Multi-head Double Ended Cosmetic Applicator

Abstract

A multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator for streamlining application, transport, and/or storage of cosmetic applicators is described. The multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator may include a handle having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end. A first applicator head may be fixed on the first end of the handle and a second applicator head may be fixed on the second end of the handle. One or more interchangeable applicator parts may be removably coupled to the first end of the handle and/or the second end of the handle. The multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator described herein enables cosmetic users to use, transport, and/or store a minimal number of applicators for applying various types of cosmetic and/or medicinal products and maintain the benefit of using multiple applicator heads that are appropriate for the various types of cosmetic and/or medicinal products.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/076,908, which was filed Nov. 7, 2014, entitled, “Multi-head Double Ended Cosmetic Applicator,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Applicators may be used for applying cosmetic or medicinal products to portions of the body. For example, in the medical industry, applicators may be used to apply ointment to portions of the body. In the cosmetics and personal care industries, applicators may be used to apply lipstick, lip balm, skin creams, lotions, powders, and other cosmetic products to portions of the body. Applicators are available in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes to accommodate application of various cosmetics and/or medicinal products on various skin types. For example, applicators used for applying eyeliner may have stiff, pointed applicator heads that minimize an amount of material the applicator heads pick up and increase blending precision. An eyeliner applicator may not be well suited for applying blush, however. Instead, applicators for applying blush may have larger, softer, and rounder applicator heads for picking up increasing amounts of the material during each application and blending the material realistically with oils of the skin. Using applicators that are designed to apply a specific type of cosmetic and/or medicinal product to a specific portion of the body may ensure an appropriate amount of the cosmetic and/or medicinal product is applied and with appropriate precision.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator with various interchangeable applicator parts.

FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of the example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator with two of the interchangeable applicator parts removably coupled to the multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator.

FIG. 1C illustrates a partial cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis (y-axis) of the example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator with two of the interchangeable applicator parts removably coupled to the multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of an example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator and an interchangeable applicator part.

FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator with the interchangeable applicator part removably coupled to a first end of the multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator.

FIG. 2C illustrates a front view of the example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator with the interchangeable applicator part being removed from the first end of the multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator.

FIG. 2D illustrates a front view of the example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator with the interchangeable applicator part removably coupled to a second end of the multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator.

FIG. 3A illustrates examples of internal mechanisms that may be used to couple the interchangeable applicator parts to the first end of the handle and/or the second end of the handle.

FIG. 3B illustrates examples of internal mechanisms that may be used to couple the interchangeable applicator parts to the first end of the handle and/or the second end of the handle.

FIG. 3C illustrates an example of internal mechanisms that may be used to couple the interchangeable applicator parts to the first end of the handle and/or the second end of the handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Techniques for streamlining cosmetic and/or medicinal product application, transport, and/or storage are described herein. Applicators may be used for applying the cosmetic or medicinal products to portions of the body. Applicators are available in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes to accommodate application of various cosmetics and/or medicinal products on various skin types and/or portions of the body. For example, applicators for applying foundation may be designed for blending, particularly around the eyes and nose. Applicators for applying eyeshadow may be designed for even application of the cosmetic product on the eyelids. Applicators for applying lipstick may be designed for precise layering of the cosmetic product on the lips and around the edge of the lips.

Generally, applicators for applying one product are not well suited for applying other products. Using applicators that are designed to apply a specific type of cosmetic and/or medicinal product to a particular skin type and/or portion of the body may ensure that an appropriate amount of a cosmetic and/or medicinal product is applied and with appropriate precision. Accordingly, cosmetic users often purchase multiple applicators for applying the various types of cosmetic and/or medicinal products.

Using, transporting, and/or storing multiple applicators may be inconvenient for cosmetic users. A multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator is described herein for streamlining using, transporting, and/or storing cosmetic applicators. The multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator may include a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first applicator head may be fixed on the first end of the handle and a second applicator head may be fixed on the second end of the handle. One or more interchangeable applicator parts may be removably coupled to the first end of the handle and/or the second end of the handle. When the one or more interchangeable applicator parts are coupled to the handle, the first applicator head and/or the second applicator head may be covered by the one or more interchangeable applicator parts. However, when the one or more interchangeable applicator parts is uncoupled from the handle, the first applicator head and/or the second applicator head may be exposed.

