Applicator for solid cosmetics

Abstract

An applicator for solid cosmetics comprising: a main body with a cam end; the main body has a rotating turner portion; the turner portion moves a cup with the cosmetics material up and down inside the main body; the cup has a threaded screw, which can rotatably engage a screw groove of a screw insert of the turner portion; an elastic member or multiple leaf springs can be embedded within the turner portion to allow articulated movement around an axis of the main body.

Description

[0001] Title: Applicator for Solid Cosmetics

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Priority Claim

[0004] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63653202, filed on May 29, 2024 and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 30006005, filed on May 29, 2025, which are incorporated by reference in entirety.

[0005] 1. Field of the Invention:

[0006] This invention relates to a container and an applicator for solid cosmetics.

[0007] 2. Description of Related Art

[0008] Prior to the present invention, there has always been a need to have containers for applying solid stick cosmetics, but the prior art items have been too complex and expensive for the desired cosmetics market; it is apparent that the devices currently being used have significant disadvantages. Thus, important aspects of the technology used in the field of invention remain amenable to useful refinement.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An applicator for holding solid cosmetics comprising: a main body with a cap; the main body is formed at one side with an inlet and at an opposite side with a turner portion; the turner portion is rotatably coupled to the main body; the main body has an integral cam portion (or cam end) and a main body axis; the integral cam portion having a central cam axis; a cup or a platform moves up and down inside the main body; the cup having a first cup end to hold the solid cosmetic material and a threaded cup end or a second cup end.

[0011] The turner portion has a screw insert; the screw insert has a screw protrusion, which can rotatably engage the threads on the second cup end; at least one leaf spring or elastic member is embedded within the turner portion; the at least one leaf spring engages the integral cam portion on the main body, wherein when the turner portion rotates, the at least one leaf spring rotates around the central cam axis of the main body; the cam having at least one cam apex coinciding generally with the main body axis; as the turner portion is turned, the at least one leaf spring bends progressively outwards as the at least one leaf spring crosses a surface of the cam; as the at least one leaf spring crosses the at least one cam apex, the at least one leaf spring urges to push the turner portion back into rest.

[0012] The cam portion has at least one cam surface; the cam end has spring locators for holding the leaf springs within the turner portion; the turner portion has a screw insert, which is shaped to accept the threaded second end of the cup; the screw insert has a central column, wings on opposite sides of the central column; the wings can have struts for support; the wings of the screw insert form a shelf to allow placement of the leaf springs; the cam end has spring locators, which are a gap or cavity for holding the leaf springs; the cap has protrusions on an inside surface of the cap; these inward protrusions engage indentations on the turner body; the turner body can have protrusions that engage indentations on an inside surface of the cap; the cap and the turner portion can have angular or smooth outer surfaces.

[0013] The present invention introduces such refinements. In its preferred embodiments, the present invention has several aspects or facets that can be used independently, although they are preferably employed together to optimize their benefits. All of the foregoing operational principles and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated upon consideration of the following detailed description, with reference to the appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the applicator for a solid cosmetic; Fig. 2 shows a first plan view; the second plan view is opposite of Fig. 2; Fig. 3 shows a top view.

[0015] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the embodiment in Fig. 1 and with at least one leaf spring;

[0016] Fig. 5 is a view of the embodiment in Fig. 1 with the turner portion in broken lines; the at least one leaf spring is in a first or resting position; in Fig. 5, the turner portion generally aligns with the main body.

[0017] Fig. 6 is a view of the embodiment in Fig. 1 with the turner portion in broken lines; the at least one leaf spring is in a second or expanded position; the turner portion is generally perpendicular with the main body.

[0018] Fig. 7 is a bottom view as indicated in Fig. 5.

