Abstract:
The demand for makeup and makeup related product to enhance and accentuate facial features drives a multi-billion dollar industry. However, the application of makeup to the face requires skill and training. In fact, applying makeup to the face evenly is challenging due to the fact that the human face is not perfectly symmetrical. Moreover, hiring a makeup professional may achieve a desired effect but that is not an economical possibility for most. Most individuals must rely on their own makeup application skills even if they lack sufficient training and experience to apply makeup at the professional level. The end-result often leads to less than desirable results. The instant invention discloses a device and methods that allows untrained users to reproducibly generate facial segmentation lines to the face. The segmentation lines are then filled with makeup to achieve a desired result. The facial segmentation device comprises an applicator that is very thin, and therefore, does not obstruct the visibly of users when applying segmentation line to the face—particularly around the eyes. The facial segmentation device and methods disclosed provides individuals an economical, easy to use solution for achieving a desired make up effect.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0004]    The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar enterprise driven by a demand for products such as makeup and makeup application devices used to enhance and accentuate notions of physical beauty—particularly facial features. However, the application of make up to the face requires skill and training. Hiring a makeup professional to apply facial makeup may achieve a desired effect. But, the costs and logistical hurdles to employing a professional makeup artist for routine makeup applications forces individuals to rely on their own makeup application skills. Unfortunately, most individuals lack sufficient training and experience to apply makeup at a professional level, and non-professional application often yields less than desirable results. The invention disclosed herein provides a device and methods that allow non-professionals to achieve a professional makeup application. 
         [0005]    Field of the Invention/Technical Field 
         [0006]    The invention discloses herein relates to the technical field of makeup application devices used in the application of facial makeup, and to the technical field of beauty enhancement tools in general. 
         [0007]    Related Art of the Invention 
         [0008]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0255971 (“the &#39;971 publication”) discloses an eye-makeup applicator to assist eye-glass users with the application of eye makeup. The applicator disclosed in the &#39;971 publication is intended for the direct application of makeup without users having to remove their glasses. The &#39;971 publication does not disclose partitioning of facial segments based on aligning elements of the face. 
         [0009]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0231694 (“the &#39;694 publication”) discloses an eye-brow makeup template worn on the face. The template of the &#39;694 publication has “cut-outs” that allow for makeup application to the face in the pattern of the template. The &#39;971 publication does not disclose aligning elements of the face in order to properly segment facial regions for makeup application. In fact, the &#39;694 merely discloses a stencil for painting the face based on a pre-formed pattern. 
         [0010]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0100392 (“the &#39;392 publication”) discloses a makeup application tool, wherein the handle functions a centerline for orienting the application of makeup. The &#39;392 publication is intended for the direct application of makeup and not for facial segmentation. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a prospective view illustrating features along the side of the device along the horizontal plane. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a prospective view illustrating features from the top of the device along the horizontal plane. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a prospective view illustrating features from the bottom of the device along the horizontal plane. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a prospective view illustrating features from the top of the device along an angled horizontal plane. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a prospective view illustrating features of a post along a horizontal plane. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a prospective view illustrating features along the side of the device along a vertical plane. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY 
       [0017]    A facial segmentation device as disclosed herein provides a cost-effective, user-friendly means to segment regions of the face for down-stream facial makeup applications (e.g., contouring). The facial segmentation device allows marking the face with makeup products in order to produce achieve a desired facial makeup outcome. The facial segmentation device generates straight lines between known regions of the face in order to properly segment the face according to conventional principles of beauty (e.g., the golden ratio). 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the figures, where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Also in the figures, the leftmost digit of each reference number corresponds to the figure in which the reference number is first used. While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to a person ordinarily skilled in the relevant art that this invention can also be employed in a variety of other systems and applications. 
         [0019]    In general, the invention solves numerous problems as highlighted in the background. For example, the instant invention allows users to reproducibly generate facial segmentation lines for subsequent, downstream make applications (e.g., contouring). Further, the instant invention comprises a facial segmentation device, which due to the thin dimensions of the application line, does not obstruct the visibly of users when applying segmentation lines to the face. 
         [0020]    Overall, a facial segmentation device  100  comprises several elements including: a handle  300 , posts  102 , a facial segmentation applicator  103 , an anchor  104 , a connector  105 , a tensioner  106 , and a makeup trough  501 . 
         [0021]    A general method for using the disclosed invention would involve two steps comprising: (i) preparing the device; and, (ii) creating a facial segmentation of a facial region, such as the eyebrows; cheeks; eye; nose; lips; neck, or the like. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further understand that the two general steps may further comprise multiple additional steps or sub-steps. 
         [0022]    For example, sub-step 1 may comprise sub steps such as: aligning a facial segmentation applicator along a grooved pathway atop the connector  105 . Sub-step 2 may comprise threading a facial segmentation applicator through the anchor  104  on the tensioner  105 . Repeating sub-steps 1 and 2 on opposite side of the device, and adjusting the tensioner  105  allows the user to make the facial segmentation applicator ready for use. 
