LIPSTICK EXTRACTOR AND DISPENSER DEVICE

Abstract

A device for extracting lipstick from a lipstick applicator comprising a plunger, the plunger having a series of rib members along one end of the plunger that run parallel to its longitudinal axis, a pin is disposed at the other end of the plunger and traverse to the longitudinal axis of the plunger, a tubular extractor, the extractor having a guide slot through its side wall, one end of the extractor has a series of rib members, the rib members extend parallel to the extractors longitudinal axis, the plunger is coaxially received within the extractor and the pin extends through the slot to guide travel of the plunger in the extractor whereby when the ribbed end of the extractor is inserted within a lipstick applicator having lipstick to be extracted, lipstick will be captured within the ribbed end of the extractor. The extracted lipstick may be dispensed from the device by selectively moving the plunger. One embodiment provides a threaded sleeve to guide the plunger pin as the extractor is rotated.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cosmetics, and in particular, a device adapted to recover and dispense lipstick from a container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lipstick is typically provided within a tube-shaped dispenser or container. The lipstick is secured, at its bottom end, to a cup shaped base in the container. The cup shaped base includes a mechanism to axially move the lipstick upwardly within the container so that the top end of the lipstick projects from the open end of the dispenser for application to the lips of the user. The cup shaped base includes splines provided along the wall of the cup near its bottom to fixedly secure the lipstick to the cup shaped base.

A problem associated lipstick dispensers is that when the cup shaped base has been moved to its upper limit, the lipstick remaining in the cup shaped base does not extend beyond the open end of the dispenser and therefore is unavailable to the user.

Devices are known for extracting the lipstick that remains within the cup shaped base. However, these devices are ineffective and fail to completely extract all of the lipstick from the cup shaped base of the lipstick container. Multiple attempts at extraction are often necessary. In addition, prior art extractors are incompatible with the lipstick containers from different manufacturers. Finally, prior art extractors do not enable the extracted lipstick to be withdrawn into or dispensed from the extractor following extraction.

A need has therefore existed in the art for a lipstick extractor and dispenser device that can extract the lipstick from the cup of a lipstick container efficiently, that leaves little to no lipstick in the cup of the lipstick container following extraction, that is compatible with lipstick containers from different manufacturers, and that will allow the extracted lipstick to be selectively dispensed by the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a lipstick extractor and dispenser device comprising a tubular body having a closed end, an open end and an interior wall extending between the open and closed ends; an extractor associated with the open end of the body, the extractor is fixedly received by the body and one end of the extractor extends from the open body, the one end of the extractor contains a series of parallel grooves that extend along the longitudinal axis of the body and in a spaced relation around the circumference of the extractor; a dispenser coaxially received within the extractor and adapted for axial movement therein, one end of the dispenser is adapted to be received within the extractor end extending from the open body.

The present invention is also directed to a device for extracting lipstick from a lipstick applicator comprising a sleeve member having a first end, a second end and an interior wall, the interior wall having a helical or pitched thread extending from the first end to the second end, a tubular plunger is received by the sleeve member, the plunger has a first end and a second end, a pin is provided at the plunger first end, the plunger pin is received by the sleeve interior wall thread, the second end of the sleeve having a series of rib members, each rib member extends from the plunger second end and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular plunger, a tubular extractor, the tubular extractor having a first end, a second end and a side wall extending between the first and second ends, a guide slot is disposed within the extractor side wall, the guide slot extends between the tubular extractor first and second ends, the tubular extractor is adapted to axially rotate, the second end of the tubular extractor is provided with a series of rib members, each tubular extractor rib member extends from the tubular extractor second end and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular extractor, the rib members of the tubular plunger are adapted to intermesh with the rib members of the tubular extractor, the plunger member is coaxially received by the tubular extractor and the plunger pin extends through the guide slot so that rotation of the tubular extractor will cause the plunger to travel axially within the extractor whereby when the second end of the extractor is inserted within a lipstick applicator containing lipstick to be withdrawn, lipstick in the applicator is captured within the second end of the extractor and can be dispensed from the extractor second end by the plunger when caused to travel axially through the extractor.

