Stabilized, precision, dual-brush eyelash application apparatus and method

Abstract

A mascara application system includes two brushes on arms or wands. A manufacturing approach is included. Wands are biased together, requiring force to separate brushes to place brushes on opposite sides (surfaces, top and bottom) of an eyelash. Upon release of the force brushes remain in contact with no affirmative force required to keep them together. During application of mascara, a user's fingers remain free to manipulate the position and movement of the brushes by holding, rolling, drawing, or otherwise controlling the handle to which the wands anchor. Brushes may be the same or different sizes, on simple, cantilevered arms or in a crossed (reverse tweezers) configuration. A reservoir of mascara product may receive, and seal by means of engaging, the applicator without relative rotation.

Claims

1. An apparatus operable as an applicator for mascara, the apparatus comprising: a container, defining axial (longitudinal), radial, and circumferential directions and comprising a handle and a chamber selectively securable together by a securement operable to connect them in direct contact axially; a pair of arms, each having a proximal end, a distal end, and a direct connection therebetween proximate the proximal ends thereof, the arms paired together proximate an anchor securing the arms to the handle; the arms, shaped and positioned to provide a bias toward one another at the distal ends thereof in the absence of a restraining force therebetween; brushes, corresponding to the arms and secured near the distal ends thereof to contact one another in response to the bias; an actuator operable to open the brushes away from one another by moving one brush away from the other brush; and the handle, shaped to roll in a circumferential direction and translate in a radial direction by the fingers of a user, maintaining the brushes together without force of the fingers applied to the actuator.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the arms comprise a first arm fixed to move with the handle and a second arm operable to move with respect to the handle and the first arm.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second arm moves away from the second arm in response to a force applied to the actuator.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the arms are biased to put the brushes in contact in the absence of the force.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a stabilizer operable between the first and second arms to maintain alignment therebetween in a transverse plane comprising the axial direction and a radial direction.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the stabilizer comprises a mortise on one arm and a tenon on the other arm, operable to maintain the tenon in the mortise.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the stabilizer comprises at least one pin extending from one arm past the other arm to limit lateral motion, outside a direction of actuation between the arms, with respect to one another.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator is positioned outside the handle to be independently movable with respect to the handle.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the arms are assembleable together, and to the handle, without tools; and the chamber and the handle are selectively sealable together to render the chamber air tight without relative motion therebetween.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a coupler rotatable with respect to the handle and the chamber to seal them together in the absence of relative rotation between the handle and the chamber.

11. A method comprising: obtaining a container defining axial (longitudinal), radial, and circumferential directions, mutually orthogonal, the container having a handle, a reservoir, and a securement operable to axially fix the handle to the reservoir; engaging two arms, secured to the handle and each having a brush secured to move therewith at a distal end thereof, the brushes being biased to contact one another in the absence of a restraining force; loading the brushes with mascara stored in the reservoir; engaging an eyelash between the brushes by applying the restraining force and removing the restraining force; applying the mascara to the eyelash by moving the handle in at least one of a rolling (circumferential) motion and a translation (radial) motion.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising: providing a first arm and a second arm as separate components; forming tweezers by securing the first arm to the second arm; and securing the tweezers to the handles.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein securing the first arm to the second arm adds no material to the tweezers beyond the first arm and the second arms.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein securing the tweezer to the handle occurs without adding material to the handle nor the first and second arms.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the arms, the handle, and the tweezers are secured together by barbs extending therebetween.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the barbs is secured in a blind hole.

17. The method of claim 11, comprising: applying the restraining force again; positioning the brushes on opposite sides (above and below) the eyelash; and releasing the restraining force.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising at least one of rolling the brushes and translating the brushes again.

19. A method comprising: providing a handle and a reservoir operably sealable together, wherein a first arm and second arm, each having a respective brush and secured together in the handle, are provided with an actuator to overcome a biasing of the brushes together in the absence of active force from the actuator; loading the brushes with a product, in the reservoir, to be distributed on the brushes; separating the brushes by the actuator in response to the active force applied thereto by a user; applying the product to a user by closing the brushes on a bodily member of the user in response to releasing the active force from the actuator and drawing the brushes along the bodily member.

20. The method of claim 19 comprising: snapping the first arm to the second arm without tools and without added material; securing the first arm, second arm, and actuator to the handle by snapping them together without tools and without added material; and the handle and the reservoir are operable together to seal the reservoir air tight.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front, elevation view of one embodiment of a dual brush eyelash applicator with reverse action in a closed position;

(3) FIG. 2 is a front, elevation view thereof in an open position;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an applicator in accordance with the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a front, elevation view thereof in a closed position;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front, elevation view thereof in an open position;

(7) FIG. 6 is a right side, elevation view thereof;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view thereof of an applicator in an open position in preparation to apply mascara in a method in accordance with the invention;

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view thereof with the applicator in a closed position applying mascara to a lash;

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an applicator of FIG. 3 inserted into a reservoir of a container in accordance with the invention;

(11) FIG. 10 is a front, elevation view of the applicator of FIG. 9 located within both the reservoir and cap of the container shown in front, elevation, cross-sectional view;

(12) FIG. 11 is a front, elevation view of the applicator of FIG. 9, assembled within the cap shown in a front, elevation, cross-sectional view of the container;

(13) FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of a container for housing an applicator, and represents one embodiment of the container illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11;

(14) FIG. 13 is a front, elevation, cross-sectional view of the squeegee or wiper mechanism of FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, suitable for receiving the wands of an applicator;

(15) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an applicator and case (container), with the case open;

(16) FIG. 15 is a front, elevation view of an alternative embodiment of an applicator, in front of a second applicator in a reservoir in a container.

