US20130051894A1

US20130051894A1 - Adjustable cosmetics applicator

Info

Publication number: US20130051894A1
Application number: US13/217,095
Authority: US
Inventors: Cindy Lim; Christopher John Tarling
Original assignee: HCT Asia Ltd
Current assignee: HCT Asia Ltd
Priority date: 2011-08-24
Filing date: 2011-08-24
Publication date: 2013-02-28
Also published as: USD690877S1

Abstract

An adjustable implement includes an adjustable applicator assembly comprising a variably adjustable applicator selectively pivotable at least about 90 degrees relative to a body or handle of the implement. By virtue of having a variably adjustable applicator, the adjustable implement is capable of applying a product at various different angles of orientation.

Description

BACKGROUND

Devices exist for applying cosmetic or medicinal products to a body (e.g., eyeliner to the eyelid). Existing applicators designed to apply eyeliner to eyelids vary in style. For example, one applicator for applying eyeliner to eyelids may be generally straight achieving one orientation with which the applicator contacts the eyelid. Another applicator for applying eyeliner to eyelids may incorporate an angled tip achieving a different orientation with which the applicator contacts the eyelid. Straight applicators may be useful in some orientations and/or with some products, while angled applicators may be useful in other orientations and/or with other products. However, existing applicators have limited functionality as more than one applicator is needed to optimally change the orientation with which an applicator contacts the eyelid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example adjustable cosmetic implement, having an articulating head for adjusting an angle/orientation of an applicator.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustable implement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the adjustable implement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the adjustable implement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the adjustable implement of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A-6H show example heads that articulate relative to the body of the implement.

FIGS. 7A-7B depict the example adjustable cosmetic implement of FIG. 1 with the applicator straight and selectively pivoted.

FIG. 8 depicts an example locking mechanism disposed on an adjustable cosmetic implement of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Existing implements to apply a product to a body (e.g., eyeliner, to eyelids) are designed in a variety of styles. Each style is designed to apply product at a specific orientation and/or to achieve a desired effect. For example, one applicator may be used to apply eyeliner to the inside or outside corners of the eye, while another applicator may be used to apply eyeliner above the upper eyelashes or below the lower eyelashes. Using currently available applicators, a user must use multiple applicators to achieve multiple desired angles for applying eyeliner to eyelids.
This application describes an adjustable implement that pivots to selectable positions via a hinge. By virtue of having a pivotable applicator, the adjustable implement can be adjusted to apply a product at various different angles of orientation. Examples of products that can be applied using the adjustable implement include without limitation, cosmetic, medicinal, and/or personal care products.
Generally, an implement according to this disclosure has a body or handle and an adjustable applicator assembly. The adjustable applicator assembly includes a hinge which allows the applicator to rotate to multiple positions relative to the handle for easier product distribution. In addition to the hinge, the adjustable applicator assembly comprises a rotational friction mechanism to maintain the applicator in selectable positions. In some implementations, the implement may also include a locking mechanism to lock the adjustable applicator against motion relative to the handle. Alternatively, the articulating heads may include a holding mechanism to maintain the head and applicator in a user defined position.
For each example given below, the implement is described in the context of an applicator for applying an eyeliner product to eyelids. However, applicators as described herein may be used and adapted to apply other products (e.g. lipstick, chap stick, lip gloss, lotions, creams, gels, powders, rouges, blushes, foundation, etc.) and may be used to apply product to other portions of the body.