The first applicator head and the second applicator head may provide one or more functions to the user. Each of the interchangeable applicator parts may provide additional and/or alternative functionality to the user. As a non-liming example, the first applicator head may be an applicator head designed for applying eyeliner and the second applicator head may be an applicator head designed for applying lipstick. The one or more interchangeable applicator parts may include an applicator head designed for applying eyeshadow, an applicator head designed for applying blush, an applicator head designed for applying foundation, etc. The multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator described herein enables cosmetic users to use, transport, and/or store a variety of applicator heads that are appropriate for the various types of cosmetic and/or medicinal products but minimize the number of cosmetic applicators to be used, transported, and/or stored.

Illustrative Multi-Head Double Ended Cosmetic Applicator

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 100 with various interchangeable applicator parts 102. The multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 100 includes a handle 104. In some examples, the handle 104 may be made of a metal material (e.g., steel, stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, brass, chrome, titanium, alloys thereof, etc.), plastic material (e.g., acrylic, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, etc.), wood material, ceramic material, graphite material, composite material (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.), combinations of the foregoing, etc. The handle 104 may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, sizes, cross-sectional areas, and/or lengths. In some examples, the handle 104 may have a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis having a circular shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, an ovular shape, a hexagonal shape, an abstract shape, etc. In an example embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the handle 104 may extend substantially parallel to and/or may be substantially collinear with the Y-axis illustrated in FIG. 1A. The handle 104 may include a first end 104A and a second end 104B. The second end 104B may be on an opposite end of the handle 104 from the first end 104A.

In some examples, a first applicator head 106A may be fixed to the first end 104A of the handle 104 and a second applicator head 106B may be fixed to the second end 104B of the handle 104. In such examples, individual interchangeable applicator parts 102 may be removably coupled to the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104. In other examples, either the first end 104A of the handle 104 or the second end 104B of the handle 104 may be affixed to an applicator head (e.g., 106A or 106B) and the opposite end (e.g., second end 104B or first end 104A, respectively) may not be affixed to an applicator head (e.g., 106A or 106B). In such examples, the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104 may be removably coupled to individual interchangeable applicator parts 102. That is, the end of the handle 104 that is not affixed to an applicator head (e.g., 106A or 106B) may receive an interchangeable applicator part 102 in a same manner as the end of the handle 106 that is affixed to an applicator head (e.g., 106A or 106B).

The first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B may be a sponge applicator head, a foam applicator head, a flocked applicator head, a silicon applicator head, a brush applicator head, a spooley applicator head (i.e., fibers arranged in a spiral pattern like in a mascara wand), etc. A brush applicator head may include natural (e.g., sable hair, squirrel hair, goat hair, etc.) and/or synthetic (e.g., nylon, taklon, polyester, silicone, etc.) fibers. Different combinations of fibers may be used depending on the intended use of the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B. For instance, an applicator head for applying blush may have natural brush fibers arranged in a circular shape with a dome head contour. In contrast, an applicator head for applying foundation may have brush fibers made of a combination of natural and synthetic fibers arranged to create a flat brush head with an at least partially semi-circular head contour. An applicator head for applying powder or creams to the eyebrows may have brush fibers made of a combination of natural and synthetic fibers arranged to create a flat, stiff brush head with a head contour that forms an acute included angle 122 with the x-axis as shown in FIG. 1A. In at least some examples, one or more alternative cosmetic implements may be affixed to the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104 instead of a first applicator head 106A or a second applicator head 106B. As non-limiting examples, a pair of tweezers, a pencil, an eyeliner applicator, or other cosmetic implements may be affixed to the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104 instead of a first applicator head 106A or a second applicator head 106B. In an example embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the first applicator head 106A and/or second applicator head 106B, or the alternative cosmetic implements, may extend substantially parallel to and/or may be substantially collinear with the Y-axis illustrated in FIG. 1A.

