Patent Publication Number: US-2023141613-A1

Title: Mascara Applicator System with Pivoting Offset Brush Head

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     In general, the present invention relates to mascara systems and the structure of applicator wands and brush heads used in mascara systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to the structure of the applicator wand, the brush head, and features within a mascara container that have an effect on the applicator wand and brush head. 
     2. Prior Art Description 
     Most people have a dominant hand. That is, most people are either left-handed or right-handed. In human biology, a person tends to use their dominant hand more often than their non-dominant hand. Furthermore, the dominant hand is typically used to perform precise movements, such as those used when writing or drawing. Consequently, a person tends to have far better hand-eye coordination with their dominant hand than with their non-dominant hand. 
     When a person applies makeup to their own face, it often requires the use of fine motor skills. Accordingly, a person generally uses their dominant hand when applying makeup to the face. However, depending upon the makeup being applied, it is often not possible for a dominant hand to be used, or if the dominant hand is used, the dominant hand is manipulated in an unnatural way, therein causing inferior results. For instance, mascara is a cosmetic that is typically applied to the eyelashes. The mascara is used to darken, thicken, lengthen, and/or otherwise define the eyelashes. Typically, mascara is in liquid form, contained in a vial and is applied to the eyelashes using a small brush head at the end of an applicator wand. If a person is right-handed, they typically grasp the applicator wand with their right hand and apply the mascara to the eyelashes of the right eye with ease. This is typically done in front of a mirror. When the person attempts to use their right hand to apply mascara to their left eye, the applicator wand is held at a compromised angle as it approaches the left eye. This orientation makes it difficult to access the lashes close to the bridge of the nose with the narrow end of the brush head. This compromised angle also negates any benefits of a brush head design and produces inferior results, as compared to the results realized with the right eye. Another option is to have a person reverse their grip and approach the left eye from the left side. However, since the person is using their non-dominant hand, precision is lost and mistakes are commonly made. Accordingly, inferior results are produced and more clean-up is required after application. 
     In the prior art, certain makeup applicator wands are designed to be used by the left hand and/or the right hand. When the applicator wand is changed between hands, the applicator wand must be inverted or the brush head changed. Such prior art is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,755 to Cassai and U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,900 to Chastain. Also, in the prior art, applicator wands have been designed that enable the applicator wands to be used with either the right hand or the left hand without the need for inversion. Some of these prior art applicators use a hinge that connects the brush head to the wand shaft. The hinge is located on the wand shaft near the brush head so that the angle of the brush head can be altered relative to the wand shaft. Such prior art applicator wands are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,755 to Cassai, U.S. Patent Application No. 2014/0109928 to Simard, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2011/0174328 to Cerutti. A major problem with such hinged applicator wands is that the brush head must be manually bent to an angle relative the wand shaft that is useful for applying makeup. The brush head and wand shaft must then be straightened so they can pass back into the mascara container. When applying mascara, the brush head and wand shaft may be inserted into and removed from the mascara container several times. This means that the brush head must be engaged and the hinge joint bent and straightened multiple times. A person does not want to touch the brush head, since it is coated with mascara. As such, it is not unusual for a user to bend the hinge by positioning the brush head in the neck of the mascara container and applying a bending torque to the wand shaft. This inevitably contaminates the exterior of the neck with splashes of mascara. This overflow of mascara is then contacted when a person holds the mascara container or attempts to cap or uncap the mascara container. 
     A need therefore exists for an improved mascara applicator system that enables a person to automatically tilt the mascara brush head in relation to the wand shaft without having to touch the brush head and without effecting the ability of the applicator brush to pass into or out of a mascara container. This need is met by the present invention as described and claimed below. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a system for the application of mascara. The system uses a container of mascara. The mascara is drawn from the container using an applicator wand and a brush head. The applicator wand has a handle that extends along a central axis. A wand shaft extends from the handle. At the opposite side of the wand shaft is a brush head that holds a brush. The brush head has a first end and an opposite second end. The brush has bristles that are disposed about a center line. The brush is supported by an articulable mount. The articulable mount is coupled to both the brush and the wand shaft. The articulable mount orients the brush in a position where the central axis of the handle intersects the center line of the brush at a point between the first end and the second end of the brush. 