Illustrative Adjustable Implement

FIG. 1 depicts an example adjustable cosmetic applicator. The adjustable cosmetic implement 100 includes a head 102, a body 104, an applicator 106, and a pivot 108. A bottom of head 102 is pivotably attached to a top of body 104, where the top of body 104 is defined as the end with pivot 108. While body 104 is illustrated as having a substantially rectangular cross-section, a variety of other cross-sectional shapes and types are contemplated. For example, the body 104 may have a tubular, triangular, cylindrical, or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. Head 102 and body 104 may be constructed of any suitable material which, by way of example and not limitation, may include plastic, metal, wood, ceramic, glass, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a composite of any of the forgoing. In some specific examples, suitable materials may include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), steel, chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, copper, bronze, titanium, gold, platinum, silver, or Zamac. Different components may be made of different materials (e.g., head 102 made of one material, while body 104 made of another material). Moreover, components may be made of more than one material (e.g., head 102 or body 104 may have a plastic core covered in metal or a metal core surrounded in plastic).
The top of head 102 contains an applicator 106. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the applicator 106 comprises a soft brush for application of a product such as eyeliner, or other liquid, gel, or powder-based cosmetic products. In other examples, applicator 106 may be comprised of a brush of hair or bristles, a foam pad, a sponge, a solid stick of pigment (e.g., an eyeliner pencil), or any other suitable applicator. Applicator 106 may additionally or alternatively be formed of rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), plastic (e.g. polypropylene (PP)), fabric mesh, or any other suitable material. While applicator 106 is shown here to have a pointed shape, other applicator shapes such as a bulb-shape, a ring-shape, a flat-shape, or the like may alternatively be used. For example, the shape of applicator 106 may include a flat shaped brush with an angled edge. Head 102 rotates relative to body 104 about pivot 108 via a hinge. Pivot 108, by way of the hinge, allows the applicator 106 to rotate to multiple positions within its range of motion. In some examples, the head 102 may be continuously pivotable relative to the body 104 such that it may be positioned at substantially any angle within the range of motion. In other examples, the head 102 may be pivotable between multiple discreet positions within the range of motion. In that case, the head 102 may be held in place in each discreet position by a holding mechanism, such as a rotational friction mechanism, that resists rotation and maintains the head 102 in a set position relative to the body 104.
FIG. 2 is a front view 200 of the adjustable implement 100 of FIG. 1. The back view is a mirror image of front view 200.
FIG. 3 is a right side view 300 of the adjustable implement 100 of FIG. 1. The left side view is a mirror image of the right side view 300.
FIG. 4 is a top view 400 of the adjustable implement 100 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view 500 of the adjustable implement 100 of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 6A-6H show example heads that, when interconnected with body 104, create a rotational friction mechanism to maintain the implement in user-selected position. In FIGS. 6A-6F, rotational friction is achieved when one or more shapes on the bottom of head 102 are dimensioned to form a friction fit with one or more complimentary shapes on the top of body 104. In FIGS. 6G-6H rotational friction is achieved when a frictional material, disposed on the head 102 and/or the body 104, has frictional characteristics greater than that of the head or body. Each of the example heads 102 and interconnecting bodies 104 in FIGS. 6A-6H are configured to maintain position of the applicator relative to the body when a force applied to the head 102 is below an adjusting threshold. The adjusting threshold is chosen to be a force greater than a force typically applied to the head during normal application of a product using the implement. Additionally, each of the example heads 102 and interconnecting bodies 104 in FIGS. 6A-6H allow the head 102 to pivot relative to the body 104 in response to application of a force at or above the adjusting threshold.
FIG. 6A shows a front view of head 102 with rib 602 on a periphery thereof. Rib 602 interconnects with complimentary shapes 604(1) to 604(N) on body 104 to create a friction fit. While rib 602 is shown on one surface of head 102, rib 602 may be on more than one surface, with additional complimentary shapes on body 104 as needed to create an interference fit. Further, while only one rib is shown, in other embodiments multiple ribs 602 or complimentary shapes 604(1) to 604(N) may be included to create a friction fit which allows for applicator 106 to pivot to multiple positions relative to body 104.
FIG. 6B shows a front view of head 102 with a dimple 606 which creates a friction fit when mated with a complimentary recesses or opening 608(1) to 608(M) on body 104.
FIG. 6C shows a front view of head 102 with dimple 610(1) to 610(P), collectively referred to as dimple 610 herein, on the periphery. In the illustrated example, dimple 610 would fixedly intermesh with a recess or opening 612 on body 104. In one example, the recess or opening 612 may be disposed on the bottom of head 102 and dimple 610 may be disposed on body 104.
FIG. 6D shows a side view of head 102 with ridges 614(1) to 614(L), collectively referred to as ridge 614 herein. Ridge 614 extends radially outward from the center of pivot 108, the width of each ridge 614 increasing radially outward. In this illustrated example, ridge 614 on head 102 slidably mates with complementary ridge 616 on body 104 to maintain applicator 106 in position.
