SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUSES FOR IMPLEMENTING A SELF-CONTAINED PERIORBITAL COSMETIC APPLICATOR DEVICE

Abstract
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing a self-contained periorbital cosmetic applicator device are described herein. For example, according to one embodiment there is a periorbital cosmetic applicator device including: a brush head portion, in which the brush head portion includes an internal liquid distribution system having distal ends of internal ducts, fluid distribution ports, and bristles, in which the distal ends of the internal ducts transport material to be applied and connect to fluid distribution ports adjacent to the base of bristles, in which the fluid distribution ports eject the material to be applied to the bristles, in which the bristles receive the material exiting from the fluid distribution ports for application to a target region on a face or body; a brush body portion, in which the brush body portion contains a reservoir for receiving material to be applied, in which the reservoir is to enclose the material to be applied, in which the reservoir receives a sealing cap at a distal end of the reservoir to retain the reservoir within the brush body portion; a brush neck portion, in which the brush neck portion serves as a connection between the brush head portion and the brush body portion, in which the brush neck portion connects proximal ends of the internal ducts to receive material to be applied, in which the material to be applied traverses through the brush neck portion from the reservoir of the brush body portion and into the internal liquid distribution system of the brush head portion via the proximal ends of the internal ducts; a reservoir connector, in which the reservoir connector portion is located between the brush neck portion and the brush body portion, in which the reservoir connector portions receives material to be applied from the reservoir of the brush body portion for transfer to the brush neck portion; and a detachable cap for sealing the brush head portion, in which the cap attaches posteriorly at the base of the brush body portion. Other related embodiments are disclosed.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.


TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the field of cosmetics. More particularly, disclosed embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing a self-contained periorbital cosmetic applicator device.


BACKGROUND

The subject matter discussed in the background section is not to be considered prior art merely because of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section shall not be considered to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves, may also correspond to claimed embodiments.


Application of cosmetics to the face can be a challenging process. Cosmetic applicator products often involve wands or applicators that are dipped in cosmetics such as serums, oils, gels, and other liquid or semi-liquid compositions and then applied to the desired region such as eyelashes, eyelids, and eyebrows.


Problematically, the application of cosmetic material to the face and periorbital region, including eyelashes, eyelids, and eyebrows, presents several challenges for users. Such problems range from issues with cross-contamination between the serum reservoir and the cosmetic applicator to the difficulty and inefficiency of use for cosmetic systems utilizing both a serum reservoir and the cosmetic applicator, as well as the risk of prolonged exposure of the serums to atmospheric conditions which may cause oxidation, degradation, evaporation, or other unwanted changes.


The present state of the art may therefore benefit from the systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing a self-contained periorbital cosmetic applicator device as is described herein.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, and will be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the figures in which:



FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device including at least a brush head portion, brush neck portion, reservoir connector portion, brush body portion, top cap, and endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary structure brush head portion, brush neck portion, reservoir connector portion, and a partial view of a brush body portion, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 3 depicts another view of a brush head portion, brush neck portion, reservoir connector portion, and a partial view of a brush body portion with cut bottom section, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary brush body portion with affixed endcap, reservoir connector portion, and brush neck portion, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary cross-sectional view of a brush body portion with affixed endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary 3-D architecture view of a cosmetic applicator device with affixed top cap and endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary flat architecture view of a cosmetic applicator device with affixed top cap and end-cap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 6C depicts an exemplary 3-D architecture view of a cosmetic applicator device with affixed top cap and end-cap rotated along its longitudinal axis, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 7A depicts an exploded 3-D view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with unassembled top cap and endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 7B depicts an exploded flat view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with unassembled top cap and endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 7C depicts another exploded 3-D view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with unassembled top cap and endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 8A depicts a cross-sectional flat exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with unassembled top cap and endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 8B depicts a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with unassembled top cap and endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 8C depicts a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with unassembled top cap and endcap, depicting both halves of the brush body and brush bristle portion detached from the brush head scaffolding portion, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 9A depicts a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with a piston device and cosmetic material to be applied depicted within the brush body portion, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 9B depicts an exemplary flow of cosmetic material to be applied in a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with a piston, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 10A depicts a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with a vial containing both cosmetic material to be applied and a piston depicted within the brush body portion, as well as a needle protruding into the brush body portion, and unassembled endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 10B depicts another cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with a vial containing both cosmetic material to be applied and a piston depicted within the brush body portion, as well as a needle protruding into the brush body portion, and assembled endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 11A depicts a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with a reservoir containing both cosmetic material to be applied and a plunger depicted within the brush body portion, as well as a battery-powered motor at the distal end of the brush body portion, and unassembled endcap, in accordance with described embodiments;



FIG. 11B depicts another cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device with a reservoir containing both cosmetic material to be applied and a plunger within the brush body portion, as well as a battery-powered motor at the distal end of the brush body portion, and assembled endcap, in accordance with described embodiments; and



FIGS. 12A and 12B depict a flow diagram illustrating a method for using the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, in accordance with described embodiments.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing a self-contained periorbital cosmetic applicator device as is described herein.


