Abstract:
A watch having a display which displays an output from a mechanism, the display and mechanism encased in a watchcase which includes a recess for releasably receiving an applicator is disclosed. A first end of the applicator features an application member with an amount of cosmetic pre-absorbed to the application member. Insertion of the applicator closes an electric circuit having a voltage potential for displaying the output. Removal of the applicator opens the electric circuit, removing the output from the display and revealing a mirror which is useful for application of the cosmetic.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    In general, the present invention relates to timepieces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a watch having a removable cosmetics applicator. 
         [0002]    Wristwatches come in a variety of types including, but not limited to, mechanical windup watches, self-winding or “automatic” mechanical watches, electric or electronic (i.e., battery-powered) analog watches, battery-powered wristwatches with digital time displays (LED (light emitting diode) and constant-display LCD (liquid crystal display)) and analog quartz timing devices. 
         [0003]    Cosmetic containers have been well described in the art. A principle aim of cosmetic containers is to increase the carrying convenience of the container such that a user will have the container at the ready without a requirement of rummaging through a purse, pack, or rucksack. 
         [0004]    Various attempts have been made to combine a watch with a cosmetics container. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,651 teaches a combination makeup compact and watch having a cosmetic compartment connected about a hinge to a watch mechanism compartment. The cosmetic compartment includes a slot for securing an applicator; the slot separating at least two beds of cosmetic in a powder or cake formulation. A user exposes the cosmetic compartment and a mirror by lifting the watch mechanism about the hinge, and applies the cosmetic using the applicator. However, the cosmetic compartment of the &#39;651 device is fixed to the watch mechanism through a friction fit and can only be changed by changing an entire cosmetic tray. The &#39;651 device thereby permits a user to change the cosmetic in accordance with a user&#39;s often mercurial cosmetic preference only at a significant replacement cost. However, mirrors and solid cosmetic formulations are subject to fracture even with slight impact, including the normal forces such as impact or shock that can be caused by the watch striking an object or surface inadvertently while being worn. Such an impact could fragment the mirror and/or cosmetic and render them useless. 
         [0005]    Of foremost inconvenience, the &#39;651 device does not integrate the cosmetic into the applicator. Instead, a user is required to remove the applicator, then absorb the cosmetic to the applicator tip which is then brushed to the user&#39;s preferred skin surface(s). 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for a watch which integrates a cosmetic compound into an applicator that can be secreted in a housing of the watch, the applicator having a preabsorbed cosmetic which can be applied directly to a user on-the-go. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The aforementioned shortcomings in the art are addressed by the present invention which is directed toward a watch having a display for displaying an output from a mechanism, the display and mechanism encased in a watchcase. The watchcase includes a recess for releasably receiving an applicator. A first end of the applicator features an application member with an amount of cosmetic pre-absorbed to the application member. Insertion of the applicator completes an electric circuit with a voltage potential for displaying the output. Removal of the applicator opens the electric circuit, removing the output from the display and revealing a mirror. 
         [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cosmetics applicator. 
         [0009]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cosmetic applicator which is concealed within a watch. 
         [0010]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mirror for use with a cosmetic applicator concealed within a watch. 
         [0011]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved cosmetic applicator which is durable even while concealed within a watch. 
         [0012]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing which illustrate, by way of example, the principals of the invention. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a watch, watchcase, watch band, and applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a watch, watchcase, watchband and applicator (with the applicator inserted in the watchcase) of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the watch of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a simplified block diagram of a watch mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Reference is first made to  FIG. 1 , which represents a perspective view of a watch  10  constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. By way of example, the watch  10  is an electronic timepiece which includes a watchcase  12 , a band  14 , and a display  16 . The watchcase  12  may be constructed of any resilient material which can protect an electronic mechanism  42  contained therein (as well as the display  16  associated with the electronic mechanism) from incident impact while the watch  10  is being worn about a user&#39;s wrist. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, any of a variety of durable materials such as polycarbonate resin, natural rubber, aluminum, gold (plated or solid), platinum (plated or solid), stainless steel, silver, plastic or the like. In the alternative, gem stones may be embedded on the surface of the watchcase  12 . The band  14  secures the watch  10  to the user&#39;s wrist. The band  14  can be any of the type that have been well described in the art as pliable attachment means which provide adjustable circumferences. Various types of bands  14  inlcude, but are not limited to, a leather strap, a plastic strap, a metal strap or a combination of the aforementioned types of straps. Although  FIG. 1  shows the watchcase  12  attached to the band  14  with an attachment mechanism  18  (e.g., pins connecting a band link to the watchcase  12  or the like), alternative embodiments of the present invention may feature the band  14  as an integrated strap of the same material as watchcase  12 . 