In yet another alternative, FIG. 6E illustrates a side view of head 102 with indents 618(1) to 618(S), collectively referred to as indent 618 herein on the bottom of head 102. Indent 618 is designed to fixedly intermesh with complimentary protrusion 620 on the top of body 104 to maintain applicator 106 in a selected position. It is contemplated that protrusion 620 may be on head 102 and indent 618 may be on the top of body 104. Although indent 618 and protrusion 620 are configured to receive and retain one another, a force at or above an adjusting threshold will overcome a restraining force causing retention.
FIG. 6F illustrates a side view of head 102 with curvilinear notches 622(1) to 622(T), collectively referred to as notch 622 herein. Notch 622 would maintain the head 102 in a selected position relative to the body 104 by fixedly intermeshing with complimentary protrusion 624 on body 104. Alternatively, protrusion 624 may be located on the bottom of head 102 and curvilinear notch 622 may be located on body 104. While notch 622 is shown on the periphery of head 102, notch 622 may be alternatively disposed on any surface of head 102.
In FIGS. 6A-6F, the frictional retention mechanisms of the illustrated head 102 may vary in quantity, size, orientation, configuration, and placement. For example, rib 602, dimple 606, dimple 610, ridge 614, indent 618, and notch 622 may be disposed along any edge of head 102 that may interconnect with a complimentary shape on body 104. Additionally, the shape of head 102 may include indents, dimples, ribs, ridges, channels, depressions, protrusions, grooves, and/or other suitable shapes that form a friction fit with body 104.
FIG. 6G shows front (left hand part of the figure) and side (right hand part of figure) views of head 102 with frictional material 626 disposed on the periphery of head 102. The surface of frictional material 626 creates a restraining force that resists rotation of the applicator relative to the body 104. By having frictional characteristics greater than that of head 102 and body 104, friction material 626 allows applicator 106 to be continuously variable (i.e. no discrete positions) relative to body 104. By way of example and not limitation, suitable frictional materials may include rubber, silicone, combinations of the foregoing, or the like.
FIG. 6H shows a side view of the body 104 (the right hand part of the figure) and a cross-sectional front view of body 104, taken along line H—H, with frictional material 626 on its periphery. Frictional material 626 may vary in size, shape, quantity, configuration, and placement.
FIG. 7A depicts an illustrative adjustable implement 100 of FIG. 1 with the applicator not being selectively pivoted. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, head 102 is not selectively pivoted when applicator 106 is positioned in line with longitudinal axis 704 of body 104 that is centered on pivot 108.
FIG. 7B depicts the illustrative adjustable implement 100 of FIG. 1 with the applicator selectively pivoted. When head 102 is selectively pivoted, applicator 106 is positioned at an angle relative to the body 104. In FIG. 7B, the head 102 is shown in a ninety degree pivot position 706 relative to the body 104. Head 102 is selectively pivotable relative to longitudinal axis 704 of body 104 that is centered on pivot 108. In this embodiment, the ninety degree pivot position 706 is described as being generated while a sufficient amount of rotational force is applied by a user to the head 102 relative to the body 104 that disengages the rotational friction mechanism as described in FIGS. 6A-6H. When a desired position is reached, releasing the pressure causes a friction fit as described in FIGS. 6A-6H. Although FIG. 7B shows applicator 106 pivoted to about ninety degrees, applicator 106 may be selectively pivoted in any number of positions about pivot 108. For example, applicator 106 may be adjusted to any angle θ within the range of motion of the adjustable implement 100. Selectively pivoting applicator 106 enables a user to apply eyeliner at varying orientations using a single adjustable implement 100 rather than multiple different fixed implements. While head 102 is shown here to be pivotable about a pivot 108 via a hinge, other pivoting mechanisms, such as substituting the hinge with a living hinge or an additional hinge pin, are also possible. The angle θ may be any angle up to about 350 degrees. For example, in some embodiments, θ may be about 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, or any other desired angle.
FIG. 8 depicts an example locking mechanism 802 of an example adjustable implement 100. Locking mechanism 802 allows head 102 and likewise applicator 106 to be temporarily locked in a position relative to the body 104. Locking the head 102 in a position relative to the body 104 may provide a force resisting rotation which is greater than a force applied by the rotational friction mechanism, thereby preventing the head 102 from being accidentally or inadvertently bumped out of a desired position relative to the body 104. Locking mechanism 802 includes a spring 804, a slot 806, an actuator 808, and a pin 810. In operation, the pin 810 is biased by the spring 804 into engagement with a receptacle or aperture in the head 102, thereby locking the head 102 in position relative to the body. A user may unlock the lock mechanism by using the actuator 808 to slide the pin 810 in the slot 806 to remove the pin 810 from the receptacle in the head 102, thereby allowing the head 102 to pivot relative to the body 104. The head may include multiple different receptacles corresponding to multiple different discrete positions, such that the head 102 can be locked in each of the discrete positions by the locking mechanism. Though FIG. 8 depicts a spring loaded pin, other locking mechanisms may alternatively be implemented. For example, a spring loaded detent, set-screw, or other configuration may be utilized to securely retain head 102 in a desired orientation relative to body 104.

