Abstract: A composition for stimulating eyebrow growth is provided. The composition includes about black Jamaican oil with lavender, about one tablespoon and about a half teaspoon raw cacao powder, about one tablespoon raw shea butter, about one tablespoon yellow beeswax, and about one tablespoon cedarwood oil. The composition may be formed in a solid form and is used as a stick. The stick may be used as a lipstick or eyebrow applicator.

Abstract: Battery parts, such as battery terminals, and associated systems and methods for making the same are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a battery part includes a body having a base portion and a lug portion extending from the base portion. The battery part can further include a light-curable sealing material at least partially covering an exterior surface of the base portion. The sealing material is configured to seal an interface between the battery part and the material of a battery container when the base portion is embedded in the battery container material.

Abstract: A content dispensing package apparatus is provided. The content dispensing package apparatus can be configured to elevate contents for immediate dispensing to the user, the user able to raise the contents from outside an outer container. For example, a container for dispensing edible contents can include a first container portion, a second container portion configured to move between a first position and a second position, and a tab coupled to the second container portion. The tab can be accessible from the outside of the container and used to move the second container.

Abstract: A chalk stick holder device having a handle portion, a hollow central tube portion, and a gripper portion. The three portions can be joined together to form a long-reaching chalk stick holder for drawing on surfaces while the user remains standing. The gripper portion includes a spring-action receiver for receiving a chalk stick and securing the chalk stick within the gripper end using a locking tooth. Upon pressing the locking tooth, the receiver releases the chalk stick, which can then be replaced with another color of chalk stick stored in the hollow central tube portion.

Abstract: A marking implement comprises a main body (2) for housing a marking element (3) that is movable by sliding therein; the main body (2) comprises a broad grip portion (4) and an elongated neck (5) axially contiguous to the grip portion (4); a mechanism for sliding (7) said marking element (3), a protective cap (6) housing the neck (5) completely therein and the broad grip portion (4) at least partially. The sliding mechanism (7) comprises a movement slider (8) that is slidable axially and in a controlled manner along the main housing body (2) so as to guide the advancement and retraction of the marking element (3).

Abstract: A collapsible writing instrument including a first plate pair consisting of lateral and oppositely lateral plates having upper and lower ends; a first hinge interconnecting the lateral and oppositely plates' lower ends; a second plate pair consisting of an upper lateral plate and lower lateral plate having proximal and distal ends; second hinge interconnecting the lateral plate's upper end and the lower lateral plate's proximal end; a third hinge interconnecting the upper and lower lateral plates' distal ends; a third plate pair consisting of an upper oppositely lateral plate and a lower oppositely lateral plate having proximal and distal ends; a fourth hinge interconnecting the oppositely lateral plate's upper end and the lower oppositely lateral plate's proximal end; a fifth hinge interconnecting the upper and lower lateral plates' distal ends; and a pen cartridge attached to the upper lateral and upper oppositely lateral plates' proximal ends.

Abstract: A mechanical pencil having a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis between a rear-end which has a first opening and a front-end which has a second opening, a lead that can move out through the second opening and a mechanism for advancing the lead arranged within the tubular body. The advancing mechanism includes a pushing device adapted to slide parallel to the longitudinal axis, a chuck located at the front end side of the tubular body and which could be tightened onto the lead in a tightened position; a reservoir which extends along the longitudinal axis for housing at least one lead, wherein the tubular body has an annular wall for pushing device retention at the rear end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a telescopic chalk holder for drawing upon a drawing surface and including an outer cylinder having a tip at one end, a chalk stick received within the outer cylinder, the tip in radial receipt of the chalk stick, a push rod received by a second end of the outer cylinder and extending at least a portion of the chalk stick through the tip, and a push rod providing pressure to the chalk stick as the tip is manipulated over the drawing surface.

Abstract: A container includes a housing, a container body mounted in the housing and having an inner portion provided with a receiving chamber and a pusher movably mounted in the receiving chamber and having a surface provided with an outlet hole connected to the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber has a bottom wall provided with a stop portion. The pusher has a bottom wall provided with a pressing portion that is movable to closely abut the stop portion. Thus, the pressing portion can be moved to closely abut the stop portion so as to completely squeeze the cosmetic filling outwardly from the outlet hole and to prevent part of the cosmetic filling from being left in the receiving chamber so that the user can use the cosmetic filling to the maximum extent.