The first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B may have various cross-sectional areas perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first applicator head 106A and/or second applicator head 106B and/or head contours, depending on the intended use of the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B. In at least some examples, the first applicator head 106A and the second applicator head 106B may have smaller cross-sectional areas than the applicator heads of the interchangeable applicator parts 102. Smaller cross-sectional areas enable the interchangeable applicator parts 102 to receive the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B without causing damage to the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B.

The first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B may be coupled to the handle 104 by a variety of mechanisms. In at least one example, the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B may be disposed on a ferrule 108 that is formed by or coupled to the handle 104. In other examples, the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B may be fixed directly to, in, or on the handle 104, and the ferrule 108 may be omitted. In some examples, the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B may be adhered (e.g., using glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.) to the handle 104 and/or the ferrule 108. Additionally or alternatively, the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B may be coupled to the handle 104 or ferrule 108 by, for example, stitching, lacing, screwing, melting, chemical bonding, or some combination of the above.

The ferrule 108 may be a band of material that connects the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B to the handle 104. The ferrule 108 may be made of metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, brass, chrome, titanium, alloys thereof, etc.), plastic (e.g., acrylic, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, etc.), etc. A first end of the ferrule 108 may be coupled to the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B. A second end of the ferrule 108 opposite the first end of the ferrule 108 may be coupled to the first end 104A of the handle 104 or the second end 104B of the handle 104, respectively. The ferrule 108 may be coupled to the handle 104 in a variety of ways. In some examples, the ferrule 108 may be adhered (e.g., using glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.) to the handle 104. In other examples, the ferrule 108 may be coupled to the handle 104 by crimping, stitching, lacing, screwing, welding, bolting, riveting, melting, chemical bonding, or some combination of the above.

The interchangeable applicator parts 102 may be removably coupled to the handle 104, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The interchangeable applicator parts 102 may include applicator heads 110A, 110B, 110C, . . . 110N (collectively, “applicator heads 110”) coupled to coupling mechanisms 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N (collectively, “coupling mechanisms 112”) for removably coupling the interchangeable applicator parts 102 to the handle 104. While only four interchangeable applicator parts 102 are illustrated in this example, in other examples any number of interchangeable applicator parts 102 may be used.

The applicator heads 110 may be sponge applicator heads, foam applicator heads, flocked applicator heads, silicon applicator heads, brush applicator heads, combinations of the aforementioned heads, etc. A brush applicator head may include natural (e.g., sable hair, squirrel hair, goat hair, etc.) and/or synthetic (e.g., nylon, taklon, polyester, etc.) fibers or other materials. Different combinations of fibers may be used depending on the intended use of the applicator heads 110. The applicator heads 110 may have various cross-sectional areas and/or head contours, depending on the intended use of the applicator heads 110. The applicator heads 110 may have larger cross-sectional areas perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the applicator heads 110 and head contours formed by a larger number of fibers and/or amount material than the first applicator head 106A and/or second applicator head 106B. In an example embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the applicator heads 110 may extend substantially parallel to and/or may be substantially collinear with the Y-axis illustrated in FIG. 1A.

The coupling mechanisms 112 may be made of a metal material (e.g., steel, stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, brass, chrome, titanium, alloys thereof, etc.), plastic material (e.g., acrylic, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, etc.), wood material, ceramic material, graphite material, composite material (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.), combinations of the foregoing, etc. In some examples, the coupling mechanisms 112 may be a band of material that connects interchangeable applicator parts 102 to the handle 104. In other examples, the coupling mechanisms 112 may be made of a block of material. In both examples (e.g., a band of material or a block of material), the coupling mechanisms 112 may include a longitudinal cavity 114 for receiving the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B. The longitudinal cavity 114 may have a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the handle 104 so that the longitudinal cavity 114 may receive at least part of the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B.