(17) FIG. 16 is a right side elevation view of one closed alternate embodiment of a system in accordance with the invention, superimposed with the spatial profiles of example cosmetics cases for comparison, illustrating the size and outer envelope;

(18) FIG. 17 is a top end plan view thereof;

(19) FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of an applicator portion of a system in accordance with the invention;

(20) FIG. 19 is a left side elevation view of a guide aperture portion of one arm, penetrated by a guide pin from another arm, in an applicator;

(21) FIG. 20 is a front, elevation, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a guide pin passing through a guide aperture and grommet in a system in accordance with the invention

(22) FIG. 21 is a top end plan view of wipers for a base, supply, reservoir, or receptacle portion of a system in accordance with the invention, illustrating the sockets that may act as seals and the apertures whose edges act as wipers;

(23) FIG. 22 is a front, elevation, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an applicator (turned to horizontal) in accordance with the invention, illustrating a pressure-relieving actuator to push against an actuation pin doubling as a guide pin;

(24) FIG. 23 is a right side, elevation, cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an applicator system in accordance with the invention;

(25) FIG. 24 is a top plan (end) view of an applicator or handle with the actuator removed;

(26) FIG. 25 is a schematic, bottom, plan (end) view of one embodiment of a pair of brushes of differing size and shape in an open or spaced apart configuration;

(27) FIG. 26 is a schematic, bottom, plan (end) view of the brushes of FIG. 25 illustrating closure therebetween and engagement of lashes for applying cosmetic products, such as mascara;

(28) FIG. 27 is a front elevation view of a container or case of one embodiment of a system in accordance with the invention;

(29) FIG. 28 is a top plan (end) view thereof;

(30) FIG. 29 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a wand assembly for the applicator illustrating an assembly method suitable for the invention;

(31) FIG. 30 is a front, elevation, cross-sectional view of a detail of a wand-to-wand securement mechanism of FIG. 29;

(32) FIG. 31 is a front, elevation, cross-sectional view of an applicator-to-cap (of FIG. 29) assembly process of inserting assembled wands into a cap (handle) of a container in accordance with the invention;

(33) FIG. 32 is a front, elevation, cross-sectional view thereof in an assembled configuration;

(34) FIG. 33 is a front, elevation, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an applicator in a process of assembling, illustrating positioning, locking positions, and the locations of a guide pin that serves to apply force between the arms to spread them, all in a process of being inserted into a cap;

(35) FIG. 34 is a front, elevation, cross-sectional view thereof in an assembled configuration, with the actuator element in a process of being assembled;

(36) FIG. 35 is a front, elevation, cross-sectional view thereof with the actuator snapped into place in the cap to be operable with the guide pin;

(37) FIG. 36 is a front, elevation, cut-away, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a base or reservoir portion of a container in the process of receiving a closure (seal) containing the wipers for brushes in accordance with the invention;

(38) FIG. 37 is a front, elevation, cut-away view of a central portion of a case illustrating a closure operation in a system in accordance with the invention;

(39) FIG. 38 is a front, elevation, cut-away view of one embodiment of a cap of a container in accordance with the invention, containing an applicator and illustrating actuation separating wands;

(40) FIG. 39A is a front, elevation, cut-away, cross-sectional view of a detail (riser or rim on a face) near the center of a case, illustrating sealing mechanisms about the arms and wipers of a system in accordance with the invention;

(41) FIG. 39B is a front, elevation, cut-away, cross-sectional view of a detail (riser or rim in a groove) of the mechanism of FIG. 39A illustrating an alternative embodiment for a seal between a cap and a closure associated with the base to be sealed by force of the collar;

(42) FIG. 39C is a front, elevation, cut-away, cross-sectional view of a detail illustrating an alternative embodiment for a face seal between a cap and a closure associated with the base to be sealed by flat contact;

(43) FIG. 40 is a right side, elevation view of an applicator installed in a cap with an actuator for operating the guide pin to move the arms away from one another for loading with product (mascara);

(44) FIG. 41 is a perspective view thereof secured by the collar to a base or reservoir portion of a system but with the actuator exploded away to show the pin;

(45) FIG. 42 is a bottom end, plan view of the container for a system of FIG. 41;

(46) FIG. 43 is an exploded, perspective view of the system; and

(47) FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of structures for locking a cap to a base in a container and system in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(48) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a simplified embodiment of an applicator 10 is shown, in which the reverse tweezers effect is easily seen. FIG. 1 shows a simplified embodiment of an applicator 10 having a reverse tweezers mechanism 12, consisting of arms 14 and 16 that are joined at an apex 18 at a proximal end, or handle portion 12, of the applicator 10. The arms 14 and 16 cross over at point 20, which may be located somewhat centrally along the length of the applicator 10. The portions of the arms 14 and 16 that are located on the distal side of point 20 are referred to as wands 22 and 24. Brushes 26 and 28 are attached to the distal ends of the wands 22 and 24, respectively.