[0019] Fig. 8 is a bottom view as indicated in Fig. 6.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention using a rubber or elastic band spring;

[0021] Fig. 11 is a close-up exploded view of the turner portion of Fig. 10;

[0022] Fig. 12 is a close-up perspective view of the turner portion of the rubber band or elastic spring embodiment;

[0023] Fig. 13 is a cross-section view along sight lines in Fig. 12 for the first or rest position;

[0024] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the turner portion in the second or expanded position.

[0025] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an applicator for solid cosmetics;

[0026] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the applicator of Fig. 15 with the cap removed;

[0027] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the applicator of Fig. 15 without the cap;

[0028] Fig. 18 front side elevational view of the applicator in Fig. 15; the opposite side view being a mirror image;

[0029] Fig. 19 is a side elevational view of the applicator in Fig. 15; the opposite side view being a mirror image;

[0030] Fig. 20 is a top view of the applicator in Fig. 15;

[0031] Fig. 21 is a bottom view of the applicator in Fig. 15;

[0032] Fig. 22 is a close-up view along the lines in Fig. 18;

[0033] Fig. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the cap in Fig. 15;

[0034] Fig. 24 is a front side elevational view of the cap in Fig. 15; the opposite side view being a mirror image;

[0035] Fig. 25 is a side elevational view of the cap in Fig. 15; the opposite side view being a mirror image;

[0036] Fig. 26 is a top view of the cap in Fig. 15;

[0037] Fig. 27 is a bottom view of the cap in Fig. 15;

[0038] Fig. 28 is a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus in Fig. 15 to show the engagement of the cap to the apparatus.

[0039] PARTS LISTING

[0040] 10 an apparatus for holding cosmetics

[0041] 15 cap

[0042] 20 main body with cam end 40

[0043] 25 cup or platform 30 first end of cup to hold cosmetics

[0044] 35 second end of cup and is threaded

[0045] 40 cam end of main body; 70 is cam

[0046] 45 Turner portion, which holds the leaf springs into position (which fit into the turner slots), leaf spring distal end locators; leaf springs under pressure against the main body’s cam mechanism 50 leaf springs (leaf springs slide over cam surface molded into main body when the turner to provide snap acceleration)

[0047] 55 screw insert

[0048] 60 screw groove or column, hollow to accept the second or threaded end of cup

[0049] 65 position locators or flanges or ribs on the outside surface of the column that engage cam mechanism 40

[0050] 70 CAM

[0051] 72 turner slots (gap or cavity on cam end) that afford a space for the leaf spring or elastic member

[0052] 75 screw protrusion

[0053] 85 wing structures on each side of the screw insert

[0054] 90 shelf on the wing structures for supporting the leaf spring or elastic member

[0055] 95 struts to support the wing structures on each side of the screw insert

[0056] 105 elastic band

[0057] 110 end cap

[0058] 115 boss on inside of the cap

[0059] 120 indentation on the turner portion, that mates with the 100 on the inside of the cap

[0060] 125 cosmetics material (solid type)

[0061] 130 spring locators on the cam (wherein the leaf springs or elastic member can engage).

[0062] 135 angular surface on turner portion

[0063] 140 angular surface on cap

[0064] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0065] As shown in Figures 1-9, this invention relates to an applicator for solid cosmetics, balms, medicines and sunblock; this invention includes: a stick-type cosmetic container comprising: a main body with a matching cap; the main body is formed at one side with an inlet and at an opposite or second side with a cam, which engages a turner portion; the turner portion can be rotatably coupled to the main body.

[0066] Main Body

[0067] The main body has a cup; this cup has a first end for holding the cosmetics and a second end with threads (single or double). This turner portion has an elastic member or leaf springs, an inner screw turner and an end cap; the turner portion’s elastic member or leaf springs engage the cam on the end of the main body.

[0068] The main body can have a cam end and an opposite end to house a movable cup or platform, which holds the cosmetic material; this cup or platform can move up and down inside the main body; the platform or the cup can have one side or a first side to which stick cosmetics are attached and an opposite or second side, which is a threaded screw or threaded end.

