Makeup Touchup Applicator

Abstract

A makeup applicator for use by individuals to apply, touchup or reapply makeup, especially liquid or cream makeup, and further especially for use relating to lipstick, is disclosed. The compact makeup applicator is designed with at least two separable ends or covers, that may be used as an ergonomic base or support for optimal use of the makeup applicator. In one embodiment, one type of separable end may comprise a flexible balloon to contain a small amount of a liquid or cream makeup for use to touchup or reapply the makeup. In a storage configuration, the separable end snuggly attaches to the applicator base to cover the applicator brush or bristles. For normal usage, the separable end may be removed from the applicator base, exposing the applicator brush or bristles, and is attached to the other side of the applicator base to provide an ergonomic support or base extender.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of makeup applicator devices or makeup applicators as used in the application, reapplication, and/or touchup of liquid or cream makeup. More specifically the present invention relates to applicators and tools that allow users and makeup wearers to apply, touchup, and/or reapply liquid or cream makeup, especially lipstick. In further particularity, one embodiment of the present invention is a tubular makeup applicator that includes a base section; a brush or bristle element that is removably attached to the base section; a top, lid, or cap that, in a stored configuration covers the brush element, and, for normal usage is separated from one side of the base section, and then attached to the other side of the base section so that the top, lid, or cap is a support or handle for the makeup applicator.

BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Makeup users often find a need to touchup their makeup throughout the day, especially lipstick, and more so especially after makeup application by a makeup artist. Such needs to touchup or reapply makeup often occur most any time of the day or evening. That is, makeup may be smudged, smeared, or be inadvertently wiped off at inopportune times. Accordingly, having ready access to a makeup applicator that is compact, and allows for precise touchup, is an issue that has vexed most makeup wearers for years, and unfortunately has not to date been adequately addressed.

A key part of the problem is having ready access to a compact, but safe and precision applicator for touchup or reapplication. What is often needed is a soft and small applicator that is gentle to one's skin or lips for applying a small amount of makeup for touchup or reapplication, all contained in an apparatus that is very compact and ready to use anyplace, anytime. Based upon research, such a compact device has not been designed or commercialized.

Other devices and systems have been designed to address some of these problems and issues, however none appear to adequately resolve all the noted issues. Examples of prior devices and systems include several designed disclosed in U.S. patent applications and granted U.S. patents.

One example device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,986 for a Hygienic Applicator, issued to Lewis (the “'986 patent” or “Lewis”). The '986 patent describes and discloses a hygienic applicator having a combination of moist and/or dry swab end sections made of absorbent material. As disclosed in Lewis, the applicator is formed with two ends that are pre-moistened with a desired liquid, such as a medication, and then each end is pre-wrapped to maintain the liquid within the applicator end. Lewis also describes in a different embodiment, a dispenser 50 having a base section 70 that contains a desired liquid. The disclosed dispenser only provides a receptacle to hold the applicators within a base section containing a desired liquid. There are no other disclosures for any other features including having a compact applicator with a removable cover that provides both protection for the applicator and an ergonomic handle or support element.

A further device is shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/169,328 for a Cosmetic Correction Tool, submitted by Sneed (the “'328 application” or “Sneed”) and shows a cosmetic correction tool comprising a stick with a first and second end, which each end having an absorbent swab and a wiping layer covering the absorbent swab. There is no disclosure in Sneed for any type of applicator having a removable cover that is ergonomically formed and acts as both a cover during storage and a handle once assembled.

Accordingly, while certain designs and products have been created and commercialized to address some of these makeup application and reapplication problems, none appear to provide an acceptable comprehensive solution for makeup wearer needs. What is needed is a compact, easily stored, and easily used makeup application device that has the multiple utility of having a cover or lid be used as an ergonomic handle or support, along with a soft brush element for allowing ready application and touchup of a wearer's makeup. Such a device may also preferably include a flexible balloon element to house a small amount of liquid or cream makeup, including lipstick. In a further embodiment, the makeup application device may further include a small light emitting diode element to allow the user to reapply or touchup makeup without external light, and anywhere touchup may be necessary. Moreover, the makeup applicator should preferably be disposable, and be biodegradable or recyclable. Such an apparatus or makeup touchup device has not been created, disclosed, or used in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and fulfills the needs described above by providing a makeup application apparatus comprising a base element, a soft brush makeup application element, and a cover element that is both a cover for the soft brush makeup application element, in a storage configuration, and an ergonomic support or handle in an open and assembled configuration.