(49) The applicator 10 may be made of a flexible material that can bend when pressure is applied. Accordingly, when a pinching pressure 30 is applied to the handle portions of arms 14 and 16, they tend to move closer together, as shown in FIG. 2. Since the arms 14 and 16 cross over at point 20, that action of the arms has an opposite effect on the wands 22 and 24 and their brushes 26 and 28, causing the wands 22 and 24 and their respective brushes 26 and 28 to move away from each other, as shown by arrows 32.

(50) Thus, the diameter of the handle portion 12 depresses and expands when pinching pressure 30 is applied, so that the user may spread the distal ends of the two wands 22 and 24 with attached brushes 26 and 28, and then close the wands 22 and 24 and their respective brushes 26 and 28 in order to have the brushes 26 and 28 surround or hug a user's lashes.

(51) Referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment of an applicator 50 is shown. That applicator 50 comprises a first arm 52 and a second arm 54 that cross over each other. The proximal ends of the arms 52 and 54 may be connected to oval tab 55 or they may be connected to each other in any other suitable manner to form a flexible hinge at the proximal end of the applicator 50.

(52) A pressure point 56 may be located on a proximal part of arm 54 and a pressure point 58 may be located on a proximal part of arm 56. Distal ends 60 and 62 of the arms 52 and 54, which are located on a distal side of a location where the arms 52 and 54 cross over one another, may be connected to wands 64 and 66, respectively. Brushes 70 and 72 are respectively secured to the distal ends of the wands 64 and 66.

(53) Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6, this crossed-over structure of arms 52 and 54 creates a reverse tweezers mechanism. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when transverse or pinching pressure 57 is applied by a user against pressure points 56 and 58, the distal ends 60 and 62 of the arms 52 and 54 tend to move in the opposite transverse direction, away from each other. Consequently, an outward force 73 causes the wands 64 and 66 and the brushes 70 and 72 to move away from each other. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 4, when the transverse or pinching pressure is released from the pressure points 56 and 58, the distal ends 60 and 62 of the arms 52 and 54 tend to move back together. Consequently, the wands 64 and 66 and the brushes 70 and 72 also move back together, to their original resting positions.

(54) Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an embodiment of a process for using an applicator to apply mascara is depicted. In FIG. 7, applicator container 80 is shown as containing a reverse tweezers mechanism of a handle portion of an applicator, to be discussed in more detail hereafter. A user pinches pressure points 90 and 92 on the applicator container 80, causing wands 82 and 84 to separate. Brushes 86 and 88 on the ends of wands 82 and 84, which are laden with mascara for application to the eyelash 98, also separate. A separation space 94 between the brushes 86 and 88 enables the user to place a set of her lashes 98 (e.g., lashes on an upper eyelid, lashes on a lower eyelid, etc.) between the brushes 86 and 88.

(55) Referring to FIG. 9 shows the user releasing pressure from the pressure points 90 and 92, thereby causing the wands 82 and 84 to move towards each other and the separation space 94 to diminish. The brushes 86 and 88 come together on the top side and the bottom side, respectively, of the lashes 98. The user draws container applicator 80 away and up from the lashes 98, causing the brushes 86 and 88 to deposit and distribute the mascara over the lashes 98 as the brushes 86 and 88 are pulled in a forward direction across and off of the lashes 98.

(56) The dual brushes working together in tandem with each other may achieve multiple functionality of providing a desired volume, a desired length and a desired amount of eyelash separation. A thicker circumference brush holds more mascara within its bristles so it achieves a more voluminous look. A thinner circumference brush with multiple bristles achieves a longer looking lash. And a thinner circumference brush with thinner, more separated bristles achieves lash separation. In the present embodiment, the upper brush 86 may have a thicker circumference to focus on applying mascara in a manner that makes the lashes 98 appear to be thicker. The lower brush 88 may have a thinner circumference to apply mascara in a manner that makes the lashes 98 appear to be longer. However, any combination of brushes may be used to achieve a desired appearance.

(57) Referring to FIG. 9, a mascara container 100 is shown. A mascara receptacle 102 is located at the bottom of the mascara container 100. A top portion 104 of the container may include a wall 106 with a smaller outer dimension than the corresponding outer dimension of the wall of the receptacle 102, with a ledge defining a boundary between the outer surfaces of the receptacle 102 and the outer surfaces of the wall 106. This difference in dimensions may accommodate an end of an applicator container (not shown in FIG. 9) or otherwise facilitate coupling of an applicator container to the mascara container 100.

(58) The applicator 50 may be placed in the mascara container 100, so that the wands 64 and 66 and their respective brushes 70 and 72 extend into the mascara receptacle 102 for storage and/or to receive the mascara therein. The mascara container 100 may have a dual-squeegee portal (not shown in FIG. 9) to accommodate the two wands 64 and 66 and brushes 70 and 72 of the applicator 50.

(59) The user may apply slight pressure to the arms 52 and 54 of the applicator 50 the wands 64 and 66 enough to enable them to align with and to be inserted into their respective portal (not shown in FIG. 9) of the receptacle 102 of the mascara container 100. Once the brushes 70 and 72 are in place within their respective portals, they may gather mascara within the receptacle 102.

(60) Excess mascara may be squeegeed off of the brushes 70 and 72 as they are pulled out of the portals. The mascara receptacle 102 may also be a holding chamber where the brushes 70 and 72 reside, or are stored, until the next usage. The mascara receptacle 102 may have either a single chamber for receiving both brushes 70 and 72 or two separate chambers, each corresponding to a single portal and being configured to receive a single brush 70, 72.

