Mascara applicator and dispenser

Abstract

A mascara dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes an applicator unit with an applicator brush attached to a revolving running staff surrounded by a stabilizing sleeve. The applicator unit is configured to automatically revolve the applicator brush in a selectable direction and / or at a selectable rotational speed via a control pad or switch. The system also includes a container unit that holds a mascara formulation or a replaceable mascara cartridge. In some embodiments, the mascara dispensing system includes features to extrude the mascara.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This patent application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 466,946, filed on May 15, 2009, titled, “WINDABLE MASCARA APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER”, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 005,723, filed on Dec. 28, 2007, titled, “MASCARA APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER”, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) of the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 964,989, filed Aug. 15, 2007, and entitled “MASCARA APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER.” The co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 466,946, filed on May 15, 2009, titled, “WINDABLE MASCARA APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER,” co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 005,723, filed on Dec. 28, 2007, titled, “MASCARA APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER” and the Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 964,989, filed Aug. 15, 2007, and entitled “MASCARA APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER” are all also hereby incorporated by referenc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention is directed to a mascara system and applicator that provides for easy and proper storage of the mascara and reduce the potential for contamination of the mascara that can result in the growth of bacteria or fungi. The mascara system and applicator also provides safety features that reduce the chance of injury to eyes or eyelashes when the mascara is being applied. The system and applicator also allows for changing applicator tips and / or mascara formations without requiring replacement of the entire system or applicator.

[0008]The present invention is directed to a system for applying mascara to eyelashes uniformly and hygienically. The system includes a motorized applicator unit. The motorized applicator unit includes an applicator. The applicator includes an applicator brush and a revolving running staff. The motorized applicator unit further includes a motorized handle for automatically rotating the applicator brush and the revolving running staff in a selectable direction and / or at a selectable rotational speed. The motorized applicator unit also includes a stabilizing sleeve coupled to the motorized handle and surrounding the revolving running staff. The stabilizing sleeve helps to stabilize positioning of the applicator brush as it revolves and provides a high degree of control while applying the mascara to the eyelashes. The motorized applicator unit also includes a built-in safety clutch that is coupled to the revolving running staff. The built-in safety clutch prevents the revolving running staff from moving when a sufficient pressure and / or force is applied to the applicator brush. The built-in safety clutch thereby provides a degree of safety for the user in the event that the bush head contacts a portion of the user's eye and / or gets caught on a portion of the user's eyelash or surrounding hair, causing the brush to stop.

[0009]The system further includes a container unit. The container unit is configured to detachably couple to the motorized applicator unit and over the applicator brush, revolving running staff and stabilizing sleeve through one or more securing features. The securing features include one or more twist and lock features, snap features and compression features. The securing features provides a user feedback that encourages proper use of the mascara system, adds to the longevity to the mascara and reduces the risk contamination to the mascara. For example, the securing features make a nose, click or vibrate when the container unit is properly coupled to the motorized applicator unit.

[0011]The securing feature provides an air tight seal between the container unit and the motorized handle when they are coupled together, which helps to prevent air-born contaminants from entering the mascara while the system is being stored. The container unit also includes a contoured insert feature that minimizes the amount of air or space between the container unit and the motorized applicator unit when they are coupled together and, thereby, minimizes drying of the mascara and further reduces air-born contaminants from entering the mascara while the system is being stored.

Problems solved by technology

There are a number of deficiencies with prior art mascara systems and devices.

Also, the applicator brush typically applies the mascara to uneven eyelashes causing the mascara to clump together and / or causing the eyelashes to stick together.

There are also a number of hazards associated with the use and application of eye cosmetics, such as mascara.

For example, when mascara is not stored properly and / or if the mascara container is not closed properly, dangerous bacteria or fungi can grow within the mascara.

The bacteria or fungi once in the mascara can get into the user's eyes when the mascara is applied to eyelashes and lead to infection.

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