One preferred embodiment of the invention is a makeup application apparatus, comprising (a) a solid base section having a top side and bottom side; (b) a makeup applicator element attached to said top section of said solid base section; (c) a cover element wherein said cover element is removably attachable to said top side of said solid base section, and fully covers said makeup applicator element, and further wherein said cover element is removably attachable to said bottom side of said solid base section to form a handle section of said makeup application apparatus.

Another embodiment of the invention is a makeup application apparatus, comprising (a) a solid base section having a top side and bottom side; (b) a makeup applicator element attached to said top section of said solid base section; (c) a cover element wherein said cover element is removably attachable to said top side of said solid base section, and fully covers said makeup applicator element, and further wherein said cover element is removably attachable to said bottom side of said solid base section to form a handle section of said makeup application apparatus; and the makeup application apparatus further comprising a light element incorporated into said top side of said solid base section, and further comprising an energy storage device housed within said solid base section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

To more easily identify particular elements as described in the below detailed description, consistent reference numbers are used in the attached figures as the specification's figures are listed below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus in a fully stored configuration having a tubular shape.

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus in a fully open and assembled configuration having a tubular shape.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus showing the top or lid separated from the base section and exposing the brush element.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus showing the top or lid positioned to attach to the base section and become a support or handle for the makeup application apparatus.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus solid base section showing the press fit aspect of the top side and bottom side of the solid base section.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus solid base section showing the threads for a screw-on aspect of the top side and bottom side of the solid base section.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus solid base section showing the quarter-turn/detent aspect of the top side and bottom side of the solid base section.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus showing the top or lid positioned to attach to the base section with the lid being a support handle and incorporating a flexible balloon element to house liquid or cream makeup.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus showing a lighting element incorporated within the top section of the solid base section.

FIG. 8A is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus cover element having a square cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 8B is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus cover element having a pentagon cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 8C is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus cover element having a hexagon cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 8D is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus cover element having an octagon cross-sectional shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

An innovative compact makeup applicator for use by individuals to apply, touchup and/or reapply makeup at any time, and in any location, is disclosed. The makeup applicator is designed to be a compact, easily stored apparatus that can be readily placed within a pocket, a purse, and/or a briefcase, to allow use in most any location, at most any time.

In one embodiment, the compact makeup applicator may include a single cover or end that is removable from one side of a base element, and then be attachable to another side of the base element to act as a support or handle for the makeup applicator. In another embodiment, the compact makeup applicator may include at least two separable ends or covers, one of which may be used as an ergonomic base or support for optimal use of the makeup applicator, and a second of which may comprise a flexible balloon to contain a small amount of a liquid or cream makeup for use to touchup or reapply the makeup.

In more particularity, and as shown in certain preferred embodiments in FIGS. 1 through 7, the makeup applicator 10 comprises three primary elements. Those elements are a solid base section 20, a makeup application element 30 that is attached to the solid base section 20, and a cover element 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the cover element 40 is designed to removably attach to one side of the solid base section 20, thereby covering and protecting the makeup application element 30 when the makeup applicator 10 is in a storage configuration. For normal usage and assembly, the cover element 40 may be quickly detached or separated from the solid base section 20, thereby exposing the makeup application element 30, and then be removably attached to the opposite side of the solid base section 20, thereby transforming the cover element 40 into a support or handle for the makeup applicator 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 7, and in further detail shown for specific embodiments, the makeup applicator 10 may be formed in a general tubular shape, similar to a lipstick tube. As noted, for each embodiment of the makeup applicator 10, a core element is the solid base section 20. Both of the makeup application element 30 and cover 40 are attached or are attachable to the solid base section 20. The makeup application element 30 may be integrally manufactured as part of or attached to the solid base section 20, or the makeup application element 30 may be removably attached to the solid base section 20. The former, integral attachment embodiment, would be applicable where the makeup applicator 10 is designed for one-time usage and would be disposable after each use. The latter, removable attachment of the makeup application element 30 to the solid base section 20 is applicable where the makeup applicator 10, as a whole, is designed for multiple uses, and where the makeup application element 30 is replaceable and disposable after each use.