Abstract: A device for packaging and/or applying a cosmetic or care product includes a hollow body forming a housing for the product, a base adapted to support the product and a driving arrangement or means for moving the base in translation so as to vary the volume of the housing. In a disclosed example, the driving arrangement or means includes an actuating member mounted movably in rotation about a shaft and able to be moved along the hollow body that is fixedly attached to the base. The actuating member includes at least one portion forming alternatively a stress surface configured to be put under stress by manual contact and an actuating surface configured to be in engagement along the hollow body.

Abstract: A consumer product comprising packaging including a product chamber and an outer jacket at least partially surrounding the product chamber; and an antiperspirant composition disposed within the product chamber, wherein the composition exhibits an average standard deviation of less than or equal to about 5 of penetration peak force measurements taken in accordance with a penetration test method as defined herein.

Abstract: A packaging and application device for a cosmetic product. The device may include a platform, a tube forming a housing for the product and a driving mechanism for translational movement of the platform in the tube. The movement of the platform allows dispensing of product via a dispensing opening in the tube. A side wall of the tube includes an inner cross-section having an inwards-concave portion and an inwards-convex portion. The tube is arranged in a base having an outwards-convex outer cross-section.

Abstract: A cosmetic film dispenser includes a body held by a user and an actuator housed in the body and used in coordination with a film for delivering a dispensed agent. The actuator includes a supply reel for holding film and a take-up reel for receiving the film. An arm engages the take-up reel to advance the film and a tip at an end of the arm places the film in proximity to the user. Novel films are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for packaging and/or applying a cosmetic or care product includes a hollow body forming a housing for the product, a base adapted to support the product and a driving arrangement or means for moving the base in translation so as to vary the volume of the housing. In a disclosed example, the driving arrangement or means includes an actuating member mounted movably in rotation about a shaft and able to be moved along the hollow body that is fixedly attached to the base. The actuating member includes at least one portion forming alternatively a stress surface configured to be put under stress by manual contact and an actuating surface configured to be in engagement along the hollow body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser stick (1) for storing and applying a pasty gradually removable stick compound from a cosmetic or otherwise product, such as for example a deodorant stick or glue stick. Said dispenser stick is provided with a cylindrical housing (1?) comprising an upper dispensing opening, a closure cap (2) that hermetically seals the dispensing opening via a sealing lip (5), and a feeding plunger (7) that can be axially displaced inside the housing (1?). The dispenser stick (1) is characterized in that the feeding plunger (9) can only be displaced towards the dispensing opening and is blocked in the opposite direction and in that the closure cap (2) is configured as a double-walled structure that has an interior cap (3) that can be axially displaced relative to the closure cap (2).

Abstract: A butterer for dispensing butter to hot corn on the cob. The butterer includes a body with a chamber that is filled with butter. The body also has salt and pepper dispensers. The body is ovate in cross section and shaped to conform to the hand of a user. A mechanical advantage pusher having a plunger is positioned over the butter in the chamber and allows a user to urge butter through the chamber. A lower grill resists direct contact of semisolid butter with the corn, but transfers heat from the corn and allows melted butter to pass to the corn. A stand and storage tray supports the butterer during non use and allows storage with butter therein in a refrigerator.

Abstract: A writing instrument that includes a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis between a rear end and a front end provided with an opening through which a writing tip is capable of protruding, a lateral button having at least one actuation face oriented radially outward and at least one first cam arranged inside the body, and a writing tip advancing mechanism that include a movable member movable in a longitudinal direction in the body. The movable member includes at least a first ramp inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, the lateral button is capable of remaining in a rest position in which the first cam is facing the first ramp, and the lateral button is capable of making a first tilting movement toward the inside of the body during which the first cam interacts with the first ramp and the movable member makes a first movement.

Abstract: A packaging and application device for a cosmetic product. The device may include a platform, a tube forming a housing for the product and a driving mechanism for translational movement of the platform in the tube. The movement of the platform allows dispensing of product via a dispensing opening in the tube. A side wall of the tube includes an inner cross-section having an inwards-concave portion and an inwards-convex portion. The tube is arranged in a base having an outwards-convex outer cross-section.