The present invention is also directed to a device for extracting lipstick from a lipstick applicator comprising a tubular plunger, the plunger having a first end and a second end, the second end of the tubular plunger having a series of rib members, each plunger rib member extends from the plunger second end and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular plunger, a pin is disposed at the plunger first end and extends traverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular plunger, a tubular extractor, the extractor having a first end, a second end and a side wall extending between the first and second ends, a guide slot extends through the extractor side wall, the guide slot extends longitudinally between the extractor first and second ends, the second end of the extractor is provided with a series of rib members, each of the extractor rib member extends from the extractor second end and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular extractor, the plunger member is coaxially received by the tubular extractor and the plunger pin extends through the guide slot to permit guided travel of the plunger within the extractor whereby when the second end of the extractor is inserted within a lipstick applicator containing lipstick to be withdrawn, lipstick in the applicator is caused to be captured within the second end of the extractor and may be selectively dispensed when contacted by the second end of the plunger during travel.

The present invention is also directed to a device for extracting lipstick from a tubular lipstick applicator comprising a sleeve member having a first end, a second end and an interior wall, the interior wall having a helical thread extending from the first end to the second end, a tubular plunger received within the sleeve member, the plunger has a first end and a second end, a pin is provided at the plunger first end, the plunger pin is slidingly received by the sleeve member thread and a tubular extractor, the tubular extractor having a first end, a second end and a side wall extending between the first and second ends, the second end of the tubular extractor having a diameter less than the diameter of the tubular lipstick applicator, a guide slot is disposed within the extractor side wall, the guide slot extends longitudinally between the tubular extractor first and second ends, the tubular extractor is adapted to axially rotate, the plunger member is coaxially received by the tubular extractor and the plunger pin extends through the guide slot so that rotation of the tubular extractor will cause the plunger to travel axially within the extractor whereby when the second end of the extractor is inserted within a tubular lipstick applicator containing lipstick to be withdrawn, lipstick in the applicator is caused to be captured within the second end of the extractor and can be selectively dispensed upon contact with the second end of the plunger during travel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view of the sleeve member;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 when assembled;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 3A with the end cap removed and with the tubular plunger in a forward or fully extended position;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device with the end cap removed and the plunger in a rearward or fully retracted position and aligned with a lipstick dispenser prior to extraction and with a portion of the dispenser broken away to illustrate the lipstick to be extracted;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device according to the present invention and the lipstick dispenser shown in FIG. 5 following extraction;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the lipstick extractor and dispenser device D according to the present invention. The device includes a sleeve member or tubular body 2. As best shown in FIG. 2, the tubular body 2 has a first end 6, second end 4, interior wall 8, exterior wall 10, and a helical thread or groove 12 extending within the interior wall 8 from the first end to the second end and as shown in FIG. 2.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the device further includes a tubular extractor 14 that is received within sleeve member 2. The tubular extractor 14 has a first end 16, a second end 18 and a side wall 13 extending between the first and second ends. The first end 16 is fixedly secured to a knob 20 and as best shown in FIG. 4. Rotation of knob 20 will causes axial rotation of extractor tube 14. The opposite end of the device is provided with a removable cap 38.

The second end 18 of tubular extractor 14 is provided with a series of rib members or parallel grooves 22 that extend the longitudinal axis of the tubular extractor 14 and parallel to that axis and in a spaced relation around the circumference of the tubular extractor second end 18. Six separate rib members 22 are shown in the figures but eight ribs may also be provided. A greater or lesser number of rib members 22 are within the scope of the invention depending upon the number of splines in the lipstick container LC and as will be further explained below. A flange 24 is provided near the second end 18 and extends the circumference of the extractor tube 14 and abuts the second end 4 of sleeve member 2. The tubular extractor 14 has a guide slot 26 within side wall 13, the side wall extending between the first end 16 and the second end 18.

A tubular plunger or dispensing cylinder 28 is received within tubular extractor 14. The tubular plunger 28 has a first end 30 and an opposite end 32. The first end 30 is shown to be open and the second end 32 is closed and may be a uniformly flat surface as shown or be provided with channels, corrugations, or other non-planer shape.

