Patent Publication Number: US-2023138690-A1

Title: Cosmetic tool and holder therefor

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic tool configured to precisely and efficiently correct or touch up makeup, in particular eye makeup. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A daily routine for many people is the application of makeup. Smudges or imperfections of makeup are bothersome and difficult to fix. If a mistake occurs, a user must determine whether to cover the smudge or to completely remove the makeup and start again. Typically, a person resorts to using a finger to wipe away a spot or quickly grabbing a piece of tissue or a random cotton swab for corrections. Many times, after trying to correct a smudge or imperfection it simply becomes worse, and the person is forced to completely remove the makeup and start again. Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a cosmetic tool and holder therefor which provides enhanced ease of use and enables users to be more effective and efficient when correcting makeup, in particular eye makeup. 
     SUMMARY 
     Provided is a cosmetic tool comprising an elongated rod having first and second end portions, wherein the first end portion of the elongated rod comprises a first absorbent material that is substantially dry, wherein the second end portion of the elongated rod comprises a second absorbent material that is moistened with a liquid, and wherein the second absorbent material is sealed in a package. 
     Additionally provided is a cosmetic tool holder comprising a substantially planar base having opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of side edges, and at least one snap fit mechanism that is configured to removably receive at least one cosmetic tool, wherein the cosmetic tool comprises an elongated rod having first and second end portions, wherein the first end portion of the elongated rod comprises a first absorbent material that is substantially dry, wherein the second end portion of the elongated rod comprises a second absorbent material that is moistened with a liquid, and wherein the second absorbent material is sealed in a package. 
     Additionally provided is a compact cosmetic container comprising a top side, a bottom side having a recess for removably receiving a cosmetic tool holder via snap fit connection, and a hinge means for connecting the top side and bottom side, wherein the cosmetic tool holder comprises a substantially planar base having opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of side edges, and at least one snap fit mechanism that is configured to removably receive at least one cosmetic tool, wherein the cosmetic tool comprises an elongated rod having first and second end portions, wherein the first end portion of the elongated rod comprises a first absorbent material that is substantially dry, wherein the second end portion of the elongated rod comprises a second absorbent material that is moistened with a liquid, and wherein the second absorbent material is sealed in a package. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of specific embodiments will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be more readily understood from the detailed description of illustrative embodiments presented below considered in conjunction with the drawings, of which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a cosmetic tool having an elongated rod between a first end portion comprising a first absorbent material that is substantially dry and a second end portion comprising a second absorbent material that is moistened with a liquid and sealed in a package. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a cosmetic tool holder having snap fit mechanisms for removably receiving a plurality of the cosmetic tools according to  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic representation of a compact cosmetic container having a recess for removably receiving the cosmetic tool holder according to  FIG.  2   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments of the present disclosure. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. It will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. 
     Disclosed is a cosmetic tool comprising an elongated rod having first and second end portions. The first and second end portions of the elongated rod include absorbent material. The absorbent material of the first end portion of the elongated rod is substantially dry. The term “substantially dry” means that the first absorbent material contains by weight 10% or less liquid, or 5% or less liquid, or 1% or less liquid, or 0% liquid, based on the total weight of the first absorbent material. 
     The absorbent material of the second end portion of the elongated rod is moistened with a liquid and sealed within a package. The liquid contained in the second absorbent material is present in an amount sufficient to correct or touch up makeup, in particular eye makeup. In certain embodiments, the liquid is present in the second absorbent material an amount of at least 30% by weight, or at least 40% by weight, or at least 50% by weight, or at least 60% by weight, or at least 70% by weight, or at least 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the second absorbent material. 
     The elongated rod of the cosmetic tool may be composed of a liquid impermeable, non-absorbent material to prevent the liquid from the moistened second absorbent material from seeping into the elongated rod. The elongated rod can be composed of a polymeric material. The polymeric material can be, but is not limited to, plastic, rubber, silicone, or combinations thereof. According to certain embodiments, the elongated rod is flexible. According to other embodiments, the elongated rod is rigid. The cosmetic tool may be various lengths depending on the particular use. In certain embodiments, the cosmetic tool has a total length of about 2-3 inches. 
     In certain embodiments, the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material of the cosmetic tool has a configuration selected from a pointed tip, a pyramidal tip, a conical tip, or a tip having one or more pointed edges. Such a configuration enables a user to be more effective and efficient when correcting and/or touching up makeup in delicate areas, such as around the eyes. The first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material can be configured in other shapes to better adjust to the contours of specific areas or alternatively for specific uses. In certain embodiments, the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material of the cosmetic tool has a pointed tip configuration. 
     The first absorbent material on the first end of the elongated rod can be the same or different from the second absorbent material on the second end of the elongated rod. The first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material can be polymeric foam or fibrous material. The fibrous material can be natural or synthetic. In certain embodiments, the natural fibrous material is selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the elongated rod transitions into the first absorbent material and the second absorbent material to form a single integral cosmetic tool. In other embodiments, the first absorbent material and the second absorbent material is affixed to the elongated rod via an affixing means. An example of an affixing means includes an adhesive material, including a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or equivalent adhesive material. 
     In certain embodiments, the second absorbent material on the second end of the elongated rod is hermetically sealed by a foil package. In certain embodiments, the package can be composed of polymeric material, metal foil, metal alloy foil, paper with a water impermeable coating, or combinations thereof. The package prevents external debris from coming into contact with the moistened second absorbent material and to prevent bacteria and microbes from growing on the moistened second absorbent material of the elongated rod. The package also serves to protect the liquid entrapped therein and to prevent evaporation thereof. 
