Patent Publication Number: US-8967896-B2

Title: Cosmetic apparatus and method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to cosmetic containers. More particularly, the present invention resides in an improved cosmetic apparatus which is a double-ended container and configured to facilitate the removal of the cosmetic liquid material within the container. 
     There exist several types of cosmetic containers which contain a liquid cosmetic material which is removed from the container via an applicator wand for application to the various parts of the body of the individual. For example, a conventional mascara applicator comprises a mascara container and a removable cap which is adapted to close the container and which forms a handle for the manipulation of an applicator wand. Typically, the applicator wand comprises a rod attached to or formed integrally with the cap and having a brush at the end thereof. In the closed position of the container, the rod and brush associated therewith are dipped into the container. When the rod is removed from the container, a certain quantity of mascara is taken up on the brush and can then be applied to the eyelashes. Similar steps are taken with respect to lip gloss, concealer, and similar cosmetic products. 
     Current cosmetic technology does not allow for maximum use of the cosmetic product. In the existing technology, the end of the applicator wand defining the brush, sponge material, etc. which is to be loaded with the liquid cosmetic material does not reach the bottom of the container. If it did, it could bend, break, or otherwise damage the bristles, brush, sponge material, etc. of the wand. Thus, the user is not able to remove cosmetic product residing at the bottom of the container. This currently results in the user throwing away a container which still has cosmetic material therein, which is wasteful and costly. 
     Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a cosmetic container which enables the capture of all, or nearly all, of the liquid cosmetic material therein. The present invention fulfills these needs, and provides other related advantages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention resides in a cosmetic apparatus comprising a double-ended cosmetic container and a related method of removing all, or nearly all, of the liquid cosmetic material within the container, overcoming the shortcomings of the existing technology. 
     The cosmetic container generally comprises an elongated body defining a single internal chamber for storing liquid cosmetic material between a first open end and a second generally opposite open end. The single chamber is accessible from either the first open end or the second open end. A first cap is removable attachable to either the first or second open end of the body. Similarly, a second cap is removably attachable to either the first or second end of the body, such that the first and second caps are interchangeable. Typically, the body adjacent to the first and second open ends includes external threads, and the first and second caps include mating internal threads. 
     An applicator wand extends into the chamber from either the first or second open end of the body. The applicator wand is adapted to remove liquid cosmetic material from the chamber. The chamber is typically an elongated tubular configuration of a length greater than a length of the applicator wand disposable in the chamber. Preferably, the first cap is attached to an end of the applicator wand, or formed integrally therewith, and serves as a handle for the applicator wand. The container includes only a single applicator wand and the second cap is not attached to the applicator wand. Typically, the first cap, which serves as a handle for the applicator wand, has a greater length than the second cap. An end of the applicator wand distal the first cap includes a liquid cosmetic capturing material, such as a brush or sponge material. 
     A first insert is disposed within the first open end of the body. The first insert is adapted to permit the applicator wand to slidably extend therethrough and scrape excess cosmetic material therefrom when removed from the body. The first insert is a generally hollow cylindrical member and includes a first aperture proximal the first opening and a wiper lip for scraping excess cosmetic material from the applicator wand. A second aperture of the first insert distal the first opening of the body typically defines the wiper lip. 
     A second insert is disposed within the second open end of the body. The second insert is adapted to permit the applicator wand to slidably extend therethrough and scrape excess cosmetic material therefrom when removed from the body. The second insert is a generally hollow cylindrical member and includes a wiper lip for scraping excess cosmetic material from the applicator wand. An end of the second insert is configured to funnel cosmetic material from the chamber into the second insert when the second end of the container is directed downwardly. The wiper lip of the second insert is defined by a first aperture of the second insert. The end of the second insert is configured to funnel cosmetic material and is defined by a second aperture of a larger diameter than the first aperture, and is disposed adjacent to or within the chamber. 
