Mascara applicator and dispenser

Abstract

A mascara dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a motorized applicator unit with an applicator brush attached to a revolving running staff surrounded by a stabilizing sleeve. The motorized 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. The container unit detachably couples to the motorized applicator unit through one or more securing features that provide a user feedback when opening and closing and that provide a substantially air-tight seal between the motorized applicator unit and the container unit. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the container unit 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.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This Patent Application 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 Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 964,989, filed Aug. 15, 2007, and entitled “MASCARA APPLICATOR AND DISPENSER” is also hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to cosmetics. More specifically, this invention relates to systems and devices for applying and dispensing mascara.BACKGROUND ON INVENTION[0003]Various techniques have been employed to package mascara and apply the mascara to eyelashes. Many of the prior art devices and systems includes an applicator unit with a handle and an applicator brush and a container unit with a storage compartment. In use, the applicator brush of the applicator unit fits through a neck portion of the container unit and is dipped into a mascara solution ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]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 of the present invention also provides safety features that reduce the chance of injury to eyes or eyelashes when the mascara is being applied. The system and applicator of the present invention also preferably allows for changing applicator tips and / or mascara formations without requiring replacement of the entire system or applicator.

[0007]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. Preferably, 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 preferably 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.

[0008]The system of the present 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 preferably include one or more twist and lock features, snap features and compression features. The securing features preferably 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.

[0010]Preferably, 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 preferably 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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