Patent Application
20170000251
People may desire easier and more effective ways to apply cosmetics. Accordingly there is a need for improved systems and methods to address these issues.
A makeup brush for use with a motorized handle has a substantially cylindrical body portion defining a first end, a second end, a blind bore formed in the first end, an outer wall that extends from the first end to the second end, and a coupling assembly formed at the second end that is configured for coupling the body portion to a motorized handle. An applicator is at least partially received in the blind bore and coupled therein. At least one finger grip is formed on the outer wall proximate to the first end and extends radially outward from the outer wall. The at least one finger grip is configured to enable a user to releasably couple the body portion adjacent a motorized handle without the user having to touch the applicator. In various embodiments, the blind bore has a solid bottom wall that separates the bore from the coupling assembly.
A makeup brush for use with a rotating motorized handle comprises (a) a body portion comprising (1) a first end having a recess formed therein; (2) a second end comprising a coupling assembly that is configured to releasably couple the body portion to a rotating motorized handle; and (3) an outer wall that extends between the first end and the second end; (b) a plurality of bristles at least partially received in the recess and coupled therein; and (4) at least one finger grip formed on the outer wall of the body portion. In various embodiments, the at least one finger grip is configured to allow a user to grasp the body portion without having to grasp the plurality of bristles when attaching or removing the body portion from a rotating motorized handle.
In yet another embodiments, a makeup brush comprises (a) a body portion comprising (1) a first end having a recess formed therein, the recess comprising a bottom wall intermediate the first end and the second end; (2) a second end comprising a coupling assembly that is configured to releasably couple the body portion to a motorized handle where the bottom wall is solid and separates the recess from the coupling assembly; and (b) an applicator is at least partially received in the recess and coupled therein.
Various embodiments of an applicator assembly are described below. In the course of this description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
FIGS. 1A1-1B12 show a first embodiment of an applicator cup for use with a makeup brush, or other suitable applicator, such as one of the makeup brushes that are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/087,212, entitled “Cosmetic Applicator Systems,” which was filed on Apr. 14, 2011, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. These figures show the applicator cup with various alternative attachment recesses and, in one embodiment, an attachment shaft. In these embodiments, the applicator cup includes no finger grip adjacent its upper portion. The various structural features of the applicator cup are described in greater detail below.
FIGS. 2A1-2B12 show a second embodiment of an applicator cup with various alternative attachment recesses and, in one embodiment, an attachment shaft. In these embodiments, the applicator cup includes two small finger grips adjacent its upper portion that, in various embodiments, are dimensioned to allow a user to grasp the applicator cup without touching an applicator that is positioned adjacent the applicator cup.
FIGS. 3A1-3B12 show a second embodiment of an applicator cup with various alternative attachment recesses and, in one embodiment, an attachment shaft. In these embodiments, the applicator cup includes a single finger grip that extends circumferentially around (e.g., partially or entirely circumferentially around) its upper portion. In various embodiments, this finger grip is dimensioned to allow a user to grasp the applicator cup without touching an applicator that is positioned adjacent the applicator cup.
Various embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various relevant embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
An applicator cup 100, 200 and 300 according to various embodiments are shown in FIGS. 1A1-1B12, 2A1-2A12 and 3A1-3A12, respectively. As shown in these figures, the applicator cup 100, 200 and 300 may comprise a substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical), at least partially hollow, cup body portion 110, 210 and 310 that includes a side wall 115, 215, and 315, a top face 120, 220 and 320, and a bottom face 130, 230 and 330, respectively. In particular embodiments, the cup body portion 110, 210 and 310 may have a substantially circular (e.g., circular) cross section. The cup body portion 110, 210 and 310 may define, in various embodiments, an applicator-receiving recess 140, 240, and 340 adjacent (e.g., extending through) the cup's top face 120, 220 and 320 and an attachment recess adjacent (e.g., extending through) the cup's bottom face 130, 230 and 330, respectively. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A1-2B12, the applicator cup 200 includes at least one finger grip 225A-225G disposed adjacent the cup's top face 220A-220G. The finger grip 225A-225G may be, for example, a protrusion that extends outwardly from the cup body portion's outer surface.