     The brush follows a center line. The center line of the brush is biased to a first angle of inclination, relative to the central axis of the handle, by the articulable mount. The articulable mount provides a hinge joint between the brush and the wand shaft. The hinge joint enables the brush to temporarily rotate about the hinge joint away from its first angle of inclination and into a second angle of inclination. In the second angle of inclination, the brush and articulable mount are narrow enough to pass into or out of the access opening of the container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a partially fragmented view of a first exemplary embodiment of a mascara application system having an applicator and a container that are disconnected; 
         FIG.  2    is an enlarged side view of the brush head at the end of the applicator used in the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of the enlarged side view shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment for the brush head at the end of the applicator; 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mascara container shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the mascara container of  FIG.  5    receiving the first exemplary embodiment of the brush head; 
         FIG.  7    is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the mascara container having received the first exemplary embodiment of the brush head; 
         FIG.  8    shows the applicator of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  1    in conjunction with a face and a dominant hand, wherein mascara is being applied to a first eye; and 
         FIG.  9    shows the applicator of the exemplary embodiment in conjunction with a face and a dominant hand, wherein mascara is being applied to a second eye. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Although the present invention mascara applicator system can be embodied in many ways, only two exemplary embodiments are illustrated. The exemplary embodiments are being shown for the purposes of explanation and description. The exemplary embodiments are selected in order to set forth two of the best modes contemplated for the invention. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely exemplary and should not be considered limitations when interpreting the scope of the appended claims. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a mascara application system  10  is shown. The mascara application system  10  consists of an applicator wand  12  and a container  14 . The container  14  holds a volume of mascara  16 . The applicator wand  12  has a brush head  20  at its distal end. The applicator wand  12  and brush head  20  are used to remove some of the mascara  16  from the container  14  and apply the mascara  16  to the eyelashes of a user. 
     The applicator wand  12  has a handle  18  and a wand shaft  22  that extends from the handle  18 . The wand shaft  22  connects the brush head  20  to the handle  18 . The handle  18  serves two purposes. The handle  18  has a contoured exterior surface  24  that is used to comfortably grip the handle  18 . The handle  18  also serves as a cap to the container  14  that holds the mascara  16 . The handle  18  is symmetrically formed about a central axis  26  and has a first end  28  and an opposite second end  30 . A cap depression  32  is formed in the first end  28 . The cap depression  32  is symmetrically formed about the central axis  26  and is threaded so it can be tightened onto the container  14 . 
     The wand shaft  22  extends into the handle  18  through the center of the cap depression  32 . The wand shaft  22  is preferably straight and shares the same central axis  26  as does the handle  18 . The wand shaft  22  extends between a first end  34  and a second end  36 . The first end  34  of the wand shaft  22  is anchored within the handle  18 . This causes the wand shaft  22  to extend from the handle  18  as a cantilever. The second end  36  of the wand shaft  22  supports the brush head  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3    in conjunction with  FIG.  1   , it can be seen that the structure of the brush head  20  is unique. The brush head  20  has a brush  40 . The brush  40 , as illustrated, is a twist wire brush with bristles  42  are set into a length of twisted wire  44 . It should be understood that a molded brush with molded bristles can be substituted for the wire brush shown, as is later shown. However, in the embodiment of  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   , the bristles  42  are formed around a common center line  43 . The brush  40  presents with a cone shape. Accordingly, the brush  40  has a small diameter end  46  and a large diameter end  48 . The twisted wire  44  has a first end  50 , an opposite second end  52 , and a bend  54  near the second end  52 . The twisted wire  44  has a straight section  56  between the first end  50  and the bend  54 . The straight section  56  of the twisted wire  44  follows the center line  43  and contains the bristles  42 . At the bend  54 , the twisted wire  44  is bent at a right angle to produce a dog-leg configuration  58  near the second end  52 . 
     An articulable mount  60  is provided. The articulable mount  60  connects the brush  40  to the wand shaft  22 . The articulable mount  60  has a peg end  62  that is used to interconnect with the wand shaft  22 . The peg end  62  can be tubular and can receive the second end  36  of the wand shaft  22 . Alternatively, if the wand shaft  22  is tubular, the peg end  62  can have a small diameter that passes into the second end  36  of the wand shaft  22 . In either construction, the peg end  62  mechanically interconnects the articulable mount  60  to the second end  36  of the wand shaft  22 . 
     Within the structure of the articulable mount  60 , the peg end  62  extends from a base  64 . The base  64  is cylindrical in shape and has an exterior surface  66 . A flexible arm  70  extends from the base  64 , on the side opposite the peg end  62 . The flexible arm  70  extends in parallel to the wand shaft  22 . The flexible arm  70  is thinner than the base  64 . The flexible arm  70  has a long side edge  72  that aligns flush with the exterior surface  66  of the base  64 . Since the flexible arm  70  is thinner than the base  64 , an open area  74  is disposed next to the flexible arm  70  that is within the profile shadow of the base  64 . In addition, the flexible arm  70  has a distal end  76  that is farthest from the base  64 . The flexible arm  70  thins near the distal end  76 , therein forming a relief  78  in the flexible arm  70  near the distal end  76 . The purpose of the open area  74  and the relief  78  are later described. 