For instance, according to a particular embodiment, there are systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing a self-contained periorbital cosmetic applicator device are described herein. For example, according to one embodiment there is a periorbital cosmetic applicator device including: a brush head portion, in which the brush head portion includes an internal liquid distribution system having distal ends of internal ducts, fluid distribution ports, and bristles, in which the distal ends of the internal ducts transport material to be applied and connect to fluid distribution ports adjacent to the base of bristles, in which the fluid distribution ports eject the material to be applied to the bristles, in which the bristles receive the material exiting from the fluid distribution ports for application to a target region on a face or body; a brush body portion, in which the brush body portion contains a reservoir for receiving material to be applied, in which the reservoir is to enclose the material to be applied, in which the reservoir receives a sealing cap at a distal end of the reservoir to retain the reservoir within the brush body portion; a brush neck portion, in which the brush neck portion serves as a connection between the brush head portion and the brush body portion, in which the brush neck portion connects proximal ends of the internal ducts to receive material to be applied, in which the material to be applied traverses through the brush neck portion from the reservoir of the brush body portion and into the internal liquid distribution system of the brush head portion via the proximal ends of the internal ducts; a reservoir connector, in which the reservoir connector portion is located between the brush neck portion and the brush body portion, in which the reservoir connector portions receives material to be applied from the reservoir of the brush body portion for transfer to the brush neck portion; and a detachable cap for sealing the brush head portion, in which the cap attaches posteriorly at the base of the brush body portion.


Described embodiments overcome the various shortcomings of presently available cosmetic applicator products on the market today through an improved structural design and novel use for the application of cosmetic serums onto the face or body.


For instance, where prior cosmetic applicators must be dipped into an external reservoir of material to be applied, and thus increases the risk of contamination to both the serum reservoir and its material as well as the target surface with microbes as the applicator is frequently transferred between the external reservoir and the target region of application on a recipient's face with each use, practice and use of the self-contained periorbital cosmetic applicator device as described herein overcomes these problems as there is no opportunity for cross-contamination between an external reservoir and the bristles of the self-contained periorbital cosmetic applicator device which comes into contact with the user's face.


Similarly, prior cosmetic applicators require transferring of the serum material to be applied to the user's face via a process that can be messy and inefficient, with material dripping or spraying along the way or being applied by accident before being positioned in the target region.


Cosmetic applicators on the market today simply do not accommodate for clean and easy use. Especially problematic with prior known solutions is the need to transfer cosmetic material such as serums or oils onto applicators such as wands before application. This is often done via droppers or by directly pouring the cosmetic material onto the applicator, which can create a mess and damage surrounding surfaces where the transfer occurs, such as a vanity surface or a bathroom sink. Furthermore, bristles on prior known applicators, such as wands and brushes, are not designed in a way that allows the material to be applied seamlessly and proportionally distributed across the applicator.


Further still, prior cosmetic applicators result in the unnecessary and prolonged exposure of the serum material to atmospheric elements that can result in oxidative deterioration and decreased shelf life of the material to be applied. Exposure to atmospheric elements occurs when cosmetic containers are repetitively opened and closed, as occurs with each use of such prior cosmetic applicators and associated serums.


A periorbital cosmetic applicator device is thus described herein which may be utilized with the application of cosmetic or other material to a recipient's face or body, yet aids the user by avoiding the common problems with cosmetic applicators on the market discussed above. Such a cosmetic applicator device is notably distinct from conventional cosmetic applicators given its ability to apply cosmetic material to a target region directly. Furthermore, the periorbital cosmetic applicator device described herein has a sealed internal reservoir to receive cosmetic material to be applied, which allows for greater protection of the material from contamination, oxidative deterioration, and unwanted dispersion. Also distinct is the present cosmetic applicator device's transfer mechanism for reservoir material involving user-initiated translational motion, and as will be described in greater detail below. Finally, the unique fluid distribution ports of the brush head allow for an even distribution of reservoir material to coat the bristles of the brush head, permitting uniform application of material to the target region on the recipient.


As used herein, the term periorbital is defined not only as relating to, occurring in, or being of tissues surrounding or lining the orbit of the eye, but is also defined herein as including the superficial layers and structures around the eye, such as the skin, eyelashes, and eyebrows.


In certain embodiments, the material to be cosmetically applied is pre-loaded into the reservoir of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, thus making the periorbital cosmetic applicator device disposable after use and eliminating the need to fill the applicator device manually.


In other embodiments, the reservoir of the applicator device comes pre-filled with material to be applied but may be refilled by the user. In yet other embodiments, the material to be applied must be obtained separately and manually loaded by a user. In such embodiments requiring manual filling of the reservoir, a portion of the brush body may be detached to access and fill the reservoir with the relevant material. Once the reservoir is filled, the brush body may be sealed again by re-affixing the detached portion of the brush body.