Cup
As shown in FIG. 1A1, the cup's body portion 110 may be substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) with a diameter between, for example, about 20 mm and about 40 mm. In particular embodiments, the cup's body portion 110 may have a diameter of about 29.4 mm. In various embodiments, the cup's body portion 110 may have a height between about 20 mm and about 40 mm. In particular embodiments, the cup's body portion 110 has a height of 31.8 mm. In the embodiment shown in
Applicator-Receiving Recess
In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A1, 2A1 and 3A1, the cup's body portion 110, 210 and 310 defines an applicator-receiving recess 140, 240, and 340 that is substantially centered (e.g., centered) relative to the cup's top face 120, 220 and 320. In the embodiments shown in these figures, the applicator-receiving recess 140, 240, and 340 is substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) and has a diameter that is between about 15 mm and 39 mm. In particular embodiments, the applicator-receiving recess 140, 240, and 340 has a diameter of about 28.1 mm. In certain embodiments, the applicator-receiving recess 140, 240, and 340 has a diameter that is about 0.5 mm less than the cup's diameter. In the embodiments shown in these figures, the applicator-receiving recess 140, 240, and 340 is between about 18 mm and 39 mm deep. In particular embodiments, the applicator-receiving recess 140, 240, and 340 is about 24 mm deep. In other embodiments, the applicator-receiving recess 140, 240, and 340 may be any depth suitable for housing an applicator.
In various embodiments, the cup's body portion 110, 210 and 310 may be adapted to maintain an applicator at least substantially within (e.g., within) the respective applicator-receiving recess 140, 240, and 340. The applicator may, for example, comprise a brush, sponge, or any other suitable applicator for applying either a liquid or powder substance (e.g., such as cosmetics, makeup, lotion, sunblock, sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, cream, or any other appropriate substance). In various embodiments, an applicator may be adapted for applying substances in a plurality of forms (e.g., liquid, powder, or any other suitable form). In particular embodiments, the applicator is adapted to apply cosmetics or lotions while rotating. The applicator may, for example, be adapted to substantially maintain its shape and structure after repeated use.
The applicator may include a brush comprising bristles of any suitable length (e.g., between about 10 mm and about 80 mm). The bristles may be made of any suitable material (e.g., natural or synthetic material).
Attachment Recess
As shown in FIGS. 1A1-1B12, the cup's body portion 110B-110F may define one or more attachment recesses (e.g., attachment recesses 150B-150F, respectively) that are suitable for use in attaching the applicator cup 110B-110F to a handle when the cup's body portion 110B-110F is attached to the handle. The handle may, for example, be a motorized handle or any other handle suitable for use in applying cosmetics. Referring briefly to
As may be understood from FIGS. 1A1-1B12, the attachment recess 150B-150F may be defined adjacent the cup's respective bottom face 130B-130F. The attachment recess 150B-150F may be sized to receive a corresponding portion (e.g., a rotating portion) of a motorized handle when the applicator cup 100A-100F is attached to the motorized handle. In various embodiments, the engagement between this portion of the motorized handle and the applicator cup 100A-100F causes the applicator cup 100A-100F to rotate when the motorized handle's rotating portion rotates. In particular embodiments, the applicator cup 100A-100F may define an attachment recess that is between about 2 mm deep and about 14 mm deep.
FIGS. 1A1-1B11 show various embodiments of the applicator cup 100A-100G having different attachment recess configurations 150B-150F. These exemplary embodiments are described more fully below:
No Attachment Recess
In particular embodiments, the applicator cup 110 may define no attachment recess (See applicator cup 110A in FIGS. 1A1, 1A2, 1A5 and 1A8). In such embodiments, the applicator cup 110 may be adapted to be attached to a brush without the use of an attachment recess.
Figure Eight
The brush cup 100B shown in FIGS. 1A3, 1A6 and 1A9 defines an attachment recess 150B that is substantially centered (e.g., centered) adjacent the cup's bottom face 130B, and that has a profile that includes two at least partially overlapping circles.
Multi-Hole
The brush cup 100C shown in FIGS. 1A4, 1A7 and 1A10 defines four attachment recesses 150C whose profiles are substantially circular (e.g., circular). The attachment recesses 150C are defined in an outer portion of the cup's bottom face 130C. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the cup 110C defines the four attachment recesses 150C that are substantially evenly-spaced (e.g., evenly-spaced) about a circle having a radius that is substantially centered (e.g., centered) on the cup's bottom face 130C. In other embodiments, the cup 110C may define any other suitable plurality of attachment recesses (e.g., two, three, etc.).
Multi-Sided
The brush cup 100D shown in FIGS. 1B1, 1B5 and 1B9 defines an attachment recess 150D that is substantially centered (e.g., centered) adjacent the cup's bottom face 130D, and that has a profile that is substantially octagonal (e.g., octagonal). In various embodiments, the cup 110D may define an attachment recess that is substantially centered (e.g., centered) adjacent the cup's bottom face 130D. In this embodiment, the profile of the attachment recess is that of a shape with any suitable number of sides (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, etc.)