The coupling mechanisms 112 may include a repository 124 for storing cosmetic product, as illustrated in FIG. 1C. In at least one example, cosmetic product may be dispensed from within the longitudinal cavity 114. Accordingly, in at least one example, when a user inserts the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B into the longitudinal cavity 114, the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B may access the cosmetic product stored in the repository 124. As such, when the user removes the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B from the longitudinal cavity 114, the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B may have cosmetic product that was dispensed while the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B was inserted into the longitudinal cavity 114. In a non-limiting example, the repository 124 may store lipgloss. When a user inserts the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B into the longitudinal cavity 114, the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B may access the lipgloss stored in the repository 124 such that when the user removes the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B from the longitudinal cavity 114, lipgloss may be on the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B.

The applicator heads 110A, 110B, 110C, . . . 110N may be coupled to a first end 116 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N and the opening to the longitudinal cavity 114 may be on a second, opposite end 118 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N. In some examples, the coupling mechanisms 112 may have a larger cross-sectional area on the first end 116 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N and a smaller cross-sectional area on an second, opposite end 118 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N. In such examples, the coupling mechanisms 112 may taper from the first end 116 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N to the second, opposite end 118 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N. The tapering of the coupling mechanisms 112 allows the coupling mechanisms 112 to accommodate the cross-sectional area of the handle 104 and the cross-sectional area of applicator heads 110 that may be larger than the handle 104. In contrast, the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N may have a slightly larger cross-sectional area at the end of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N with the opening to the longitudinal cavity 114 (e.g., the opposite end 118) than at the end of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N by the applicator head 110 to receive the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B in the longitudinal cavity 114.

The applicator heads 110 may be coupled to the coupling mechanisms 112 in a variety of ways. In some examples, the applicator heads 110 may be adhered (e.g., using glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.) into a coupling mechanism 112. In other examples, the applicator heads 110 may be associated with a coupling mechanism 112 by stitching, lacing, screwing, melting, chemical bonding, or some combination of the above.

In at least some examples, the interchangeable applicator parts 102 may be coupled to an end of the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 via a friction fit between the interchangeable applicator parts 102 and the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108. In other examples, the interchangeable applicator parts 102 may be coupled to the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 by a snap-fit, screw, threads, etc. The interchangeable applicator parts 102 may slide over the end of the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 up to a stop, shoulder, ridge, or other limiting mechanism 120. The limiting mechanisms may limit a distance the first end 104A of the handle 104 or the second end 104B of the handle 104 may be inserted into the longitudinal cavity 114 of a coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N and prevent the applicator heads 106A and/or 106B from being damaged by the interchangeable applicator parts 102 being pushed on too far. The limiting mechanisms 120 may include internal and/or external guides (e.g., flange, lip, etc.), friction increasing elements (e.g., rubber or silicone bands, rings, pads, or other elements), friction reducing elements (e.g., bearings, Teflon bands, rings, pads, or other elements), holding elements (e.g., magnets, detents, or other elements), etc. The limiting mechanisms 120 may be disposed on the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 at a predetermined distance from the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B. The predetermined distance may be determined based at least in part on a distance that the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B may be insertable into the longitudinal cavity 114 of the coupling mechanisms 112 without the interchangeable applicator part 102 causing damage to the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B.

In at least one example, the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 may include a limiting mechanism 120 such as a flange or a lip at a same or different distance as the predetermined distance from the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. That is, a limiting mechanism 120 may be a first distance away from the first applicator head 106A and a second distance away from the second applicator head 106B. The first distance and the second distance may be same distances or may be different distances. The flange or lip may follow a contour of the handle 104 and may have a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the handle 104 and the longitudinal cavity 114 of a coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N. A user may begin to insert the first applicator head 106A fixed on the first end 104A of the handle 104 or the second applicator head 104B fixed on the second end 104B of the handle 104 into a longitudinal cavity 114 of a coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N. The user may continue to insert the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 104B into the longitudinal cavity 114 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N until the second end 118 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N encounters the flange or the lip. When the second end 118 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N encounters the flange or the lip, the user may not insert the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B any further into the longitudinal cavity 114 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N.