A plunger pin 34 is shown to extend through the first end 30 of tubular plunger 28 and transverse to its longitudinal axis. As is apparent, a separate pair of plunger pins 34 may be provided, the pins likewise extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of tubular plunger 28. The plunger pin 34 extends through guide slot 26 of the tubular extractor 14 and is received within the helical thread 12 of sleeve member 2.

The exterior of the second end 32 of the tubular plunger is provided with a series of rib members or channels 36 that extend along its longitudinal axis and in a spaced relation around its circumference. Six rib members 36 are shown in the figures but as with the tubular extractor, eight rib members may be provided. A greater or lesser number of rib members 36 are within the scope of the invention depending upon the number of splines in the lipstick container LC as will be further explained below. Rib members 22 of tubular extractor 14 and the rib members 36 of tubular plunger 14 are adapted to intermesh as shown in the various figures. This allows tubular plunger 28 to be fully extended into the second end 18 of the tubular extractor 14 so that all of the extracted lipstick L can be dispensed from the device D and essentially no residual lipstick will remain on the interior wall of the tubular extractor 14.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the use of the device D to extract lipstick L from a lipstick container LC. The majority of the lipstick L to be extracted lies within the cup C portion of the lipstick container LC. The optional cap 38 of the device is removed to expose the second end 18 of the tubular extractor 14. If necessary, knob 20 is rotated to ensure the end portion 32 of the tubular plunger 28 is in a retracted position and as best shown in FIG. 5. The second end 18 of the tubular extractor 14 is aligned with cup C of the lipstick container LC containing the lipstick L to be extracted. Once aligned, the second end 18 of the tubular extractor 14 is firmly inserted into the cup portion C of the lipstick container LC. As the tubular extractor 14 travels into cup portion C, a minor quantity of lipstick L may be vented or otherwise be conveyed along the concave surface of rib members 22 where it accumulates near flange 24. This feature enables end 18 of the extractor 14 to be fully inserted into cup portion C of the lipstick container (not shown). The displaced or vented lipstick may be cleaned off of the device D. The second end 18 of the tubular extractor 14 is then retracted from cup C of the lipstick container LC and any negative pressure generated assists in the capture of the lipstick L within the interior of the tubular extractor 14 (FIG. 6).

To dispense the extracted lipstick L, knob 20 is rotated to move the tubular plunger 28 upwardly so that end 32 will abut against the extracted lipstick and cause it to be dispensed from the device D. As is apparent, tubular plunger 28 may be rotated in an opposite direction to withdraw the extracted lipstick into the device D. Because the tubular plunger 28 is coaxially received within the tubular extractor 14 and the plunger pin 34 extends through the guide slot 26 of the tubular extractor and rides in the track of the helical thread 12 of fixed sleeve member 2, rotation of the tubular extractor 14 by knob member 20 causes the tubular plunger 28 to travel axially within the extractor in both direction. As is apparent, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a different mechanism for moving the tubular plunger 28 within the tubular extractor 14 so long as the tubular plunger is restricted to an upper and lower limit of travel. For example, the sleeve member including helical thread may be removed and the tubular plunger could be manually moved by grasping the pin and moving it upwardly or downwardly.

FIG. 7 illustrates the manner in which rib members 22 of the tubular extractor 14 are received by any splines S disposed within the cup portion C of the lipstick container LC. The splines S are provided in the cup C to fixedly retain the length of lipstick in the cup and prevent axial rotation when it is dispensed from the container by a user. As the tubular extractor of the present invention is inserted into the cup of the lipstick container, the splines S are slidingly received along the concave surfaces of rib members 22 to enable to extractor to be fully inserted into the cup and permit all the lipstick to be extracted.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and adaptations, both in whole and in part, while following the general principle of the invention including such departures from the present disclosure as is known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features of this invention.