A core aspect of the makeup applicator 10 is the multiple utility of the cover element 40. As noted, the cover element 40 in the stored configuration covers and protects the makeup application element 30 and solidly attaches to a top side 21 of the solid base section 20. Once removed from the top side of the solid base section 20, the cover element 40 may be attached to the bottom side 22 of the solid base section. In this assembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, the cover element 40 now provides a handle or support for the makeup applicator 10.

As a handle or support, the cover element 40 may be ergonomically formed with one or more finger or thumb indentations to provide the user with a natural and comfortable way to hold the cover element 40 and makeup applicator 10. Such finger and thumb indentations or cavities 41 may also include a plurality of little bumps to provide the user with increased control and retention of the makeup applicator.

In another embodiment, the cover element 10 may include a flexible balloon end 45 as shown in FIG. 6. The flexible balloon end 45 incorporated into the cover element 10 allows a user to store and have ready for use, a small amount of desired liquid or cream makeup with the makeup applicator 10. The liquid or cream makeup stored in the flexible balloon end 45 may be dispensed or squeezed out of the flexible balloon end when and where the user desires.

In different embodiments, the cover element 40 may be attached to the solid base section 20 using varied physical connection mechanisms. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5A, the cover element 40 may connect to either side of the solid base section 20 by a press fit mechanism. Alternatively, for a more resilient connection means, the cover element 40 may screw onto either side of the solid base section 20 as shown in FIG. 5B. In still a further embodiment, the cover element 40 may connect to either side of the solid base section 20 by a quarter turn mechanism with a locking type detent at the extreme of the quarter turn as shown in FIG. 5C. Other equally effective connecting mechanisms may be incorporated into the solid base section 20 and cover element 40, especially where manufacturing methods, such as injection molding provide for more efficient and less costly manufacturing.

In addition to a tubular shape as shown in FIGS. 1 through 7, the cover element 40, as well as the solid base section 20 may be formed having cross-sectional shapes other than a circle. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A through 8D, the cover element 40 and/or the solid base section 20 may be formed as a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, or any other polygon-type shape. Such different cross-sectional shapes for the cover element 40 may also incorporate the above noted ergonomic features to provide improved ease of use for makeup wearers.

In certain preferred embodiments, one or both of the solid base section 20 and the cover element 40 may be manufactured using a biodegradable and recyclable material that allows for easy disposal of the makeup applicator 10 after use, in any recycle container or at any recycle facility. In other embodiments, one or both of the solid base section 20 and the cover element 40 may be partially or fully manufactured using a resilient thermoplastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or polycarbonate. Through use of such thermoplastic materials, a blow-molding manufacturing process may be used to rapidly and repeatedly fabricate the makeup applicator 10 to any desired shape or size.

Alternatively, the solid base section 20 and cover element 40 may be manufactured from a lightweight metal such as aluminum. For durability reasons, especially given that the makeup applicator 10 may often be stored in a purse or pocketbook with a multitude of other items, including keys, cellphones, glasses cases and such, having the case manufactured from a resilient or rigid material could be beneficial to prevent damage to the makeup applicator 10.