[0069] Turner Portion

[0070] This turner portion can be rotatably coupled to the main body; the main body has a cam portion or cam end; a platform or a cup (which holds the cosmetic material) moves up and down inside the main body; the platform or the cup having one side to which stick cosmetics are attached and an opposite side, said opposite side is threaded. The cam end can have spring locators, which are a gap or cavity for holding the leaf springs; and a cam diameter is formed from the cam axis to the cam apex, which is less than an inner dimension of the turner portion.

[0071] The turner portion has a turner body, a screw insert, at least one leaf spring or an elastic member and an end cap. The screw insert can be coupled or molded to an inside of the turner portion to rotate together, and the screw insert has a screw protrusion, which can rotatably engage the screw groove of the elevating plate; an elastic member or multiple leaf springs can be embedded within the turner portion in spring locators.

[0072] The embedded leaf springs or elastic member can engage the cam portion on the main body, wherein when the turner portion rotates, the leaf springs rotate around the central axis of the main body; as the turner portion is turned, the leaf springs bend progressively outwards as the leaf springs cross a surface of the cam; as the leaf springs cross the apex of the cam, leaf springs urge to push the turner portion back into another position of rest.

[0073] Screw Insert

[0074] The main body also has a screw insert, which can be coupled or molded to an inside of the turner portion to rotate together. The screw insert has at least one or multiple screw protrusions inside the wall of the screw insert, which can rotatably engage the screw groove or column of the elevating plate. The screw insert (on the column portion) can have protrusions or bosses that help keep the screw insert to be vertically constrained within the main body.

[0075] Springs or Elastic Member in the Turner Portion

[0076] An elastic member or at least one leaf spring can be embedded within the turner portion in spring locators (on the cam portion); the embedded leaf springs or elastic member can engage the cam portion on the main body, wherein when the turner portion rotates, the leaf springs (or rubber or elastic band spring) rotate around the central axis of the main body. The invention allows for one spring or flexible member or multiple flexible members or leaf springs.

[0077] As the turner portion is turned, the leaf springs (or rubber or elastic band spring) bend progressively outwards as the leaf springs (or rubber or elastic band spring) cross a surface of the cam; as the leaf springs (or rubber or elastic band spring) cross the apex of the cam, leaf springs (or rubber or elastic band spring) urge to push the turner portion back into another position of rest. Materials for the leaf springs include metal or plastic.

[0078] At a first position, the leaf springs (or rubber or elastic band spring) are in rest in the turner; as you turn the turner portion from the first position to a second position, the leaf springs (or rubber or elastic band spring) bend outwards as they cross the surface of the cam; as they cross the apex of the cam, the energy of the leaf spring (or rubber or elastic band spring) pushes the turner back into another position of rest.

[0079] One Elastic or Flexible Member (Fig. 10-14)

[0080] In another embodiment (Fig. 10-14), instead of using two leaf springs, this invention employs one elastic or flexible member, which lies around the cam portion or cam surfaces of the main body. The elastic or flexible member generally is at rest in the turner (in a first or resting position); as you engage the turner portion in a twisting fashion, this twisting or torquing of the turner portion causes the elastic or flexible member to bend progressively outwards (in a second or extended position) as the elastic or flexible member crosses the surface of the cam; as the elastic or flexible member crosses the apex of the cam, the energy of the elastic or flexible member pushes or urges the turner portion back into another position of rest.

[0081] There is a cup for holding the solid cosmetics; the cup having a threaded end; a main body for holding the cup with the cosmetics; the main body having a cam portion or cam surface; the main body can be rotatably connected to a turner portion; this turner portion can have at least one elastic member or multiple leaf springs, a screw insert and an end cap.

[0082] The main body has a first open end and a closed second end; this closed second end has a cam portion with a cam surface. The cam surfaces can have multiple apex parts; the cam end can also have spring locators (cavities or spaces) wherein the leaf springs or elastic members lie.