According to certain embodiments, the self-contained periorbital cosmetic applicator device provides for easy sanitation as it can be washed in a dishwasher or cleaned in a readily commercially available sanitizing solution specifically for cleaning cosmetic applicators and cosmetic accessories, or other instruments designed to be used on the human body and face. In other embodiments, the self-contained periorbital cosmetic applicator device is manufactured and distributed in a sealed and self-contained package which is disposable after the internal contents (e.g., such as the cosmetic serum) are exhausted, and thus, the applicator does not require at home sanitizing as it is simply discarded. In such embodiments, the applicator may employ a tamper-proof design to discourage unintended re-use by consumers.


According to certain embodiments, a cap or lid may be used to protect the brush head and the material to be applied from contamination and coming into contact with unwanted surfaces, as well as to ameliorate the oxidative deterioration of material lingering on the bristles of the brush head.


According to other embodiments, the periorbital cosmetic applicator device also has cosmetic applications beyond eye care. For example, this cosmetic applicator device may provide solutions for the many possible applications of cosmetics to other parts of the face and body, such as touching up grey hair with hair color or highlighting hair by individuals or cosmetologists and skincare involving applying creams and moisturizers.


According to still other embodiments, the periorbital cosmetic applicator device has applications beyond cosmetic use and may be used, for example, in the healthcare setting, such as for medical and perioperative procedures involving, for example, the application of topical anesthetics such as lidocaine, marking human anatomy, or sterilizing regions of the face or body.


In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific configurations, use cases, materials, components, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed to practice the embodiments disclosed herein. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosed embodiments.


In addition to various hardware components depicted in the figures and described herein, embodiments further include various operations described below. The operations described in accordance with such embodiments may be performed by specially manufactured components or may utilize general-purpose components in certain instances to realize and perform the innovative function and configuration of the described embodiments. Alternatively, the operations may be performed by a combination of customized specially manufactured components with certain general purpose components to make, use, and practice the inventive aspects as set forth herein.



FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 100 including at least a brush head portion 102, brush neck portion 103, reservoir connector portion 104, brush body portion 106, top cap 101, and endcap 107, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, cosmetic applicator device 100 includes brush head portion 102. In certain embodiments, brush head portion 102 may be built of flexible soft synthetic plastic of medical or food-grade quality. Brush head portion 102 contains bristles, fluid distribution ports, and internal ducts. Top cap 101 fits over brush head portion 102 to protect bristles of brush head portion 102 from exposure to environmental elements and contaminants. According to certain embodiments, top cap 101 may be secured to brush body portion 106.


Brush neck portion 103 connects brush head portion 102 with reservoir connector portion 104. Brush neck portion 103 is a connection point for internal ducts that carry cosmetic material to be applied from reservoir connector portion 104 to brush head portion 102. Also notable is brush neck portion 103's role as a transition point from the soft synthetic plastic of brush body portion 106 to the harder rigid plastic of brush head portion 102 which brings strength and control when the cosmetic applicator device is used to apply cosmetic material to a target region on a recipient's face or body.


Reservoir connector portion 104 secures the reservoir of brush body portion 106 and is shaped to evenly and uniformly pull cosmetic material to be applied from the reservoir of brush body portion 106, resulting in a more streamline and efficient movement of cosmetic material from the reservoir of the brush body portion 106 to the internal ducts of brush neck portion 103 which carry the cosmetic material to be applied to bristles on brush head portion 102.


Base ring 105, also known as transition ring 105, of reservoir connector portion 104 is a specially designed connection that keeps the reservoir of brush body portion 106 in place. Base ring 104 allows for easy detachment and reattachment of the anterior regions of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device such as reservoir connector portion 104 and brush head portion 102 for cleaning and storage. According to certain embodiments, base ring or transition ring 105 may be absent.


Brush body portion 106 contains a reservoir that receives the cosmetic material to be applied that will be dispensed by the periorbital cosmetic applicator device 100. In certain embodiments, both brush body portion 106 and the reservoir it contains are built of a flexible but overall rigid material that allows the user to squeeze brush body portion 106 which also squeezes the reservoir to eject cosmetic material received within the reservoir.


Endcap 107, attaches to the base of brush body portion 106. According to certain embodiments, endcap 107 may attach via a twist mechanism involving a threaded end on the base of brush body 105. Endcap 107 seals the reservoir of brush body portion 106 to prevent leakage of cosmetic material to be applied received in the reservoir. Endcap 107 may be detached to access the reservoir for filling and refilling with cosmetic material to be applied. In addition to supporting the internal structure of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device 100, endcap 107 provides balance and external structural support. For example, endcap 107 may be shaped such that it allows the periorbital cosmetic applicator device 100 to stand vertically. Endcap 107 may also be ergonomically contoured to provide additional grip points for the user to hold the periorbital cosmetic applicator device 100.



FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary structure brush head portion 201, brush neck portion 202, reservoir connector portion 203, and a partial view of a brush body portion 205, in accordance with described embodiments.


