WO2023114219A1 - Cosmetic applicator and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator includes a body having a first end and a second end; a first tool portion integral with the first end and having a first tool head; a second tool portion integral with the second end and having a second tool head; cosmetic liquid is contained within the body and is in fluid communication with the first tool portion and the second tool portion.

Description

COSMETIC APPLICATOR AND METHOD OF USE

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to make-up applicators and methods of use. More specifically, the invention is related to a system and method to apply eyeliner in the cat-eye or winged tip style.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Systems and methods for applying eyeliner is well known in the art. At times, it is desired to apply eyeliner in certain patterns or styles. For example, a person may apply eye make-up by drawing lines above, below or around the eye using a eyeliner pen or pencil. To achieve a cat-eye or winged tip styled look, the person must draw a line of variant thickness so as to extend past the corner of the eye. There are many types of eyeliner applicators including eyeliner pens, pencils or brushes to be used in conjunction with gel or other ink. FIG. 1 depicts a commonly used eye-liner pencil someone might use to apply eyeliner in the cat-eye style.

[0003] Several problems are commonly associated with the eye-make up applicator depicted in FIG. 1 and other commonly used eyeliner tools. For example, it is difficult to free hand draw eyeliner onto specific portions of the eye. During application, it is common to draw a line that is too thick or too thin or draw the eyeliner onto portions of the eye that were not originally intended. Additionally, once eyeliner has been applied to one eye, it is difficult to replicate an exact mirror image of the make-up style onto the other eye.

[0004] Although great improvements have been made in the area of eye-make up applicators and methods of use, many shortcomings remain. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a conventional eyeliner pencil;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded views of an eye liner applicator in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views showing the transfer of ink within the applicator of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are top views of the first stamp and second stamp of FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with the present application;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of use of the eye-liner applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an oblique view of an alternative embodiment of an eye-liner applicator in accordance with the present application in a first orientation;

FIG.7 is an oblique view of the eye-liner applicator of FIG. 6 in a second orientation;

FIG. 8 is an oblique view of the eye-liner applicator of FIG. 6 with a stamp extended;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the method of use of the eye-liner applicator of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 depicts a series of stamp designs in accordance with the present application; and FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a cosmetic applicator in accordance with the present application.

[0006] While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0007] Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0008] The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional systems and methods to apply eye makeup. Specifically, the present invention is directed to an eyeliner make-up applicator for use in applying eye make-up in the cat eye style. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

[0010] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views. It will be appreciated that applicator 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with the conventional systems and methods to apply cat-eye styled eyeliner.

[0011] In the preferred emboidment, eyeliner applicator 201 includes a first end 203 and a second end 205, integral with a body 206 wherein each end has a tip component 207, 209 and a stamp component 211 , 213. In the preferred embodiment, first end 203 includes a fine tip 207 for providing a means for precise lining of the user’s eye, while end 205 includes a thicker tip 209 for more dramatic and thick lining. In the preferred embodiment, first end 203 includes stamp 211 being shaped appropriately to allow the user to stamp their left eye lid in the common “cat eye” style. Similarly, end 205 includes stamp 213 being appropriately shaped to stamp the user’s right eye lid in the cat eye style.

[0012] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the applicator 201 only includes the components 213, 211 , and does not include components 207, 209, which provides for a more simplified product. In this particular embodiment, the stamps 211 , 213 are not limited to wing stamps, but rather may include stamps, tips, or other types of cosmetic applicators.

[0013] It should be appreciated that body 206 provides a reservoir to contain the eyeliner liquid, which is in fluid communication with tips 207, 209, and stamps 211 , 213.

[0014] As further shown, applicator 201 includes caps 215, 217 to secure to body 206 over the tips and stamps. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, tips 207, 209 are connected to a secondary cap 219, 221 configured to secure over and enclose the stamps 211 , 213.

[0015] In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the method of transfer of ink from body 206 to one tip 209 is shown. It should be appreciated that an ink reservoir 301 is contained within the inside of body 206 and extends to stamp 213. In addition, an inkpad 302 is positioned in fluid communication with tip 209, wherein the ink pad receives ink from the reservoir 301 and stamp 213. It should be appreciated that this feature is repeated on the opposite end of applicator 201 . [0016] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, end views of stamps 211 , 213. As shown, the shape of stamp 211 is appropriate for stamping the left eyelid, whereas the shape of stamp 213 is appropriate for the right eyelid. It should be appreciated that the overall dimensions and exact shape can vary for aesthetical, functional, or manufacturing considerations.