[0083] The base turner or turner portion has a turner housing with embedded leaf springs that engage the cam portion on the end of the main body. The turner housing has a screw groove or column that is shaped to accept the threaded end of the cup; this column structure also engages the cam end of the main body. This screw insert has a central column, wings on opposite sides of the central column; the wings can have struts for support. The wings of the screw insert can form a shelf to allow placement of the leaf spring or elastic member.

[0084] The leaf springs or elastic member rotates around the central axis of the main body; the leaf springs or elastic member also lie within the turner slots, which are a gap or cavity on the cam end of the main body.

[0085] The leaf springs are generally at rest in the turner (in a first or resting position); as you engage the turner portion in a twisting fashion, this twisting or torquing of the turner portion causes the leaf springs to bend progressively outwards (in a second or extended position) as the leaf springs cross the surface of the cam; as the leaf springs cross the apex of the cam, the leaf springs’ energy pushes or urges the turner portion back into another position of rest (Fig. 6, 8). Cap connection to main body (or turner)

[0086] As shown in Fig. 4, there are bosses or inward protrusions on the inside surface of the cap that engage small indentations or openings on the upper portion of the turner body. This male / female connection system can be reversed as well (opening on the inner cap surface and boss / protrusions on the upper portion of the turner body). The cap can have protrusions on an inside surface of the cap; these inward protrusions engage indentations on the turner body; alternatively, the turner body has protrusions that engage indentations on an inside surface of the cap. Both the cap and the turner portion can have smooth or angular outer surfaces.

[0087] An applicator for solid cosmetics comprising: a main body with a cap; the main body is formed at one side with an inlet and at an opposite side with a turner portion; the turner portion is rotatably coupled to the main body; the main body has an integral cam portion; the integral cam portion having a central cam axis; a platform or a cup (which holds the cosmetic material) moves up and down inside the main body; the platform or the cup having one side to which stick cosmetics are attached and an opposite side, which is threaded; a screw insert can be coupled or molded to an inside of the turner portion to rotate together, and the screw insert has a screw protrusion, which can rotatably engage the screw groove of the elevating plate; an elastic member or multiple leaf springs can be embedded within the turner portion in spring locators; the leaf springs having a length substantially matching the width of the turner; the embedded leaf springs or elastic member can engage the cam portion on the main body, wherein when the turner portion rotates, the leaf springs rotate around the central axis of the main body or cam; the cam having at least one apex coinciding generally with an axis that extends through the middle of the main body; cam diameter formed from its central axis to its apex is less than the inner dimensions of the turner portion, as the turner portion is turned, the leaf springs bend progressively outwards as the leaf springs cross a surface of the cam; as the leaf springs cross the apex of the cam, leaf springs urge to push the turner portion back into another position of rest.

[0088] In Fig. 7 and 8, this invention shows that the main body 20 and the turner portion 45 are relatively the same cross-sectional area to allow enough room for the full movement of the cam mechanism of this device. The combination of the alignment and indexing of using both the cam mechanism and the leaf springs and / or elastic members are arguably new and non-obvious for cosmetic applicators; in particular, in Fig. 7 and 8, the roundness or the curvature (filleted edge or domed surface) of the spring locator groove allows for the leaf spring defection; the roundness of this groove allows for the spring deflection from the rest state to the deflected state. The turner portion further comprises a locator groove with a rounded, filleted or domed surface to allow for the leaf spring deflection from a resting state to a deflected state.

[0089] An elastic member or at least one leaf spring can be embedded within the turner portion in spring locators; the leaf spring can have a length substantially matching the width of the turner portion; the embedded at least one leaf spring or elastic member can engage the cam portion on the main body, wherein when the turner portion rotates, the at least one leaf spring rotates around the central axis of the main body or cam; the cam portion having at least one apex coinciding generally with an axis that extends through the middle of the main body; the cam portion having a cam diameter formed from the cam axis to an apex, which is less than the turner portion, as the turner portion is turned, the at least one leaf spring bends progressively outwards as the at least one leaf spring crosses a surface of the cam portion; as the at least one leaf spring crosses the apex of the cam portion, the at least one leaf spring urges to push the turner portion back into another position of rest.