Fluid distribution ports 218 are distributed across the cylindrical surface of brush head portion 201 and serve as the exit point for the cosmetic material to be applied. Upon exiting fluid distribution ports 218, the cosmetic material to be applied is distributed onto the adjacent bristles 217 evenly and precisely. In certain embodiments, bristles 217 may be made from the same soft material that the rest of the brush head is made of, but in thinner strands to allow for flexibility when the cosmetic material is applied to a target region of a recipient's face or body. Flexibility is necessary as bristles 217 have high density to allow for molecules of the cosmetic material to be applied to form drops over the bristles 217 and not break apart under weak surface tension. Without flexibility, the application of the cosmetic material from bristles 217 to skin or other surfaces can feel abrasive and unpleasant to the recipient. Thus, a balance is achieved between density to allow functionality and flexibility to allow user comfort and a greater ability to manipulate bristles 217 to more effectively apply cosmetic material to target regions of a recipient's face or body.


In the anterior portion of the cosmetic applicator device, internal ducts carry the cosmetic material to be applied and run from brush neck portion 202 through the brush head portion 201 and empty into fluid distribution ports 218. Base ring 204, also known as transition ring 204, of reservoir connector portion 203 connects the anterior portions of the cosmetic applicator device to the brush body portion 205 and creates a seal, stabilizing reservoir connector portion 203 upon which brush neck portion 202 and brush head 201 rest.



FIG. 3 depicts another view of a brush head portion 301, brush neck portion 302, reservoir connector portion, and a partial view of a brush body portion 305 with cut bottom section, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, hook latch system of the reservoir connector portion's base ring 303 allows for the brush body portion 305 and its reservoir to connect to the anterior portions of the cosmetic applicator device, specifically reservoir connector portion, brush neck portion 302, and brush head portion 301. The hook latch system provides for a snug fit and easy removal of brush head portion 301. During use of the cosmetic applicator, brush head portion 301 may be compressed which pushes the reservoir of the brush body portion against connection lip 304, creating a better seal at base ring 303. Neck-reservoir connector portion junction is a connection made by plastic fusing and a friction fit that stabilizes brush head portion 301 and contains the distal ends of internal ducts that transport the cosmetic material to be applied from reservoir connector portion into brush head portion 301. The internal ducts continue through brush neck portion 302 and empty at their distal ends into fluid distribution ports 318.



FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary brush body portion 405 with affixed endcap 406, reservoir connector portion 402, and brush neck portion 401, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, connection lip 404 crowns the anterior portion of brush body portion 405 and creates a seal between the brush body portion 405 and ring 403 of the reservoir connector portion 402, upon which the brush neck portion 402 and brush head portion will attach. At the posterior end of brush body portion 405 is threaded cap pipe (see element 852 of FIG. 8) which allows for endcap 406 to attach via a twist mechanism. In certain embodiments where threaded cap pipe 852 is made of a squishy material, the threads on threaded cap pipe 852 may be larger to better accommodate the endcap 406.


In certain embodiments, bulb region 413 of the brush body portion may be curved or ergonomically contoured for comfort and ease of squeezing the reservoir contained within bulb region 413 of brush body 405. A user's fingers may, for example, rest in the valleys or recesses of bulb region where pressure can be applied to the reservoir to eject the cosmetic material to be applied in the direction of the brush head portion to ultimately reach the bristles of the brush head and be ready for application to a target region on a recipient's face or body. In certain embodiments, the reservoir may be flexible and deformable, assisting with the ejection of the cosmetic material to be applied when a user applies pressure to the reservoir.


According to Pascal's law, pressure applied to an enclosed fluid, such as the material in the reservoir, will be transmitted without a change in magnitude to every point of the fluid and walls of the container. The pressure at any point in the fluid will be equal in all directions. This allows for uniform spread of pressure through the reservoir material.


As pressure is applied to eject material from the reservoir, the material will pass through the reservoir connector portion 402 and then the brush neck portion 401. According to Bernoulli's principle, the smaller diameter of the reservoir connector portion 402 and brush head portion serve to increase the velocity of and decrease the pressure on the material flowing through these portions of the cosmetic applicator device. This allows for rapid and uniform ejection at the fluid distribution ports of the brush head portion of the material to be applied to the brush bristles 217 for transfer to a recipient's face or body.



FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary cross-sectional view of a brush body portion 503 with affixed endcap 504, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, reservoir opening 514 allows for access to the reservoir of the brush body portion 503 in order to fill the reservoir with the desired cosmetic material to be applied. According to certain embodiments, the reservoir may be filled by pouring the desired cosmetic material directly into the reservoir. According to other embodiments, the reservoir may be filled via intermediaries such as squirt bottles, funnels, etc. In yet other embodiments, reservoir opening 514 will not be present, for example, if the reservoir is pre-filled and the cosmetic applicator device is intended to be disposed of after the material to be applied housed in the reservoir is used up.



FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary 3-D architecture view of a cosmetic applicator device 600 with affixed top cap 601 and endcap 603, in accordance with described embodiments.



FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary flat architecture view of a cosmetic applicator device 620 with affixed top cap 621 and endcap 623, in accordance with described embodiments.