(61) Referring to FIG. 10, the mascara container 100 holds the applicator 50 therein. The mascara container 100 is configured to be coupled with an applicator container 120. The applicator container 120 houses the upper, or proximal, part of the applicator 50, including the proximal ends of the arms 52 and 54 and any pressure points 56 and 58 thereof. A lower portion 108 of the applicator container 120 is sized to fit snugly over and/or around the wall 106 of the top portion 104 of the mascara container 100 so that the applicator container 120 and the mascara container 100 may fit snugly together and releasably couple to one another.

(62) The space 122 (cavity 122) in the handle portion 126 (top 126, or cap 126) receives the tab 55. The walls 134, 136 may be movable or flexible to support motion needed to apply (transmit) finger pressure to the pressure points 56, 58 acting to separate the brushes 70, 72.

(63) Referring to FIG. 11, the applicator container 120 is shown separated from the mascara container 102 (FIGS. 9 and 10), with the proximal portion of the applicator 50 in the applicator container. The applicator container 120 may include protrusions 140 and 142 (e.g., convex members, etc.) on an inside surface of the applicator container 120. The protrusions 140 and 142 may be configured to engage corresponding pressure pads 56 and 58 of the applicator 50.

(64) For example, the protrusions 140 and 142 may be in close proximity, in contact with, etc., the pressure pads 56 and 58. The applicator container 120 may be configured in such a way that, when a transverse force is applied to appropriate opposite locations on the outer surface of the applicator container 120, force may be transmitted to the handle portions of the arms 52 and 54 (e.g., via convex members 140 and 142 to pressure tabs 56 and 58, etc.). This action will cause the arms 52 and 54 to move closer together the brushes 70, 72 farther apart.

(65) By means of the reverse tweezer structure discussed above, the wands 64 and 66 move apart from one another, causing the brushes 70 and 72 to separate, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the brushes 70 and 72 may be positioned above and beneath a user's lashes 98, then closed by releasing pressure (force).

(66) Referring to FIG. 12, an exploded view of an embodiment of the applicator container 120 includes two members 150 and 152 (e.g., substantially semi-cylindrical members, as shown in FIG. 12, etc.) that may be associated with one another in a manner that enables them to move relative to each other. This movement imparts the applicator container 120 with flexibility, making it possible to squeeze the members 150 and 152 and, thus, the arms 52 and 54 together. This action results in the reverse tweezer action of the applicator 50, causing the wands 64 and 66 and, thus, the brushes 70 and 72 to separate.

(67) Referring to FIG. 12, a tool 156 at the top of the mascara container 100, above the receptacle 102, removes excess mascara from the brushes 70 and 72 as the brushes are pulled from receptacle 102. This tool 156 may include a pair of squeegees, one at or near the top of a port through which each brush 70, 72 enters and exits the receptacle 102. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 13, the tool 156 may be a squeegee 160 comprising a flexible, resilient material that defines the ports 162 and 164 through which the brushes 70 and 72 enter and exit the receptacle 102. Other mechanisms may alternately be used to remove excess mascara from the brushes.

(68) Referring to FIG. 14, another embodiment includes a container 170 with an applicator, similar to the applicator shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. In this embodiment, the applicator container 172 has an actuator 174 constructed as a strip along on one side. Applying pressure to the actuator 174 actuates the reverse tweezer mechanism of the handle portion of the applicator within the applicator container 172, causing the wands 175 and 176 and their respective brushes 177 and 178 to move away from each other in a reverse tweezer action, such as that described above. The container 170 also includes a mascara container 180, constructed similarly to the mascara container shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. It has a chamber for mascara, dual ports for accepting the wands 175 and 176 and the brushes 177 and 178 and one or more squeegees (not shown). Actually, constricting bristles will force (extrude) mascara from between them and off the brushes, even without flexible squeegees. Elastomeric apertures make a better seal and relax tolerances of fit.

(69) Referring to FIG. 15, this embodiment of a container 200 with an applicator, is also similar to the mascara application systems shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. The applicator container 202 includes open sides, which reveal the handle portions of an applicator 204. The applicator 204 includes arms 206 and 208 that cross over one another, and that correspond to wands 210 and 212, which carry brushes 214 and 216. Applying pressure to appropriate locations on opposite sides of the applicator container 202 actuates the reverse tweezers mechanism, causing the wands 210 and 212 and their corresponding brushes 214 and 216 to move away from each other. The mascara container 220 is constructed similar to the mascara container shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, with a chamber for mascara, dual ports for accepting the wands and brushes and one or more squeegees (not shown).

(70) From the foregoing description it can be seen that the arrangement of the dual brushes may decrease the amount of time required to apply mascara, as brushes coat the upper and under sides of the user's top lash at the same time. In some embodiments, the interplay of the dual brushes working together in tandem may simultaneously add volume, lengthen lashes and separate lashes depending on the types of brushes used, a combination of eyelash appearances may result.

(71) A thicker circumference brush holds more mascara within its bristles so it achieves a more voluminous look. A thinner circumference brush with multiple bristles achieves a longer looking lash, and a thinner circumference brush with thinner, more separated bristles achieves lash separation. The brushes may be curved or straight, full or minimal, short or long, bristles or silicone. Some combinations of brushes may achieve various looks not easily achieved with a single mascara brush. Examples of dual brush combinations include: (a) a full top brush and a skinny bottom brush, either curved or straight to achieve volume and fullness on the top and to separate and lengthen from the bottom; (b) a full top brush and a full bottom brush, both with short lengths to achieve maximum volume and fullness; (c) top and bottom brushes formed from medium silicone and having a medium length to achieve added length and separation; and (d) top and/or bottom brushes that are sculpted to nest with each other to achieve precision and definition.

