Abstract:
An ergonomic lip product applicator that incorporates the contours of a user&#39;s hand and/or leg. An embodiment of an ergonomic lip product applicator comprises a substantially crescent-shaped tubular housing with concave and convex surfaces. An embodiment of an ergonomic lip product applicator is capable of being comfortably stored in a user&#39;s pocket and advances the ease of lip product application.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to lip product applicators, in particular an ergonomic lip product applicator that incorporates the contours of a user&#39;s hand and/or leg. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    There are numerous lip product applicators available in the market today. The uses of such applicators include the application of lip sticks, lip balms, lip glosses, and the like. Very little advancements have been made to the design of the container of such applicators. Most are substantially cylindrical or rectangular in shape. Such designs can be bulky in the pocket of a user, and can cause discomfort when carried in a user&#39;s shirt or pants pocket for even transitory duration. Furthermore, such applicators can be awkward to use or difficult to hold. 
         [0003]    What is needed, therefore, is a lip product applicator that is capable of being comfortably stored in a user&#39;s pocket and advances the ease of lip product application. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    An embodiment is an ergonomic lip product applicator comprising a first convex surface; a second concave surface integrally attached to the first convex surface, the convex surface and the concave surface defining walls as coupled; an interior portion defined by the walls of the convex surface and the concave surface; an upper opening defined by a distal perimeter of the convex surface and the concave surface, the upper opening being a terminal end of the inner portion defined by the walls of the convex surface and the concave surface; a carrier in contact with the walls, the carrier being housed inside the inner portion; a base coupled to a lower opening defined by a proximal perimeter of the concave surface and the convex surface, the base defining a terminal point for the interior portion; and a threaded stem operably attached to the movable support, the threaded stem rotatably coupled to the base and extending substantially throughout the interior portion. 
         [0005]    Another embodiment is a lip product applicator comprising a substantially crescent-shaped tubular housing; a substantially transparent window running along a wall of the tubular housing; a carrier housed in an interior portion of the tubular housing; and a dispensing mechanism operably engaged with the movable support. 
         [0006]    These and other advantages will become clearer in the following drawings, descriptions, and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a cross section of an embodiment of the invention and a bottom perspective of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective of a cross section of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective of an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]    Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0012]    An ergonomic lip product applicator  10  in accordance with an embodiment of an application is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 .  FIG. 1  is a front perspective and top perspective of an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, ergonomic lip product applicator  10  has a cap  11  that is removably engaged with a body member  12 . Body member  12  and cap  11  may be of substantially the same dimensions, permitting body member  12  and cap  11  to fit together when engaged and be detached by a user. Body member  12  and cap  11  may be substantially crescent-shaped. In an embodiment, body member  12  and cap  11  may be comprised of a convex surface and a concave surface. The arc of the convex surface may be in the range of 55 degrees to 85 degrees, although other ranges and other shapes are anticipated. The convex surface and the concave surface may form the basic shape of ergonomic lip product applicator  10 . The substantially crescent-shape of the above elements provides benefit to a lip product user in a number of ways. First, the shape contours to a user&#39;s leg when stored in the user&#39;s pocket. This provides enhanced comfort to the user and prevents bulky or bulging pockets when ergonomic lip product applicator  10  is stored in a user&#39;s pocket. Second, the shape contours to the user&#39;s hand for ease of use when applying a lip product. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, body member  12  may be tubular. The tubular member may have at least one wall defining an interior portion of body member  12 . The tubular member may terminate at an opening  15  and may include an inner portion capable of receiving a lip product  21 . Opening  15  may be used to fill, dispense, and apply various lip products. Body member  12  may be coupled to base member  13 . Base member  13  may be of substantially the same shape as body member  12 , although other shapes are anticipated. Base member  13  may include finger wheel  14 . Body member  12  when engaged with cap  11  may have a length in the range of 1″ to 3″. Body member  12  may have a width in the range of ½″ to 1½″. 
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a cross section of an embodiment of the invention and a bottom perspective of an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, body member  12  may be filled with a lip product  21 . Lip product  21  may include lip stick, lip gloss, lip balm, beeswax, paraffin wax, petroleum-based substance, Oxybenzone wax substance, a camphor wax substance, and the like. A threaded stem  22  may be engaged with a finger wheel  14 . Threaded stem  22  may be housed inside body member  12 . Threaded stem  22  may be substituted for any applicable dispensing mechanism, including an interlocking mechanism or push mechanism. Threaded stem  22  may be engaged with carrier  23 . Carrier  23  may be threaded to engage with threaded stem  22 . When threaded stem  22  is engaged with finger wheel  14 , carrier  23  may be moved upward or downward depending on clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of finger wheel  14 . In an embodiment, when carrier  23  is moved upward by rotating finger wheel  14 , lip product  21  may be incrementally pushed out of opening  15 . Carrier  23  may also be used to dispense lip product  21  through alternate mechanisms, such as a push mechanism. 
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective of a cross section of an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, carrier  23  is of substantially similar shape and may remain in direct contact with the inside of body member  12 .  FIG. 4  is a side perspective of an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, body member  12  may have a label or opaque film  41 . Body member  12  may have a level indicator  42 . Level indicator  42  may a substantially transparent or substantially translucent window. Level indicator  42  may run substantially throughout a lateral side or length of body member  12 . Level indicator  42  permits a user to view the amount of lip product  21  within body member  12 . A user can utilize level indicator  42  to determine how much lip product  21  remains and when to purchase or change lip product applicators. 
         [0016]    Although the present invention has been described with several embodiments, numerous changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the invention encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.