Patent Publication Number: US-8523470-B2

Title: Combined lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner bullet

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application 61/489,342 filed May 24, 2011. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to lip cosmetics. More particularly, the invention relates to a combined lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner arranged in a single bullet, and methods of using the bullet. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Lip cosmetic products are available in several different general forms. Lipstick, for example, is used generally to cover the lips, and is commonly provided in the form of a waxy, bullet shaped body that is applied directly to and rubbed directly on the lips to transfer a coating of the lipstick compound. Lip liner is used to highlight and define the edges of the lips and may be provided in a liquid form for application with a brush or doe foot applicator, or may be provided in a substantially solid stick form in a pencil. Lip gloss is generally provided in a pasty form that is applied with a brush or other suitable applicator. While lip gloss is often applied generally to the entire lip surface, it is particularly well suited for emphasizing the fullness of the plumper portions of the lips. The various forms of lip products will often be used in combination by sequentially applying each product to a particular zone of the lips to achieve a desired finished look. 
     Combined lip products are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,576,567 to Buhl-Bonanno discloses a combination lipstick in which one half of the lipstick consists of cold cream and the other half consists of rouge. U.S. Pat. No. 3,192,933 to Prince discloses two shades concentrically arranged in a lipstick bullet. U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,018 to Oeda et al. discloses a lipstick of the core-sheath type comprising two compositions, one consisting of low viscosity oil and wax, and the other consisting of a viscous oily ingredient and a waxy ingredient, and wherein the difference in hardness or melting point between the core and the sheath is not unduly great. U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,097 to Kapustin discloses a combined lip liner and lipstick mass. U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,443 to Pisani et al. discloses a side-by-side type laminar tri-color or alternating bi-color lipstick. WO 90/46436 to Stepniewski et al. discloses in a lipstick bullet two contrasting colors with one color semi-concentrically arranged about the other color. U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,510 to Look et al. discloses a multi-composition stick product wherein the stick includes at least two compositions in a non-random, reproducible pattern and the compositions differ in at least one component, such as a medicament, colorant, fragrance, flavorant, sunscreen, preservative, conditioner, moisturizer, emollient or surfactant. 
     The prior art does not disclose or suggest a combination lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner in a single bullet. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a combined lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner arranged in a single bullet-shaped body (also referred to as a “bullet”). The body has a longitudinal axis and a cross-section. The cross-section defines a periphery of the body. The body includes a lip gloss core, a lipstick sheath and at least two lip liner parts. The lip gloss core is centered in the body along the longitudinal axis. The lipstick forms a sheath that coaxially envelopes the lip gloss core. A first lip liner part extends along the longitudinal axis on the periphery on a first side of body. A second lip liner part extends along the longitudinal axis on the periphery on a second side of the body opposite the first side. The cross-section of the body is preferably a pendant shape having a wedge-shaped upper half defining an apex in the periphery and a semi-circular shaped lower half defining a rounded portion of the periphery. The first lip liner part is positioned on the periphery in the apex and the second lip liner part is positioned on the periphery at approximately a center of the rounded portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top, front and left side perspective view of the combined lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner bullet of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the bullet shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a right side elevation view of the bullet show in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of the bullet show in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of the bullet of  FIG. 1  as used to apply lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner simultaneously to an upper lip; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of the bullet of  FIG. 1  as used to apply lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner simultaneously to a lower lip; 
         FIGS. 7-13  illustrate various embodiments of the cross-section of the lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner bullet of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , a combined lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner bullet  2  is shown. For illustrative purposes, the bullet  2  is shown secured in a base  4  that supports the bullet  2  and serves as a handle for the user to conveniently hold the bullet  2 . It will be understood that the bullet  2  may be secured in any suitable base or lipstick case, such as, for example, the cases disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,966,884, 2,344,883, 2,419,526, 1,576,567, 6,695,510, each incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The bullet  2  has a body  6  defining a longitudinal axis  8 . A shape of the body  6  also defines a cross-section of the bullet  2 . The cross-section in turn defines a periphery  10  of the body  6 . The bullet  2  has a front side  9 , a back side  11 , a left side  13  and a right side  15 . In  FIG. 1 , a first radial axis  17  is illustrated from the front side  9  through the middle of the cross-section of the bullet  2  to the back side  11  at approximately the widest point front-to-back. A second radial axis  18  is illustrated from the left side  13  through the middle of the cross-section of the bullet  2  to the right side  15  at the widest dimension of the bullet from side-to-side. 
     The body  6  further comprises an application face  12  that is approximately defined by the cross-section of the bullet  2 . The application face  12  may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  8 , or the face  12  may be angled relative to a perpendicular line or plane taken through the longitudinal axis  8 . The application face  12  has an upper portion  14  extending from approximately the center of the bullet  2  to the back side  11  of the bullet  2 , and a lower portion  16  extending from the upper portion  14  to the front side  9  of the bullet  2 . 
