Lipstick Container with Detachable Applicator

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for holding a lipstick column and a lipstick applicator in a common protected container to allow them to be conveniently accessed with one retrieval motion. The apparatus is comprised of a base and cover that contain a retractable lipstick column and a separately detachable lipstick applicator. The lipstick column is contained in a first portion of the base and the lipstick applicator is contained in a second portion of the base.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to the field of cosmetic containers, such as lipstick dispensers. In particular, the present invention relates to a lipstick dispenser comprised of a base and cover that contain a lipstick column and a lipstick applicator, the purpose of which is to utilize the full length of the lipstick column and also to provide a sometimes preferred means of lipstick application.

Current lipstick dispensers related to the field of invention which are being successfully marketed do not contain means to store a separate applicator. Several patents have been obtained which provide for the storage of a brush or applicator but these have not resulted in the successful marketing of those product designs. The lack of commercial acceptance may be due to the large increase in volume, the loss of tactile feel due to change in lipstick holder shape, unattractiveness, increased cost, or some other reason or reasons.

The current invention overcomes these objections as the shape of the lipstick dispenser remains unchanged, although slightly longer, and the impact on manufacturing cost is minimal.

Previous patents relating to the Field of Invention include the following list of patents:

	8,221,014	July 2012	Houston
	7,007,700	March 2006	Burroughs
	6,298,863	October 2001	Byun
	6,145,515	November 2000	Wu
	6,035,865	March 2000	Krieger
	6,450,179	September 2002	Bengis
	6,200,045	March 2001	Hahn et al.
	5,715,848	Febuary 1998	Conley, Jr.
	5,441,153	August 1995	Lahaye
	5,301,808	April 1994	Pierson
	5,226,541	July 1993	Huang
	5,178,478	January 1993	Ryder
	2,552,714	May 1951	Gardiner
	D144,145	March 1946	Silson

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter, is concerned with a cosmetic holder apparatus comprised of a base and cover that contain a lipstick column and a lipstick applicator. The lipstick column is contained in a first portion of the base and the lipstick applicator is contained in a second portion of the base. The invention overcomes all of the shortcomings listed previously, in addition to novel aspects that will be described in detail hereinafter.

In a first embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic holder apparatus is comprised of a base and a cover, the cover fabricated for releasable attachment to the base. An aperture, located centrally into the base, is designed for receipt of a lipstick column, and an aperture formed into the obverse end of the cylindrical portion is designed for receipt of a lipstick applicator. The base and the lipstick column are disposed so that opposing rotation of the base with respect to the column will elevate the lipstick to a desired level determined by the user.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods and structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. However maintaining the shape of the lipstick tube as per the current state-of-the-art for such cosmetic dispensers is essential to the spirit of the present invention.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture, and easy-to-market cosmetic holder apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-use and versatile cosmetic holder apparatus.

A significant object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic holder apparatus that consists of a base fabricated with a first aperture designed for receipt of a lipstick tube and a second aperture into which an applicator can be inserted, and further consisting of a cover, which is releasably attached to the base to enclose said lipstick tube.

The lipstick applicator may be preferred by certain consumers for applying lipstick in a controlled manner rather than applying lipstick by direct contact with the lipstick column. A second purpose for the lipstick applicator is to provide access to the lipstick column that is contained in the base that is otherwise inaccessible and thus discarded.

A final object of the invention is to permit the lipstick tube and lipstick applicator to be quickly and easily retrieved from within a pocket book or carrying article by first locating said cosmetic holder apparatus and to provide a cosmetic holder apparatus into which a lipstick tube and a lipstick applicator can be placed for storage and transport without incurring damage during said storage and transport.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

Preferably, in all embodiments of the cosmetic container according to the present invention, the attachment with the lipstick dispenser includes an engagement member having an outer surface provided with a lip or the like arranged and constructed to grippingly engage an inner surface of an open end of the base of the lipstick dispenser to achieve a snap-fit connection that resists undesirable rotational movement or accidental detachment.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention is to provide an improved lipstick package with an imbedded applicator the purpose of which is to utilize the full content of lipstick material and also to provide a sometimes preferred means of lipstick application.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, and arrangement of component parts all as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The object and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the fully assembled lipstick dispenser.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the main components of the lipstick dispenser.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view which illustrates the location of the main components within the base when the dispenser is fully assembled.

FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the lipstick dispenser with the applicator attached to the base.

FIG. 5 illustrates access to the lipstick applicator.

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of the applicator to access lipstick that is unavailable without using the applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, FIG. 1, which illustrates a typical embodiment of the invention. An embodiment 10 of the present invention is an apparatus that is comprised of a base 12 and a cover 11, the cover 11 is releasably attached to the base 12 by way of a snap fit or other equivalent method. On the opposite end of the base 12 from the cover 11 is a lipstick applicator 13 which is releasably attached to the base 12 by way of a snap fit or other equivalent method.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the apparatus, and FIG. 3, a cutaway view of the apparatus. The base 12 has a rotatable member 15 which is permanently attached to the base 12 and which houses the lipstick column 14. The base 12, rotatable member 15, and lipstick column 14, comprise a conventional lipstick application assembly. The rotatable member 15 is rotated to extend the lipstick column 14 for use, and retract the lipstick column 14 for storage. The cover 11 and cup 20 which supports and retains the lipstick column, complete the conventional design and construction of a lipstick application assembly.

A lipstick applicator 13 is comprised of an extension 19 and applicator tip 18. The lipstick applicator 13 is releasably attached to the base 12 by means of a snap fit or other equivalent method. The outer dimensions and contour of the applicator 13 are the same as the base 12 yielding an attractive size and appearance. When the applicator 13 is assembled to the base 12, the extension 19 and applicator tip 18 are located within the base 12 and underneath the lipstick column 14.

FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the rotatable member 15 to extend and retract the lipstick column 14 in the conventional manner. Access to the lipstick column 14 is neither aided nor impeded by the presence or absence of the applicator 13.

FIG. 5 illustrates the removal of the applicator 13 leaving the lipstick apparatus 10 in its conventional form.

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of the applicator 13 when the lipstick column 14 is at or below the top edge of the support cup 20, which is the outstanding feature of this patent.

Essential in the foregoing description is the location and shape of the applicator 13. Various materials, designs, and colors for the applicator 13 do not depart from the intention or the scope of the invention. The type of fit of the applicator 13 to the base 12 can be varied but must be releasable which will retain the spirit of the invention. The applicator tip 18 may consist of various types and materials in conventional use or as may be envisioned by those skilled in the art without detracting from the scope of the invention. Such types may include but not be limited to brush, sponge, spatula, or similar device. Interchangeable applicator tip 18 types are also possible.

The shape, size, and length of the applicator extension 19 may be varied without detracting from the scope of the invention.

The term lipstick is used generically to encompass all materials such as lipstick, gloss, or emollient, which are applied to lips.

Claims

1. A lipstick dispenser which includes:

a base which holds a lipstick column by way of a system for extending and retracting said lipstick column, a cover for said lipstick column which releasably attaches to said base, and a lipstick applicator which releasably attaches to said base opposite from the cover, said applicator containing a tip located within said base for the purpose of applying lipstick or other material.

2. A lipstick dispenser according to claim 1 in which the lipstick applicator tip is a brush.

3. A lipstick dispenser according to claim 1 in which the lipstick applicator tip is a sponge.

4. A lipstick dispenser according to claim 1 in which the lipstick applicator tip is a spatula.

5. A dispenser according to claim 1 in which the material being dispensed is lipstick, gloss, balm, emollient or any other material suitable for applying to lips.