In at least some examples, as the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B is inserted into the longitudinal cavity 114, friction between the surface of the longitudinal cavity 114 and the surface of the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 associated with the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B may increase to couple the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N to the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 to limit the distance the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B may be inserted into the longitudinal cavity 114. To remove the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N from the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 a user may apply force to overcome the friction between the surface of the longitudinal cavity 114 and the surface of the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 associated with the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B.

In another example, the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 may have holding elements (e.g., magnets, detents, or other elements) 120 disposed at the predetermined distance from the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B, as illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 3C. The holding elements 120 disposed on and/or in the handle 104 and/or the ferrule 108 may have corresponding holding elements (not shown) disposed in coupling mechanisms 112 of the interchangeable applicator parts 102. A user may insert the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head into the longitudinal cavity 114 of a coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N until the corresponding holding elements interact.

In some examples, the holding elements 120 may include magnets 310, as illustrated in FIG. 3C. In at least one example, the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 may be associated with a magnet 310 and the longitudinal cavity 114 may be associated with a magnet 310. The magnets 310 associated with the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 and the longitudinal cavity 114 may have opposite poles. In some examples, the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 or the longitudinal cavity 114 may be associated with a magnet 310 and the other (e.g., longitudinal cavity 114 or handle 104 and/or ferrule 108, respectively) may comprise a ferrous metal. The magnets 310 may be disposed on and/or in the handle 104, ferrule 108, and/or longitudinal cavity 114 for magnetically attaching a coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N to the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108. The first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B may be inserted into the longitudinal cavity 114 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N a predetermined distance until the magnets interact so as to prevent the user from inserting the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B further into the longitudinal cavity 114 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N. The magnets also prevent the coupling mechanisms 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N from unintentionally dissociating with the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108.

In other examples, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the holding elements 120 may include detents disposed in the handle 104 or the ferrule 108. The detents may be hard detents that may be released by pushing down on a portion of the detent that may protrude from a surface of a coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N coupled to the handle 104. Alternatively, the detents may be soft detents that may be released by firmly applying force to the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N and the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108 that are locked in the coupled position by the soft detent. The detents may prevent the user from inserting the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B further into the longitudinal cavity 114 of the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N. The detents may also prevent the coupling mechanisms 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N from unintentionally dissociating with the handle 104 and/or ferrule 108.

In yet other examples, the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B may be inserted into the longitudinal cavity 114 of a coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N until friction increasing elements (e.g., rubber or silicone bands, rings, pads, or other elements) and/or friction reducing elements (e.g., bearings, Teflon bands, rings, pads, or other elements) cause friction between the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or second end 104B of the handle 104 and the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N to reach a predetermined threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B may be inserted into the longitudinal cavity 114 of a coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N until tension elements (e.g., elastic bands, springs, or other elements) cause tension between the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or second end 104B of the handle 104 and the coupling mechanism 112A, 112B, 112C, . . . 112N to reach a predetermined threshold.

In at least one example, the limiting mechanisms 120 may also function as holding mechanisms for preventing the interchangeable applicator parts 102 from inadvertently uncoupling from the first end 104A and/or second end 104B while the multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 100 is being used for extracting and/or applying cosmetic and/or medicinal products, as illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 3C.

FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate a front view and a partial cross-sectional view, respectively, of the example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 100 with two of the interchangeable applicator parts 102 removably coupled to the multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 100. Each of the individual interchangeable parts 102 may have various cross-sectional areas and/or head contours to provide different functionality to cosmetic and/or medicinal product users, as described above. A user may select the interchangeable heads 102 that he or she desires to use for a particular occasion and may transport a single handle 104 and the selected interchangeable parts 102 so that he or she has the ability to perform a variety of cosmetic applications (e.g., various products to various parts of the body) using a single handle 104. That is, a user may obtain the benefit of a complete, or nearly complete, cosmetic applicator set with a minimal number of cosmetic applicators.