     A support bracket  80  is provided that holds the brush  40 . The support bracket  80  has a first end  82 , an opposite second end  84 , and a bend  86  near the second end  84 . In the illustrated embodiment, the support bracket  80  is generally L-shaped, wherein the support bracket  80  has a long straight section  88  between the first end  82  and the bend  86 , and a short section  90  between the bend  86  and the second end  84 . A thickened pad  92  is formed near the first end  82 . A first mounting hole  94  is formed in the thickened pad  92  near the first end  82 . A second mounting hole  96  is formed in the support bracket  80  between the bend  86  and the second end  84 . 
     The distal end  76  of the flexible arm  70  engages the support bracket  80  at a hinge joint  100 . The hinge joint  100  can be a traditional pin hinge. However, in the preferred embodiment that is illustrated, the flexible arm  70  and the support bracket  80  are unistructally molded together, therein forming a hinge joint that is a living hinge, that is, a natural bending point in the molded plastic. 
     The long straight section  88  of the support bracket  80  has a first part  102  and a second part  104  on opposite sides of the hinge joint  100 . The first part  102  is longer than the second part  104 . Preferably, the first part  102  is at least 1.5 times longer than the second part  104 . When unstressed, the first part  102  is biased into an acute angle A 1  with the flexible arm  70 . The acute angle A 1  is preferably between forty degrees and fifty-five degrees. The second part  104  creates a complementary obtuse angle A 2  with the flexible arm  70 . As such, the complementary obtuse angle A 2  is preferably between 150 degrees and 135 degrees. Both the acute angle A 1  and the complementary obtuse angle A 2  will change as the support bracket  80  rotates about the hinge joint  100 . 
     The support bracket  80  holds the brush  40 . The twisted wire  44  extends through the brush  40 . The first end  50  of the twisted wire  44  is received in the second mounting hole  96  near the second end  84  of the support bracket  80 . The second end  52  of the twisted wire  44  is received in the first mounting hole  94  near the first end  82  of the support bracket  80 . The straight section  56  of the brush  40  is held parallel to the long straight section  88  of the support bracket  80 . Accordingly, when the angle of inclination of the support bracket  80  changes relative to the flexible arm  70 , the angle of inclination for the brush  40  also changes. 
     The brush  40  is biased into a first angle of inclination shown in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   , by the molded shape of the articulable mount  60 . In this first angle of inclination, the central axis  26  of the handle  18  intersects the center line  43  of the brush  40  at an intersection point  45 . This first angle of inclination of the brush  40  creates a complex shape that would be very difficult to insert into, or draw from, a mascara container with a narrow neck. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , an alternate embodiment for the brush head  21  is illustrated. The brush head  21  has a molded brush  41 . The molded brush  41 , as illustrated, has molded bristles  47  that extend from a common center line  45 . The brush  41  has a first end  51 , an opposite second end  53 . An articulable mount  61  is provided. The articulable mount  61  connects the brush  41  to the wand shaft  22 . The articulable mount  61  has a peg end  63  that is used to interconnect with the wand shaft  22 . The peg end  63  can be tubular and can receive the second end  36  of the wand shaft  22 . Alternatively, if the wand shaft  22  is tubular, the peg end  63  can have a small diameter that passes into the second end  36  of the wand shaft  22 . In either construction, the peg end  63  mechanically interconnects the articulable mount  61  to the second end  36  of the wand shaft  22 . 
     Within the structure of the articulable mount  61 , the peg end  63  extends from a base  65 . A flexible arm  71  extends from the base  64 . The flexible arm  71  can have a slight curve be is shown as being straight. The flexible arm  71  extends to the midline  45  of the molded brush  41 . It will be understood that the molded brush  41 , the flexible arm  71 , the base  65  and the peg end  63  can all be molded together as a single unit. A hinge joint  101  is formed where the flexible arm  71  intersects the molded brush  41 . The hinge joint  101  is a living hinge, that is, a natural bending point in the molded plastic. 