     After capturing as much of the cosmetic material through the first end and insert of the container as possible, the applicator wand and attached first end cap are removed and the second end cap is removed. The first end cap and the applicator wand are then inserted through the second open end and second insert of the container, while the second end cap is attached to the opposite first end of the body of the container. The funneling configuration of the second insert allows the applicator wand to capture much of, if not all of, the remaining cosmetic material left in the chamber of the container. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cosmetic apparatus embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the component parts thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the components of the cosmetic apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of area “ 4 ” of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged partially sectioned view of area “ 5 ” of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3 , illustrating a sectioned perspective view of a second insert used in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a sectioned perspective view of a first insert, taken generally along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 3 , used in the cosmetic apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, the present invention is directed to a cosmetic apparatus, including a double-ended container, and method of use. In accordance with the present invention, the double-ended cosmetic apparatus enables a user to remove all, or nearly all, of the liquid cosmetic material within the cosmetic container apparatus, unlike existing cosmetic containers for lip gloss, mascara, eyeliner, and the like. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , a double-ended cosmetic container apparatus, generally referred to by the reference number  10 , embodying the present invention is shown in a closed state. The container  10  comprises a body  12  defining a single chamber  14  therein adapted to act as a reservoir and store liquid cosmetic material therein. A first end cap  16  is attached to one end of the body  12  and a second end cap  18  is removably attached to a generally opposite second end of the body  12 . In the prior art, the containers typically only have a single end cap and a single open end of the container, with the other end of the container being closed. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the body  12  is elongated, so as to define an elongated chamber  14 . It will be appreciated that the body  12  can be comprised of any suitable material, typically plastic, but other materials such as glass, metal, etc. can be utilized. Moreover, the outer shape of the body  12  can have a different configuration than the inner chamber  14 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the outer surface of the body  12  is multi-faceted, whereas the chamber  14  comprises a single elongated tubular structure. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the end caps  16  and  18  are removably attached to the body. In fact, the end caps  16  and  18  are interchangeable with respect to the end of the body  12  to which they are attached, as will be more fully described herein. In one embodiment, the first end of the body  20  has external threads  22 , and the generally opposite second end of the body  24  also includes similar exterior threads  26 . The first end cap  16  includes mating threads  28 , and the second end cap  18  also includes mating threads  30 . Typically, these threads  28  and  30  are formed in an interior portion of the end of the cap  16  and  18 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Although the invention is illustrated as having a removable threaded connection between the end caps  16  and  18  and the ends  20  and  24  of the body  12  it will be understood that other removable connection means is possible, such as by snap friction fit or any other known removable connection means. The important aspect, in accordance with the present invention, is that either end cap  16  or  18  can be removably attached to either end  20  or  24  of the body  12 . 
     A particularly preferred embodiment is illustrated herein, wherein the ends  20  and  24  of the body  12  are of a reduced outer diameter than the central portion of the body  12 , such that when the first and second caps  16  and  18  are attached thereto, the outer surface configuration of the body  12  and the end caps  16  and  18  is generally uniform, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Although this is aesthetically appealing, it will be appreciated that the body  12  and the end caps  16  and  18  can have varying configurations. However, the inner chamber  14  of the body  12  is a single chamber which is accessible through the first open end  32  and second open end  34 , generally opposite the first open end  32  of the body and chamber  12  and  14 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the apparatus  10  of the present invention also includes an applicator wand  36  which is configured to extend into the chamber  14  from either the first or second open end  32  or  34  of the body  12 , and controllably remove liquid cosmetic material from the chamber  14 . Typically, the applicator wand  36  has a first end  38  which is attached to, or formed integrally with, the first end cap  16 . Such attachment can be by any known means. The applicator wand includes a rod  40  which extends between the first end  38  and a second end  42  which defines a liquid cosmetic capturing material or arrangement. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the second end defining the cosmetic capturing material  42  can comprise varying configurations and materials. For example, the second end  42  may comprise a plurality of bristles, one end of the bristles being attached to the rod  40  with the other end of the bristles being free. The bristles may be in the form of a brush head, such as extending from a plastic or wire loop or the like. Alternatively, the end  42  may comprise a sponge material for capturing the liquid cosmetic. Any material or arrangement which serves to capture the liquid cosmetic material and apply it as needed is contemplated by the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the applicator wand  36  is of such a length that the length thereof within the inner chamber  14  is less than the length of the inner chamber  14 , such that the free cosmetic capturing end  42  does not extend to the end of the chamber  14  and body  12 , but instead there is a gap or space between the end of the chamber and/or body  12  and the tip of the applicator wand  36 . As discussed above, this is desirable so as not to bend, break, or otherwise damage the liquid cosmetic capturing end  42  of the applicator wand  36 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the apparatus  10  of the present invention includes a first insert  44  disposed within the open end  32  of the body  12  and a second insert disposed within the second open end  34  of the body  12 . Both the first and second inserts  44  and  46  are configured to permit the applicator wand  36  to be inserted therethrough, and scrape excess cosmetic material from the applicator wand  36  when it is removed from the body  12 . However, the inserts  44  and  46  have different configurations which serve different purposes, as will be explained herein. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the first insert  44  is generally configured as a hollow cylindrical member, having a first open end  48  and a generally opposite second open end  50 . The first open end  48  typically seats adjacent to the open end  32  and first end  20  of the body  12  of the container. As such, a ledge  52  is formed in the first insert  44  for engaging the first end  20  of the body  12 . The remainder of the first insert  44  has an outer diameter which is generally equal to or slightly less than an inner diameter of the first end  20  of the container  12  and/or inner chamber  14 , so as to reside therein, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 5 , it can be seen that the rod  40  of the applicator wand  36  extends through the first opening  48  of the insert  44  and also through the second opening  50  of the insert  44 . In this embodiment, an inwardly directed flange  54  defines the second aperture  50 , making it of a reduced and smaller diameter than that of the first aperture  48 . The flange  54  acts as a wiper lip such that as the applicator wand  36  is removed from the body  12 , the end  42  of the applicator wand which captures the liquid cosmetic material is either closely spaced to the wiper lip  54  or comes into engagement with the wiper lip  54  such that the wiper lip flange  54  removes excess liquid cosmetic material therefrom and retains it within the chamber  14 . 
     Although the inwardly directed flange  54  defining the wiper lip also defines the outermost aperture  50  of the first insert  44 , extending to or even into the inner chamber  14 , it will be appreciated that an inwardly directed flange or wiper lip could be disposed intermediate the ends of the first insert  44 , so as to define a smaller aperture and a wiper lip for performing the same function of removing excess cosmetic material from the applicator wand  36 , as described above. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the second insert  46 , as described above, is insertable into the second open end  24  of the body  12 . It is also of a generally cylindrical, hollow configuration. The second insert  46  includes a first aperture  56  defined by an inwardly directed flange  58  forming a wiper lip  58 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , this aperture  56  and wiper lip  58  are disposed proximal or adjacent to the end cap  18  and the second end  24  of the body  12 . This is a preferred arrangement and configuration, although the inwardly directed flange  58  defining the relatively small diameter aperture  56  could be disposed interiorly of the end of the second insert  46 . 
     Similar to the first insert  44 , the second insert  46  includes a ledge  60  which rests against the outermost end of the second end  24  of the body  12 , the remainder of the second insert  46  having an outer diameter which is substantially equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the portion of the body  12  and/or chamber  14  it is inserted into. A second end  62 , generally opposite the ledge  60  and opening  56 , is configured so as to direct and funnel the liquid cosmetic material into the second insert  46  when the second end of the container  24  is directed downwardly. This second end includes a second aperture  64 , spaced apart and generally opposite the first aperture  56 , and which has a greater diameter than the first aperture  56  defining the wiper lip  58 . In one embodiment, the second end  62  has a bevel  66  or is flared such that the liquid cosmetic material is directed and funneled inwardly into the second insert  46 . 