FIG. 6C depicts an exemplary 3-D architecture view of a cosmetic applicator device 640 with affixed top cap 641 and endcap 643 rotated along its longitudinal axis, in accordance with described embodiments.


According to the variously described embodiments, the cosmetic applicator device 640 may be manufactured in accordance with the depicted form factor. However, other form factors are contemplated and may be utilized without departing from the scope of the claimed embodiments. For instance, according to certain embodiments, the cosmetic applicator device 640 includes an outer body 602 which is formed from a single uniform mold, into which there is a flexible reservoir inserted holding a serum or cosmetic material. The end cap 603 is then later threaded into the outer body 602 to seal the contents. In other embodiments the end cap 603 is fused or permanently glued to the outer body 602 to seal the contents in such a way that prevents or discourages re-use of the cosmetic applicator device 640. In yet other embodiments, the outer body 602 is formed from multiple distinct component molds, such as the head portion, the neck portion, the body portion and the end-cap portion, each of which are then permanently fused or glued at the time of manufacture. In yet other embodiments, the shape of the cosmetic applicator device 640 is different from that which is shown, and yet, the described components and portions of the cosmetic applicator device 640 remain the same and are thus intended to be covered by the scope of the claimed embodiments. For instance, non-functional changes in shape, color, and/or material may be utilized.



FIG. 7A depicts an exploded 3-D view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 700 with unassembled top cap 701 and endcap 707, in accordance with described embodiments.


Specifically, internal threads 708 of endcap 707 allow for the cap to securely screw onto the posterior/base of the brush body portion 706 when the cosmetic applicator device is being used. Internal threads 708 may, for example, screw onto grooves on the posterior/base of the brush body portion 706 or snap into a recess on the posterior/base of the brush body portion 706. Attaching endcap 707 to brush body portion 706 allows for containment of the reservoir and prevents its contents from leaking. According to certain embodiments, the reservoir may be filled or refilled by detaching endcap 707. In other embodiments, such as those with a pre-filled and non-accessible reservoir, endcap 707 may be absent and for example, replaced with a brush body portion base.



FIG. 7B depicts an exploded flat view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 720 with unassembled top cap 721 and endcap 727, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, cap 727 has curved edges 708 that taper to a flat cap bottom 728, allowing for cap 727 to stand vertically, which keeps the brush head from falling over and touching unwanted surfaces and becoming contaminated with microbes or staining surfaces during storage and between applications.



FIG. 7C depicts another exploded 3-D view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 740 with unassembled top cap 741 and endcap 747, in accordance with described embodiments.



FIG. 8A depicts a cross-sectional flat exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 800 with unassembled top cap 841 and endcap 847, in accordance with described embodiments.



FIG. 8B depicts a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 820 with unassembled top cap 821 and endcap 823, in accordance with described embodiments.



FIG. 8C depicts a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 840 with unassembled top cap 841 and endcap 846, depicting both halves of the brush body 845 and brush bristle portion 842 detached from the brush head scaffolding portion 843, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, brush bristle portion 842 may be detached from brush head scaffolding portion 843 of brush head 102, for example for ease of cleaning or replacement. There may be a snap, hook and latch, or other connection mechanism for affixing brush bristle portion 842 to brush head scaffolding portion 843 of brush head 102. Likewise, according to certain embodiments, two halves of brush body portion 845 may be detachable via a similar connection mechanism, allowing ease of access to the reservoir and other components housed within brush body portion 845.



FIG. 9A depicts a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 900 with a piston device 905 and cosmetic material to be applied 906 depicted within the brush body portion 903, in accordance with described embodiments.



FIG. 9B depicts an exemplary flow of cosmetic material 956 to be applied in a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 950 with a piston 955, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, piston 955 may be activated, for example via forward translation motion 958 to press on cosmetic material 956, causing cosmetic material to traverse 959 from brush body portion 953 through transition ring 907, reservoir connector 908, brush neck portion 909, and into proximal ducts 910 of brush head portion 952, and to be carried through distal ducts 912 of brush head portion 952, and to egress through fluid distribution ports 913 on the surface of brush head portion 952, for dispersion 960 onto bristles 957 of brush head portion 952.



FIG. 10A depicts a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 1000 with a vial 1004 containing both cosmetic material to be applied 1012 and a piston 1005 depicted within the brush body portion 1003, as well as a needle 1007 protruding into the brush body portion 1003, and unassembled endcap 1011, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, vial 1004 may be pressed 1006 against needle 1007 to pierce the anterior portion of vial 1004 and release cosmetic material to be applied 1012 for transport to brush bristles 1010 on brush head portion 1002. Vial 1004 may be pressed 1006 against needle 1007 via forwards translational motion, for example with the assistance of piston 1005. Pressing 1006 vial 1004 to needle 1007 may create a seal between the anterior portion of vial 1004 and the anterior portion of brush body portion 1003 for precise release of cosmetic material to be applied 1012 towards internal ducts 1009 of brush body portion 1002.



