially reflective.
The present disclosure also contemplates a kit which includes a base portion, a stem portion having a proximal end connected to an applying portion and a distal end connected to the base portion, and a plurality of applicator sponges configured and dimensioned to selectively engage the applying portion. The present disclosure contemplates that the applicator sponges may have a beauty aid disposed thereupon.
These and other features of the microwave tissue treatment device and method of use disclosed herein will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSVarious embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:
Specific embodiments of the lip applicator disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the foregoing figures, wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. In the drawings, and in the description which follows, the term “beauty aid” may refer to a lipstick, a lip gloss, or any such product that may be topically applied to one's lips. In addition, the term “user” may refer either to the person to whom the beauty aid is applied, or to the person handling the lip applicator and applying a beauty aid to the lips of another. Finally, the terms “proximal” and “distal” will be understood as referring to those portions of the lip applicator that are closest to, and furthest from, respectively, the applying portion, as defined below.
Referring now to the drawings,
In each embodiment of the present disclosure described herein, a variety of configurations and sizes are contemplated for applying portion 14, such that lip applicator 10 may be compatible with a greater multitude of user's.
Base portion 18 may be configured to facilitate handling and may include various contours, scallops, protuberances and/or gripping surfaces to enhance a user's grip thereof. The base portion 18 includes a bottom surface 20 which is configured and dimensioned to stabilize the lip applicator 10 atop a table or other surface 22 when not in use. Bottom surface 20 may be configured and dimensioned in any suitable manner that facilitates the stabilization of lip applicator 10. Configurations for bottom surface 20 may include, but are not limited to, a flat surface, a concave surface, a surface including independent support legs, or a surface that includes an adhesive mechanism, e.g., a suction-cup, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. As depicted in
Referring still to
In one embodiment, as seen in
First and second stem portions 116a, 116b may be configured and dimensioned in any manner such that one of the first and second stem portions 116a, 116b is movable in relation to, and may be received by, the other, e.g. telescopically. In the embodiment depicted in
In another embodiment, as seen in
Referring now to
In the first position, seen in
In the embodiments shown in
In
In the first or applying position, seen in
Referring still to
Portions 514a and 514b are selectively foldable in the direction of arrow “G” relative to one another about hinge portion 530, such that the dimensions of applying portion 514 may be substantially reduced, thereby facilitating the storage thereof in base portion 518 while in the second position. In one aspect of the present disclosure, applying portion 514 may be manually folded about hinge portion 530 at the will of the user, whereas in another aspect, applying portion 514 may only be folded upon the actuation of release 526. Release 526, therefore, may serve dual purposes. First, release 526 may facilitate the folding of applying portion 514 about hinge portion 530. And second, release 526 may facilitate the movement or transition of lip applicator 500 from the first position, seen in
With respect to the embodiments of
Referring now to
Base portion 618 is configured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid 612 therein, and is formed, either in whole or in part, of any resilient or semi-resilient material capable of transitioning from a first, initial position (not shown) to a second, deformed position (not shown), upon the application of a force “F” thereto, as may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Force “F” may be generated by squeezing base portion 618, or in any other suitable manner, including, but not being limited to, twisting.
In the first position, base portion 618 is not subject to any external force. Accordingly, in this position, beauty aid 612 remains within the base portion 618. However, upon the application of force “F” thereto, the walls 640 of base portion 618 may begin to deform inwardly, thereby decreasing the volume of base portion 618, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, such that the beauty aid 612 may be forced outwardly therefrom. Conduit 632 is in fluid communication with base portion 618 such that beauty aid 612 may enter conduit 632 through the distal end 636 thereof upon expulsion from base portion 618, subsequently being communicated therethrough, and exiting onto applying portion 614 through proximal end 634 and aperture 638.
It is contemplated herein that base portion 618 may be rotatably secured to stem portion 616 such that the force “F” required to deform the base portion 618, and expel beauty aid 612 therefrom, may be generated through the rotation, or twisting, of base portion 618.
Base portion 618 may be selectively engageable with stem portion 616 through any suitable mechanism or arrangement, including, but not limited to, screw-type or snap-fit arrangements, such that base portion 618 and the beauty aid 612 retained therein, may be replaced when necessary or desired. Alternatively, base portion 618 may be integrally formed with stem portion 616 such that the lip applicator 600 may be considered disposable.
Referring now to
In one embodiment, base portion 718 may be rotatably secured to stem portion 716 such that the force “F” required to deform bladder 742 and expel beauty aid 712 therefrom may be generated through the rotation of base portion 718. In this embodiment, the force “F” created through the rotation of base portion 718 is transmitted to bladder 742 through the connection therebetween.
Base portion 718, and therefore bladder 742, may be selectively engagable with stem portion 716 through any suitable mechanism or arrangement, including, but not limited to, screw-type or snap-fit arrangements, such that base portion 718, bladder 742, and the beauty aid 712 retained therein, may be replaced when necessary or desired. It is further contemplated that base portion 718 may be integrally formed with stem portion 716 such that lip applicator 700 may be considered disposable.