[0017] In FIG. 5, a flowchart 501 depicts the method of use of the eyeliner applicator 201 . During use, the cap and secondary cap, along with the first tip, are removed from the body, providing access to the first stamp, as shown with box 503. The user then proceeds to stamp their first eyelid, as shown with box 505. The user then repeats the process for the second eyelid, as shown with boxes 507, 509. The user can then replace the caps, and secondary caps, and proceed to remove just the caps to provide access to the tips, wherein the user can use the tips to complete the eye lining process as desired, as shown with box 511 .

[0018] It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the combination of two cat-eye style stamps with eyeliner tips, thereby providing a single apparatus for complete eye lining according to the user’s preferences.

[0019] In FIGS. 6-9 various views depict an alternative embodiment of an eyeliner applicator 601 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application. It features an outer elongated encasing 605 with a regular tip end cap 603 and a stamp end cap 607. A slide button integrally connected to an eyeliner stamp is shown in the storage position 609. In this embodiment, an eyeliner pen 611 protrudes from a distal end of the applicator tube. It is anticipated that the regular tip end could be an eyeliner pencil, pen or brush tip in alternative embodiments.

[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 7, an oblique of the applicator 601 , is shown with detail as to the cat-eye style stamp end of the double-ended eye make-up applicator. The stamp end is comprised of two separate stamps, one for the right eye and one for the left eye. The cat-eye style or winged-tip style stamps 701 , 703 are located on stamp bases 705,707. The stamp bases 705,707 are triangular and fit together such that they form a rectangle so as to fit inside the outer encasing 607 or applicator tube. It is anticipated that the cat eye stamps 701 , 703 could also be located on semi-circles so as to fit together to form a circular shape to fit in a cylindrical applicator encasing.

[0021] The bases are integrally connected to their respective slider buttons 609 (and a second slider button not visible but identical in form and function to button 609), wherein to extend the stamp base 705, 707, the user pushes the slider button toward the end of the elongated outer encasing 605 until the cat eye stamp is usable for application to the eye. The right eye stamp 701 and base 707 and the left eye stamp 703 and base 705 are separate components that can move independently from each other, thereby allowing the stamps to be used individually, one at a time.

[0022] It is anticipated that the base and stamp material be conducive to ink flow from the reservoir, through the stamp, and applied onto the eye and surrounding skin area. This material should be soft to the touch for comfort, durable and sponge-like. The cateye stamp could be made from porous silicon or another open cell structure.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 8, an oblique view of applicator 601 with details shown as to the working or application position 801 of one of the retractable cat-eye stamps 703. The base is depicted as being raised from the storage position (see FIG. 7) above the other base 707 which is flush with the end of the applicator. The slider button 609 is seen pushed away from its storage position (see FIG. 7) towards the end of the eyemake up applicator 601 . To use the other eye stamp 701 , it is anticipated that the user would push the button 609 connected to the stamp base 705 down towards the regular tip end of the applicator so as to retract the stamp base until it is flush with the end of the applicator encasing. The user would then push the opposite side slider button (not shown) connected to the other eye stamp 701 towards the stamp end of the applicator until it extends enough to be used for eyeliner application to the eye.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 9, a method 901 of preferred use is shown as to the present invention. It is anticipated that these steps are one embodiment of the use of the present invention, but the method could omit steps or include additional steps. The method includes: A method of applying eyeliner in the cat-eye or winged tip style comprising: using a double-ended eyeliner make-up applicator having a regular tip end and a stamp end 902, pressing the regular tip end comprising an eyeliner pen point to the desired portions of the eyelid and surrounding skin area 903, pushing the stamp via a sliding button until it protrudes past the end of the applicator 904, pressing the stamp onto the corner of the eye to form a winged-tip eyeliner effect 905. This method is repeated for each eye 906.

[0025] Wherein the stamp end of the applicator includes a left and a right eye stamp parts, the method could further include, pressing the right eye stamp onto the corner of the right eye to form a winged tip eyeliner effect and pressing the left eye stamp onto the corner of the left eye to form a winged tip eyeliner effect. The left and right eye stamp portions would be independently retractable via two separate slide buttons located in the outer elongated encasing of the applicator.

