COSMETIC WAND

Abstract

A cosmetic wand having a tip adapted to remove vestiges of cosmetics in containers is disclosed. The cosmetic wand includes an upper portion adapted for gripping by a user and an unciform tip. The shape of the tip is adapted to remove makeup located along the top, bottom, and sides of a container, particularly in crevices and areas not reachable by conventional cosmetic applicators and applicator tips. The cosmetic wand can further include a housing and a mechanism is adapted to retract and extend the applicator from within the housing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/379,595, filed Sep. 2, 2010.

2. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cosmetic wand that serves as a combination applicator and extractor, particularly a cosmetic wand having an unciform tip adapted to remove vestiges of cosmetics in a container.

3. Background

Consumers frequently waste valuable amounts of makeup because of the insufficiency of applicators provided with makeup containers. For example, lipgloss, blush, eyeliner, eyeshadow, fragrance and other types of cosmetics are typically sold to consumers with an elongated tubular-shaped applicator in a container. While useful for their intended purpose, these types of conventional applicators are not designed to remove vestiges of cosmetics in containers.

Conventional applicators are often provided having a brush or sponge-like tip to facilitate application of makeup. When cosmetic containers are first opened by a consumer, these types of applicators are fine. However, when makeup is almost depleted, consumers often find themselves frustrated in their attempts to remove that last bit of makeup from the container. These conventional applicators are generally too short to reach the bottom of makeup containers and too inflexible to reach makeup remaining on the sides and near the top and bottom of containers. As a result, consumers are essentially forced to discard cosmetic containers and purchase new makeup.

Applicator tips are similarly deficient. Brush and sponge-like types are designed to facilitate makeup application—not both application and extraction. Alternative applicators typically seek to control the amount of makeup on the applicator by controlling the size of the container opening. While useful for certain types of makeup, e.g. mascara, these types of applicators do not even attempt to extract makeup. In addition, these alternative applicators frequently provide little detail as to the shape or configuration of the applicator tip. Therefore, conventional applicators and applicator tips are manufactured such that removal of makeup on the sides, bottom, and top of a cosmetic container is close to impossible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a cosmetic wand having a tip adapted to remove vestiges of cosmetics in containers. The cosmetic wand includes an upper portion adapted for gripping by a consumer and an unciform tip. Unciform, as used herein, means a tip that is hook-like in that the shape of the tip is adapted to remove makeup located along the top, bottom, and sides of a container, particularly in crevices and areas not reachable by conventional cosmetic applicators and applicator tips. In one configuration, the tip is angled near the top of the tip. However, the tip may have any configuration that facilitates removal of makeup.

In one aspect, the cosmetic wand also includes a housing and a mechanism. The upper portion is coupled to the housing and the mechanism. The mechanism is adapted to retract and extend the applicator. In one optional configuration, the mechanism comprises a spring that is activated by a push button positioned at the top of the housing. When the button is depressed initially, the applicator is extended. Thereafter, when the button is depressed, the applicator is retracted. The wand may, however, use any mechanism that is capable of retracting and extending the applicator.

Accordingly, a cosmetic wand that serves as a combination applicator and extractor, particularly a cosmetic wand having an unciform tip adapted to remove vestiges of cosmetics in a container is disclosed. Advantages of the cosmetic wand will appear from the drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic wand;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the cosmetic wand shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cosmetic wand shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a cosmetic wand shown in a partially retracted position;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a cosmetic wand shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a cosmetic wand shown in an extended position within a container;

FIG. 7 is front view of an alternative embodiment of a unciform tip; and

FIG. 8 is a second alternative embodiment of a unciform tip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning in detail to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a cosmetic wand 10 for removing vestiges of makeup from a container (shown in FIG. 6). The cosmetic wand 10 includes an unciform tip 12 and an upper portion 14. Unciform, as used herein, means a tip that is hook-like in that the shape of the tip is adapted to remove makeup located along the top, bottom, and sides of a container, particularly in crevices and areas not reachable by conventional cosmetic applicators and applicator tips.

FIG. 1 illustrates an unciform tip 12 having an upper surface 16, an extending surface 18, and a side surface 20. The upper surface 16 is illustrated as substantially horizontal. However, it may be angled or curved to further facilitate removal of makeup from a container and removal of the tip from the container, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the unciform tip 12 also includes an extending surface 18. The extending surface 18 may be tapered, as shown, or manufactured in any configuration that facilitates entry of the tip into a container (not shown). In this configuration the side surface is substantially vertical.

The unciform tip 12 can be made from any wipeable material suitable for wiping makeup onto the tip and removing makeup from the container. Contemplated materials are sponge-like, having absorption properties, and can include polyurethane foam or other materials suitable for application and extraction of makeup from a container.

The unciform tip is coupled to an upper portion 14. The upper portion 14 may be integral with the unciform tip, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the upper portion is separate and made from the same or a different material. When the unciform tip is separate it may be attached to the upper portion by any method, including by screwing the tip to the upper portion or by using an adhesive. The material of the upper portion may be plastic or any material suitable for gripping by a user

In another aspect, the cosmetic wand may further include additional tips used to facilitate application of makeup and/or extraction of makeup.

