Patent Publication Number: US-2022232948-A1

Title: Lip balm with embedded object

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to lip moisturizers and, more particularly, to a lip balm product with an embedded object at the bottom thereof that is revealed through use of the lip balm. 
     Conventionally, when an individual experiences dry lips, he or she will use various lip moisturizers, including lip balm, to moisturize, seal and protect his/her lips. This is a very redundant and boring task, and there have been no recent innovations to make this a more fun experience for users. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for a lip balm product and method that includes an embedded object at the bottom of the lip balm that is revealed through use of the lip balm. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a lip balm assembly comprises: a main tube defining an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween; lip balm disposed in the chamber; and an ornamental object embedded in the lip balm proximal the closed bottom side, the ornamental object being configured to be exposed from the lip balm through a reduction of the lip balm disposed proximal the open top side. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, an assembly comprises: a main tube defining an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween; a wax material disposed in the chamber; an ornamental object embedded in the wax material; and an adjustment member operably coupled to the main tube, operation whereby causing a translation of the wax material and ornamental object, the ornamental object being exposable from the wax material through operation of the adjustment member and a reduction of the wax material disposed proximal the open top side. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of moisturizing a lip of a user and exposing an ornamental object is disclosed, with the method comprising the steps of: (1) providing an assembly comprising: a main tube defining an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween; a wax material disposed in the chamber; the ornamental object embedded in the wax material; and an adjustment member operably coupled to the main tube, operation whereby causing a translation of the wax material and ornamental object, the ornamental object being exposable from the wax material through operation of the adjustment member and a reduction of the wax material disposed proximal the open top side; and (2) rotating the adjustment member, which causes rotation of an adjustment shaft and urges a retaining plug upwards, thus moving the ornamental object towards the open top side of the main tube; and (3) applying the max material to the lip of the user, which results in the reduction of the wax material. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a section view taken along line  3 - 3  from  FIG. 1 , with an adjustment knob and adjustment shaft shown in full. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a lip balm assembly including a main tube, lip balm, and an ornamental object. The main tube may define an open top side, and a closed bottom side, and a chamber therebetween, with the lip balm being disposed in the chamber. Further, the ornamental object may be embedded in the lip balm proximal the closed bottom side, with the ornamental object being configured to be exposed from the lip balm through a reduction of the lip balm disposed proximal the open top side. 
     In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, lip balm is provided in an actuatable dispenser that draws the lip balm upwards as it is gradually used by a user. Towards a bottom of the lip balm is an embedded object (e.g., various “prizes”, such as a gemstone, charm, etc.) which is eventually revealed after a certain amount of the lip balm is used. Embodiments of the present invention make ideal gifts to others, because in appearance they resemble a standard lip balm dispenser but retain a prize therewithin that is only exposed through use. These and other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those with skill in the art from the following disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , a lip balm and prize apparatus includes an object  10 , which may include various small-size ornamental objects, such as gemstones, charms, earrings, and other trinkets. The object  10  may be inserted into a cover  12 , such as a foil cover, for protection. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a lip balm dispenser may, in certain embodiments, include a main tube  14 , a cap  16 , and an adjustment member  18 , such as a rotatable knob/wheel. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the main tube  14  defines an open top side (uppermost portion of the main tube  14 ) and a closed bottom side (lowermost portion of the main tube  14 ), with a chamber therebetween. The cap  16  is removably connectable to the open top side of the main tube  14 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the adjustment member  18  is rotatably coupled to the closed bottom side of the main tube  14 . These members (i.e., the main tube  14 , cap  16 , and adjustment member  18 ) define an external structure of the lip balm dispenser. 
     Internally, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the lip balm  20  or other moisturizing material is provided within the main tube  14  of the lip balm dispenser in the chamber. At a bottom of a chamber defined by the main tube  14  is a retaining plug  22  threadably engaged with an adjustment shaft  24 . The adjustment shaft  24  is fixedly connected to the adjustment member  18 , and thus is rotatable/moveable therewith. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the lip balm  20  rests on top of the retaining plug  22 , and the object  10  is disposed proximal to the retaining plug  22 . 
     In use, a user removes the cap  16  from the main tube  14  to expose a top end of the lip balm  20  (which is proximal to and may extend out of a top open side of the main tube  14 ). The user may then apply the lip balm  20  to his/her lips before reconnecting the cap  16  to the main tube  16 . Gradually, with use, the lip balm  20  in the tube  14  is reduced, and the user may operate the adjustment member  18  to cause the adjustment shaft  24  to rotate. When this occurs, the retaining plug  22  (and consequently a bottommost portion of the lip balm  20  and the object  10 ) is urged upwards due to the threaded engagement with the adjustment shaft  24 . As the upper portion of the lip balm is gradually worn away, the user eventually reaches a bottom end of the lip balm, which exposes the object  10  in its protective cover  12 . After the object  10  has been exposed, it can be removed from the remaining lip balm  20  and pulled out of its protective cover  12 . 
     While it would be appreciated by those with skill that other types of lip balm dispensers may be used, such as ones where an individual places lip balm  20  directly on his/her finger first and then applies the lip balm to his/her mouth, the presently described embodiment is preferred because it draws the object  10  towards the user, rather than requiring a user to expose the object with their finger as they go. With dispensers where a user&#39;s finger is ultimately the applicator, the lip balm  10  is often unevenly worn down, which would result in the object  10  being exposed before the user is truly towards the end of use. Further, it will be appreciated that while the object  10  is preferably disposed at a bottom of the chamber as previously described, it may be placed anywhere in the lip balm  20  such that it is hidden from view upon initial use of the lip balm  20 . 
     To make the previously described embodiment of the present invention, an object  10  is first wrapped in a cover  12 . The main tube  14 , cap  16 , actuator member  18 , retaining plug  22 , and adjustment shaft  24  may be formed using any appropriate manufacturing process and assembled. Next, the object  10  wrapped in the cover  12  is inserted into the main tube  14 . Next the lip balm  20  is poured into the main tube  14 . The lip balm  20  may be formed from beeswax or other wax or moisturizing material, and may be provided as scented, unscented, flavored, or unflavored. Finally, the cap  16  is placed on top of the main tube  14 . 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.