Methods for Using a Multi-Head Double Ended Cosmetic Applicator

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of an example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 200 with an interchangeable applicator part 102. While the interchangeable applicator part 102 with applicator head 110N coupled to coupling mechanism 112N is illustrated in FIG. 2A, any of the other interchangeable applicator parts 102 with applicator heads 110A, 110B, 110C, etc., and coupling mechanisms 112A, 112B, 112C, etc., may be used. A user may use either the applicator head 106A fixed on the first end 104A or the applicator head 106B fixed on the second end 104B for extracting and/or applying cosmetic and/or medicinal products. The user may desire additional functionality that can be accomplished by the interchangeable applicator part 102. Accordingly, the user may manually insert the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B into the longitudinal cavity 114 of the coupling mechanism 112N, as illustrated in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 200 with the interchangeable applicator part 102 removably coupled to the first end 104A of the multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 200. The user may use either the applicator head 110N of the interchangeable applicator part 102 disposed on the first end 104A or the applicator head 106B coupled to the second end 104B for extracting and/or applying cosmetic and/or medicinal products.

FIG. 2C illustrates a front view of the example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 200 with the interchangeable applicator part 102 being removed from the first end 104A of the multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 200. The user may remove the interchangeable applicator part 102 to expose the first applicator head 106A or to couple a different interchangeable applicator part 102 to the first end 104A of the handle 104. The user may remove the interchangeable applicator parts 102 manually or via an actuator. In at least one example, the user may manually remove the interchangeable applicator parts 102 by pulling an interchangeable applicator part 102 in a first direction, as shown by arrow 202, and pulling the handle 104 in a second, opposite direction, as shown by arrow 204, to uncouple the interchangeable applicator part 102 from the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104. In other examples, the user may remove the interchangeable applicator parts 102 by actuating actuators, as described below. An actuator may include a push button, a knob, twisting elements, etc. coupled to at least one of the handle 104, ferrule 108, and/or the coupling mechanisms 112.

FIG. 2D illustrates a front view of the example multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 200 with the interchangeable applicator part 102 removably coupled to the second end 104B of the multi-head double ended cosmetic applicator 200. The user may manually insert the second end 104B of the handle 104 into the coupling mechanism 112N coupled to the interchangeable applicator part 102, as described above. The user may use either the applicator head 110N removably coupled to the interchangeable applicator part 102 disposed on the second end 104B of the handle 104 or the applicator head 106A fixed on the first end 104A of the handle for extracting and/or applying cosmetic and/or medicinal products.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate examples of internal mechanisms that may optimize coupling the interchangeable applicator parts 102 to the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104. As described above, a user may manually insert the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B into a longitudinal cavity 114 of an interchangeable applicator part 102 to removably couple the interchangeable applicator part 102 to the handle 104. The user may manually insert the first applicator head 106A or the second applicator head 106B into a longitudinal cavity 114 of a coupling mechanism 112N.

In some examples, internal guides disposed in the longitudinal cavity 114 of the coupling mechanism 112 that correspond to guides disposed on the ferrule 108 and/or handle 104 may help guide the first applicator head 102A and/or the second applicator head 102B into the longitudinal cavity 114 of the coupling mechanism 112N. In at least one example, the internal guides may comprise threads 302 for coupling the interchangeable applicator parts 102 to the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104 by a twisting mechanism. In other examples, the internal guides may comprise splines 304 for coupling the interchangeable applicator parts 102 to the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104 by aligning the first end 104A of the handle 104 with the opening of the longitudinal cavity 114 along the longitudinal axis illustrated by line 306. Once aligned, the first end 104A of the handle 104 may be guided into the longitudinal cavity 114 by the corresponding splines 304 on the first end 104A of the handle 104 and the interchangeable applicator part 102. In other examples, internal mechanisms may include magnets 310 as described above.

The user may remove the interchangeable applicator part 102 to expose the first applicator head 106A and/or second applicator head 106B or to couple a different interchangeable applicator part 102 to the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104. The user may remove the interchangeable applicator parts 102 manually or by actuating an actuator. An actuator may include twisting elements, knobs, push buttons, etc. coupled to at least one of the handle 104, ferrule 108, and/or the coupling mechanisms 112, as described below.