Claims

1. A device for extracting lipstick from a lipstick applicator comprising: a) a tubular plunger, the plunger having a first end and a second end, the second end of the tubular plunger having a series of rib members, each plunger rib member extends from the plunger second end and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular plunger, a pin is disposed at the plunger first end and extends traverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular plunger,c) a tubular extractor, the extractor having a first end, a second end and a side wall extending between the first and second ends, a guide slot extends through the extractor side wall, the guide slot extends longitudinally between the extractor first and second ends, the second end of the extractor is provided with a series of rib members, each of the extractor rib member extends from the extractor second end and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular extractor, the plunger member is coaxially received by the tubular extractor and the plunger pin extends through the guide slot to permit guided travel of the plunger within the extractor whereby when the second end of the extractor is inserted within a lipstick applicator containing lipstick to be withdrawn, lipstick in the applicator is caused to be captured within the second end of the extractor and may be selectively dispensed when contacted by the second end of the plunger during travel.

2. The device of claim 1 and further including a sleeve member, the sleeve member having a first end, a second end and an interior wall, the interior wall having a helical thread, both the tubular plunger and the tubular extractor are received within the sleeve member and the plunger pin is slidingly received within the sleeve member thread.

3. The device of claim 1 and further including a knob, the knob is fixed to the first end of the tubular extractor to rotate the same.

4. The device of claim 1 and wherein the plunger rib members and the extractor rib members are generally concave in cross-section.

5. A device for extracting lipstick from a lipstick applicator comprising: a) a sleeve member having a first end, a second end and an interior wall, the interior wall having a helical thread extending from the first end to the second end;b) a tubular plunger received within the sleeve member, the plunger has a first end and a second end, a pin is provided at the plunger first end, the plunger pin is slidingly received by the sleeve member thread, the second end of the tubular plunger having a series of rib members, each rib member extends from the plunger second end and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular plunger; andc) a tubular extractor, the tubular extractor having a first end, a second end and a side wall extending between the first and second ends, a guide slot is disposed within the extractor side wall, the guide slot extends longitudinally between the tubular extractor first and second ends, the tubular extractor is adapted to axially rotate, the second end of the tubular extractor is provided with a series of rib members, each tubular extractor rib member extends from the tubular extractor second end and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular extractor, the rib members of the tubular plunger are configured to slidingly receive the rib members of the tubular extractor, the plunger member is coaxially received by the tubular extractor and the plunger pin extends through the guide slot so that rotation of the tubular extractor will cause the plunger to travel axially within the extractor whereby when the second end of the extractor is inserted within a lipstick applicator containing lipstick to be withdrawn, lipstick in the applicator is caused to be captured within the second end of the extractor and may be dispensed when contacted by the second end of the plunger during travel.

6. The device of claim 5 and further comprising a knob, the knob is fixed to the first end of the tubular extractor to rotate the same.

7. The device of claim 5 and wherein the plunger rib members and the extractor rib members are generally concave in cross-section.

8. A device for extracting lipstick from a tubular lipstick applicator comprising: a) a sleeve member having a first end, a second end and an interior wall, the interior wall having a helical thread extending from the first end to the second end;b) a tubular plunger received within the sleeve member, the plunger has a first end and a second end, a pin is provided at the plunger first end, the plunger pin is slidingly received by the sleeve member thread; andc) a tubular extractor, the tubular extractor having a first end, a second end and a side wall extending between the first and second ends, the second end of the tubular extractor having a diameter less than the diameter of the tubular lipstick applicator, a guide slot is disposed within the extractor side wall, the guide slot extends longitudinally between the tubular extractor first and second ends, the tubular extractor is adapted to axially rotate, the plunger member is coaxially received by the tubular extractor and the plunger pin extends through the guide slot so that rotation of the tubular extractor will cause the plunger to travel axially within the extractor whereby when the second end of the extractor is inserted within a tubular lipstick applicator containing lipstick to be withdrawn, lipstick in the applicator is caused to be captured within the second end of the extractor and can be selectively dispensed upon contact with the second end of the plunger during travel.

9. The device in claim 8 and further comprising a series of extractor rib members, the extractor rib members are provided at the second end of the extractor and extend from the extractor second end and lie parallel to the longitudinal axis of the extractor.

10. The device in claim 9 and further comprising a series of plunger rib members, the plunger rib members are provided at the second end of the plunger and extend from the plunger second end and are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plunger.

11. The device in claim 10 and wherein the plunger rib members and the extractor rib members are generally concave in cross-section.

12. The device of claim 8 and further comprising a knob, the knob is fixed to the first end of the tubular extractor to rotate the same.