(72) The reverse tweezers mechanism facilitates improved user control when applying mascara. Unlike other previous mascara applicators, a steady pressure is automatically applied by the flexible reverse tweezers mechanism, which forces the brushes toward one another in a manner that surrounds and hugs the lashes. Manual pressure is needed only to position the brushes above and beneath the lashes and, in some embodiments, to position the brushes in the mascara container. This action may make the process of applying mascara more spontaneous, manageable, fluid, comfortable, ergonomic and/or efficient.

(73) The applicator may be associated with an applicator container that at least partially encases a proximal, handle portion of the applicator in a manner that enables actuation of the reverse tweezers mechanism. This arrangement may enable the user to apply pressure to one or both sides of the container to move the brushes apart from one another and to release the pressure so that the brushes move back together in a nestled position. In addition, the applicator container may impart the applicator, as well as an assembly of the applicator, the applicator container and the mascara container, with a sleek look.

(74) The mascara container may be configured to hold mascara and the brushes of the applicator. The mascara container may have dual portals through which the two brushes may be brought into contact with the mascara, and two squeegees to remove excess mascara from the brushes and return it to one or more receptacles that contain the mascara. The two portals may also provide a clean and efficient way to hold and store the dual brushes after mascara application has been completed. The dual squeegees may also help to seal the receptacle from exposure to the atmosphere and, thus, prevent drying of the mascara.

(75) Referring to FIGS. 16 through 44, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 1 through 44, a system 230 in accordance with the invention may include an applicator 228. The applicator 228 may be any of the embodiments described hereinabove, such as the applicator 10, 50, 120, 202, or the like. The applicator 10 may fit within a container 232. The container 232 may be any of the containers illustrated herein, including, for example, the containers 80, 100, 170, 180, 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 232 may be made up of a cap 234 or cap portion 234. The cap 234 may operate as a handle 234 as well as a cap 234 with respect to a base 236. The base 236 may be thought of a receptacle 236 or a reservoir 236 for a product, such as mascara. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 234 may correspond to the top portion 126 or applicator container 80, 202, or the like. Meanwhile, the base 236 may correspond to the receptacle 102, 180, 220, or the like.

(76) Herein, a reference numeral may refer to any component of a particular type. A trailing letter following a reference numeral indicates a specific instance of an item of the type identified by the reference numeral. Thus, a statement regarding an item identified by reference numeral only may refer to any or all items of that type. A statement referring to an item identified by reference numeral and trailing letter relates to the specific instances identified by that reference numeral with that trailing letter.

(77) Brushes 238 may be identified as a fixed brush 238a or a comparatively immovable or less movable brush 238a, and a more readily movable brush 238b. In the illustrated embodiments, the brushes 238 need not be the same size. In general, the brushes 238 may correspond to the brushes 26, 28, 70, 72, 86, 88, 177, 178, 214, 216. In general, mascara brushes 238 are themselves an art and a science. Various embodiments exist, including various embodiments described herein. In general, the bristles may be formed for specialty purposes. Similarly, the comparative diameters of the brushes 238 in pairs may be modified. As illustrated, the shapes of the brushes 238 may be different in pairs in accordance with the invention.

(78) In an applicator 228 in accordance with the invention, arms 240 may extend from a vertex 18 at which the arms 240 connect. The vertex 18 also referred to sometimes as an apex 18 represents a fixed connection, whether assembled, homogenously formed, molded, or otherwise connected between the two arms 240. The vertex 18 will typically represent or enact as a fixed anchor 18 against which the individual arms 240 may flex between their proximal ends near the vertex 18, and their distal ends proximate the brushes 238.

(79) The arms 240 may extend to wands, such as the wands 22, 24, 64, 66, 82, 84, 175, 176, 210, 212. On the other hand, the arms 240 may include both an arm portion and a wand portion as a single homogenous component. In other embodiments, wands and arms may be separately formed and assembled. For example, hereinabove certain embodiments include an arm 14, 16, 52, 54, 206, 208, and the like. Arms 240 include both any functionality by arms and wands. One reason for this is that it is currently contemplated that the arms 240 will be manufactured in the most efficient manner available. Accordingly, the arms 240 may be manufactured by homogenously forming in a metal press, metal molding process, polymeric (plastic) molding process, or the like. In some embodiments, both arms 240 may be fabricated together at the same time or molded at the same time as a unit. In other embodiments, illustrated herein, the arms 240 may be assembled.

