Cosmetics Applicator and Storage Device

Abstract

A cosmetics applicator and storage device comprises a plurality of interconnected lip cosmetic items and attachments, such as but not limited to a lipstick, a lip liner, and lip balm, which together comprise a single tube, which may be shorter or longer based on the number of attachments. The present invention's top member may contain a lipstick and may be detachable and reattachable to a middle member that houses a lip liner on one end and lip balm on the other end. The terminal ends of the top member and the bottom member may attach to a top cover and bottom cover, respectively.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/453,101 filed on Feb. 1, 2017, the disclosure of which, including any materials incorporated by reference therein, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to cosmetics and more particularly to holders and applications for solid and semi solid cosmetics such as lipstick, lip liner, and lip balm.

BACKGROUND

When applying lipstick, many women prefer to use a lip liner to accentuate the shape of their lips and to prevent the lipstick from running. Many women also prefer to use a separate lip balm to add shine to the lips. The majority of applicators for lip cosmetics come in singular application tubes, while others only contain a combination of lipstick with lip balm, or lipstick with lip liner. This requires women to carry multiple lip cosmetic applicators, which can take up a considerable amount of space in a woman's makeup bag. Therefore, a need exists for an integrated cosmetic applicator and storage device for lipstick, lip balm, and lip liner that can be stored in a small space.

Some attempts to meet this need have been made. For example, an attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 2,964,045, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, which generally shows a cosmetics holder and applicator. However, this disclosure fails to provide for an in-line cylinder-shaped solution.

Another example may be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,848, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, which generally discloses a lipstick holder system having multiple compartments. While this disclosure does provide a user with the ability to store and use multiple lipsticks and other cosmetic elements, its large and cumbersome design prohibit it from being a viable on-the-go option.

Yet another example may be seen with respect to the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,179, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, which generally discloses a cosmetics container with multiple interchangeable attachments. However, this disclosure also fails to adequately provide for an integrated cosmetic applicator and storage device for lipstick, lip balm, and lip liner that can be stored in a small space.

Therefore, a need exists for a unique and more effective integrated cosmetics applicator and storage device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that in the present disclosure, all embodiments are provided as illustrative and non-limiting representatives of many possible embodiments. In addition, the terms “is,” “can,” “will,” and the like are herein used as synonyms for and interchangeable with terms such as “may,” “may provide for,” and “it is contemplated that the present invention may” and so forth.

Furthermore, all elements listed by name, such as a cap, tube, or individually-named cosmetic, are herein meant to include or encompass all equivalents for such elements. For example, in addition to a “cap,” any covering element is also contemplated by the present invention. Such equivalents are contemplated for each element named in its particular herein.

For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention are provided herein. It is to be understood that not all such aspects, advantages, or novel features may be provided in any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one aspect, advantage, or novel feature or group of features without achieving all aspects, advantages, or novel features as may be taught or suggested.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known art, the present invention relates to a cosmetics applicator and storage device that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. The general purpose of the present invention, which shall be described subsequently in greater detail, is to allow a user to use one lip cosmetic case to apply lipstick, lip balm, and lip liner.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. By way of non-limiting example, the present invention provides a novel solution for a lip cosmetic application system. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention may comprise a cosmetics application and storage device having a plurality of interconnected lip cosmetic items and attachments, such as but not limited to a lipstick, a lip liner, and lip balm. The single tube, which may be shorter or longer based on the number of attachments, is compact and can fit easily in an evening bag or pocket. To access the lipstick, in some embodiments, a user may remove the top member of the single tube, and then apply the lipstick if the user should so choose. The middle member of the single tube may contain the lip liner, while the bottom member may contain the lip balm. Various embodiments contemplate a wide variety of arrangements, however. While in use, the lipstick member and lip liner member can be twisted up to increase the exposed length and twisted down before the top is replaced on the lipstick or lip liner.

In some embodiments, the top member, or first cylinder member, may have a first end and a second end. The first end may have an opening through which the lipstick may extend. The second end may comprise a cavity. Relatedly, the middle member may also have a first end and a second end. The middle member's first end, however, may be configured to removably mate with the top member's bottom cavity, thereby connecting the top member and the middle member. The middle member's first end may also be configured as an opening through which a lip liner tip may extend. As well, the second end of the middle member may also have a cavity through which lip balm may be delivered. The remaining ends of the top member and the bottom member may be covered by a removable top cover and bottom cover, respectively. When all assembled, the top cover, the top member, the middle member, and the bottom cover may comprise a unified cylinder housing, at least, lipstick, lip liner, and lip balm.