         [0020]    The display  16  comprises a mirrored surface, such as a mirror  20 , coupled to a liquid crystal display (LCD)  22  capable of displaying a digital output from the electronic mechanism  42 .  FIG. 1  illustrates the watch  10  in an “off” mode in which an applicator  24  is vacant from a recess  26  in the watchcase  12 . The display  16  is described in further detail infra. 
         [0021]    In accordance with the present invention, the watch  10  comprises the recess  26  capable of receiving the applicator  24 . The recess  26  has physical dimensions and shape which are complementary to the applicator  24  such that the applicator  24  is secured inside the recess  26  by a friction fit. More in particular, the recess  26  has a depth which is less than the length of the applicator  24 . The recess  26  is characterized as having an aperture  28  which is complementary in shape to the frontal cross section of the applicator  24 . Although the applicator  24  is depicted in  FIG. 1  as being cylindrical, and the aperture  28  of the recess  26  is characterized as being circular, it will be understood that frontal cross-section of the applicator  24  and the aperture  28  shapes can be a combination of any complementary shapes which permit the applicator  24  to be securely inserted into the recess  26  through the aperture  28 . The combination of complementary shapes for the applicator  24  and the aperture  28  may therefore assume myriad amusing shapes including cubic, elliptical, and star shapes. The watch  10  is designed so that the generally cylindrical applicator  24  is mostly contained within the watchcase  12  which presents a generally smooth curved surface above the applicator  24  next to the slightly rectangular display  16 . 
         [0022]    Various other aspects of the applicator  24  will be further described in the following diagrams and accompanying explanation. 
         [0023]    Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a watch  50 , similar to the watch  10 , with the applicator  24  inserted in the watchcase  12  is illustrated, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  illustrates the watch  50  in an “on” mode in which the LCD  22  displays an output comprising alphanumeric symbols, such output generally well-characterized in the art. A user turns on the display  16  of the watch  50  (as well as the watch  10 ) by securely inserting the applicator  24  in the recess  26 . The LCD  22  is capable of displaying an output from the electronic mechanism  42  on the display  16 . A positive click is registered when the applicator  24  is fully inserted into the recess  26  of the watchcase  12 , providing the user with both tactile and aural feedback to indicate that the applicator  24  is fully secured. In this manner, the engagement of the applicator  24  and the watchcase  12  serves as a switch for turning the LCD  22  “on” and “off”. 
         [0024]    Directing attention to  FIG. 3 , a side perspective view of the watch  50  is provided with the applicator  24  fully within the recess  26  of the watch  50 . The applicator  24  has been removed from the recess  20  for use by a user (not shown) in order to use the applicator  24  for cosmetic application. The watch  50  is thereby rendered in an “off” mode. The recess  26  may include a ring  30 . The ring  30  may be constructed of any pliable and compressible material that is durable and resistant to water, and substantially resembles an O-ring in function. When the applicator  24  is inserted into the recess  26 , the ring  30  forms a flush-fit against an annular segment of the applicator  24 . With applicator  24  so inserted, a substantially airtight and waterproof compartment is formed in the recess  26 . The ring  30  additionally provides a frictional fit which secures the applicator  24  in the recess  26 . Once inserted into the recess  26 , the applicator  24  is kept substantially free from environmental insult include ambient moisture and incidental impact from contact which may occur to the watch being worn by the user. The watch  50  is designed so that the generally cylindrical applicator  24  is mostly contained within the recess  26  of the watchcase  12  where the recess  26  is part of a semi-cylindrical raised portion on the face of the watchcase  12 , next to a slightly recessed, semi-elliptical display  16 . 
         [0025]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the ring  30  is located along an interior aspect of the aperture  28 . However, it will be understood that the ring  30  can be placed at any location along the length of the recess  26 , from the aperture  28  inward, that would facilitate the ring&#39;s  30  flush fit with the applicator  24  and that does not compromise the substantially airtight and waterproof protection afforded when the ring  30  is placed along the aperture  28 . 
         [0026]    Operation of the display  16  will now be described. Generally, the display  16  comprises the mirror  18  and the LCD  22  encased in the watchcase  12 . The LCD  28  with the mirror  18  can be any of a type currently known in the art which permits displaying of LCD information through a mirror. For more, see http://plasma-led.ru/pdf/philips%2023HM8801%20hallway%20mirror%20TV.pdf. While the watch  50  is illustrated in “off” mode in  FIG. 3 , no output is displayed on the LCD  28  and the user may use the mirror  18  for strategic application of cosmetic with the applicator  24 . The present invention thus provides for a single-unit convenience of having a cosmetic applicator on hand which can be used with an integrated compact mirror. 