(80) In certain embodiments, a system 230 in accordance with the invention may include an actuator 242. The actuator 242 may be a mechanism 242 for separating the arms 240 from one another, thus moving them away from one another in the equilibrium or rest position to extend them apart in an extended or open position. The rest position is a position in which the brushes 238 are together, the bristles even interleaving to a certain extent, with the lash 98 of a user captured therebetween and receiving makeup (e.g., mascara) from the bristles of the brushes 238 onto the lashes 98. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 240 are separated by a guide 244 or pin 244. The guide 244 or pin 244 may also be referred to as a guide pin 244. The pin 244 operates to perform several functions simultaneously. For example, the guide pin 244 may be rigidly secured to or homogenously formed with the more flexible arm 240b. Meanwhile, an aperture 246 in the comparatively immobile or stiffer arm 240a operates to receive the pin 244 therethrough. Thus, the pin 244 stabilizes the flexible arm 240b with respect to the comparatively less flexible arm 240a in order to assure constant alignment of the brushes 238 with each other in all positions. The guide pin 244 may pass through an aperture 246 in a comparatively stiffer arm 240a, as well as a second aperture 247 in the container 232. For example, the pin 244 passes through the aperture 246 in the comparatively stiffer arm 240a stabilizing the comparatively more flexible arm 240b with respect to the stiffer arm 240a. At the same time, the pin 244 may pass through the cap 234 by way of an aperture 247. Thus, the pin 244 is presented as an extension outside the cap 234. In that location, the pin 244 may be depressed to spread the arms 240 apart, and consequently the brushes 238 apart.

(81) Nevertheless, the pin 244 needs to have a comparatively small diameter or effective diameter. An effective diameter is four times an area divided by the wetted perimeter, and is a common engineering term in fluid mechanics. The expression is sometimes used as effective diameter. For example, the pin 244 may have a circular cross section, a rectangle cross section, a hexagonal or other polygonal cross section, or the like. Thus, the pin 244 may have an effective diameter, regardless of its cross-sectional shape or area. Nevertheless, competing functionalities militate for various configurations. For example, in order to pass through the comparatively stiffer arm 240a, the pin 244 may need to be smaller than desired. In order to maintain its strength and stiffness, the pin 244 may need to be a larger effective diameter than desired. Meanwhile, passing through the cap 234, the pin 244 may present a comparatively small area, requiring substantial pressure on a finger of a user trying to activate the applicator 10 by pressing on the pin 244. Pressure is an engineering term defined as a force per unit of cross-sectional area supporting that force. Thus, stress is in pounds per square inch. Force is in pounds per square inch or force per unit of area. Thus, the force that may be applied by a thumb of a user may easily be accommodated with a comparatively large area, thus a reduced pressure. In contrast, the same amount of force on a considerably smaller area may cause discomfort. Ultimately, force applied to a thumb of a user or fingertip in which the cross-sectional area of the pin 244 were reduced to a sharp point, would cause pain due to pressure.

(82) In order to reduce the pressure required for a user to operate the pin 244, the system 230 may include an actuator 242 that operates as a pressure plate 242. For example, the actuator 242 may connect to the cap 234 that operates as a handle 234 and a cover 234 in such a way as to flex easily or deflect easily under pressure from the hand of a user. Meanwhile, formed of a suitably stiff and hard plastic or elastomeric polymer, or the like, the actuator 242 may also operate to be comparatively hard and stiff with respect to the pin 244. Thus, the user or operator may press on the actuator 242, and the actuator 242 takes the pressure of the pin 244 and distributes its effective force or resultant force over a much broader area. In certain embodiments, the actuator 242 may actually fit into a tray 248 or relief 248 formed in the cap 234 of the container 232.

(83) The cap 234 may be secured to the base 236 or reservoir 236 by any of several mechanisms. For example, a twisting bayonet-type latch, or rotating latch is one alternative embodiment. Similarly, a sleeve 250 or collar 250, such as a union fitting in a plumbing system may be used to connect a cap 234 to a base 236 without rotating either with respect to each other. A shoulder or the like may hold the collar 250 fixed in a longitudinal direction with respect to the cap 234, while leaving the collar 250 completely free to rotate with respect to the cap 234. Thus, the collar 250 may be rotated with respect to the cap 234, and with respect to the base 236 thus engaging threads 252a on the collar with threads 252b on the base 236.

(84) The base 236 may include a closure 254 having wipers 256 or edges 256 about apertures 258. The apertures 258 may be sized to receive the arms 240, but deflect the brushes 238. Thus, excess product from the reservoir portion 236 will be wiped from the bristles of brushes 238 as they pass back out of the reservoir portion 236 for use. The apertures 258 may be of the same size, or may be of different sizes.

(85) Meanwhile, the closure may have shoulders, walls, and other fittings to fit snuggly and air tight within a top opening of the base 236. Typically, an effective closure 254 may be made of an elastomeric material that is readily flexible. For example, a coefficient of elasticity may be engineered for the closure 254 such that it will readily secure itself within the base 236, while also fitting sockets 260 or seal faces 260 against a stopper 262 or seal 262 formed on each of the arms 240.

(86) Referring to FIG. 16, system 230 may comprise a container 232 or case 232 formed of a cap 234 and a base 236. These may be connected by a collar 250 that rotates with respect to each, being secured by a keeper or sleeve, such as a rim, lip, or the like that fits on a matching shoulder in the cap 234 in order to be freely rotating, but longitudinally constrained in a longitudinal direction 233a but free to rotate in a circumferential direction 233d. Of course, the horizontal directions laterally 233b and transversely 233c are constrained, by the cap 234. Once rotating sufficiently, the collar 250 may securely snug the cap 234 and base 236 together.

(87) Referring to FIG. 16, the cross-sectional shape and area of the system 230 may be in any selected shape. The instant embodiment is illustrated as hexagonal, at least in the interior shape of an end cover 234 or cap 234.