The unique features of the present invention may provide the following benefits for one or more users: it may provide a convenient way to combine lipstick, lip liner, and lip balm into a single tube; its lip liner element may also be used as eyeliner; and it may provide an easier way to keep track of an entire lip cosmetic application system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying FIGURES where:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a cosmetics applicator and storage device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a new and more effective cosmetics applicator and storage device.

All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in the FIGURE(s) are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any embodiment or element of an embodiment disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intended use.

It is to be understood that the drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate potential embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, the first digit of each reference number indicates the FIGURE where the element first appears.

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Well-known features, elements or techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments.

Turning attention to FIG. 1, an exploded view of a cosmetics applicator and storage device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive cosmetics applicator and storage device 100, lipstick 101, lip liner 102, lip balm container 103, top cover 104, bottom cover 105, first casing 106, second casing 107, first connection extension 108, first connection reception 109, second connection extension 110, second connection reception 111, third connection extension 112, third connection reception 113, first member 114 and second member 115.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, cosmetics applicator and storage device 100 is shown as having two center members first member 114 and second member 115 flanked by two end caps top cover 104 and bottom cover 105. However, in some embodiments, the present invention may provide for two or more of first member 114, second member 115, or both. In such embodiments, one or more of first connection extension 108, first connection reception 109, second connection extension 110, second connection reception 111, third connection extension 112, and third connection reception 113 may be modified or substituted, as appropriate.

Lipstick 101, lip liner 102, lip balm container 103, may in some embodiments be produced in commercially-available sizes, colors, materials, finishes, compositions, weight-percents, and so forth, in non-renewable or non-refillable form. In other embodiments, however, the present invention may provide that one or more of lipstick 101, lip liner 102, lip balm container 103 may in fact be configured to receive refillable or renewable amounts of lipstick 101, lip liner 102, lip balm container 103. For example, in some embodiments, the present invention may provide that lipstick 101 is a pre-filled lipstick. In other embodiments, lipstick 101 may instead be a cavity or container into which a user may pour a liquid lipstick composition, which may then cool and harden, yielding a usable refilled lipstick within lipstick 101. Similar processes, whereby refillable compositions may be inserted into the present invention, is contemplated for lip liner 102, lip balm container 103.

In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for one or more cosmetics in addition to or in substitution for lipstick 101, lip liner 102, lip balm container 103. For example, a lip balm stick could substitute for lipstick 101, an eye pencil could substitute for lip liner 102, or a brush such as a blush brush could conceivably substitute for lip balm 103. It is contemplated however, that any cosmetic capable of being carried and/or applied in conjunction with cosmetics applicator and storage device 100 could be practiced with the present invention, such as a mirror attachment, a powder attachment, an illumination element, a cream dispenser or tube, a spray or spray bottle, or any other cosmetic or cosmetic element.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, cosmetics applicator and storage device 100 is depicted as uniformly cylindrical, wherein such elements as, but not limited to, top cover 104, bottom cover 105, first casing 106, second casing 107, first member 114 and second member 115 together form a longer or shorter cylinder based on which connections are made between the members. In other embodiments, however, any shape is contemplated, including but not limited to an elongated brick-shape, a sphere, a surfboard shape, or a branching-tree shape. In some embodiments, cosmetics applicator and storage device 100 or one or more elements of the present invention may be shaped as an identifiable object, such as a butterfly or a rainbow.

Top cover 104 and bottom cover 105 are shown as hollow caps in FIG. 1, but either or both may be any size or shape cap or cover known in the art. In some embodiments, the exterior of top cover 104 and/or bottom cover 105 may be bedazzled, have one or more mirrors disposed on it, be connected to one or more chains or tethers, or have any element or take any shape known in the art of caps. In some embodiments, top cover 104 and/or bottom cover 105 may be of any shape known in the art, such as but not limited to a pyramid, mushroom, or cube, or any identifiable object, person, animal, shape, or element.