In another aspect, the cosmetic wand 10 includes a housing 20, a mechanism 22, and applicator 24. The housing 20 can be removably affixed to a cosmetic container 26 (shown in FIG. 5).

The housing 20 may have any shape, color pattern or finish. Contemplated housing shapes include letters and numbers or a combination of letters, numbers, and geometrical shapes, including stars. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, included on the housing may be any form of indicia 25. Particularly, indicia used to identify the manufacturer and/or owner of the cosmetic wand is contemplated such as NIKKI'S MAGIC WAND™.

The mechanism 22 is coupled to the housing 20 and the applicator 24. In one configuration the mechanism 22 is adapted to engage the applicator 24 such that it is capable of extending and retracting the applicator 24 in predetermined orientations. The applicator may, therefore, extend or retract fully or partially within the housing. The applicator 24 includes the upper portion 14 and one or more tips. These tips may include a unciform tip 12, as previously described and/or a tip used to facilitate application of a cosmetic.

In one configuration, the mechanism 22 includes an actuator 21 that is positioned on or disposed within the housing. When the actuator 21 is activated, it can engage a spring 28 such that the applicator 24 is extended. When the actuator 21 is depressed again, it engages the spring 28 such that the applicator 24 is retracted. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the cosmetic wand 10 in a retracted position, while FIG. 6 shows the cosmetic wand 10 in an extended position while in a container 26, using this type of mechanism.

Alternative secondary mechanisms for retracting and extending the mechanism 22 may be used. In another configuration, the secondary mechanism can includes a winding wheel disposed within the housing or other feature that allows for the mechanism to telescope in and out of the housing. When a winding wheel mechanism is alternatively used, the upper portion can rotate within the housing in a clockwise or counterclockwise position to either extend or retract the applicator.

In yet another configuration, cosmetic wand includes an inner sleeve (not shown) coupled to the housing. The mechanism is then adapted to extend and retract the applicator, either by a user or other mechanism pulling and/or pushing on the inner sleeve.

Other contemplated configurations include one or more secondary mechanisms that can illuminate the housing, inflate and/or deflate a tip, rotate or further actuate the tip to facilitate the removal of makeup from a container. In one embodiment, the push button may be pressed multiple times to activate the different mechanism.

Also, a cap or cover 30 may be provided with the cosmetic wand to protect the tip and/or the applicator, where the applicator includes a part of the upper portion and one or more tips.

Thus, a cosmetic wand that serves as a makeup applicator and extractor is disclosed. While embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the following claims.

Claims

1. A cosmetic wand for removing vestiges of makeup from a cosmetic container comprising:

an upper portion adapted for gripping by a user; and

at least one unciform tip coupled to the upper portion and adapted to remove vestiges of makeup from the cosmetic container.

2. A cosmetic wand according to claim 1, further comprising a housing coupled to the upper portion.

3. A cosmetic wand according to claim 2, further comprising a mechanism coupled to the housing.

4. A cosmetic wand according to claim 3, wherein the mechanism is adapted to retract and extend the upper portion.

5. A cosmetic wand according to claim 4, wherein the mechanism is actuated by a spring coupled to the upper portion.

6. A cosmetic wand according to claim 4, wherein the mechanism is actuated by a telescoping mechanism coupled to the upper portion.

7. A cosmetic wand according to claim 2, wherein the upper portion is connected to the housing.

8. A cosmetic wand according to claim 1, further comprising a sleeve coupled to the upper portion.

9. A cosmetic wand according to claim 1, further comprising a cap disposed over the at least one unciform tip.

10. A cosmetic wand according to claim 1, further comprising an applicator tip adapted to facilitate application of makeup.

11. A cosmetic wand according to claim 1, wherein the at least one unciform tip is made from a wipeable material.

12. A cosmetic wand according to claim 1, wherein the at least one unciform tip is integral with the upper portion.

13. A cosmetic wand according to claim 2, further comprising a secondary mechanism.

14. A cosmetic wand according to claim 13, wherein the secondary mechanism is adapted to illuminate the housing.

15. A cosmetic wand according to claim 13, wherein the secondary mechanism is adapted to inflate the at least one unciform tip.

16. A cosmetic wand according to claim 13, wherein the secondary mechanism is adapted to deflate the at least one unciform tip.

17. A cosmetic wand according to claim 13, wherein the secondary mechanism is adapted to rotate the at least one unciform tip.

18. A cosmetic wand according to claim 2, further comprising indicia disposed on the housing.

19. A cosmetic applicator tip comprising an unciform area adapted to remove vestiges of makeup from a container.

20. A wand for facilitating removal of a substance from a container comprising:

a housing;

a mechanism coupled to the housing; and

an applicator, wherein the applicator comprises: an upper portion coupled to the mechanism, wherein the mechanism is adapted to retract and extend the applicator, and a tip adapted to facilitate the removal of the substance from the container.