Abstract: A writing instrument is capable of functioning both as an automatic mechanical pencil and as a shaking-type mechanical pencil. The writing instrument has a barrel cylinder constituted by a front cylinder detachably connected to a rear cylinder. A slider is disposed at the front end of the barrel cylinder, and a lead chuck, such as a ball chuck, is disposed rearwardly of the slider. A slider spring urges the slider forward and urges the lead chuck rearward. A lead reservoir is movably disposed rearwardly of the lead chuck. Around the outer periphery of the lead reservoir, a weight is disposed to undergo back-and-forth movement in an axial direction. On the outer periphery of the lead reservoir is disposed a weight-receiving cylinder against which the rear end of the weight abuts when the writing instrument is shaken. A knocking spring urges the weight-receiving cylinder forward and urges the lead reservoir rearward.

Abstract: An advancing/retracting mechanism having a pair of cams is disclosed. The advancing/retracting mechanism includes a first cam, a second cam, and a barrel. The first cam includes an angled surface and a shoe, and the second cam includes an angled surface and a slider. The shoe engages with a helical surface in the barrel, and the slider engages with a straight surface in the barrel. The first cam travels a first distance along the longitudinal axis of the barrel from a first to a second state, and the second cam travels a second distance that is greater then the first distance along the longitudinal axis of the barrel from the first to the second state.

Abstract: An applicator device in which a product is held within a recess at least partially defined by a support and a lateral enclosure which is slidably mounted on the support. The lateral enclosure includes at least one opening at an end opposite to the support such that as the lateral enclosure is moved relative to the support the product is progressively exposed. Where the product is a solid or stick form, the opening of the lateral enclosure can be provided across the entire cross-section of the lateral enclosure. Where the product is a semi-solid or a viscous liquid, such as a gel, a plurality of openings can be provided, with the product urged through the plurality of openings as the lateral enclosure is moved relative to the support.

Abstract: A type of writing apparatus. The writing apparatus is a modified crayon that includes an attached eraser and has an outer plastic sleeve that serves as the gripping mechanism when in use. An individual can rotate the attached eraser and expel the crayon slowly out of the open of the plastic sleeve as the crayon is used up. In addition, the crayon itself has incorporated metallic additives, sparkling additives, and various scents.

Abstract: An improved lip product applicator for applying a pasty or semi soft lip product to a user's lips comprising a body is described. The body has a product reservoir extending therefrom. The product reservoir is generally hollow and has a tip extending from an end of the reservoir opposite the body. The reservoir has a means for discharging product contained therein through an orifice in said tip. The tip is made of a clear material that permits the user to view the color of the product contained therein. The tip is also tapered and retains its tapered shape as lip product is applied to a user's lips.

Abstract: An applicator assembly may comprise a product comprising a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, wherein the first end portion comprises a first portion surface. The assembly may further comprise at least one application member surrounding at least part of the product, wherein the application member comprises an application face. The assembly may also comprise an actuatable product holder movable relative to the application member, the second end portion of the product being held by the product holder. The assembly may be configured such that, in the absence of actuation of the product holder, the first portion surface is disposed in a first position located substantially level with or below the application face. The assembly may further be configured such that actuation of the product holder causes the first portion surface to be moved to at least a second position relative to application face.

Abstract: A combination solid material storage container and applicator assembly for solid materials, such as surf board wax, is disclosed. The assembly includes a symmetrical storage container member, which has an open top end, an open bottom end, and an interior surface. A pusher member is positioned inside the container member and includes a sealing lip portion, which provides a continuous seal between the pusher member and the container member interior surface. The pusher member supports a slug of solid material within the container member. An applicator cap member is releasably secured to the open top end of the container member. The cap member includes a blade portion with a scraper edge and a comb edge. The blade portion is used for manipulating the solid material once applied to a surface.

Abstract: A writing tool provided with enhanced and having a plurality of buttons arranged on lateral sides of the writing tool, whereby choice of raw materials for the tool are not limited and the writing tool has an improved endurance and productivity as they can be made of materials with excellent properties required in injection molding.

Abstract: A safety chalk holder consisting of a chalk holding member received within the bore of a housing, a closed end of the chalk holding member projecting from one end of the housing, a collet end of the holder projectable into and out of the other end of the housing, a chalk receivable into the holder having a cross section dimensioned to cooperate with the collet such that when the collet end of the holder is positioned exterior of the housing, the chalk can be freely received within the collet, spring means urging the collet to be withdrawn into the housing, the collet effective to engage the housing to reduce the dimension of the collet to grasp the chalk as the collet is drawn into the holder, the holder and housing having a locked together connection permitting limited movement of the holder with respect to the housing, but preventing withdrawal of the entirety of the holder from the housing, and a child-proof cap closing the collet projecting end of the housing.

