Makeup Touchup Applicator

Abstract

A makeup applicator for use by individuals to apply, touchup or reapply makeup, especially liquid or cream makeup, and further especially for use relating to lipstick, is disclosed. The compact makeup applicator is designed with at least two separable ends or covers, that may be used as an ergonomic base or support for optimal use of the makeup applicator. In one embodiment, one type of separable end may comprise a flexible balloon to contain a small amount of a liquid or cream makeup for use to touchup or reapply the makeup. In a storage configuration, the separable end snuggly attaches to the applicator base to cover the applicator brush or bristles. For normal usage, the separable end may be removed from the applicator base, exposing the applicator brush or bristles, and is attached to the other side of the applicator base to provide an ergonomic support or base extender.

Claims

1. A makeup application apparatus, comprising: a solid base section having a top side and bottom side; a makeup applicator element attached to said top section of said solid base section; a cover element wherein said cover element is removably attachable to said top side of said solid base section, and fully covers said makeup applicator element, and further wherein said cover element is removably attachable to said bottom side of said solid base section to form a handle section of said makeup application apparatus.

2. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said makeup applicator element is a textile material comprising a plurality of short bristles.

3. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said makeup applicator element is removable and disposable.

4. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said makeup applicator element manufactured from a natural hypoallergenic material.

5. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said solid base section further comprises screw threads on said top side and bottom side, and wherein said cover element further comprises screw threads that engage said solid base section screw threads.

6. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said solid base section further comprises a quarter turn detent mechanism incorporated into said solid base section top side and bottom side, and wherein said cover element further comprised a quarter turn detent mechanism to rigidly engage said solid base section quarter turn detent mechanisms.

7. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said solid base section further comprises a press fit detent mechanism incorporated into said solid base section top side and bottom side, and wherein said cover element further comprised a compatible press fit detent mechanism to rigidly engage said solid base section press fit detent mechanisms.

8. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover element further comprises at one end an expandable balloon section to house flowable makeup.

9. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover element is ergonomically shaped with thumb and fore-finger indentations.

10. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover element has a tubular shape.

11. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover element has a cross-sectional shape of a hexagon.

12. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover element has a cross-sectional shape of a polygon.

13. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said makeup application apparatus is fully disposable.

14. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said makeup applicator element is manufactured from biodegradable materials.

15. The makeup application apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light element incorporated into said top side of said solid base section, and further comprising an energy storage device housed within said solid base section.

16. The makeup application apparatus of claim 15, wherein said light element is a light emitting diode.

17. The makeup application apparatus of claim 15, wherein said energy storage device is a miniature battery.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0011] To more easily identify particular elements as described in the below detailed description, consistent reference numbers are used in the attached figures as the specification's figures are listed below.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus in a fully stored configuration having a tubular shape.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus in a fully open and assembled configuration having a tubular shape.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus showing the top or lid separated from the base section and exposing the brush element.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus showing the top or lid positioned to attach to the base section and become a support or handle for the makeup application apparatus.

[0016] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus solid base section showing the press fit aspect of the top side and bottom side of the solid base section.

[0017] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus solid base section showing the threads for a screw-on aspect of the top side and bottom side of the solid base section.

[0018] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus solid base section showing the quarter-turn/detent aspect of the top side and bottom side of the solid base section.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus showing the top or lid positioned to attach to the base section with the lid being a support handle and incorporating a flexible balloon element to house liquid or cream makeup.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus showing a lighting element incorporated within the top section of the solid base section.

[0021] FIG. 8A is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus cover element having a square cross-sectional shape.

[0022] FIG. 8B is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus cover element having a pentagon cross-sectional shape.

[0023] FIG. 8C is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus cover element having a hexagon cross-sectional shape.

[0024] FIG. 8D is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the makeup application apparatus cover element having an octagon cross-sectional shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0025] An innovative compact makeup applicator for use by individuals to apply, touchup and/or reapply makeup at any time, and in any location, is disclosed. The makeup applicator is designed to be a compact, easily stored apparatus that can be readily placed within a pocket, a purse, and/or a briefcase, to allow use in most any location, at most any time.

[0026] In one embodiment, the compact makeup applicator may include a single cover or end that is removable from one side of a base element, and then be attachable to another side of the base element to act as a support or handle for the makeup applicator. In another embodiment, the compact makeup applicator may include at least two separable ends or covers, one of which may be used as an ergonomic base or support for optimal use of the makeup applicator, and a second of which may comprise a flexible balloon to contain a small amount of a liquid or cream makeup for use to touchup or reapply the makeup.

[0027] In more particularity, and as shown in certain preferred embodiments in FIGS. 1 through 7, the makeup applicator 10 comprises three primary elements. Those elements are a solid base section 20, a makeup application element 30 that is attached to the solid base section 20, and a cover element 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the cover element 40 is designed to removably attach to one side of the solid base section 20, thereby covering and protecting the makeup application element 30 when the makeup applicator 10 is in a storage configuration. For normal usage and assembly, the cover element 40 may be quickly detached or separated from the solid base section 20, thereby exposing the makeup application element 30, and then be removably attached to the opposite side of the solid base section 20, thereby transforming the cover element 40 into a support or handle for the makeup applicator 10.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 7, and in further detail shown for specific embodiments, the makeup applicator 10 may be formed in a general tubular shape, similar to a lipstick tube. As noted, for each embodiment of the makeup applicator 10, a core element is the solid base section 20. Both of the makeup application element 30 and cover 40 are attached or are attachable to the solid base section 20. The makeup application element 30 may be integrally manufactured as part of or attached to the solid base section 20, or the makeup application element 30 may be removably attached to the solid base section 20. The former, integral attachment embodiment, would be applicable where the makeup applicator 10 is designed for one-time usage and would be disposable after each use. The latter, removable attachment of the makeup application element 30 to the solid base section 20 is applicable where the makeup applicator 10, as a whole, is designed for multiple uses, and where the makeup application element 30 is replaceable and disposable after each use.