     The bullet  2  has a lip gloss core  7  centered in the body  6  along the longitudinal axis  8 . The bullet  2  further has a lipstick sheath  5  coaxially enveloping the lip gloss core  7 . An upper lip liner part  19  is positioned in the sheath  5  such that an upper lip liner end  20  is exposed in the upper portion  14  of the application face  12  on the periphery  10 . The upper lip liner part  19  extends parallel to the longitudinal axis  8  on a first side of the body, which is the back side  11  in the embodiments illustrated. A lower lip liner part  21  is positioned in the sheath such that an end  22  (lower lip liner end) is exposed in the lower portion  16  of the application face  12  on the periphery  10 . The lower lip liner part  21  extends parallel to the longitudinal axis  8  on a second side of the body opposite the first side. The second side of the body is the front side  9  in the embodiments illustrated. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the combined lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner bullet is a pendant shape as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  and  7 - 13 . The pendant shape has a wedge-shaped upper half corresponding substantially to the upper portion  14  of the application face  12 . The wedge-shaped upper half of the pendant shape defines an apex  23  in the periphery  10 . The pendant shape has a semi-circular shaped lower half corresponding substantially to the lower portion  16  of the application face  12  defining a rounded portion  24  of the periphery. Preferably, the upper lip liner part  19  is positioned on the periphery  10  in the apex  23  and the lower lip liner part  21  is positioned on the periphery  10  at approximately a center of the rounded portion  24 . In the preferred embodiment, the upper lip liner part  19 , the lower lip liner part  21  and the core  7  are aligned along a line taken through a center point of the body, the center of the rounded portion  24  and the apex  23 , such as, for example, radial axis  17  of the body  6 . 
     The upper lip liner part  19  is dimensioned and adapted to be applied to an upper edge  25  of an upper lip  26  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The exposed upper lip liner end  20  of the upper lip liner part  19  in the application face  12  contacts and deposits lip liner onto the upper edge  25  of the upper lip  26 .  FIG. 5  further illustrates how, as lip liner is applied from the upper lip liner part  19  to the upper edge  25  of upper lip  26 , simultaneously, lipstick from the sheath  5  is applied to a middle portion  29  of the upper lip  26 , and lip gloss is applied from the core  7  to a lower portion  30  of the upper lip  26 . 
     Similarly, the lower lip liner part  21  is dimensioned and adapted to be applied to a lower edge  27  of a lower lip  28  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The exposed lower lip liner end  22  of the lower lip liner part  21  in the application face  12  contacts and deposits lip liner onto the lower edge  27  of the lower lip  28 .  FIG. 6  further illustrates how, as lip liner is applied from the lower lip liner part  21  to the lower edge  27  of the lower lip  28 , simultaneously, lipstick from the sheath  5  is applied to a middle portion  31  of lower lip  28 , and lip gloss is applied from the core  7  to an upper portion  32  of the lower lip  28 . 
     A cross-section of the upper lip liner part  19  may take any shape suitable for applying lip liner to the upper lip of a user. Similarly, a cross-section of the lower lip liner part  21  may take any shape suitable for applying lip liner to the lower lip of a user. Accordingly, a cross-section of at least one of the upper lip liner part  19  or the lower lip liner part  21  may be selected, for example, from one of a circle, an oval, a semi-circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, a trapezoid or a combination thereof. See  FIGS. 7-13  for representative examples. 
     A cross-section of the core  7  may take any shape suitable for applying lip gloss to the middle portions  29 ,  32  of the upper and lower lips, respectively. Accordingly, the cross-section of the core  7  is selected from one of a circle, an oval, a semi-circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, a trapezoid or a combination thereof. See  FIGS. 7-13  for representative examples. 
     While the preferred cross-section of the body  6  is the pendant shape discussed above, the cross-section of the body  6  may take any shape suitable for applying lip gloss, lipstick and lip liner. For example, the cross section of the body  6  may be selected from one of a pendant, a circle, an oval, a semi-circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, a trapezoid or a combination thereof. 
     The preferred embodiment of the combined lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner bullet  2  comprises a body  6  defining a longitudinal axis  8  and a cross-section of the bullet  2 . The cross-section defines a periphery  10  of the body  6 . The cross section is a pendant shape having a wedge-shaped upper half (corresponding substantially to the upper portion  14  of the application face  12 ) defining an apex  23  in the periphery  10  and a semi-circular shaped lower half (corresponding substantially to the lower portion  16  of the application face  12 ) defining a rounded portion  24  of the periphery  10 . The body further comprises an application face  12  approximately defined by the cross-section of the bullet  2 . The application face  12  has an upper portion  14  and a lower portion  16 . A lip gloss core  7  is centered in the body  6  along the longitudinal axis  8 . A lipstick sheath  5  coaxially envelops the lip gloss core  7 . An upper lip liner part  19  is positioned in the sheath  5  such that an end  20  of the upper lip liner part  19  is exposed in the upper portion  14  of the application face  12  on the periphery  10 . The upper lip liner part  19  extends parallel to the longitudinal axis  8  on a first side of the body corresponding to the back side  11 . The upper lip liner part  19  is dimensioned and adapted to be applied to an upper edge  25  of an upper lip  26 . 
     A lower lip liner part  21  is positioned in the sheath  5  such that an end  22  of the lower lip liner part  21  is exposed in the lower portion  16  of the application face  12  on the periphery  10 . The lower lip liner part  21  extends parallel to the longitudinal axis  8  on a second side of the body  6  opposite the first side. The second side of the body  6  corresponds to the front side  9  in the embodiments illustrated. The lower lip liner part  21  is dimensioned and adapted to be applied to a lower edge  27  of a lower lip  28 . 
     The combined lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner bullet is used by placing the upper portion  14  of the application face  12  against an upper lip  26  such that the exposed end  20  of the upper lip liner part  19  contacts an upper edge  25  of the upper lip  26 . At least a portion of the lipstick sheath  5  and lip gloss core  7  contact the upper lip  26 . The bullet  2  is drawn laterally across the lip  26  to simultaneously deposit lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner on the upper lip. Then the lower portion  16  of the application face  12  is placed against a lower lip  28  such that the exposed end  22  of the lower lip liner part  21  contacts a lower edge  27  of the lower lip  28 . At least a portion of the lipstick sheath  5  and lip gloss core  7  contact the lower lip  28 . The bullet  2  is then drawn laterally across the lower lip  28  to simultaneously deposit lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner. 
     The bullet  2  of the present invention can be manufactured by any well known means, such as, for example, insert molding. Suitable means for manufacturing the invention are disclosed and described in detail in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,695,510, 4,740,097, 4,743,443 and 4,291,018, each incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     The composition of the sheath  5  can be any suitable lipstick composition. Non-limiting examples of typical lipstick compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,996,044 to Mercado et al., incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For example, Mercado et al. in example 7 disclose the following formula: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Parts by Weight 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 *Base intermediate 
                 65 
               