Abstract: A side knocking-type writing instrument has a barrel having a longitudinal axis, a front end, and a rear end. A sliding member is disposed in the barrel for undergoing forward and rearward sliding movement along the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The sliding member has a shoulder comprised of a generally L-shaped side wall having a first wall portion extending along the longitudinal axis and a second wall portion extending transversely to the longitudinal axis. A knocking member undergoes pivotal movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the barrel about a fulcrum point disposed at a rear portion of the knocking member. The knocking member has a pressing portion disposed at a front portion thereof. A linking pawl is disposed between the knocking member and the sliding member for undergoing pivotal movement therebetween and axial movement along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A mechanical pencil and/or pen and method for operating a mechanical pencil and/or pen is provided. The mechanical pencil includes a barrel, a lead chamber, a first pressure actuator, an eraser chamber, and a second pressure actuator. The first pressure actuator is situated on the outer surface and is coupled to the lead chamber. The lead chamber holds the lead and pressing the first pressure actuator advances the lead chamber causing the lead to advance. The second pressure actuator is situated on the outer surface and is coupled to the eraser chamber. The eraser chamber holds the eraser and pressing the second pressure actuator advances the eraser chamber causing the eraser to advance. A pen including a barrel, a pen chamber, an eraser chamber, and an eraser pressure actuator is also provided. The barrel includes a pen-end, an eraser-end, and an outer surface. The pen chamber is situated in the pen-end and holds the pen. The eraser chamber is situated in the eraser-end and holds an eraser.

Abstract: An improved lip product applicator for applying a pasty or semi soft lip product to a user's lips comprising a body is described. The body has a product reservoir extending therefrom. The product reservoir is generally hollow and has a tip extending from an end of the reservoir opposite the body. The reservoir has a means for discharging product contained therein through an orifice in said tip. The tip is made of a clear material that permits the user to view the color of the product contained therein. The tip is also tapered and retains its tapered shape as lip product is applied to a user's lips.

Abstract: A makeup pencil is made variable in length by use of rack shafts and a pinion. The pencil has three housings which interact to extend the brush when in use. The brush is projected out of one of the housings through a through-hole. The pencil structure has a flexible piece which seals the inside of the pencil over the through-hole when the pencil is not being used in order to prevent penetration of foreign materials in the air such as powder and dust into the pencil.

Abstract: A stick projecting device has a barrel as a case body comprising a front barrel and a rear barrel both of which are configured rotatably with regard to each other. A piston rod oval in section, having uncontinuous male thread portions is slidably fitted in the barrel. A driver having a female thread portion in mesh with the male thread portions is provided in the front barrel. A locking member that prevents the piston rod from turning is secured to the front barrel at a position forwardly of the driver. An inner cylinder is movably provided in the front barrel and the tip of the inner cylinder is able to be in abutment with a part of the front interior of the front barrel. A part of a stick that has been projected from the opening of the tip of the front barrel can be restored in the front barrel by a reverse turning operation of the rear barrel.

Abstract: A main body of a container for a prepared article is comprised of a housing, an inner frame member, an operative member and an operating knob. The inner frame member is provided with a guiding projection at its lower part, and the operative member is provided with a holder for the prepared article at one end thereof. The operative member is inserted into the inner frame member, is drawn out at the bottom of the inner frame member with the holder left inside the inner frame member, and is folded in U-shaped along the guiding projection. In this state, the operative member is inserted together with the inner frame member into the housing through an opening at the leading end of the housing. The operative member is assembled into the housing in this way. The operating knob is mounted on the operative member via a slit from the outside of the housing.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing a product comprises an exterior top surface, an exterior sidewall, and a base. The applicator has a chamber which constitutes a reservoir for holding the product to be dispensed. The reservoir has top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall. The applicator has an orifice for dispensing product, and the orifice connects the top surface to the top wall. The chamber has a disk capable of traveling through the chamber forcing product through the orifice as it travels through the chamber. The disk has a product contact surface that contacts a major portion of the top surface when the travel of the disk is complete so that product remaining in the chamber is minimized.