FIG. 10B depicts another cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 1050 with a vial 1061 containing both cosmetic material to be applied 1055 and a piston 1054 depicted within the brush body portion 1053, as well as a needle 1056 protruding into the brush body portion 1053, and assembled endcap 1062, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, vial 1061 may be pressed against needle 1056 to pierce the anterior portion of vial 1061 and release cosmetic material to be applied 1055 for transport to brush bristles 1060 on brush head portion 1052. Vial 1061 may be pressed against needle 1056 via forwards translational motion, for example with the assistance of piston 1054. Pressing vial 1061 to needle 1056 may create a seal between the anterior portion of vial 1061 and the anterior portion of brush body portion 1053 for precise release of cosmetic material to be applied 1055 towards proximal ducts 1057 of brush body portion 1052. From there, the cosmetic material to be applied 1055 may be carried through distal ducts 1058 of brush head portion 1052, and egress through fluid distribution ports 1059 on the surface of brush head portion 1052, for dispersion onto bristles 1060 of brush head portion 1052.



FIG. 11A depicts a cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 1100 with a reservoir 1104 containing both cosmetic material to be applied 1111 and a plunger 1107 depicted within the brush body portion 1103, as well as a battery-powered motor 1106 at the distal end of the brush body portion 1103, and unassembled endcap 1105, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, reservoir 1104 may be made of hard plastic or other material and contains cosmetic material to be applied 1111 as well as plunger or piston 1107. Battery-powered motor 1106 may be powered by a battery or other means and activates a plunger or piston 1107, causing forward translational motion of cosmetic material to be applied 1111 towards brush bristles 1109 for application to a face or body of a user. According to certain embodiments, battery-powered motor 1106 may be housed within brush body portion 1103. According to yet other embodiments, battery-powered motor 1106 may be housed in endcap 1105.



FIG. 11B depicts another cross-sectional 3-D exploded view of an exemplary architecture cosmetic applicator device 1150 with a reservoir 1165 containing both cosmetic material to be applied 1157 and a plunger 1156 within the brush body portion 1153, as well as a battery-powered motor 1155 at the distal end of the brush body portion 1153, and assembled endcap 1155, in accordance with described embodiments.


As shown here, reservoir 1165 may be made of hard plastic or other material and contains cosmetic material to be applied 1157 as well as plunger or piston 1156. Battery-powered motor 1155 may be powered by a battery or other means and activates a plunger or piston 1156, causing forward translational motion of cosmetic material to be applied 1157 towards brush bristles 1163 for application to a face or body of a user. According to certain embodiments, battery-powered motor 1154 may be housed within brush body portion 1153. According to yet other embodiments, battery-powered motor 1154 may be housed in endcap 1155.


Pressing piston or plunger 1156 may create a seal between the anterior portion of reservoir 1165 and the anterior portion of brush body portion 1153 for precise release of cosmetic material to be applied 1157 towards proximal ducts 1160 of brush body portion 1152 From there, the cosmetic material to be applied 1157 may be carried through distal ducts 1161 of brush head portion 1152, and egress through fluid distribution ports 1162 on the surface of brush head portion 1152, for dispersion onto bristles 1163 of brush head portion 1152.



FIGS. 12A and 12B depict a flow diagram illustrating a method 1200-1250 for using the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, in accordance with described embodiments.


Method 1200-1250 begins at FIG. 12A.


As shown at 1202, a user begins by uncapping a detachable cap at a base portion of a periorbital cosmetic applicator device that seals a reservoir of a brush body portion of the device. Then at 1204, the user fills the reservoir with cosmetic material to be applied. Next, at 1206, the user reseals the cap back onto the base of the brush body portion, for example, via a screw mechanism involving threads at the base of the brush body portion. Subsequently, at 1208, the user squeezes the brush body portion to eject the material out of the reservoir through a reservoir connector portion and into internal ducts that span from a brush neck portion to a brush head portion. At 1210, the cosmetic material to be applied is expelled at fluid distribution ports at the distal ends of the internal ducts on the brush head portion surface.


Method 1200-1250 continues at FIG. 12B.


Next, at 1252, the expelled cosmetic material to be applied is received from the fluid distribution ports at adjacent bristles on the brush head portion. Finally, at 1254, the user applies the cosmetic material to a target region on a face or body.