     In certain embodiments, the package has a tear-open tab. The tear-open tab enables a user to easily open the package to use the moistened second absorbent material on the cosmetic tool. The tear-open tab can be configured in a variety of mechanisms, including, but not limited to, a pull, a perforation, or a notch. In certain embodiments, the package can be easily opened by simply pushing the moistened second absorbent material through the end of the package, thereby breaking the seal of the package. 
     The liquid contained in the moistened second absorbent material can be, but is not limited to, aloe, essential oils, extracts, makeup remover, cleanser, astringent, witch hazel, micellar water, facial water, toner, serum, moisturizer, lotion, cream, collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, retinol, bakuchiol, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, or combinations thereof. The liquid should be selected based on the intended application of the cosmetic tool. In certain embodiments, the intended application is to remove, correct, or touch up makeup, in particular eye makeup. As such, the liquid that moistens the second absorbent material must be capable of removing, correcting, or touching up makeup. 
     Also disclosed is a cosmetic tool holder. The cosmetic tool holder has a substantially planar base with opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of side edges, and at least one snap fit mechanism for removably receiving at least one cosmetic tool comprising an elongated rod having first and second end portions, wherein the first and second end portions of the elongated rod are comprised of an absorbent material, wherein the absorbent material on the first end portion of the elongated rod is substantially dry, and wherein the absorbent material on the second end portion of the elongated rod is moistened with a liquid and is sealed with a package. 
     In certain embodiments, the at least one snap fit mechanism for removably receiving at least one cosmetic tool is positioned on one side of the base of the cosmetic tool holder. For example, the at least one snap fit mechanism for removably receiving at least one cosmetic tool may be positioned adjacent to the moistened second absorbent material. In certain embodiments, the at least one snap fit mechanism for removably receiving at least one cosmetic tool is positioned in the middle of the base of the cosmetic tool holder. When there is a plurality of snap fit mechanisms for removably receiving the at least one cosmetic tool, the plurality of snap fit mechanisms can be positioned substantially to one side of the base and aligned with one another. In certain embodiments, a plurality of snap fit mechanisms for removably receiving the at least one cosmetic tool can be positioned in a staggered orientation. It has been found that staggering of the plurality of snap fit mechanisms allows for a greater number of cosmetic tools to be held within the cosmetic tool holder. 
     The cosmetic tool holder can be configured in a variety of shapes. In certain embodiments, the cosmetic tool holder is in the form of a rectangle having a plurality of side edges comprising a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. It should be understood that the plurality of side edges can vary in number in accordance with the shape of the base. 
     In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of side edges include at least one outwardly facing snap fit mechanism. The at least one outwardly facing snap fit mechanism is configured to engage with a compact cosmetic container. The engagement of the snap fit mechanism with a compact cosmetic container allows the cosmetic holder to remain stationary within the compact cosmetic container. 
     In further embodiments, the cosmetic tool holder is a replacement pack for a compact cosmetic container. This enables a user to replace an empty cosmetic tool holder, i.e., all of the cosmetic tools in the cosmetic tool holder have been used and discarded by a user, quickly and efficiently with a new cosmetic tool holder containing the disclosed cosmetic tools. This enables a user to continue reusing the same compact cosmetic container. 
     Also disclosed is a compact cosmetic container. The compact cosmetic container has a top side, a bottom side having a recess for receiving the cosmetic tool holder disclosed herein via snap fit connection, and a hinge means for connecting the top and bottom side. In certain embodiments, a mirror is affixed to the top side of the compact cosmetic container. 
     In another embodiment, the bottom side of the compact cosmetic container has at least one inwardly facing snap fit mechanism for engaging with the cosmetic tool holder. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom side of the compact cosmetic container has at least one notch to engage at least one outwardly facing snap fit mechanism on the cosmetic tool holder. In either embodiment, the purpose is to hold the cosmetic tool holder stationary in the compact cosmetic container. 
     It is understood that the compact cosmetic container can be in a variety of shapes and sizes dependent on the size of the cosmetic tool holder and the cosmetic tools. In certain embodiments, the cosmetic tools are about 2.5 inches in length, and the compact cosmetic container is about 3 inches in length. It is understood that the compact cosmetic container and the cosmetic tool holder can be comprised of various materials, including, but not limited to, polymeric materials such as plastic, rubber, silicone, and combinations thereof. 
       FIG.  1    shows an illustrative cosmetic tool ( 11 ) comprising an elongated rod ( 16 ) having first end portion ( 18 ) comprising a first absorbent material ( 19 ) that is substantially dry and a second end portion ( 20 ) comprising a second absorbent material ( 21 ) that is moistened with a liquid, wherein the second absorbent material is sealed in a package ( 24 ). 
       FIG.  2    shows an illustrative cosmetic tool holder ( 10 ) comprising a substantially planar base ( 15 ) having opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of side edges ( 26 ) having at least one outwardly facing snap fit mechanism ( 27 ); and at least one snap fit mechanism ( 22 ) that is configured to removably receive at least one cosmetic tool ( 11 ), wherein the cosmetic tool ( 11 ) comprises an elongated rod ( 16 ) having first end portion ( 18 ) comprising a first absorbent material that is substantially dry and a second end portion ( 20 ) comprising a second absorbent material that is moistened with a liquid, wherein the second absorbent material is sealed in a package ( 24 ). 
       FIG.  3    shows an illustrative compact cosmetic container ( 14 ) comprising a top side ( 13 ), a bottom side ( 17 ) having a plurality of recesses ( 12 ) for removably receiving the cosmetic tool holder of  FIG.  2    via snap fit engagement; and a hinge means ( 23 ) for connecting the top side ( 13 ) and bottom side ( 17 ) of the compact cosmetic container ( 14 ). 
     It is understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative of the disclosure and that many variations of the above-described embodiments can be derived by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended that all such variations be included within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.