               
                   
                 Softener 
                 7.4 
               
               
                   
                 Castor oil 
                 2.0 
               
               
                   
                 Lanolin oil 
                 5.4 
               
               
                   
                 Color intermediate 
                 24.6 
               
               
                   
                 Orange 5,3655 
                 0.07 
               
               
                   
                 Red 21,14032 
                 0.07 
               
               
                   
                 Red 6, C19-028 
                 6.3 
               
               
                   
                 Pink 3571 
                 0.4 
               
               
                   
                 Red 7,7044 
                 0.9 
               
               
                   
                 Yellow 6,5270 
                 0.4 
               
               
                   
                 Castor oil 
                 16.5 
               
               
                   
                 Propyl paraben 
                 0.005 
               
               
                   
                 Butylated hydroxyanisole 
                 0.025 
               
               
                   
                 Acrylates copolymer intermediate 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Acrylates copolymer 
                 1.8 
               
               
                   
                 Castor oil 
                 0.9 
               
               
                   
                 Fragrance 
                 0.3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 % by Weight of 
               
               
                   
                 *Base intermediate 
                 Base intermediate 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Candelilla wax 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 Cetyl alcohol 
                 6.7 
               
               
                   
                 Ozokerite 
                 3.8 
               
               
                   
                 Lanolin alcohol 
                 15.3 
               
               
                   
                 Beeswax 
                 1.4 
               
               
                   
