Patent Abstract:
A lip applicator generally relating to the application of a variety of products, including lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, or any such beauty aid, to one&#39;s lips. The lip applicator disclosed herein may be held during use, but is adapted for upright placement on a table-top or other flat surface during non-use. The lip applicator disclosed herein facilitates the facile, rapid, and reliable application a lip product, and may be of particular import in those settings requiring the repeated or frequent application of a beauty aid to one or more people&#39;s lips, such as the set of a motion picture or theatrical performance.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 60/832,338 and 60/879,180, filed Jul. 21, 2006 and Jan. 8, 2007, respectively, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for applying lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, or any such beauty aid to one&#39;s lips. There are many cosmetic and other lip products on the market, including, for example, lip gloss, lip sticks, and lip balm. While some lip products may be applied by a finger or a brush, many are dispensed using an applicator. For example, lip sticks are usually applied through the use of an applicator that incorporates a lip product disposed within a receptacle. The receptacle is generally a recessed member designed to hold a portion of one end of the product, the remainder of the product extending therefrom. As is common, the receptacle may incorporate a mechanism that allows the user to extend and retract the product as desired.  
         [0003]     One of the problems with applicators is the ease, speed, and consistency with which a lip product may be applied. This problem is especially evident in the context of a performance setting, such as the set of a theatre or a motion picture. In such circumstances, it is often necessary to repeatedly apply a lip product to the lips of a single performer, or to the lips of a great multitude of performers. In this setting, it would be desirable to be able to do so very quickly in preparation for the next scene or segment of a performance. Accordingly, applying such products using an individual lip stick, for example, may be cumbersome or impractical given the need for accuracy and caution during application to ensure that the lip product is applied evenly and correctly to the performer&#39;s lips.  
         [0004]     Therefore, a need exists for a product that facilitates facile, rapid, and reliable application a lip product.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     In one embodiment, a lip applicator is disclosed which includes a base portion having at least one surface configured and dimensioned to stabilize the lip applicator in a free-standing orientation, a stem portion, and a generally lip-shaped applying portion. The stem portion has a proximal end connected to the applying portion and a distal end connected to the base portion. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the stem portion is releasably connected to the applying portion, and in another embodiment, the applying portion is configured and dimensioned to rotate relative to the stem portion.  
         [0006]     In one aspect of the present disclosure, the lip applicator further includes one or more applicator sponges that are selectively engagable with the applying portion.  
         [0007]     The present disclosure contemplates that the stem portion may include first and second stem portions that are configured and dimensioned to be selectively movable with respect to one another. In one embodiment, the first and second stem portions are configured and dimensioned such that the first stem portion may be telescopically received within the second stem portion.  
         [0008]     In still another embodiment, the base portion is at least partially composed of a semi-resilient material. In another embodiment, the base portion includes a cavity defined therein that is dimensioned to house or retain a beauty aid. It is contemplated that the base portion may be configured and dimensioned to selectively extend or releasably engage the beauty aid, or that the base portion may be integrally associated with therewith.  
         [0009]     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lip applicator includes an applying portion that is configured and dimensioned to transition from a first position, in which the applying portion is configured for the application of a beauty aid, to a second position, in which the applying portion is configured for storage. In one embodiment, the applying portion includes a hinge portion that permits the selective folding of the applying portion thereabout prior to transitioning from the first position to the second position.  
         [0010]     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lip applicator is disclosed which includes an applying portion, a stem portion that supports the applying portion, and a base portion that is operatively connected to the applying portion through the stem portion. In this embodiment, the base portion is at least partially semi-resilient such that the base portion may be selectively deformed from a first position, in which a beauty aid is retained therein, to at least one subsequent position, in which the base portion is at least partially deformed such that the beauty aid is at least partially expelled therefrom, subsequently traversing the stem portion, and exiting onto the applying portion.  
         [0011]     In one embodiment, the lip applicator further includes a bladder disposed within the base portion that is configured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid therein. In this embodiment, the bladder is in communication with the stem portion and is at least partially semi-resilient such that the bladder is selectively deformable from a first position to at least one subsequent position. In the first position, the bladder remains undefomed and the beauty aid remains therein. In the at least one subsequent position, however, the bladder is at least partially deformed such that the beauty aid is at least partially expelled therefrom, subsequently traversing the stem portion, and exiting onto the applying portion.  
