Makeup remover pad cleaning device and storage tool with a stone design

Abstract

Makeup Pad Cleaning Device and Storage Tool Having a Stone Design. The invention relates to a pad cleaning device in the shape of a "stone" or ellipsoid. The pad cleaning device has a first surface that is arched in the center and curves downward from the center radially outward at the edges of the first surface. The pad cleaning device has a second surface that is arched in the center and curves upward from the center radially outward at the edges of the second surface. The first surface is joined to the second surface at the edges of the two surfaces, forming a hollow center. Ridges or points extending normally to the second surface are arranged in a pattern to produce a cleaning effect. The first surface has a cutout extending through a thickness of material to expose the hollow center. The hollow center can be used to store pads.Figure for the abridged version: 1.

Description

Title of Invention: MAKE-UP REMOVER pad cleaning device and storage tool having a stone design Summary

[0001] In one embodiment, a pad cleaner includes a centrally arcuate first surface that curves downward from the center radially outward to the edges of the first surface; a centrally arcuate second surface that curves upward from the center radially outward to the edges of the second surface, wherein the first surface is joined to the second surface at the edges of the two surfaces forming a hollow center; ridges or spikes extending normally to the second surface are arranged in a pattern on the second surface; and the first surface has a cutout extending through a thickness of material of the first surface to expose the hollow center.

[0002] In one embodiment, the tampon cleaning device includes tampons in the hollow center, and the cutout is for dispensing the tampons.

[0003] In one embodiment, the pad cleaning device includes discrete ridges arranged in a two-pronged spiral on the second surface.

[0004] In one embodiment, the two spiral branches extend away from each other from the center of the second surface.

[0005] In one embodiment, the radial separation distance between the two spiral branches remains constant.

[0006] In one embodiment, the discrete ridges extend between 45 degrees to 90 degrees of the spiral branches.

[0007] In one embodiment, the discrete ridges increase in length with increasing radial distance from the center.

[0008] In one embodiment, gaps separate the ends of the discrete ridges.

[0009] In one embodiment, the spacings increase in length between the discrete ridges with increasing radial distance from the center.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pad cleaning device includes discrete tips arranged in addition to two spiral branches extending from the center.

[0011] In one embodiment, the tips are arranged in twelve spiral branches extending from a circular arrangement of tips at the center of the second surface.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pad cleaning device comprises a circular arrangement of spikes near the edge of the second surface.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first surface and the second surface provide a overall ellipsoidal shape to the pad cleaning device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first surface has three lobes placed equidistant from each other around the cutout.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first surface and the second surface are formed from an elastomer.

[0016] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in simplified form which are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0017] The foregoing aspects and many of the related advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a side view illustration of a cleaning device for buffers and a storage tool;

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view illustration of one side from below of the pad cleaning device and storage tool of [Fig.l];

[0020] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view illustration of a top side of the pad cleaning device and storage tool of [Fig.l];

[0021] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a plan view illustration of the bottom side of the device of buffer cleaning and storage tool of [Fig.l];

[0022] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a top side plan view illustration of the pad cleaning device and storage tool of [Fig.l];

[0023] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view illustration of the pad cleaning device and storage tool of [Fig.l];

[0024] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a side variant from below of the buffer cleaning device and storage tool of [Fig.l]; and

[0025] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a plan view illustration of the bottom side variant of the pad cleaning device and storage tool of [Fig.7]. Detailed Description

[0026] In the present disclosure, spatial terms, such as "above," "below," "side," "bottom," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one feature to another feature or features as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that spatial terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the tool in use or operation in addition to the orientation re shown in the figures. For example, if the tool in the figures is turned over, features described as "below" or "lower" in relation to other features or as shown in the figures would then be considered "above" or "upper" in relation to the other features.

[0027] Figures 1-6 illustrate one embodiment of a pad cleaner and storage tool 100 (hereinafter "pad cleaner"). The pad cleaner 100 is a three-dimensional object having an overall shape that can be described as two convex, spherical, pole-oblate, ellipsoidal surfaces joined to each other. However, the external shape of the pad cleaner 100 need not follow any mathematical formula that can be used to describe such curved surfaces. According to a general description, the pad cleaner 100 has an upper surface 104 that is upwardly arced and a lower surface 102 that is downwardly arced. In plan view, the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 102 both describe a circle as seen in Figures 4 and 5.However, a circular shape in plan view is one example, and other examples of the pad cleaner 100 may have shapes other than a circle in plan view. In some examples, the pad cleaner 100 may be described as similar to a "stone" design, as the pad cleaner is domed in the center in both the upward and downward directions and the thickness decreases radially from the center to the edges.