In some examples, actuating an actuator may include untwisting and twisting elements. As described above, the internal guides may comprise threads 302 for coupling the interchangeable applicator parts 102 to the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104 by a twisting mechanism. To remove the interchangeable applicator parts 102 from the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104, the user may twist the interchangeable applicator part 102 in a direction such to uncouple the interchangeable applicator part 102 from the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104. In some examples, the twisting may be optimized by twisting element actuators.

In other examples, the internal guides may comprise splines 304 for coupling the interchangeable applicator parts 102 to the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104, as described above. To remove the interchangeable applicator parts 102 from the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end of the handle 104, the user may pull the interchangeable applicator part 102 in a first direction 202 and the handle 104 in a second, opposite direction 204, as described above. In at least one example, a user may leverage a knob 308 actuator to push the interchangeable applicator part 102 in the first direction 202 to uncouple it from the handle 104.

In additional or alternative examples, the internal mechanisms may include magnets 310 as described above. To remove the interchangeable applicator parts 102 from the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104, the user may pull the interchangeable applicator part 102 in a first direction 202 and the handle 104 in a second, opposite direction 204, as described above, to overcome the magnetic force coupling the interchangeable applicator parts 102 from the first end 104A of the handle 104 and/or the second end 104B of the handle 104. In at least one example, a user may leverage a knob 308 actuator to push the interchangeable applicator part 102 in the first direction 202 to uncouple it from the handle 104.

In some examples, the user may insert the first end 104A and/or the second end 104B into the coupling mechanisms 112 coupled to various interchangeable applicator parts 102 so that the user may leverage the first applicator head 106A and/or the second applicator head 106B and/or the various interchangeable applicator parts 102 for applying different kinds of cosmetic and/or medicinal products to various portions of the body. The multi-head double end cosmetic apparatus 200 may optimize application, transportation, and/or storage of cosmetic applicators by enabling users to applicator heads with various functions via a minimal number of cosmetic applicators. The multi-head double ended cosmetic apparatus 200 enables cosmetic users to use, transport, and/or store a minimal number of applicators for applying various types of cosmetic and/or medicinal products and maintain the benefit of using multiple applicator heads that are appropriate for the various types of cosmetic and/or medicinal products.

CONCLUSION

Although several embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A cosmetic apparatus, comprising:

a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a first applicator head fixed to the first end of the handle;

a second applicator head fixed to the second end of the handle;

a first interchangeable applicator part removably coupled to the first end of the handle and enveloping the first applicator head; and

a second interchangeable applicator part removably coupled to the second end of the handle and enveloping the second applicator head.

2. The cosmetic apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first ferrule and a second ferrule, wherein:

a first end of the first ferrule is coupled to the first applicator head;

a second end of the first ferrule opposite the first end of the first ferrule is coupled to the first end of the handle;

a first end of the second ferrule is coupled to the second applicator head; and

a second end of the second ferrule opposite the first end of the second ferrule is coupled to the second end of the handle.

3. The cosmetic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second interchangeable applicator parts each comprise an applicator head coupled to a coupling mechanism for removably coupling a respective interchangeable applicator part to a respective end of the handle.

4. The cosmetic apparatus of claim 3, wherein:

the first applicator head comprises a sponge applicator head, a foam applicator head, a flocked applicator head, a silicon applicator head, or a brush applicator head;

the second applicator head comprises a sponge applicator head, a foam applicator head, a flocked applicator head, a silicon applicator head, or a brush applicator head; and

the applicator heads coupled to the coupling mechanisms each comprise a sponge applicator head, a foam applicator head, a flocked applicator head, a silicon applicator head, or a brush applicator head.

5. The cosmetic apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first applicator head and the second applicator head have a first cross-sectional area and the one or more applicator heads coupled to the coupling mechanisms have a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being larger than the first cross-sectional area.

6. The cosmetic apparatus of claim 3, wherein the coupling mechanisms each include a longitudinal cavity with a cross-sectional area sized for receiving the first applicator head or the second applicator head, the cross-section of the cross-sectional area perpendicular to a longitudinal axis.