[0029] A core aspect of the makeup applicator 10 is the multiple utility of the cover element 40. As noted, the cover element 40 in the stored configuration covers and protects the makeup application element 30 and solidly attaches to a top side 21 of the solid base section 20. Once removed from the top side of the solid base section 20, the cover element 40 may be attached to the bottom side 22 of the solid base section. In this assembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, the cover element 40 now provides a handle or support for the makeup applicator 10.

[0030] As a handle or support, the cover element 40 may be ergonomically formed with one or more finger or thumb indentations to provide the user with a natural and comfortable way to hold the cover element 40 and makeup applicator 10. Such finger and thumb indentations or cavities 41 may also include a plurality of little bumps to provide the user with increased control and retention of the makeup applicator.

[0031] In another embodiment, the cover element 10 may include a flexible balloon end 45 as shown in FIG. 6. The flexible balloon end 45 incorporated into the cover element 10 allows a user to store and have ready for use, a small amount of desired liquid or cream makeup with the makeup applicator 10. The liquid or cream makeup stored in the flexible balloon end 45 may be dispensed or squeezed out of the flexible balloon end when and where the user desires.

[0032] In different embodiments, the cover element 40 may be attached to the solid base section 20 using varied physical connection mechanisms. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5A, the cover element 40 may connect to either side of the solid base section 20 by a press fit mechanism. Alternatively, for a more resilient connection means, the cover element 40 may screw onto either side of the solid base section 20 as shown in FIG. 5B. In still a further embodiment, the cover element 40 may connect to either side of the solid base section 20 by a quarter turn mechanism with a locking type detent at the extreme of the quarter turn as shown in FIG. 5C. Other equally effective connecting mechanisms may be incorporated into the solid base section 20 and cover element 40, especially where manufacturing methods, such as injection molding provide for more efficient and less costly manufacturing.

[0033] In addition to a tubular shape as shown in FIGS. 1 through 7, the cover element 40, as well as the solid base section 20 may be formed having cross-sectional shapes other than a circle. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A through 8D, the cover element 40 and/or the solid base section 20 may be formed as a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, or any other polygon-type shape. Such different cross-sectional shapes for the cover element 40 may also incorporate the above noted ergonomic features to provide improved ease of use for makeup wearers.

[0034] In certain preferred embodiments, one or both of the solid base section 20 and the cover element 40 may be manufactured using a biodegradable and recyclable material that allows for easy disposal of the makeup applicator 10 after use, in any recycle container or at any recycle facility. In other embodiments, one or both of the solid base section 20 and the cover element 40 may be partially or fully manufactured using a resilient thermoplastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or polycarbonate. Through use of such thermoplastic materials, a blow-molding manufacturing process may be used to rapidly and repeatedly fabricate the makeup applicator 10 to any desired shape or size.

[0035] Alternatively, the solid base section 20 and cover element 40 may be manufactured from a lightweight metal such as aluminum. For durability reasons, especially given that the makeup applicator 10 may often be stored in a purse or pocketbook with a multitude of other items, including keys, cellphones, glasses cases and such, having the case manufactured from a resilient or rigid material could be beneficial to prevent damage to the makeup applicator 10.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, the makeup application element 30 may be manufactured using biodegradable materials and/or hypoallergenic and/or naturally hypoallergenic materials to ensure safe use for the makeup wearer. As described above, the makeup application element 30 should be manufactured from a relatively soft material, such as a textile, so that contact with a user's skin or lips is not harsh, uncomfortable, or easily scratched. Examples of biodegradable textiles from which the makeup application element 30 could be manufactured include cotton, jute, or even hemp. With the makeup application element 30 being manufactured from biodegradable and recyclable materials, disposal of used application elements 30, and replacement with a new makeup application element 30 is available.

[0037] In addition to the makeup application element 30 being manufactured from soft biodegradable textiles, the makeup application element 30 may also be manufactured from soft and hydrophilic materials that can readily absorbed the liquid or cream makeup into the makeup application element 30 either for touchup, or removal of makeup from the user. An example of such a hydrophilic material is again, cotton, which is recognized as being gentle to one's facial skin. In one embodiment, the makeup application element 30 could be a soft textile having a plurality of short bristles to ensure comfortable use even if a user has very sensitive skin.

[0038] In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, an additional feature and utility for the user is the incorporation of a light elements 50. Such a light element 50 may provide light so that the user can more clearly see the facial areas to be cleaned or touched up even if there is no or limited external or ambient light. For such an embodiment, the light element 50 could be powered by one or more batteries 51 housed in the solid base section 20 as shown in FIG. 7. For power efficiency reasons, the light element 50 may be a light emitting diode (LED). Light elements 50 other than LEDs may alternatively be used, including traditional smaller sized incandescent bulbs.

[0039] While several preferred embodiments and features of the inventive makeup applicator apparatus 10 have been described and disclosed, in particular with reference to certain figures and drawings showing certain exemplary embodiments, such exemplary configurations and designs shown are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the inventive apparatus. For example, as described above, the makeup applicator apparatus 10 may be configured as a tubular shape or in a hexagon, octagon, or most any polygon shape, an may alternatively be manufactured from materials, or in different sizes. Moreover, the cover element 40 may be designed having different ergonomic shapes or ergonomic indentations or finger hold points. All such alternate embodiments are believed to be within the scope of the inventive design and the below claims.

[0040] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that other modifications, substitutions, and/or other applications are possible and all such modifications, substitutions and applications are within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. It is likewise understood that the above disclosure and attached claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, and/or applications.