[0028] The design provides consumers with an easy-to-use tool that can store their makeup remover pads (microfiber) and clean both their makeup remover pads and makeup brushes with one tool. The shape of the pad cleaning device 100 allows the consumer to hold it ergonomically while scrubbing the pad with the textured outer surface.

[0029] Dirty makeup remover pads and brushes concentrate bacteria, dirt, dead skin cells, and oil that can clog pores and lead to acne and poor makeup removal and application. The disclosed textured spiral designed surface of the examples creates less friction, allowing the consumer to gently glide and brush deeper into the microfiber bristles to remove accumulated residue.

[0030] In one embodiment, the pad cleaning device 100 is a compact, recyclable, reusable package for storing makeup remover pads. In addition, the pad cleaning device 100 has a textured surface to facilitate cleaning of makeup remover pads and brushes.

[0031] Referring to [Fig.l], a plane 120 can be viewed where the upper surface 104 joins the lower surface 102. Such a plane 120 can create mirror images of the upper and lower surfaces. The distance of a perpendicular line between a point on the plane 120 and the lower surface 102 is the same distance of a line between that same point on the plane 120 and the upper surface 104. The depth of the lower surface 102 and the upper surface 104 is greatest at the center, and the depth decreases with increasing distance from the center.

[0032] The pad cleaner 100 having both the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 102 may be made of rigid and semi-rigid plastics and elastomers. In one embodiment, the pad cleaner 100 is made of materials sufficiently flexible to be inverted. Both the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 102 may have sufficient material thickness to make them suitable for the applications described herein. The pad cleaner 100 has a hollow center 114 as seen in [Fig. 6]. In one embodiment, the material for the upper surface 104 is different than the material for the lower surface 102, due to the different functionality performed by each surface.

[0033] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the lower surface 102 has ridges 106 which are structures extending lengthwise in a curve and heightwise normal to the surface 102. Thus, the ridges 106 closer to the poles or center will extend nearly vertically downward, while the closer the ridges 106 are placed to the edge, the more inclined (with respect to a horizontal plane) they are. The ridges 106 may maintain a normal attitude based on the curvature of the surface. In one embodiment, a cross-sectional shape of the ridges 106 is wedge-shaped, meaning that the ridges are thickest at the base where they attach to the surface and thin out as they extend away from the surface. The lower textured surface 102 of the present example can be used to clean any pad, wipe, applicator, brush, and the like.

[0034] Referring to [Fig. 4], in one embodiment, the ridges 106 are arranged in a two-armed spiral pattern, meaning that a first arm 110 radiates outward from the center 116, and a second arm 112 radiates outward from the center 116, wherein the second arm 112 radiates outward from the center 116 directly opposite the first arm 110. In one embodiment, the center 116 is a circular knob extending normally to the surface 102. In one embodiment, the spiral arms 110, 112 form a narrow spiral in which the separation between the arms 110, 112 in the radial direction is approximately equal to or less than the base of the ridges 106. The separation distance between the spiral arms 110, 112 may remain constant or may increase gradually as branches 110, 112 extend radially. In one embodiment, the ridges 106 placed along both spiral legs 110 and 112 are discontinuous. That is, the ridges 106 are of a discrete length and do not extend continuously along the entire length of the spiral legs 110, 112. In one embodiment, the closer the ridges are placed to the center of the spiral, the shorter the length of the ridges. In one embodiment, the length of discrete ridges increases with increasing radial distance from the center 116. In one embodiment, the length of any discrete ridge may span from about 90 degrees or less around the spiral. In one embodiment, the length of any discrete ridge section may extend from 90 degrees to 45 degrees, for example. When the length of the ridges 106 is discrete, gaps 118 are formed in the spiral legs.In one embodiment, the length of the crests 106 is calculated to place gaps 118 of one spiral leg generally at a center distance from the other spiral leg. With each turn of a spiral leg, the gaps shift only by a small, but constant, amount. For example, the gaps 118 of one spiral leg are generally aligned with the gaps of that same spiral leg, while the gaps 118 of the other spiral leg are also generally aligned only with the gaps of that same spiral leg. In one embodiment, the length of gaps, i.e., from the end of a discrete crest to the beginning of the adjacent crest, increases with increases in radial distance from the center.Namely, the gaps 118 in the spiral branch increase in length with each turn, making the gaps closer to the center shorter than the gaps farther from the center. The increase in gap length 118 can occur at a constant rate. The placement of gaps gives an appearance similar to curved blades of a wheel or spokes radiating outward from the center.