         [0023]    Additionally, the facial device of the instant invention may be used according to a method comprising: 1) inserting a facial segmentation applicator into a makeup trough  501 ; 2) coating a facial segmentation applicator with makeup (e.g., powdered makeup); and 3) applying the facial segmentation applicator to the face to produce segmentation lines. Alternatively, the facial segmentation applicator may be coated with a liquid makeup. 
         [0024]    More specifically, a facial segmentation device may be used to reproducibly generate professional-quality eyebrow makeup patterns. According to this method, a facial segmentation device applies segmentation lines to the face as follows: (i) between the outside edge of the nose and the inside edge of the eyebrow; (ii) between the outside edge of the nose to the apex of the eyebrow arch, wherein the facial segmentation applicator crosses the inner edge of the iris; (iii) between the outside edge of the nose to the outside edge of the eyebrow. 
         [0025]    In addition to applying specific segmentation lines, the facial segmentation device of the instant invention may orient the device relative to desired position of the facial segmentation. Incorporation of leveling technology onto a facial segmentation device allows for parallel segmentation lines to be produced on the face. Moreover, a facial segmentation device may be equipped to measure specific angles to coordinate application of facial segmentation lines and allow reproduction of facial segmentation lines based on specific measurement angles. 
         [0026]    The handle  300  is used to hold a facial segmentation device in place while applying segmentation lines to the face. The length of the handle  300  may range from about 1 inch to about 16 inches, but is preferably about 5 inches in length. The width of the handle  300  may range from about 0.1 to about 2 inches, but is preferably about 0.5 inches wide. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, the handle  300  further comprises a grip  107 , a level  108 , and a ruler  109 . 
         [0028]    The grip  107  functions to provide a physical location to hold and steady a facial segmentation applicator when applying makeup to the face. The grip  107  may be positioned (i) between posts housing a facial segmentation applicator, (ii) outside of posts connected by a facial segmentation applicator, or (iii) in the Z-axis with regards to a facial segmentation applicator. Preferably, the grip  107  is positioned between posts housing a facial segmentation applicator. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, the grip  107  is preferably comprised of plastic, however, in alternative embodiments the grip  107  may comprise any of the following materials: abs plastics, photo polymer resin, stainless steels, steels, polycarbonate, acrylics, wood, carbon fiber, synthetic or natural materials. In one embodiment, the length of the grip  107  may range from about 1 inch to about 16 inches, but is preferably about 5 inches in length. The width of the grip  107  may range from about 0.1 to about 2 inches, but is preferably about 0.5 inches wide. 
         [0030]    In the preferred embodiment, the grip  107  is preferably rounded in shape, however, the grip may alternatively be shaped like a square, hexagonal, octagonal, triangular, or a diamond shaped. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, a facial segmentation applicator may be adjustable to the size of the user&#39;s hand. An adjustable facial segmentation application may comprise a grip  107  and may further comprise sub-elements such as a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism allows the length of the grip to be extended by unlocking, extending and relocking a threaded sheathing mechanism located internally or within the grip  107 . 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the handle  300  further comprises a ruler  109 . The ruler  109  may preferably be positioned along the length of the handle  300 . The ruler may be positioned on one or on all sides of the handle  300 , and alternatively, the ruler may encircle the circumference of the handle  300 . While any measurement system may be employed, such as the English or Metric system of measurements, the English system is preferred. The ruler  109  provides a means for measuring distance between facial features in order to demark desired geometric ratios. 
         [0033]    The instant invention further comprises at least one, but preferably two, posts  102  serving as connection points for the facial segmentation applicator  103 . In one embodiment, the posts  102  are preferably positioned perpendicular to the grip and facial segmentation applicator creating a bridge between and linking the grip and facial segmentation applicator elements. 
         [0034]    The posts  102  function to position the facial segmentation applicator a sufficient distance away from the grip in order to allow one to hold the device without touching the facial segmentation applicator. In alternative embodiments, the posts  102  may be angled relative to the handle, 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the posts  102  are comprised of plastic, however, in other embodiments the posts  102  may be comprised of the following materials: abs plastics, photo polymer resin, stainless steel, steel, polycarbonate, acrylic, or carbon fiber. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, the length of the posts  102  may range from about 0.1 inches to about 3 inches, but are preferably about 0.5 inches in length. The width of the posts  102  may range from about 0.1 to about 2 inches, but are preferably about 0.25 inches wide. 
         [0037]    The posts  102  are generally rounded in shape in the preferred embodiment, yet the posts  102  may be, in alternative embodiments, square, hexagonal, octagonal, triangular, diamond shaped, or curved. The posts  102  further function to house facial segmentation applicator anchor  104 , connector  105  and a tensioner  106 . 
         [0038]    The connector  105  provides an interface between the post and the facial segmentation applicator  103 . The connector  105  also provides an attachment system for the facial segmentation applicator  103 . The connector  105  maintains the alignment of the facial segmentation applicator  103 . 