(88) Referring to FIG. 18, a front, elevation, cross-sectional view illustrates the relationship between the container 232, shown mostly cut away, and the applicator 10. In this embodiment, barbs 264 are used as securement mechanisms 264. In general, barbs 264 may operate as one-way mechanisms to pass through an aperture, being compressed, depressed, or otherwise deflected to pass through an aperture, then returning to latch into an equilibrium position, but returning to that equilibrium position once having passed through a particular aperture. Thus, the barbs 264 will be matched to apertures 266. Here, barbs 264a and 264b are illustrated. The barbs 264a pass through an aperture 266a thus securing the comparatively more flexible arm 240b to the less flexible arm 240a at or near the vertex 18 at which they join. Meanwhile, a fitting 268 is provided to fit into the cap 234 of the container 232.

(89) One will note that the brushes 238a, 238b are not of the same size. This may be by design in order to accomplish multiple functions, and complementary functions between the two brushes 238a and 238b.

(90) Meanwhile, the alternative embodiments of the pin 244 in two different locations illustrate a design option. For example, at the higher position identified by a letter A, the pin 244 requires less motion, but requires more force, having less leverage on the comparatively more flexible arm 240b. In the position identified by the letter B, the pin 244 would be able to have a greater leverage advantage, thus requiring less force to move the arm 240b away from the arm 240a. Similarly, the collar 250 is illustrated with a shoulder 269a seated against a corresponding shoulder 269b on the cap 234. Detents, and other capture mechanisms may be used to keep the shoulder 269a positioned proximate the shoulder 269b without moving away therefrom along the longitudinal direction 233a of the cap 234.

(91) One also sees how the stoppers 262 secured air tight or formed with the arms 240 fit inside respective sockets 260 in order to form a seal between the socket 260 and the stopper 262.

(92) Referring to FIG. 19, an aperture 246 is shown in the arm 240a in one embodiment, wherein the arm 240a may be an I-beam shape, or a channel shape. Thus, the flanges 271a and the web 271b may form an H or I shape in the cross section of the arm 240a. The aperture 246 is formed therein to receive the pin 244 passing therethrough to stabilize the arms 240 with respect to one another, and provide access by the pin 244 to a position outside the case 232 or container 232, and specifically outside the cap 234.

(93) Referring to FIG. 20, the aperture 246 in the arm 240a may have a corresponding aperture 247 in the cap 234 in order to pass the pin 244 through the cap 234. A grommet 270 therein may provide a seal, or simply reduce tolerances in order to provide a smoother motion of the pin 244 through the cap 234. Likewise, manufacturing tolerances may be relieved by having an elastomeric material for the grommet 270, thus permitting a larger diameter and a more gross tolerance in the aperture 247.

(94) Referring to FIG. 21, the closure 254 may be formed of an elastomeric material to provide a socket 260 for each of the arms 240a, 240b, and their respective brushes 238a, 238b to pass through. Thus, apertures 258 therein are surrounded by edges 256 and effectively act as wipers 256 bending the bristles of the brushes 238 in order to remove excess product and more evenly coat the bristles of the brushes 238.

(95) Referring to FIG. 22, the actuator 242 is illustrated in one embodiment, wherein the cap 234 contains the applicator 10, and the pin 244 is driven by the actuator 242 to separate the arms 240a, 240b from each other. Of course, the arms 240 separate from one another in order to separate the brushes 238a, 238b from one another. A force 272 applied by a finger 274 of a user against the actuator 242 need not apply. A large pressure, since the actuator 242 distributes load from the finger 274, and applies the necessary force to the pin 244.

(96) Referring to FIG. 23, as described in detail hereinabove, the arms 240 may cross. In this configuration, a pin 244 may be used to maintain alignment or registration to stabilize the arms 240a and 240b with respect to each other. Alternatively, the arm 240a may pass through a slot formed in the arm 240b (or vice versa) before securing the two arms 240a, 240b together near the apex 18 or vertex 18. The pin 244 may be replaced by one or more legs passing through the arm 240a or straddling the arm 240a. Meanwhile, an extension 263 or leg 263 may extend from the leg 240a as a stabilizer 263. The stabilizer 263 as a single or double extension 263 contacts the cap 234 to render the arm 240a virtually fixed with respect to the handle 234 or cap 234 portion of the container 232. Thus, only the arm 240b moves with respect to the handle 234 and the wand 240a or arm 240a.

(97) Typically, the pin 244 may be placed on the opposite side of the cross over point of the vertex 18. This provides a better leverage advantage for a user. Meanwhile, all of the advantages of a crossover configuration described hereinabove accrue to this embodiment. Meanwhile, the stability in the relative positions of both brushes 238 is assured by the registration between the arms 240. Meanwhile, the arms 240 themselves (e.g., by one passing through the other in a captured condition), the pin 244 (e.g., fixed to an arm 240b and passing through an aperture 246 in the arm 240a), or both may provide stabilization (alignment for relative motion in a radial/transverse/orthogonal-to-axial direction) between the two arms 240. Most importantly, precise alignment of the brushes 238 in their actuation toward opening, and returning, may be assured.

(98) Referring to FIG. 24, in one embodiment, barbs 264a may secure the arms 240 together near a vertex 18. Meanwhile, another barb 264b may pass through a fitting 268 to be secured to the cap 234. For example, FIG. 24 illustrates the cap 234 with the barb 264b passing therethrough by means of deflectable decks 276 or flaps 276 that deflect to receive and capture the barb 264b. This locates the fitting 268 snuggly inside the cap 234 and secures the assembled arms 240 in the cap 234.