                 Hydrogenated vegetable oil 
                 8 
               
               
                   
                 Petrolatum white 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                 Lanolin oil 
                 10.7 
               
               
                   
                 Mineral oil 
                 9.2 
               
               
                   
                 Oleyl alcohol 
                 19.4 
               
               
                   
                 Propyl paraben 
                 0.2 
               
               
                   
                 Wheat germ glycerides 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Hydrolyzed animal protein 
                 0.5 
               
               
                   
                 Vitamin E, dl-alpha tocopherol 
                 0.05 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The composition of the lip gloss core  7  may be any suitable lip gloss composition. For example, the following general formula may be used for the lip gloss core: 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Lip gloss: 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 75%  
                 Polybutene 
               
               
                 5% 
                 Triisostearyl citrate 
               
               
                 10%  
                 Polyethylene 
               
               
                 0.10%   
                 Propyl paraben 
               
               
                 QS 
                 Pigments and pearls 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Additionally, the gloss core may be provided with different effects, such as, for example, ingredients to provide a pearl, glitter or other effect to the gloss. 
     The composition of the upper and lower lip liner parts  19 ,  21 , respectively, may be any suitable lip liner composition. For example, the following general formula may be used for the lip liner parts: 
                             Lip Liner stick:                                        50%   Mineral oil       10%   Kaolin       10%   Hydrogenated cocogycerides       15%    Pigments and pearls        5%   Carnauba wax       10%   Polyethylene wax                    
Additionally, a non-pigmented liner (a “reverse lip liner”) may be used instead of a shaded lip liner. The reverse lip liner is believed to keep a bold colored lipstick portion from feathering and bleeding.
 
     For lip care benefits, the composition of the bullet  2  can include a treatment active or composition, either in the core, sheath or lip liners. 
     The invention provides the benefits and properties of a lip liner, a lip gloss and a color lipstick in one molded bullet. By laying down in a single pass three different compositions, i.e., a lipstick, a lip gloss and a lip liner, respectively embodying three different shades and/or product textures, the product provides three in one product lay-down in a manner that is convenient and expeditious. Each different composition is placed in the bullet such that it is located, respectively, precisely where it is needed. The lipstick sheath lays down a colored lipstick generally on the middle portion of the lip. The lip gloss core centered in the bullet lays down lip gloss on the meaty, plump portions of the lips to enhance and emphasize the fullness of the lips. The upper lip liner is positioned in the bullet to lay down lip liner on the upper edge of the upper lip, but is not intended to touch the lower lip when the lower lip is coated. The lower lip liner is positioned in the bullet to lay down lip liner on the lower edge of the lower lip, but is not intended to touch the upper lip when the upper lip is coated. 
     By providing three different compositions in a specific arrangement, i.e., a lip gloss core, a lipstick sheath and upper and lower lip liner portions, the present invention has the distinction of a three-in-one design for a functional benefit. Prior art references appear to have the same formula in differing decorative configurations, or have at most two different formulas. In addition to having three different compositions, in the present invention, the upper and lower lip liner portions are strategically positioned, respectively, on the back side and front side of the bullet as held by the user for precise lining of the upper edge of the upper lip when the upper lip is coated and, similarly, precise lining of the lower edge of the lower lip when the lower lip is coated. The novel features of the present invention include the combination of the three different compositions, and the location of the three compositions in the cross-section of the bullet. The arrangement has a specific functional benefit in product lay down, delivering lip liner to the appropriate edges of the lips and delivering lipstick and lip gloss to appropriate locations on the lips. In addition, the pendant cross-sectional shape of the bullet offers an improved ergonomic solution. The pointed tip ensures that the application will be sharp and precise, particularly in the cusp of the upper lips and the corners between the upper and lower lips. The bottom rounded portion of the periphery ensures proper product placement on the lower edge of the lower lip without straying off the lips. 
     The provision of three compositions in the described arrangement offers three distinct benefits in one to achieve a multi-dimensional look with a simple application process. The lip liner composition and placement in the bullet structure provides definition of the edges of the lips and prevents lipstick and/or lip gloss from bleeding and feathering beyond the edges of the lips. The lipstick color provides full color coverage at targeted desired locations on the lip. And the lip gloss core provides shine to help volumize lips by giving a sheen that is believed to contribute to the appearance of fuller lips. 
     While the invention has been described and illustrated as embodied in preferred forms of construction, it will be understood that various modifications may be made in the structure and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention recited in the following claims.