In some preferred embodiments, the makeup application element 30 may be manufactured using biodegradable materials and/or hypoallergenic and/or naturally hypoallergenic materials to ensure safe use for the makeup wearer. As described above, the makeup application element 30 should be manufactured from a relatively soft material, such as a textile, so that contact with a user's skin or lips is not harsh, uncomfortable, or easily scratched. Examples of biodegradable textiles from which the makeup application element 30 could be manufactured include cotton, jute, or even hemp. With the makeup application element 30 being manufactured from biodegradable and recyclable materials, disposal of used application elements 30, and replacement with a new makeup application element 30 is available.

In addition to the makeup application element 30 being manufactured from soft biodegradable textiles, the makeup application element 30 may also be manufactured from soft and hydrophilic materials that can readily absorbed the liquid or cream makeup into the makeup application element 30 either for touchup, or removal of makeup from the user. An example of such a hydrophilic material is again, cotton, which is recognized as being gentle to one's facial skin. In one embodiment, the makeup application element 30 could be a soft textile having a plurality of short bristles to ensure comfortable use even if a user has very sensitive skin.

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, an additional feature and utility for the user is the incorporation of a light elements 50. Such a light element 50 may provide light so that the user can more clearly see the facial areas to be cleaned or touched up even if there is no or limited external or ambient light. For such an embodiment, the light element 50 could be powered by one or more batteries 51 housed in the solid base section 20 as shown in FIG. 7. For power efficiency reasons, the light element 50 may be a light emitting diode (“LED”). Light elements 50 other than LEDs may alternatively be used, including traditional smaller sized incandescent bulbs.

While several preferred embodiments and features of the inventive makeup applicator apparatus 10 have been described and disclosed, in particular with reference to certain figures and drawings showing certain exemplary embodiments, such exemplary configurations and designs shown are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the inventive apparatus. For example, as described above, the makeup applicator apparatus 10 may be configured as a tubular shape or in a hexagon, octagon, or most any polygon shape, an may alternatively be manufactured from materials, or in different sizes. Moreover, the cover element 40 may be designed having different ergonomic shapes or ergonomic indentations or finger hold points. All such alternate embodiments are believed to be within the scope of the inventive design and the below claims.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that other modifications, substitutions, and/or other applications are possible and all such modifications, substitutions and applications are within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. It is likewise understood that the above disclosure and attached claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, and/or applications.

Claims

1. A makeup application apparatus, comprising:

a solid base section having a top side and bottom side;

a makeup applicator element attached to said top section of said solid base section;

a cover element wherein said cover element is removably attachable to said top side of said solid base section, and fully covers said makeup applicator element, and further wherein said cover element is removably attachable to said bottom side of said solid base section to form a handle section of said makeup application apparatus.

2. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said makeup applicator element is a textile material comprising a plurality of short bristles.

3. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said makeup applicator element is removable and disposable.

4. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said makeup applicator element manufactured from a natural hypoallergenic material.

5. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said solid base section further comprises screw threads on said top side and bottom side, and wherein said cover element further comprises screw threads that engage said solid base section screw threads.

6. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said solid base section further comprises a quarter turn detent mechanism incorporated into said solid base section top side and bottom side, and wherein said cover element further comprised a quarter turn detent mechanism to rigidly engage said solid base section quarter turn detent mechanisms.

7. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said solid base section further comprises a press fit detent mechanism incorporated into said solid base section top side and bottom side, and wherein said cover element further comprised a compatible press fit detent mechanism to rigidly engage said solid base section press fit detent mechanisms.

8. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover element further comprises at one end an expandable balloon section to house flowable makeup.

9. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover element is ergonomically shaped with thumb and fore-finger indentations.

10. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover element has a tubular shape.

11. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover element has a cross-sectional shape of a hexagon.

12. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover element has a cross-sectional shape of a polygon.

13. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said makeup application apparatus is fully disposable.

14. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said makeup applicator element is manufactured from biodegradable materials.

15. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light element incorporated into said top side of said solid base section, and further comprising an energy storage device housed within said solid base section.

16. The makeup application apparatus of claim 15, wherein said light element is a light emitting diode.

17. The makeup application apparatus of claim 15, wherein said energy storage device is a miniature battery.