[0035] With reference to Figures 3 and 5, the upper surface 104 of the pad cleaner 100 will be described. In one embodiment, the upper surface 104 has a cutout 108 entirely through the thickness of material exposing a hollow center 114 of the tool 100. In one embodiment, the cutout extends across the center of the upper surface 104, and the cutout extends in three directions, each direction extending from the center, and each direction of the cutout being equidistant from the others. The cutout 108 extends over more than half a radius of the upper surface 104 in each of the three directions. In one embodiment, the cutout 108 forms three lobes 122, 124, and 126 of the upper surface material 104. The three lobes 122, 124, and 126 are positioned equidistant from each other, for example, at 0 degrees, 120 degrees, and 240 degrees.In one embodiment, the buffer cleaning device 100 may be used to store . tampons 128. The tampons 128 may be stored within the hollow center 114 of the tampon cleaner 100 as illustrated in [Fig. 6]. The tampons 128 may be dispensed through the opening 108 in the upper surface 104. The lobes 122, 124, and 126 may be formed from a flexible material to function as a dispenser. In one embodiment, the upper surface 104 may be removed from the lower surface 102 of the tampon cleaner to allow the tampons 128 to be refilled. In one embodiment, the tampon cleaner 100 may be inverted using the cutout opening 108.

[0036] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative textured surface for cleaning, but which is similar to the example of Figures 1-6 in other aspects, where like numbers represent like parts. In the example of Figures 7 and 8, the textured surface 102 has discrete spikes 200 that extend normally to the surface 102. In one embodiment, the spikes 102 have a conical shape with a wide circular base that tapers from the base to the tip of the spike. In one example, the spikes 200 are arranged in the following pattern. The center of the surface 102 has a narrow circle of spikes 200, in which the bases of the spikes 200 touch or nearly touch adjacent spikes.Radially outward from the center circle is an arrangement of spikes 200 in a larger circle, wherein there may be a separation greater than the base diameter of a spike between adjacent spikes in the larger circle. The larger circle and the center circle are concentric with each other. Then, outward from the larger circle, the spikes 200 are arranged in lines or "spokes," wherein these lines are placed from a tangent of the larger circle. The spikes 200 placed along these tangent lines may be about five or more or less in number, and the number of lines may be about twelve or more or less. The spikes placed along the tangent lines are spaced about one base diameter apart from adjacent spikes on the same line.The spikes on these tangent "lines" may deviate slightly from a perfectly straight line, but retain the overall appearance of spokes extending at a tangent to the larger circle of spikes. The spikes 200 positioned outward from the center may be considered to be arranged in a twelve-pointed spiral pattern. The outermost spikes 200 in the pattern are arranged in a peripheral circle that is close to the edge circumference of the bottom surface 102.

[0037] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A pad cleaning device, comprising: a centrally arcuate first surface that curves downward from the center radially outward to the edges of the first surface; a centrally arcuate second surface that curves upward from the center radially outward to the edges of the second surface, wherein the first surface is joined to the second surface at the edges of the two surfaces forming a hollow center; ridges or spikes extending normally to the second surface are arranged in a pattern on the second surface; and the first surface has a cutout extending through a material thickness of the first surface to expose the hollow center, the device comprising pads in the hollow center, and the cutout being for dispensing the pads.

2. A pad cleaning device according to claim 1, comprising discrete ridges arranged in a two-pronged spiral on the second surface.

3. A pad cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein two spiral branches extend away from each other from the center of the second surface.

4. A pad cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the discrete ridges extend between 45 degrees and 90 degrees of the spiral branches.

5. A pad cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the discrete ridges increase in length with increasing radial distance from the center.

6. A pad cleaning device according to claim 1, comprising discrete tips arranged in addition to two spiral branches extending from the center.

7. The pad cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface provide an overall ellipsoidal shape to the pad cleaning device.

8. A pad cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the first surface has three lobes placed equidistant from each other around the cutout.

9. A pad cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are formed from a elastomer.

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