         [0039]    Numerous connection embodiments are readily understood by skilled artisans, but for illustrative purposes the following description details the connector of the invention. Functionally, a connector  105  is configured to allow connection of the facial segmentation applicator to the post  102  at a specific point on the anchor  104 . The connector  105  may be configured to include a connector-hole  105 . 1  through which the ends of a facial segmentation applicator  103  are threaded and fastened. The facial segmentation applicator  103  may be fastened in a plurality of ways to lock the facial segmentation applicator  103  is into place. For example, a ball-lock may be applied to one end of the facial segmentation applicator  103  and the other threaded through the connector-hole  105 . 1 . When the facial segmentation applicator is advanced through the connector-hole  105 . 1 , the ball-lock contacts the anchor and prevents the facial segmentation applicator from advancing further. In an alternative configure, the connector may configured as a U-shaped hook  105 . 2  onto which the facial segmentation applicator is fastened to the post  102  via the anchor  104 . 
         [0040]    A fastener, such as a ball-lock, provides an attachment point at the end of the facial segmentation applicator and the connector  105 , locking the facial segmentation applicator  103  in place. In one embodiment, the length of the fastener may range from about 0.001 inches to about 1 inch, but is preferably about 0.25 inches in length. The width of the fastener may range from about 0.001 inches to about 1 inch, but is preferably about 0.01 inches wide. If a circular fastener is employed, the diameter of the fastener  104 . 2  may range from about 0.001 inches to about 1 inch, but is preferably about 0.25 inches in diameter. 
         [0041]    In a preferred embodiment, the connector  105  comprises a plastic material. However, in alternative embodiments the connector  105  may comprise one or more of the following: abs plastics, photo polymer resin, stainless steel, steel, polycarbonate, acrylic, or carbon fiber. The connector  105  is preferably cylindrical in shape, but in alternative embodiments, may be square, hexagonal, octagonal, triangular, diamond shaped, or curved in shape. 
         [0042]    The connector  105  also houses a tensioner  106 , which may further be comprised of a tensioner screw  106 . 1 , and a tensioner head  106 . 2 . The anchor  104  functions to provide an attachment point, while the connector  105  functions to provide a restriction point that holds the facial segmentation applicator  103  in place. The tensioner head  106 . 2  further comprises a tension head restrictor  106 . 3  which further restricts the motion, and thereby, maintains the alignment of the facial segmentation applicator  103 . The tension head restrictor  106 . 3  may be a groove in one embodiment, or alternatively, may be a passageway, such as a hole or tunnel, through the post  102 , through which the facial segmentation applicator  103  may be threaded. The tensioner screw  105 . 1  may be adjusted by applying force (e.g., twisting or screwing) the tensioner screw  105 . 1  in order to adjust the tension of facial application applicator  103 . 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, the length of the tensioner screw  105 . 1  may range from about 0.1 inch to about 3 inches, but is preferably about 0.5 inches in length. The width of the tensioner screw  5 . 1  may range from about 0.0001 inches to about 1 inch, but is preferably about 0.01 inches wide. 
         [0044]    The facial segmentation applicator  103  applies material to the face in order to segment the face as desired. Once facial segments are applied to the face, those facial regions are then filled with makeup in order to achieve the desired cosmetic effect (e.g., contouring). The facial segmentation applicator  103  places a line of material directly onto the face. The material applied may be a transient power or makeup. Alternatively, the material applied the instant invention may be incorporated into the overall makeup application. In a preferred embodiment, the facial segmentation applicator  103  applies facial segmentation lines in a straight line. 
         [0045]    However, in the alternative, facial segmentation lines may be applies in preformed patterns. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the desire to generate preformed patterns to be filled with makeup. Moreover, it is well within the purview of a skilled artisan to modify the pattern of the facial segmentation applicator  103  from the preferred straight line to a pre-formed pattern in order to apply a pre-formed facial segmentation pattern to the face. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, a facial segmentation applicator  103  is comprised of one or more of the following: thread, organic material, synthetic material, plastic, wire, metal or the like. In one embodiment, the length of a facial segmentation applicator  103  may range from about 0.1 inch to about 100 inches, but is preferably about 6 inches in length. The width of the facial segmentation applicator  3  may range from about 0.0001 to about 1 inches, but is preferably about 0.01 inches wide. 
         [0047]    The facial segmentation device  100  as disclosed herein may also be a component of a makeup application system  500 . In one embodiment, such a system may comprise: (i) a facial segmentation device  100 , a trough  501  and a makeup component  550 . The makeup component of the system may be stored separately, but for use in the system, a portion of the makeup component is deposited into the trough  501 . The trough  501  functions as an access point for the facial segmentation device to 100 collect the makeup component  550  along the length of the facial segmentation applicator  3 . Once the facial segmentation applicator  3  is “loaded” with the makeup component  550 , the facial application device  1  is oriented as desired and the facial segmentation applicator  3 , loaded with the makeup component  550 , is applied to the face. The result is the deposition of the makeup component to the face in a desired pattern. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, the length of the trough  501  may range from about 0.1 inch to about 100 inches, but is preferably about 7 inches in length. The width of the trough  501  may range from about 0.1 to about 4 inches, but is preferably about 0.2 inches wide. The height of the trough  501  may range from about 0.1 to about 6 inches, but is preferably about 0.5 inch to about 1 inch in height.