In accordance with another embodiment, the periorbital cosmetic applicator device further includes: a brush head portion, in which the brush head portion includes an internal liquid distribution system having distal ends of internal ducts, fluid distribution ports, and bristles, in which the distal ends of the internal ducts transport material to be applied and connect to fluid distribution ports adjacent to the base of bristles, in which the fluid distribution ports eject the material to be applied to the bristles, in which the bristles receive the material exiting from the fluid distribution ports for application to a target region on a face or body; a brush body portion, in which the brush body portion contains a reservoir for receiving material to be applied, in which the reservoir is to enclose the material to be applied, in which the reservoir receives a sealing cap at a distal end of the reservoir to retain the reservoir within the brush body portion; a brush neck portion, in which the brush neck portion serves as a connection between the brush head portion and the brush body portion, in which the brush neck portion connects proximal ends of the internal ducts to receive material to be applied, in which the material to be applied traverses through the brush neck portion from the reservoir of the brush body portion and into the internal liquid distribution system of the brush head portion via the proximal ends of the internal ducts; a reservoir connector, in which the reservoir connector portion is located between the brush neck portion and the brush body portion, in which the reservoir connector portions receives material to be applied from the reservoir of the brush body portion for transfer to the brush neck portion; and a detachable cap for sealing the brush head portion, in which the cap attaches posteriorly at the base of the brush body portion.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, there is an actuator that rotates the brush head portion. In certain embodiments, the actuator may be powered by a battery.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the material to be applied moves from the brush body portion to the brush head portion via pressure applied to the brush body portion, resulting in forward translational motion of the material as the pressure is translated to the reservoir of the brush body portion, in which the reservoir has a fixed volume.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the material to be applied moves from the brush body portion to the brush head portion via a platform along a threaded rod pushing posteriorly on the material, resulting in forward translational motion of the material.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the material to be applied moves from the brush body portion to the brush head portion via Pascal's law, in which downward pressure on the posterior end of the brush body portion is transferred to a vacuum which recoils the pressure to a piston, in which the piston applies forward translational motion to the material. In certain embodiments, the piston may be powered by a battery.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the material to be applied is pre-loaded into the reservoir of the brush body portion of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the material to be applied is manually loaded into the reservoir of the brush body portion of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device by a user.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the base of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device is designed for the device to stand freely, when either (i) the posterior end of the brush body portion is wider than the anterior end of the brush body portion, or (ii) the detachable cap is contouring to support the device in standing freely.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the brush body portion is ergonomically contoured.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the reservoir of the brush body portion is a sealed environment for protecting the material to be applied from contamination, uncontrolled dispersion, and oxidative deterioration.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the cosmetic material to be applied is either (i) liquid or (ii) semi-liquid.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the reservoir is one of: (i) a disposable reservoir for single use, or (ii) a re-usable reservoir that may be refilled and reused by a user.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the material to be applied is manufactured for single use via: inserting the material into the reservoir; sealing the reservoir; inserting the reservoir into the brush body portion of the periorbital cosmetic applicator; and permanently sealing the brush body portion.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the device is manufactured with one or more of: (i) a plurality of reservoirs, and (ii) a plurality of materials to be applied.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, one or more of the brush head portion, brush neck portion, reservoir connector portion, and brush body portion are formed as separate components and attached together.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, one or more of the brush head portion, brush neck portion, reservoir connector portion, and brush body portion are a single continuous piece formed from a single mold.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the reservoir connector portion rests upon a transition ring.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the material to be applied is loaded into one or more of (i) the brush body portion, and (ii) the brush neck portion, wherein one or more of a (i) piston, and (ii) plunger move the material to be applied into the brush head portion via forward translational motion by applying pressure on the material to be applied.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the material to be applied is contained in a vial within the brush body portion, wherein the vial is pushed against a needle protruding into the brush body portion, wherein the needle punctures a proximal end of the vial, wherein the material to be applied is moved into the brush head portion via forward translational motion from a piston at a distal end of the vial.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the pressure applied to the brush body portion is mediated by one or more of: (i) a plunger inside the reservoir, and (ii) a battery-powered motor at the distal end of the device pushing the material to be applied towards the brush head portion via forward translational motion.


According to another embodiment of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, the battery-powered motor is located within the endcap.