[0026] In FIG. 10, a series of stamp shapes are shown and contemplated for use with the present invention. The stamp shapes including various configurations, including: (1 ) a classic wing; (2) a mini wing; (3) a glam wing; (4) a skinny wing; (5) a 60’s wing; (6) a double wing; (7) a fishtail wing; (8) a crease wing; (9) a block wing; (10) a thumbprint wing; (11 ) a negative space wing; (12) a graphic wing; (13) a graphic crease wing; (14) a bat wing; and (15) a bow wing.

[0027] It should be appreciated that the stamp shapes are not limited to those disclosed, and may further include shapes such as star, moon, heart, smiley face, or any others.

[0028] It is contemplated and should be appreciated that a user could select and interchange one or more of the above shapes into the applicator 201 for use. This allows for greater user customization and personalization of the application of a eyeliner.

[0029] In FIG. 11 , a side view depicts a cosmetic applicator 1101 in accordance with the present application. It should be appreciated that applicator 1101 can include any or all of the features discussed above. In this embodiment, applicator 1101 will be discussed as an alternative, wherein the applicator 1101 may be adapted for use with eye makeup or other face make up products. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the applicator 1101 may be used with eye liner, face foundation, face concealer, liquid eye shadow, or any other appropriate cosmetic.

[0030] As shown, applicator 1101 includes a body 1103 which extends from a first end to a second end. The body having a fluid reservoir configured to hold a cosmetic liquid. It should be appreciated that the fluid reservoir may be configured into a first portion 1105 and a second portion 1107 or as a single reservoir. The split portions allows for each side to have a different liquid cosmetic product if desired.

[0031] Applicator 1101 further includes a first tool portion 1109 integral with the first end and having a first tool head 1111 and a second tool portion integral with the second end and having a second tool head (not shown see FIGS. 2A and 2B for teachings). A third tool portion 1113 is removably secured over the first tool head, the third tool portion in fluid communication with the first tool head and configured to receive cosmetic liquid from the first tool head. It should be appreciated that this configuration is discussed above, however, in this embodiment, it should be appreciated that the tool heads can vary, such as being stamps, eyeliner tools, facial product applicators, or the like. The third tool portion 1113 may include a third tool head 1115.

[0032] As shown, the applicator further includes a fourth tool portion 1117 with a fourth tool head 1119 at the second end of the body. Yet further, it is contemplated that in this embodiment, one or more snap on attachments 1121 may be provided, and configured to snap over the top of third and fourth tool portions, wherein the snap on attachment 1121 provides for yet another independent tool head 1123 with its own liquid reservoir 1125. This allows for yet another tool to be incorporated into the applicator 1101.

[0033] It should be appreciated that the means of attachment of the various components can vary, such as through snap on features, pull on/off, twist on/off, a combination, or any other appropriate means. In some embodiments, a series of magnets 1129 may be used to secure the various components together, including cap 1131. In some embodiments, one or more O-rings 1133 may also be provided to aid in securing the components together. [0034] It should be appreciated that the applicator can be adapted for interchangeability between many tools, thereby allowing for user customization. It should further be appreciated that the applicator may include rectangular, circular, or oval components in shape as aesthetic, functional, or manufacturing considerations require.

[0035] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A cosmetic applicator, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end; a fluid reservoir positioned within a cavity of the body; a first tool portion engaged with the body at the first end and having a first tool head; and a second tool portion engaged with the body at the second end and having a second tool head; wherein the first tool head and the second tool head are in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir via the first tool portion and the second tool portion; and wherein the cosmetic liquid is contained within the body and is in fluid communication with the first tool head and the second tool head.

2. The applicator of claim 1 , further comprising: one or more O-rings positioned around the body to create a seal.

3. The applicator of claim 1 , further comprising: a first cap secured over the first tool head.

4. The applicator of claim 3, wherein the first cap is secured over the first tool head via magnetic retention.

5. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir includes a first liquid well and a second liquid well.

4. The applicator or claim 1 , further comprising: a snap on attachment having a fourth tool portion and configured to secure to the body over the top of the first tool head, the snap on attachment having an independent fluid reservoir.

5. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the first tool head is one of: a classic wing; a mini wing; a glam wing; a skinny wing; a 60’s wing; a double wing; a fishtail wing; a crease wing; a block wing; a thumbprint wing; a negative space wing; a graphic wing; a graphic crease wing; a bat wing; and a bow wing.

6. The applicator of claim 1 , further comprising: a third tool portion removably secured over the first tool head, the third tool portion in fluid communication with the first tool head and configured to receive cosmetic liquid from the first tool head.