     When unstressed, the molded brush  41  is biased into an acute angle A 3  and a complementary obtuse angle A 4  with the flexible arm  71 . The acute angle A 3  is preferably between forty degrees and fifty-five degrees. The complementary obtuse angle A 4  is preferably between 150 degrees and 135 degrees. Both the acute angle A 3  and the complementary obtuse angle A 4  will change as the molded brush  41  rotates about the hinge joint  101 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5    in conjunction with  FIG.  1   , it can be seen that the internal structure of the container  14  has been redesigned to work with the improved brush heads described in either  FIG.  3    or  FIG.  4   . For the purposes of description, the functionality of the container  14  is described below as interacting with the brush head constructs of  FIG.  3   . However, the container  14  interacts with the molded head of  FIG.  4    in the same manner. 
     The container  14  has a threaded neck  106  that is sized to engage the cap depression  32  in the handle  18 . Within the container  14 , a wiper insert  108  is set in, the threaded neck  106 . The wiper insert  108  removes excess mascara  16  from the brush head  20  as the brush head  20  is retracted out of the container  14 . The wiper insert  108  has an annular wiper  110 . Both the inner diameter of the threaded neck  106  and the diameter of the annular wiper  110  are smaller than the length of the support bracket  80  and the brush  40  it holds. As a result, it will be understood that the support bracket  80  must be momentarily deflected away from its natural first angle of inclination in order to pass into, and out of, the container  14 . To facilitate this deflection, the interior surfaces  112  of container is shaped into a funnel guide. The funnel guide  112  can be an insert that is added into the container  14 . However, it is preferred that the interior surfaces  112  serve as the funnel guide. The container  14  has a tapered shape with a narrow end  114 , a wide end  116 , and an expanding funnel shape that leads from the narrow end  114  to the wide end  116 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , in conjunction with  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  4   , in conjunction with  FIG.  3   , it can be seen that when the applicator wand  12  is inserted into the threaded neck  106  of the container  14 , the support bracket  80  and the brush  40  rotate about the hinge joint  100  to a second angle of inclination. In the second angle of inclination, the center line  43  of the brush  40  is oriented in parallel with the central axis  26  of the handle  18 . When in the second angle of inclination, the long straight section  88  of the support bracket  80  rotates into the open area  74  alongside the flexible arm  70 . The relief  78  in the flexible arm  70  prevents the flexible arm  70  from interfering with the support bracket  80  when in the parallel orientation. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , it can be seen that when the wand shaft  22  and brush head  20  are fully inserted into the container  14 , the support bracket  80  and the brush  40  return to their natural angle of inclination. In this inclination, the brush  40  contacts and retains some of the mascara  16 . As the brush head  20  is retracted out of the container  14  for use, the support bracket  80  gradually contacts the narrowing interior surfaces  112 . The taper of the interior surfaces  112  deflects the support bracket  80  and the brush  40  into the configuration shown in  FIG.  6   . That is, the support bracket  80  and the brush  40  are parallel to the wand shaft  22 . The support bracket  80  and the brush  40  can then pass through the annular wiper  110 , wherein excess mascara  16  is wiped from the brush  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8    in conjunction with  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   , it can be seen that the applicator wand  12  is drawn from the container  14  and is held in a user&#39;s dominant hand  130 . The dominant hand  130  is then used to apply mascara  16  to a first eye  132  that is closest to the dominant hand  130 . The brush  40  is oriented at an angle relative to the wand shaft  22 . The wand shaft  22  extends from a point near the center of the brush  40 . As such, the wand shaft  22  does not interfere with either end of the brush  40 . As such, either the small diameter end  46  of the brush  40  or the large diameter end  48  of the brush  40  can easily be oriented near the corner of the eye closest the nose. In addition, the brush  40  can easily be brought into full contact with either the upper lashes  134  or the lower lashes  136  surrounding the eye  132 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , it can be seen that when a person uses the applicator wand  12  on the second eye  138  farthest from the dominant hand  130 , the angle at which the applicator wand  12  is held changes very slightly. The dominant hand  130  can therefore apply mascara  16  to the second eye  138  with the same precision as used on the dominant side first eye  132 . Accordingly, a person can have a clear view of a mirror with his/her dominant side first eye  132  while mascara  16  is being applied to the non-dominant side second eye  138 . 
     It will therefore be understood that the mascara application system  10  enables a person to effectively apply mascara  16  to both eyes  132 ,  138  while holding the applicator wand  12  in only the dominant hand  130 . Since a person has more precise motor skills when using his/her dominant hand  130 , the mascara  16  can be applied with more accuracy and precision. Furthermore, the quality of the application will be consistent across both eyes. 
     The embodiments of the present invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary and a person skilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments. For instance, the length, width and shape of both the cap and the container can be changed to accommodate different volumes of mascara. Likewise, the conical shape of the brush can be changed to a cylindrical shape or a conical shape with a greater or lesser converging angle. All such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.