[0090] The cam portion has at least one cam surface; the cam end has spring locators for holding the at least one leaf spring within the turner portion the spring locators are a gap or cavity for holding the leaf springs; and a cam diameter is formed from the cam axis to the at least one cam apex, which is less than an inner dimension of the turner portion.

[0091] The turner portion further comprises a locator groove with rounded, filleted or domed surface to allow for the leaf spring deflection from a resting state to a deflected state.

[0092] The turner portion has a screw insert, which is shaped to accept the threaded second end of the cup; the screw insert has a central column, wings on opposite sides of the central column; the wings have struts for support; the wings of the screw insert form a shelf to allow placement of the at least one leaf spring.

[0093] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the title, headings, terms and phrases used herein are not intended to limit the subject matter or scope; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. The invention is composed of several sub-parts that serve a portion of the total functionality of the invention independently and contribute to system level functionality when combined with other parts of the invention. The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and / or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

[0094] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specific function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of’ in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6. Incorporation by Reference: All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference: US Des. 886637; US11523673 LEE; US10524557 McDANIEL; US2002 / 0227163 KIM; US3162304 BAU; US3082869; US5947621 Szekely; US6386778 Guay;

[0095] US Des. 262265 Hadtke; US Des. 272046 Mattheis; US Des. 413799 Schlatter; US Des. 423713 Szekely; US Des. 492592 Palomino; US Des. 593874 Nichols; US Des 814118 McIver.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An applicator for holding solid cosmetics comprising: a main body with a cap; the main body is formed at one side with an inlet and at an opposite side with a turner portion; the turner portion is rotatably coupled to the main body; the main body has an integral cam portion and a main body axis; the integral cam portion having a central cam axis; a cup moves up and down inside the main body; the cup having a first cup end to hold the solid cosmetic material and a second cup end, which is threaded; the turner portion has a screw insert; the screw insert has a screw protrusion, which can rotatably engage the threads on the second cup end; at least one leaf spring is embedded within the turner portion; the at least one leaf spring engages the integral cam portion on the main body, wherein when the turner portion rotates, the at least one leaf spring rotates around the central cam axis of the main body; the cam having at least one cam apex coinciding generally with the main body axis; as the turner portion is turned, the at least one leaf spring bends progressively outwards as the at least one leaf spring crosses a surface of the cam; as the at least one leaf spring crosses the at least one cam apex, the at least one leaf spring urges to push the turner portion back into rest.

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least one leaf spring is one elastic or flexible band.

3. The applicator for claim 1, wherein the cam portion has at least one cam surface; the cam end has spring locators for holding the at least one leaf spring within the turner portion; the turner portion further comprises a locator groove with rounded, filleted or domed surface to allow for the at least one leaf spring deflection from a resting state to a deflected state.

4. The applicator for claim 1, wherein the turner portion has a screw insert, which is shaped to accept the threaded second end of the cup; the screw insert has a central column, wings onopposite sides of the central column; the wings have struts for support; the wings of the screw insert form a shelf to allow placement of the at least one leaf spring.

5. The applicator for claim 1, wherein the cam end has spring locators, which are a gap or cavity for holding the leaf springs; and a cam diameter is formed from the cam axis to the at least one cam apex, which is less than an inner dimension of the turner portion.

6. The applicator for claim 1, wherein the cap has protrusions on an inside surface of the cap; these inward protrusions engage indentations on the turner body.

7. The applicator for claim 1, wherein the turner body has protrusions that engage indentations on an inside surface of the cap.

8. The applicator for claim 1, wherein the leaf springs are plastic or metal; and the at least one leaf spring has a length substantially matching a width of the turner portion.

9. The applicator for claim 1, wherein the turner portion has angular outer surfaces.

10. The applicator for claim 1, wherein the cap has angular outer surfaces.

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