In one embodiment, as seen in
In another embodiment, as seen in
Referring now to
In preparation for use, the user orients applicator sponge 1156 with respect to applicator surface 1154 and applies a force thereto in the direction of arrow “H”. Applicator sponge 1156 may include an adhesive substrate (not shown) disposed on any suitable surface thereof, including, but not being limited to, underside 1158, which may releasably adhere to applicator surface 1154. Applicator sponge 1156 may also include a peel-away liner (not shown) to protect the adhesive substrate (not shown) prior to use. Any adhesive substrate may be employed, including water or liquid-activated adhesives. Alternatively, applicator surface 1154 may include an adhesive-like substance (not shown) which adheres to applicator sponge 1156 when placed upon applicator surface 1154. A reusable or tacky substance may be utilized to accomplish this purpose.
As best shown in
The present disclosure contemplates that a beauty aid (not shown) may be pre-applied to applicator sponges 1156. To preserve the integrity of the beauty aid (not shown) prior to application, the beauty aid may by disposed beneath and protected by a peel-away film (not shown), or the like, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Following the orientation of sponge 1156 atop applicator surface 1154, as describe above, the user may simply remove the protective film (not shown), and thereby expose the beauty aid (not shown).
From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims to be appended hereto.
Claims
1. A lip applicator, comprising:
- a base portion including at least one surface configured and dimensioned to stabilize the lip applicator in a free-standing orientation;
- a stem portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being connected to the base portion; and
- an applying portion connected to the proximal end of the stem portion, the applying portion being generally lip-shaped.
2. The lip applicator of claim 1, wherein the base portion defines a recess that is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive at least one cleaning sheet.
3. The lip applicator of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes at least one surface that is at least partially reflective.
4. The lip applicator of claim 1 further including an applicator sponge that is selectively engagable with the applying portion.
5. The lip applicator of claim 1, wherein the applying portion is releasably connected to the stem portion.
6. The lip applicator of claim 5, wherein the stem portion includes a first stem portion and a second stem portion, the first stem portion being configured and dimensioned to be selectively movable with respect to the second stem portion.
7. The lip applicator of claim 6, wherein the first and second stem portions are configured and dimensioned such that the first portion may be telescopically received within the second stem portion.
8. The lip applicator of claim 5, wherein the base portion includes a cavity defined therein dimensioned to house a beauty aid.
9. The lip applicator of claim 8, wherein the base portion is configured and dimensioned to selectively extend the beauty aid.
10. The lip applicator of claim 8, wherein the base portion is configured and dimensioned such that the beauty aid is releasably engagable therewith.
11. The lip applicator of claim 8, wherein the base portion is configured and dimensioned such that the beauty aid is integrally associated therewith.
12. The lip applicator of claim 5, wherein the applying portion is configured and dimensioned to rotate relative to the stem portion.
13. The lip applicator of claim 12, wherein the applying portion is configured and dimensioned to transition from a first position, wherein the applying portion is configured for the application of a beauty aid, to at least one subsequent position, wherein the applying portion is configured for storage.
14. The lip applicator of claim 13, wherein the lip applicator includes a hinge portion such that the applying portion is selectively foldable about the hinge portion.
15. The lip applicator of claim 5, wherein the base portion is at least partially semi-resilient.
16. A lip applicator, comprising:
- an applying portion;
- a stem portion which supports the applying portion;
- a base portion operatively connected to the applying portion through the stem portion, the base portion being at least partially semi-resilient and selectively deformable from a first position, wherein the base portion retains a beauty aid therein, to at least one subsequent position, wherein the base portion is at least partially deformed such that the beauty aid is at least partially expelled therefrom through the stem portion and onto the applying portion.
17. The lip applicator of claim 16, wherein the base portion includes a bladder configured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid therein, the bladder being in communication with the stem portion and disposed within the base portion, the bladder being at least partially semi-resilient and selectively deformable from a first position, wherein the bladder retains the beauty aid therein, to at least one subsequent position, wherein the bladder is at least partially deformed such that the beauty aid is at least partially expelled therefrom through the stem portion and onto the applying portion.
18. The lip applicator of claim 17, wherein the base portion is selectively engagable with the stem portion.
19. A lip applicator kit which comprises:
- a base portion;
- a stem portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being connected to the base portion;
- an applying portion connected to the proximal end of the stem portion;
- a plurality of applicator sponges configured and dimensioned to selectively engage the applying portion.
20. The lip applicator kit of claim 19, wherein the plurality of applicator sponges includes a beauty aid disposed thereupon.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 8, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 24, 2008
Inventor: Vincent Mallardi (Cold Spring Harbor, NY)
Application Number: 11/811,132
International Classification: A46B 5/02 (20060101); A45D 33/00 (20060101);