7. The cosmetic apparatus of claim 6, further comprising limiting mechanisms disposed in the handle or the coupling mechanisms for limiting a distance the first applicator head or the second applicator head is insertable into each of the longitudinal cavities.

8. An applicator, comprising:

a handle comprising a first end and a second end, the second end opposite the first end;

a first applicator head fixed on the first end of the handle;

a second applicator head fixed on the second end of the handle; and

at least one interchangeable applicator part removably coupled to the first end of the handle or the second end of the handle, wherein: the at least one interchangeable applicator part comprises an applicator head coupled to a coupling mechanism; and in a coupled position, the first applicator head or the second applicator head is disposed at least partially inside of a longitudinal cavity of the coupling mechanism.

9. The applicator of claim 8, further comprising one or more limiting mechanisms disposed in the handle or the coupling mechanism to limit a distance the first applicator head or the second applicator head is insertable into the longitudinal cavity.

10. The applicator of claim 8, further comprising one or more holding mechanisms disposed in the handle or the coupling mechanism to prevent inadvertent uncoupling of the at least one interchangeable applicator part to at least one of the first end of the handle or the second end of the handle.

11. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the at least one interchangeable applicator part is movable from an uncoupled position to a coupled position in response to manually inserting the first applicator head or the second applicator head into the longitudinal cavity.

12. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the at least one interchangeable applicator part is movable from a coupled position to an uncoupled position in response to manually removing the first applicator head or the second applicator head from the longitudinal cavity by pulling on the coupling mechanism in a first direction and pulling on the handle in a second, opposite direction.

13. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the at least one interchangeable applicator part is removable in response to actuating an actuator.

14. The applicator of claim 13, wherein the actuator comprises at least one of a knob or twisting elements coupled to at least one of the handle or the coupling mechanism.

15. A cosmetic implement, the cosmetic implement comprising:

a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a first applicator head fixed on the first end of the handle;

a second applicator head fixed on the second end of the handle;

a first interchangeable applicator part removably coupled to the first end of the handle by receiving the first applicator head into a first longitudinal cavity of a first individual coupling mechanism of the individual coupling mechanisms; and

a second interchangeable applicator part removably coupled to the second end of the handle by receiving the second applicator head into a second longitudinal cavity of a second individual coupling mechanism of the individual coupling mechanisms.

16. The cosmetic implement of claim 15, wherein the first applicator head is fixed on the first end of the handle by a first ferrule and/or the second applicator head is fixed on the second end of the handle by a second ferrule.

17. The cosmetic implement of claim 16, wherein the first ferrule and/or the second ferrule include a limiting mechanism disposed on the first ferrule and/or the second ferrule for limiting a distance the first applicator head and/or the second applicator head is insertable into the first longitudinal cavity and/or the second longitudinal cavity, respectively.

18. The cosmetic implement of claim 15, wherein:

the first applicator head and the second applicator head have a first cross-sectional area, the cross-section of the cross-sectional area being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis;

the first longitudinal cavity and the second longitudinal cavity have a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being larger than the first cross-sectional area for receiving the first applicator head or the second applicator head.

19. The cosmetic implement of claim 15, wherein:

the first applicator head has first head contour;

the second applicator head has a second head contour, the second head contour being different than the first head contour;

a first individual applicator head associated with the first interchangeable applicator part has third head contour, the third head contour being different than the first head contour and the second head contour; and

a second individual applicator head associated with the second interchangeable applicator part has a fourth head contour, the fourth head contour being different than the first head contour, second head contour, and third head contour.

20. The cosmetic implement of claim 15, wherein:

the first interchangeable applicator part and the second interchangeable applicator part are movable from an uncoupled position to a coupled position in response to manually inserting the first applicator head and the second applicator head into the first longitudinal cavity and the second longitudinal cavity, respectively; and

the first interchangeable applicator part and the second interchangeable applicator part are movable from the coupled position to the uncoupled position in response to manually removing the first applicator head and the second applicator head from the first longitudinal cavity and the second longitudinal cavity, respectively, or removing the first applicator head and the second applicator head from the first longitudinal cavity and the second longitudinal cavity, respectively, by actuating an actuator.