CONCLUSION

Although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments.

Claims

1. An implement comprising:

a body;

an adjustable applicator assembly coupled to the body, the adjustable applicator assembly comprising:

a head having a top end and a bottom end;

an applicator coupled to the top end of the head, wherein the applicator comprises an eyeliner applicator, the eyeliner applicator comprising a soft brush;

a hinge linking a top end of the body to the bottom end of the head, the head being selectively pivotable about the hinge by at least about 90 degrees relative to the body; and

a rotational friction mechanism to hold the head in position relative to the body.

2. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational friction mechanism comprises one of indentions or protrusions on the top end of the body and the other of indentions or protrusions on the bottom end of the head, the indentions or protrusions on the top end of the body configured to slidably mate with the other of indentions or protrusions on the bottom end of the head.

3. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational friction mechanism comprises one of dimples or protrusions on the bottom end of the head and the other of dimples or protrusions on the top end of the body, the dimples or protrusions on the bottom end of the head configured to slidably mate with the other of dimples or protrusions on the top end of the body.

4. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational friction mechanism is configured to maintain position of the applicator relative to the body when a force applied to the applicator is below an adjusting threshold, and to allow the applicator to pivot relative to the body in response to application of a force at or above the adjusting threshold.

5. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises plastic, wood, metal, ceramic, glass, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a composite of any of the foregoing.

6. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the head comprises thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), rubber, or polypropylene or (PP).

7. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises metal or ceramic.

8. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the head comprises metal or ceramic.

9. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational friction mechanism comprises one or more shapes on the bottom of the head configured to engage one or more complimentary shapes on the top of the body.

10. An implement according to claim 9, wherein the one or more shapes on the bottom of the head comprises indents configured to receive and retain one or more protrusions of the one or more complimentary shapes on the top of the body.

11. An implement according to claim 9, wherein the one or more complimentary shapes on the top of the body comprises one or more indents configured to receive and retain one or more protrusions of the one or more shapes on the bottom of the head.

12. An implement according to claim 9, wherein the one or more shapes on the bottom of the head comprise indents, dimples, ribs, ridges, channels, depressions, protrusions, and/or grooves, and wherein the one or more complimentary shapes on the top of the body comprise indents, dimples, ribs, ridges, channels, depressions, protrusions, or grooves.

13. (canceled)

14. An implement according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism to lock the head in a position relative to the body.

15. An implement according to claim 1, wherein the rotational friction mechanism comprises a surface having frictional characteristics greater than that of the body and the head, the surface comprising a frictional material.

16. An adjustable implement comprising:

a body having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end having a gripping surface area;

an applicator pivotally coupled to the top end of the body via a hinge, the applicator being pivotable at least about 90 degrees relative to the body and comprising a soft brush; and

the hinge including a rotational friction mechanism that maintains the applicator in a set position relative to the body by a restraining force that resists rotation of the applicator relative to the body.

17. An adjustable implement according to claim 16, wherein the rotational friction mechanism comprises a first plurality of engagement surfaces on the top end of the body configured to engage with a second plurality of complimentary engagement surfaces on the applicator.

18. An adjustable implement according to claim 17, wherein the first and second pluralities of engagement surfaces comprise indents, dimples, ribs, ridges, channels, depressions, protrusions, or grooves.

19. An adjustable implement according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of engagement surfaces of the body are held in place relative to the engagement surfaces of the applicator by a locking mechanism.

20. An adjustable implement according to claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring loaded detent or spring loaded pin.

21. (canceled)

22. An implement according to claim 15, wherein the frictional material comprises rubber or silicone.

23. An adjustable implement according to claim 16, wherein the body comprises a substantially square cross section.