(99) Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the brushes 238a, 238b may have different axial cross sections, and different sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, curling may be enhanced by wrapping one brush 238a around a portion of another brush 238b. Thus, a user can rotate the brushes 238 in the closed configuration with a lash 98 captured therebetween, and rotate the cap 234 easily, while the brushes 238 remain closed together on the lash 98.

(100) Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the actuator 242 may be fitted into a tray 248 or relief 248 formed in the cap 234. This may reduce the profile. The location of the pin 244 is illustrated by broken lines indicating it is hidden under the actuator 242. Meanwhile, an end cover 278 may be secured to the actuator 242, in order to seal the end of the cap 234, with its attendant several components therein.

(101) Referring to FIGS. 29 through 32, operation of a system 230 in accordance with the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the arms 240 may be assembled by passing the barbs 264 through an aperture 266. The registration stub 265 need not contain a barb 264, but may. Accordingly, the stub 265 and the barb 264 fit within the aperture 266 following deflection by the barb 264 in order to enter the aperture 266.

(102) Referring to FIG. 30, the assembled configuration of the barb 264 and the aperture 266 are illustrated, with the stub 265 in place.

(103) Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, an assembly of the applicator 228, 10 may be fitted into the cap 234 in which the barb 264b is fitted to the cap 234, passing and locking to a buttress 279a in the cap 234. Meanwhile, another buttress 279b may capture the seal cap 281 in the end of the cap 234. FIG. 32 shows the arrangement of the components in an assembled configuration.

(104) Referring to FIGS. 33 through 35, insertion of an applicator 10 into a cap 234 may involve depressing the pin 244 in order to pass the pin 244 in the longitudinal direction 233a into the cap 234. Eventually, the pin 244 aligns with the aperture 247 in the cap 234, at which point the pin 244 may pop back through the wall of the cap 234 into an operational position. Meanwhile, the fitting 268 is seen to pass through the interior of the cap 234, eventually passing the barb 264a passed the buttress 279a to secure the fitting 268 inside the cap 234.

(105) Referring to FIG. 34, the applicator 10, 228 is now fitted inside the cap 234, while the seal cap 281 passes into an opening in the cap 234 in order to capture the barb 264c under a buttress 279b.

(106) Referring to FIG. 35, the assembled configuration with the barbs 264a, 264b, 264c captured by their respective buttresses 279a, 279b.

(107) Referring to FIG. 36, one embodiment of a closure 254 is shown with its sockets 260 being inserted in a longitudinal direction 233a into the base 236. The closure 254 fits snuggly, and will typically be formed of an elastomeric material much softer and much more flexible than the material of the base 236. Accordingly, the edges 256 of the apertures 258 will act as wipers 256 for the bristles of the brushes 238 passing therethrough with product retrieved from the reservoir 236 or base 236.

(108) Referring to FIG. 37, the circumferential direction 233d may operate forward or backward in order to thread the collar 250 onto the base 236, and to uncouple it from the base 236.

(109) Referring to FIG. 38, operation of the pin 244 by the actuator 242 in response to a force 272 by a finger 274 of a user thereon is illustrated. The positions of the comparatively more flexible on 240b are illustrated. Thus, the two arms 240b are actually a default position between the flexed position of the arm 240b and the arm 240a.

(110) Referring to FIGS. 39A, 39B, and 39C details of the arms 240 in the closed position with the collar 250 securing the cap 234 against the shoulder 282 of the closure 254 demonstrate the fitting the sockets 260 with the stoppers 262. Seals may be made at the diagonal or conical surfaces 260 or at the top shoulder 283 or bottom shoulder 284, or any combination thereof. The edges 256 may be shaped to operate as wipers by making the edges 256 sharp corners, or even under cutting them to become narrow, blade like triangular shapes that will tend to peel additional produce from the brushes 238 and return it back into the bulk supply within the reservoir portion 234 or base 234.

(111) Referring to FIGS. 39B and 39C alternative embodiments for sealing the shoulder 282 against the cap 234 may involve a surface 285 fitted to a mating surface 286 formed or simply imposed in the closure 254 and matched to a ridge 286 formed in the corresponding shoulder 287 of the cap 234. Alternatively the face-to-face seal with elastomeric surfaces on at least one side serves in FIG. 39C.

(112) Referring to FIG. 39C, flat seals in a face-to-face configuration may serve to seal the system 10. In fact, so long as the reservoir 236 is sealed by the stopper 262, no other sealing need be required, and vice versa.

(113) Referring to FIGS. 40 through 43, certain assembly details are illustrated. For example, FIG. 40 illustrates operation of the actuator 242 on the pin 244 under a force from a finger 274. The system 230 relies on a closed configuration. Meanwhile, FIG. 42 simply represents operation of the collar 250 rotating in response to a grip and turning motion by fingers 274 of a user. The end seal cap 281 with its attached actuator 242, will fit into their respective locations inside the cap 234.

(114) Actuation of the actuator 242 is by a finger 274. FIG. 41 illustrates the actuator 242 exploded to show the pin 244, but ready to be inserted into the cap 234. The cap 232 receives the actuator 242 and seal cap 281. Once the actuator 242 is in place. FIG. 42 is simply the assembled bottom view. FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view.

(115) Referring to FIG. 44 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which studs 288 may extend from a cap 234 and fit into receivers 289 formed in the base 236. Rotating in the circumferential direction 233d will lock the studs 288 or release the studs 288, alternatingly from the receivers 289.

(116) The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its purposes, functions, structures, or operational characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.