None of the claims are intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 U.S.C. § 112 unless the exact words “means for” are followed by a participle. While the subject matter disclosed herein has been described by way of example and in terms of the specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the claimed embodiments are not limited to the explicitly enumerated embodiments disclosed. To the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements as are apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosed subject matter is therefore to be determined in reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims
  • 1. A periorbital cosmetic applicator device, comprising: a brush head portion, wherein the brush head portion includes an internal liquid distribution system having distal ends of internal ducts, fluid distribution ports, and bristles, wherein the distal ends of the internal ducts transport material to be applied and connect to fluid distribution ports adjacent to the base of bristles, wherein the fluid distribution ports eject the material to be applied to the bristles, wherein the bristles receive the material exiting from the fluid distribution ports for application to a target region on a face or body;a brush body portion, wherein the brush body portion contains a reservoir for receiving material to be applied, wherein the reservoir is to enclose the material to be applied, wherein the reservoir receives a sealing cap at a distal end of the reservoir to retain the reservoir within the brush body portion;a brush neck portion, wherein the brush neck portion serves as a connection between the brush head portion and the brush body portion, wherein the brush neck portion connects proximal ends of the internal ducts to receive material to be applied, wherein the material to be applied traverses through the brush neck portion from the reservoir of the brush body portion and into the internal liquid distribution system of the brush head portion via the proximal ends of the internal ducts;a reservoir connector portion, wherein the reservoir connector portion is located between the brush neck portion and the brush body portion, wherein the reservoir connector portion receives material to be applied from the reservoir of the brush body portion for transfer to the brush neck portion; anda detachable cap for sealing the brush head portion, wherein the cap attaches posteriorly at the base of the brush body portion.
  • 2. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein an actuator rotates the brush head portion.
  • 3. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the material to be applied moves from the brush body portion to the brush head portion via a platform along a threaded rod pushing posteriorly on the material, resulting in forward translational motion of the material.
  • 4. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the material to be applied moves from the brush body portion to the brush head portion via Pascal's law, wherein downward pressure on the posterior end of the brush body is transferred to a vacuum which recoils the pressure to a piston, wherein the piston applies forward translational motion to the material.
  • 5. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the material to be applied is pre-loaded into the reservoir of the brush body portion of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device.
  • 6. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the material to be applied is manually loaded into the reservoir of the brush body portion of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device by a user.
  • 7. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the base of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device is designed for the device to stand freely, when either (i) a posterior end of the brush body portion is wider than an anterior end of the brush body portion, or (ii) the detachable cap is contouring to support the device in standing freely.
  • 8. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the brush body portion is ergonomically contoured.
  • 9. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the reservoir of the brush body portion is a sealed environment for protecting the material to be applied from contamination, uncontrolled dispersion, and oxidative deterioration.
  • 10. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the material to be applied is either (i) liquid or (ii) semi-liquid.
  • 11. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the reservoir is one of: (i) a disposable reservoir for single use, or (ii) a re-usable reservoir that may be refilled and reused by a user.
  • 12. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the material to be applied is manufactured for single use via:inserting the material into the reservoir;sealing the reservoir;inserting the reservoir into the brush body portion of the periorbital cosmetic applicator; andpermanently sealing the brush body portion.
  • 13. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the device is manufactured with one or more of: (i) a plurality of reservoirs, and (ii) a plurality of materials to be applied.
  • 14. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the brush head portion, brush neck portion, reservoir connector portion, and brush body portion are formed as separate components and attached together.
  • 15. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the brush head portion, brush neck portion, reservoir connector portion, and brush body portion are a single continuous piece formed from a single mold.
  • 16. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir connector portion rests upon a transition ring.
  • 17. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the material to be applied is loaded into one or more of (i) the brush body portion, and (ii) the brush neck portion, wherein one of a (i) piston, and (ii) plunger move the material to be applied into the brush head portion via forward translational motion by applying pressure on the material to be applied.
  • 18. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the material to be applied is contained in a vial within the brush body portion, wherein the vial is pushed against a needle protruding into the brush body portion, wherein the needle punctures a proximal end of the vial, wherein the material to be applied is moved into the brush head portion via forward translational motion from a piston at a distal end of the vial.
  • 19. The periorbital cosmetic applicator device of claim 1: wherein the material to be applied moves from the brush body portion to the brush head portion via pressure applied to the brush body portion, resulting in forward translational motion of the material as the pressure is translated to the reservoir of the brush body portion, wherein the reservoir has a fixed volume;wherein the pressure applied to the brush body portion is mediated by one or more of: (i) a plunger inside the reservoir, and (ii) a battery-powered motor at the distal end of the device pushing the material to be applied towards the brush head portion via forward translational motion; andfurther wherein either an actuator for the plunger or a battery for the battery-powered motor is located within the endcap.
  • 20. A method of operating a periorbital cosmetic applicator device, wherein the method comprises: uncapping a detachable cap at a base of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, wherein the detachable cap seals a reservoir of a brush body portion of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device;filling the reservoir of the brush body portion with cosmetic material to be applied;resealing the cap by reattaching the cap to the base of the brush body portion;squeezing the brush body portion;transferring, through translation motion from squeezing the brush body portion applying pressure on the reservoir, the material to be applied from the reservoir towards a brush head portion of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device, wherein a reservoir connector between the brush body portion and brush head portion of the periorbital cosmetic applicator device receives the material to be applied from the reservoir of the brush body portion for transfer to the brush neck portion and the brush head portion;transferring, through translation motion from squeezing the brush body portion, the material to be applied from the reservoir connector through the brush neck portion, wherein the brush neck serves as a connection between the brush head and the brush body, wherein the brush neck portion connects proximal ends of internal ducts receiving the material to be applied;receiving, at the brush head portion, the material to be applied, wherein the brush head contains an internal liquid distribution system including distal ends of the internal ducts, fluid distribution ports, and bristles, wherein the distal ends of the internal ducts transport the material to be applied from the proximal ends of the internal ducts at the brush neck portion and empty into the fluid distribution ports, wherein the fluid distribution ports are distributed across the brush head surface;ejecting the material to be applied at the fluid distribution ports of the brush head portion;receiving, onto the bristles of the brush head portion, the ejected material from the fluid distribution ports, wherein the bristles are adjacent to the fluid distribution ports; andapplying the cosmetic material on the bristles of the brush head portion to target regions on a face or body of a recipient.
CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This non-provisional U.S. Utility patent application is related to, and claims priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/078,112, entitled “SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUSES FOR IMPLEMENTING A SELF-CONTAINED PERIORBITAL COSMETIC APPLICATOR DEVICE,” filed Sep. 14, 2020, having Attorney Docket Number 38034.601P, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
63078112 Sep 2020 US