     The inwardly directed flanges or wiper lips  54  and  58  defining the smaller apertures  50  and  56  of the first and second inserts  44  and  46 , respectively, create an aperture  50  and  56  which is selectively sized with respect to the applicator wand  36  so as to remove excess cosmetic fluid therefrom. The apertures  50  and  56  are typically slightly larger than the rod  40  of the applicator wand  36 , so as to allow the applicator wand  36  to be slidably inserted therethrough with relative ease. However, the end tip  42  of the applicator wand  36 , which includes the brush or other cosmetic capturing material, is slightly smaller, approximately the same size or only slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the apertures  50  and  56  defining the wiper lips  54  and  58 . In this manner, when the end or tip  42  of the applicator wand  36  is moved through the aperture  50  or  56 , the wiper lip  54  and  58  serves to prevent excess cosmetic material to pass through the aperture  50  or  56 . Typically, the wiper lip  54  or  58  will contact an outer surface of the applicator wand tip or end  42  to accomplish this objective. 
     The relatively small diameter of the aperture  50  or  56 , defining the wiper lip  54  or  58 , also acts as a stopper by discouraging the liquid cosmetic material from flowing therethrough. This is particularly the case when the applicator wand  36  is inserted therethrough as there is a relatively small space between the rod  40  and the wiper lip  54  or  58 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In the case of the first insert  44 , the wiper lip  54 , and the corresponding aperture  50  is typically at a distal or far end of the insert  44 , so as to be adjacent to or reside within the chamber  14  of the body  12 . However, the inwardly directed flange defining the wiper lip  54  and the aperture  50  can be positioned at any convenient location along the length of the insert  44 . 
     However, in the case of the second insert  46 , the distal or far second end  62  of the insert  46  cannot have the wiper lip  58  disposed at that end  62 . Instead, the second insert  46  has the far second end  62  defining a relatively large aperture  64  with a flared out or beveled inner surface  66  so as to act as a funnel, and direct the liquid cosmetic material into the hollow body of the second insert  46 . Thus, the inwardly directed flange defining the wiper blade  58  and the smaller aperture  56  must be spaced from the second end  62 , and is preferably formed towards the first end defined by ledge  60 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , such that the funneling of the liquid cosmetic material into the second insert  46  can be maximized. 
     In use, the first end cap  16  is removed from the first end  20  of the body  12 , and the attached applicator wand  36  is removed through the first insert  44 , removing excess cosmetic material therefrom, and allowing the individual to apply the cosmetic material to the individual&#39;s eyelashes, eyebrows, lips, or whichever body part the cosmetic is intended for. This is repeatedly done over time until the level of the liquid cosmetic material within the container  12  becomes low. At that point, the first end cap  16  and applicator wand  36  are removed from the first end  20  of the body  12 . The second end cap  18  is removed from the second end  24  of the body  12 , and attached to the first end  20  of the body  12 . The applicator wand  36  is inserted through the second insert  46  and second open end  34  of the body  12 , and the first end cap  16  may be removably attached to the second end  24  of the body  12 . With the second end  24  of the body  12  directed downwardly, the first end cap  16  and applicator wand  36  are withdrawn from the second end of the body  24 , and thus through the second insert  46 , which has funneled and collected the liquid cosmetic material therein, causing the tip  42  of the applicator wand  36  to become immersed in the liquid and capture it. Excess cosmetic material is scraped off by the second insert  46 , as described above, and the individual can continue to use the container and remove the liquid cosmetic material from the second end  24  of the body  12  until the liquid cosmetic material is exhausted or only a very small amount of liquid cosmetic material remains within the container. In this manner, all, or nearly all, of the liquid cosmetic material within the chamber  14  of the body  12  and container  10  is captured and used by the individual. 
     Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.