In some embodiments, first casing 106 and second casing 107 may be metal, plastic, ceramic, a combination of materials, or any other element known in the art. Additionally, either or both of first casing 106 and second casing 107 may be longer, shorter, thicker or thinner than shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the exteriors of one or both of first casing 106 and second casing 107 may be perforated, ornamented, or may have one or more elements disposed on them, such as LED lights or design. Relatedly, the interiors of one or both of first casing 106 and second casing 107 may be lined in any material known in the art to house or contain cosmetics.

FIG. 1 shows first connection extension 108 and first connection reception 109 as a mated pair wherein the contours of first connection extension 108 are designed to fit tightly with the contours of first connection reception 109. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, first connection extension 108 is an extension of first member 114 and first connection reception 109 is a cavity in the base of top 104. In some embodiments, like the one shown in FIG. 1, first connection extension 108 may be integral with first casing 106 and therefore also an extension of first casing 106.

Relatedly, in some embodiments, second connection extension 110 and second connection reception 111 may be configured to connect tightly together. Second connection extension 110 and third connection extension 112 may be extensions of either or both of second casing 107, in some embodiments extensions of second member 115, and in some embodiments, like the one shown in FIG. 1, of both. Third connection reception 113 may be a cavity disposed on the base of bottom 105.

In some embodiments, one or more of the pairs comprising first connection extension 108 and first connection reception 109, second connection extension 110 and second connection reception 111, and third connection extension 112 and third connection reception 113 may be configured to mate differently than generally disclosed in FIG. 1. For example, rather than a fit-based coupling, as shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments one or more pairs of first connection extension 108 and first connection reception 109, second connection extension 110 and second connection reception 111, and third connection extension 112 and third connection reception 113 may mate magnetically, via hook and loop fastener, by any type of fastener such as a snap or belt enclosure, or any other way of removably joining two elements known in the art.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that other versions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be illustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained in this disclosure.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112.

While the present invention has been disclosed in connection with a number of embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

Claims

1. A cosmetics applicator and storage device, comprising:

at least one first cylinder member having: a) a first member first end having a first member first end opening and a first member extension element; b) a first member second end having a first member second end opening; c) at least one first member exterior side, and d) a first member interior, wherein the first member interior is configured to open into the first member first end opening, and wherein the first member interior is configured to retain a lipstick; and e) a lipstick propulsion element disposed on the first member interior configured to push the lipstick towards the first member first end;

at least one second cylinder member having: a) a second member first end having a second member first end opening and a second member first end extension element configured to removably mate with the first member second end opening; b) a second member second end having a second member second end opening and a second member second end extension element; c) at least one second member exterior side; d) a second member first interior configured to retain a lip liner, wherein the second member first interior opens into the second member first end opening; and e) a second member second interior configured to open into the second member second interior opening, wherein the second member second interior is configured to retain a lip balm; f) a lip balm propulsion element disposed on the second member second interior, wherein the lip balm propulsion element is configured to push lip balm towards the second member second end;

a top cover having a top cover bottom cavity configured to mate with the first member extension element; and

a bottom cover having a bottom cover cavity configured to removably mate with the second member second end extension element.

2. The cosmetics applicator and storage device of claim 1, further comprising a dividing wall separating the second member first interior from the second member second interior.

3. The cosmetics applicator and storage device of claim 1, wherein the at least one first cylinder member is a first cylinder member and an additional first cylinder member, wherein the first member extension element of the additional first cylinder member is configured to removably mate with the first member second end opening of the first cylinder member.

4. The cosmetics applicator and storage device of claim 1, wherein the at least one second cylinder member is a second cylinder member and an additional second cylinder member, and wherein the second member second end extension element of the second cylinder member is configured to removably mate with the second member first end opening of the additional second cylinder member.

5. The cosmetics applicator and storage device of claim 1, wherein the first member extension element has a first member extension element circumference, wherein the at least one first member exterior side has a first member exterior side circumference, and wherein the first member extension element circumference is less than the first member exterior side circumference.

6. The cosmetics applicator and storage device of claim 1, wherein the second member first end extension element has a second member first end extension element circumference, wherein the at least one second member exterior side has a second member exterior side circumference, and wherein the second member first end extension element circumference is less than the second member exterior side circumference.

7. The cosmetics applicator and storage device of claim 1, wherein the second member second end extension element has a second member second end extension element circumference, wherein the at least one second member exterior side has a second member exterior side circumference, and wherein the second member second end extension element circumference is less than the second member exterior side circumference.