         [0027]    The applicator  24 , as seen in  FIG. 4 , comprises a first end  32 , a second end  34 , and a conductive element  40  intermediate of the first end  32  and second end  34 . An application member  36  is located at the first end  32 , the application member  36  bearing a pre-absorbed cosmetic  38 . In a general sense, it shall be understood that “cosmetic” as used with respect to the preabsorbed cosmetic  38  may include, but not be limited to, a broad variety of powder, liquid powder, or liquid formulation with which a cosmeceutical consumer application may be delivered. Thus, the pre-absorbed cosmetic  38  may include lipgloss, lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara, or any other cosmeceutical application that will absorb to the application member  36 . The amount of cosmetic to be preabsorbed may vary with the particular formulation to be applied. The applicator  24  may be dosed with a preabsorbed cosmetic sufficient for one or greater application. By way of example, and not limitation, a lipstick applicator may likely carry a larger amount of pre-absorbed cosmetic for repeated application because the area to which the cosmetic will be applied is subject to frequent tissue sloughing and contact. Conversely, a one time applicator may be appropriate for eye-liner cosmetics, the eye not generally subject to frequent contact which would degrade the aesthetic value of the cosmetic application. 
         [0028]    When the user wishes to secure the applicator  24  and turn the watch “on”, as seen in  FIG. 2 , the application member  36  on the first end  32  is inserted into the recess  20 . 
         [0029]    Preferably, the length of the applicator  24  is greater than the depth of the recess  26 . When the applicator  24  is fully inserted into the recess  26 , the second end  34  of applicator  24  protrudes slightly from the watchcase  12 . The watch  10 ,  50  may be adapted to different applicators having substantially the same cross section but featuring various lengths, the particular length chosen to suit the user&#39;s preference. The second end  34  may have a gripping element  42  which permits the user to more easily remove the applicator  24  by pulling on the second end  34 . The gripping element  42  can be any construct or coating which increases the coefficient of friction at the second end  34 . In a preferred embodiment, the gripping element  42  can be a rubberized non-slip ring. Alternatively, the second end  34  can feature an array of bumps or ridges which provide for greater tactile security when handling the applicator  24 . 
         [0030]    As opposed to the watch  10 ,  50  which will be retained by the user, the applicator  24  may be a disposable unit and will preferably be constructed of a plastic or other semi-rigid material amenable of a low cost of manufacture. Positioned along the length of the applicator  24 , intermediate of the first end  32  and the second end  34 , is a conductive element  40 . The conductive element  40  may comprise a circumference of conductive materials about the applicator  24 , preferably copper sheeting, having a conductance sufficient for supplying the electronic mechanism  42  with an electrical potential from a battery  44  disposed within the watchcase  12 . 
         [0031]    Directing attention to  FIG. 5 , the applicator  24  functions as a switch in the mechanism  44 , which will now be described. Generally, the electronic mechanism  44  includes the battery, a microcontroller  46  (e.g., microprocessor), the applicator  24 , and the display  16  components of the LCD  22  and the mirror  18 . While not necessary to an illustration of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that the electronic mechanism  42  may also include various other items such as a backup battery and a transducer for emitting sounds, both of which would be coupled to the microcontroller  46 . The microcontroller  46  supplies output to the display  16  in the form of time (hour, minute, seconds), date, day or the like. The microcontroller  46  can also provide a stopwatch function or the like. 
         [0032]    Operation of the watch  10 ,  50  in accordance with the present invention comprises an “on” and “off” mode. In the “on” mode, full insertion of the applicator  24  closes electrical contacts inside the watch  10 ,  50  by placement of the conductive element  40  in the power circuit of the watch  10 ,  50  so as to change the electrical potential on an integrated circuit input pin in the microprocessor  46 , signifying a switch closure. Upon closure of the switch, the microprocessor  46  produces an output which is rendered on the display  16 . When the applicator  24  is removed in the “off” mode, the power circuit of the device is opened, and the microprocessor  46  output is precluded from displaying on the mirror  20 . In this fashion, the user may use the applicator  24  to turn the device on or off and thereby access the mirror  20  for use in applying the pre-absorbed cosmetic  38  on the application member  36  to a preferred skin surface. 
         [0033]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to a device embodying the present invention. For example, where a watch to be worn on the wrist has been described, it shall be understood that the present invention shall incorporate a watch which can be worn off the wrist, as for example, a timepiece held to an article of clothing by a chain or fob. Thus, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the specification. Rather the present invention is intended to cover modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.