Abstract: A refillable cosmetic powder dispenser is provided for use with a retractable cosmetic powder brush. The refillable cosmetic powder dispenser includes a scoop refiller, a scoop refiller cap, a brush adapter, and a center rotational mechanism connecting the scoop refiner and the brush adapter, Both scoop refiller and brush adapter have one closed end having a plurality of spaced openings, which can be aligned for dispensing powder by manual rotation through the center rotational mechanism. The scoop refiller has an open end with an inclined opening in a scoop like shape for convenient refill of cosmetic powder. Additionally, the refillable cosmetic powder dispenser can further have a mirror on top of the scoop refiller cap for cosmetic applications. The refillable cosmetic powder dispenser can be assembled with a retractable cosmetic powder brush as a refillable cosmetic powder applicator.

Abstract: A lipstick case includes a tubular housing, a connecting sleeve fitted within the tubular housing and having an upper end extending out of the tubular housing, a cap engageable with an upper end of the connecting sleeve, a core movably mounted within the connecting sleeve and having a chamber for receiving a lipstick, the core having a downwardly extending member, a supporting bracket disposed within the tubular housing and provided with two vertical members, a hand wheel rotatably arranged between the two vertical members and formed with two gears at two sides thereof, and a toothed rack fixedly mounted on an inner side of the downwardly extending member of the core and meshed with one of the gears of the hand wheel.

Abstract: An adjustable holder is disclosed for holding a marking material, such as a crayon, comprising an elongated housing with first and second end portions, a hollow cylindrical cavity for housing marking material and a centerline therethrough. A tubular interior portion having a threaded inner bore and an outer wall is coaxially positioned within the housing cavity. A collar adjacent to the first end portion is attached to the housing, rotatable about the centerline. The collar has a hole for insertion of the crayon therethrough. There is provided a device for advancing the tip of the crayon along the longitudinal centerline within the housing. A receptacle portion is coaxially positioned within the tubular interior portion for retentively receiving one end of the crayon. The crayon is rotated by rotation of the collar, which cooperate to linearly traverse the receptacle portion within the tube threaded bore along the centerline.

Abstract: A case for accommodating a stick-type cosmetic preparation including a main body defining an opening into a bore portion thereof. A sleeve is provided which is formed to receive at least a protruding end portion of the stick-type cosmetic preparation therein. The sleeve is further formed for receipt in the main body bore portion in a manner freely protrudable therefrom. A support member cooperates with the sleeve to support a lower portion of the stick-type cosmetic preparation. The case further includes a cover member pivotally attached to the main body through a hinge to freely open and close the main body about a hinge axis. An operation member is slidably disposed on the main body along a path on of the main body. The hinge is positioned along the main body such that the hinge axis substantially intersects the path upon which the operation member is slid on the main body.

Abstract: A dispenser for a solid or soft solid mass has a barrel, a piston within the barrel, and a mechanism for advancing the piston axially within the barrel including a rotor wheel. A boss having an inwardly tapered profile (tear drop) and a sump dimensioned to receive the boss seats the rotor wheel at a predetermined angular position relative to the barrel. The boss is preferably formed on the rotor wheel and the sump in the base of the barrel. The dispenser is provided with a pair of bosses and sumps, symmetrically arranged around the rotor wheel and barrel base.

Abstract: A masking member including a substance provided to be deposited onto a surface in order to mask the latter, and protect it from outer affection, the substance being provided to be deposited as an easily releasable film on said surface by being brushed against said surface.

Abstract: A cosmetic dispenser having a decorative shell, and a cap which normally snap fittingly engages the upper portion of the body. Interiorly there is a spline tube having a pair of opposed vertical tracks terminating in an upper catch and a lower catch. A riser cup is provided with a plurality of circumferentially downwardly spaced legs which deflect outwardly to resiliently engage the interior portion of the spline tube. A relaxation taper at the lower portion of the spline tube receives the depending legs from the riser cup and thereby lets them expand to a relaxed condition in which condition they will retain their set. At the opposed portion of the motion, when the cup is near the top, provision is made for windows which are short vertical slots in the cup and in coordinated relationship with the helical track so that at the upper portion of its motion the helical cup legs rest either in the vertical track of the spline tube or in the windows.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing device for a doughy cosmetic includes a tubular container, a holder for the cosmetic and a rear cap. The holder includes a front cup for holding the cosmetic and a rear, externally threaded portion which interacts with an internally threaded portion of the container. The rear cap is coupled to the holder such that rotating the rear cap rotates the holder, resulting in forward motion to dispense the cosmetic or rearward motion to store the cosmetic.