Cross
The brush cup 100E shown in FIGS. 1B2, 1B6 and 1B10 defines two attachment recesses 150E that are substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular) and substantially perpendicular (e.g., perpendicular) to one another (e.g., so that the recesses 150E cooperate to form a cross). In this embodiment, the two attachment recesses are each substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) to a radius of the cup's bottom face 130E.
Serpentine
In the embodiment 100F shown in FIGS. 1B3, 1B7 and 1B11, the cup 110F defines an attachment recess 150F that is substantially S-shaped (e.g., S-shaped).
Shaft
In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment 100G shown in FIGS. 1B4, 1B8 and 1B12, the cup 110G comprises an attachment shaft 150G (rather than an attachment recess). In the embodiment shown in this figure, the attachment shaft 150G extends substantially perpendicularly (e.g., perpendicularly) from and is substantially centered relative to the cup's bottom face 130G. In the embodiment 100G shown in this figure, the attachment shaft 150G has a profile that is substantially octagonal (e.g., octagonal) and that extends about 7 mm from the cup's bottom surface. In other embodiments, the attachment shaft 150G may extend between about 3 mm and about 15 mm from the cup's bottom surface.
In various embodiments, the attachment shaft 150G may have any other suitable profile.
For example, the attachment shaft 150G may have a profile that is similar to any of the profiles of the attachment recesses described above (e.g., figure eight, multi-hole, multi-sided, cross, or serpentine).
Finger grip
In various embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A1-2B12, the cup' body portion 210A-210G may comprise at least one finger 225A-225G grip that extends radially outward from the cup's outer surface. In the embodiment shown in
It should be understood that finger grips 225A-225G may, for example, have any width and height suitable for allowing a user to grip the applicator cup's body portion 210A-210G using the finger grips 225A-225G (e.g., by squeezing their thumb and index finger against the respective finger grips in order to lift or move the cup). In particular embodiments, the finger grips 225A-225G may be of a suitable size and shape to maintain the user's fingers spaced apart from the applicator when handling the applicator cup.
In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A1-3B12, the applicator cup body portions 310A-310G may comprise a finger grip 325A-325G that extends along substantially the entire circumference of the cup's outer surface. In the embodiment shown in these figures, the finger grip 325A-325G is disposed adjacent the cup's upper portion 320A-320G.
In various embodiments, the finger grips may be adapted to allow a user to insert the applicator cup 200A-200G or 300A-300G into, or remove it from, a motorized handle substantially without touching the applicator so that a lower portion 322 of the finger grip is adjacent the motorized handle (
In particular embodiments, the finger grips 225A-225G may be adapted to allow the user to move, install, uninstall, and/or otherwise use the applicator cup 200A-200G substantially without touching any of the substance that is to be applied with the applicator (e.g., makeup, lotion, liquid foundation, powder foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, or any other substance that may be applied with the applicator). In various embodiments, the applicator may be adapted for longer use as a result of avoiding exposure to contaminants (e.g., oils) on the user's hands.
The applicator cup described above may be utilized as part of a method of applying any of a plurality of cosmetics or other substances to a user's skin. The user may first select an applicator assembly that includes: (1) an applicator cup; and (2) an applicator that is installed in the applicator cup, so that the applicator extends beyond the end of the applicator cup's top face. The applicator may be, for example, a particular brush or sponge that is suitable for applying the particular cosmetic, or other substance to the user's skin. Suitable substances include both powder or liquid substances, for example, lotion, liquid foundation, powder foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, or any other suitable substance. The user may then pick up the applicator assembly by lifting it via the finger grips on the sides of the applicator cup.
Next, the user may attach the applicator assembly, attachment recess side first, to a suitable handle. The handle may, for example, be a motorized handle or any other handle suitable for applying cosmetics or other substances (e.g., a non-motorized handle). The handle may define a substantially circular (e.g., circular) recess with a diameter that is sufficiently large to allow the applicator assembly to be easily inserted into the recess and to rotate within the recess, and that is sufficiently small to allow the applicator assembly to fit snuggly within the recess once inserted. While inserting the cup into the handle's recess, the user may align the cup's attachment recess(es) with the handle's corresponding attachment protrusion(s). In particular embodiments, when the applicator assembly is installed on the handle, the attachment protrusion(s) may extend from the handle into the handle's recess(es). In various embodiments, such as in the case of a makeup brush assembly that includes a motorized handle, the attachment protrusions may be adapted to rotate about an axis, which may, for example, be substantially centered (e.g., centered) within and run substantially perpendicular to (e.g., perpendicular to) the handle's recess. An example of a suitable handle for use with the applicator assembly is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/087,212, entitled “Cosmetic Applicator Systems,” which was filed on Apr. 14, 2011, and which—as noted above—is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
As illustrated in
Any of a variety of cosmetic brushes (such as one or more specialty makeup brushes) may be collected in a set 520 for use with any particular application. In an exemplary embodiment, the set of cosmetic brushes 520, as illustrated, may include one or more of the following brush types: a Liquidator Brush 520A, a Powder Foundation Brush 520B, an Under-Eye Concealer Brush 520C, an Upper Eyelid Shadow Brush 520D, a Blush Blaster Brush 520E, a Disco Shine Brush 520F, and a Bronzer Brush 520G.
The Liquidator Brush 520A may be used to apply and distribute a liquid or cream foundation. The Powder Foundation Brush 520B may be used to apply and distribute a powder foundation or base. The Under-Eye Concealer Brush 520C may be used to apply and distribute a concealer compound under the eyes and other areas, as desired. The Upper Eyelid Shadow Brush 520D may be used to apply and distribute a shadow compound to the upper eyelids. The Blush Blaster Brush 520E may be used to apply and distribute a blush compound to the “S zone” or cheeks and other areas, as desired. The Disco Shine Brush 520F may be used to apply and distribute a decorative compound such as a colored powder or glitter to any area. The Bronzer Brush 520G may be used to apply and distribute a bronzing compound to any area. In use, any of the set of brushes 520 may be used to apply, distribute, and blend any of these compounds to any area of the face.
The cosmetic brushes in a set 520 may include any number of different brush types. A brush may include a base, a collection of bristles, and a ferrule or other component for holding the bristles to the base. The bristles may be made of natural animal hair, synthetic fibers, or a blend. The base of the brush, in some embodiments, may be made of different materials, in various colors. The brush may include one or more words or indicia correlated to a particular manufacturer, product name, trademark, business, or social cause. The set of brushes 520 may be color coded or otherwise grouped by a visible feature that indicates to the user each brush's intended use and/or its association with a particular set of brushes. Each cosmetic brush may be characterized by its particular features; for example, its overall size and shape, the shape of its base, the ferrule type, the bristle composition (natural, synthetic or blend, for example), the bristle length, the bristle color, the shape of each bristle end (rounded or blunt, smooth or rough, for example), the overall shape made by all the bristles together (fan-shaped, cone-shaped, flat, rounded, pointed, and the like), the bristle spacing and density (measured, for example, in bristles per square inch) and the bristle stiffness (from rigid bristles like a toothbrush, to bristles as limp as cotton thread). For example, in the context of face makeup, a first cosmetic brush (such as The Liquidator Brush 520A illustrated in
The user may then apply makeup using the handle and applicator cup assembly by, for example, placing cosmetic on the applicator, activating the motorized handle, and applying cosmetic to the desired area of the body using the rotating applicator). When the user wishes to apply makeup using a different applicator, the user may simply detach the current applicator assembly from the handle, attach a new applicator assembly to the handle, and proceed as described above.
Stand-Alone Applicator Cup
In particular embodiments, an applicator cup such as the applicator cup described above may be utilized as a stand-alone applicator (e.g., may be suitable for applying a substance without attaching the applicator cup and applicator to a separate handle). In such embodiments, a user may apply a substance (e.g., makeup, cosmetic, lotion, cream, or other suitable substance) by installing an appropriate applicator in the applicator cup, and applying the substance by gripping the applicator cup (e.g., using their fingers).
Applicator Cup Combined with Recess-Free Handle
In particular embodiments, the applicator cup is adapted for use with a suitable handle that does not define a recess for accepting the applicator cup. In such embodiments, the applicator cup may be adapted to attach to an end of the handle such that the applicator cup is at least partially exposed (e.g., fully exposed) when attached to the handle.
Upright Storage
In particular embodiments, the applicator cup is adapted to stand substantially upright (e.g., upright) on its bottom face when placed, for example, on a flat support surface (e.g., a counter, table, or other suitable surface). In such embodiments, an applicator installed in the applicator cup may sit upright within the applicator cup's applicator-receiving recess when the applicator cup is standing on its bottom face. In particular embodiments, placing the applicator cup in a position in which the applicator cup is standing on its bottom face may at least substantially (e.g., substantially) protect the integrity of the installed applicator (e.g., by allowing the applicator to stand in a rested, upright position in which the applicator does not come into contact with the support surface (e.g., as the applicator would if it were rested, for example, on its side)).
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the invention may take form in a variety of different mechanical and operational configurations. As a particular example, in certain embodiments, the applicator cup may be sufficiently thick to allow a user to grip the cup substantially without touching the applicator. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.
This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/955,817, entitled “Applicator Assembly” dated Jul. 31, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/677,861, filed Jul. 31, 2012, entitled “Applicator Assembly,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61677861 | Jul 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13955817 | Jul 2013 | US |
| Child | 15264263 | US |