Abstract: A lipstick case includes an inner tubular member having an intermediate portion formed with two opposite Z-shaped slots. The inner tubular member has an upper end having a spherical portion on which are formed a pair of grooves. Each groove first extends slantwise from an upper edge to a lower edge and then extends horizontally along the surface of the lower edge. A pair of curved covers have a shape of a quarter of a sphere and a projection fitted in a respective one of the grooves. An intermediate tubular member is formed with a spiral groove and a flange close to a lower end of the intermediate tubular member. A tubular seat has an open top through which a lipstick is fitted therein, the tubular seat having a protuberance extending through the Z-shaped slot into the spiral groove. A rotatable base is rotatably fitted in a lower end of the intermediate tubular member and has a plurality of projections engaged with the holes of the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A shaped crystalline deodorant is made from mixture of a mineral salt and water which is heated above the melting point of the salt, placed in a mold having the desired shape, and crystalized after insertion of an internally threaded member into the mixture. The deodorant has an oval cross-sectional shape with the insert imbedded therewithin and is secured into a container. The container includes a threaded stem attached to the container for rotational movement which is translated to axial movement of the deodorant with respect to the container. The threaded stem cooperates with the internally threaded insert to allow the crystallized deodorant to be moved up or down within the container by rotating the threaded stem.

Abstract: A method of applying an athletic mat to a base surface comprises the steps of spreading a layer of rubber particles on the base surface. Although there may be some preparation (e.g., cleaning, material removal, etc.) of the base surface before the first layer of rubber particles is spread thereon, the first layer of rubber particles is applied without the necessity of a tack coating or primer layer. A first layer of binder is applied over the previously spread layer of rubber particles, with the binder having a viscosity to at least partially permeate through the layer of rubber particles. Accordingly, the first layer of rubber particles is bonded to the underlying surface when the first layer of binder dries. A separate, second layer of binder is applied over the first layer of binder preferably while the latter is still wet.

Abstract: A lipstick structure includes an elongated tubular body having a front open to receive therein a stick holder with a lipstick mounted thereon. A longitudinal slit is formed on the tubular body and extending from the front open end to a middle point of the tubular body along the length thereof and a longitudinal slot is also formed on the tubular body and extending from the terminated point of the slit toward the rear end of the tubular body, the slot having a width greater than that of said slit. An expanded hole is formed and connected between the slit and slot. The slot and hole are offset from the slit to define a step-like stop between the slit and the hole. A control tab is mounted to the stick holder by a support tab which is movable within the slit and the slot so as to allow the stick holder to be movable from the rear end of the tubular body to the middle point thereof to have a portion of the lipstick project out of the tubular body for service.

Abstract: A dispenser-applicator having an elevator for advancing product disposed within a housing having opposed, through sidewall slots. The slots are formed with ratchets and the elevator is actuated by a driver extending through and guided by said slots. The driver is formed with pawls which engage the ratchets so that the elevator can be indexed manually in step by step fashion.

Abstract: A mechanical pencil structure includes an elongate housing defining a receiving passage therethrough. A substantially U-shaped guiding recess is defined in the elongate housing by two side walls and a bottom wall and is located above the receiving passage. An opening is defined in the bottom wall defining the guiding recess and communicates with the receiving passage. A pencil is slidably received in the receiving passage and a control member is slidably mounted in the guiding recess and is securely engaged with one end portion of the pencil for moving the pencil.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing and applying materials. The applicator includes a container having an open first end and an open second end. The applicator also includes a follower sized and dimensioned to fit within the container such that the follower moves between the first end of the container and the second end of the container to force material from the second end of the container. The first end of the container is shaped to accommodate and retain a finger of a user within the first end of the container such that the finger of the user snugly fits within the container and the container becomes an extension of the finger for application purposes.

Abstract: An advancing/retracting mechanism having a pair of cams is disclosed. The advancing/retracting mechanism includes a first cam, a second cam, and a barrel. The first cam includes an angled surface and a shoe, and the second cam includes an angled surface and a slider. The shoe engages with a helical surface in the barrel, and the slider engages with a straight surface in the barrel. The first cam travels a first distance along the longitudinal axis of the barrel from a first to a second state, and the second cam travels a second distance that is greater then the first distance along the longitudinal axis of the barrel from the first to the second state.