         [0012]     In another embodiment, the base portion is selectively engagable with the stem portion, and in an additional embodiment, the base portion defines a recess therein that is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive at least one cleaning sheet. In yet another embodiment, the base portion includes at least one surface that is at least partially reflective.  
         [0013]     The present disclosure also contemplates a kit which includes a base portion, a stem portion having a proximal end connected to an applying portion and a distal end connected to the base portion, and a plurality of applicator sponges configured and dimensioned to selectively engage the applying portion. The present disclosure contemplates that the applicator sponges may have a beauty aid disposed thereupon.  
         [0014]     These and other features of the microwave tissue treatment device and method of use disclosed herein will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, including a selectively extendible stem portion;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, including a base portion with a cavity dimensioned and configured to retain a beauty aid therein;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4A  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , shown in a first position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4B  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , shown in a second position;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5A  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a first position, including a release mechanism and a cavity dimensioned and configured to receive a stem portion and an applying portion;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5B  is a front, perspective view of the lip applicator of  FIG. 5A , shown in a second position;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6A  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a first position, that includes a release mechanism, a selectively foldable applying portion, a stem portion, and a base portion with a cavity dimensioned and configured to receive the stem portion and the applying portion;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6B  is a front, perspective view of the lip applicator of  FIG. 6A  shown in a second position;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7A  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, that includes a conduit disposed within a stem portion, and an applying portion having an aperture;  
         [0026]      FIG. 7B  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, including a conduit disposed within a stem portion, an applying portion having an aperture, a base portion, and a bladder;  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, including a base portion that defines a recess;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, including a base portion with a reflective surface;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  is a side, plan view illustrating the use of a lip applicator in accordance with the principles of present disclosure;  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, that includes an applicator surface configured to retain an applicator sponge;  
         [0031]      FIG. 12A  is a front, perspective view of a sheet that includes a multitude of applicator sponges varying in size; and  
         [0032]      FIG. 12B  is a front, perspective view of a sheet that includes a multitude of applicator sponges of one particular size. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]     Specific embodiments of the lip applicator disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the foregoing figures, wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. In the drawings, and in the description which follows, the term “beauty aid” may refer to a lipstick, a lip gloss, or any such product that may be topically applied to one&#39;s lips. In addition, the term “user” may refer either to the person to whom the beauty aid is applied, or to the person handling the lip applicator and applying a beauty aid to the lips of another. Finally, the terms “proximal” and “distal” will be understood as referring to those portions of the lip applicator that are closest to, and furthest from, respectively, the applying portion, as defined below.  
         [0034]     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  generally illustrates a lip applicator  10  for applying a beauty aid  12  to one&#39;s lips (see also  FIG. 10 ). Lip applicator  10  includes a generally lip-shaped applying portion  14 , which is configured to retain beauty aid  12  thereon, a stem portion  16  that extends distally from and supports the applying portion  14 , and a base portion  18  that is configured to support the lip applicator  10  in an upward, or free-standing orientation, as seen in  FIG. 1 , if so desired.  
         [0035]     In each embodiment of the present disclosure described herein, a variety of configurations and sizes are contemplated for applying portion  14 , such that lip applicator  10  may be compatible with a greater multitude of user&#39;s.  
         [0036]     Base portion  18  may be configured to facilitate handling and may include various contours, scallops, protuberances and/or gripping surfaces to enhance a user&#39;s grip thereof. The base portion  18  includes a bottom surface  20  which is configured and dimensioned to stabilize the lip applicator  10  atop a table or other surface  22  when not in use. Bottom surface  20  may be configured and dimensioned in any suitable manner that facilitates the stabilization of lip applicator  10 . Configurations for bottom surface  20  may include, but are not limited to, a flat surface, a concave surface, a surface including independent support legs, or a surface that includes an adhesive mechanism, e.g., a suction-cup, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , bottom surface  20  is flat and rectilinear in shape, but a base portion  18  having another geometric configuration, or an ornamental shape, is not beyond the scope of the present disclosure. Bottom surface  20  may also be textured, or may include a plastic, rubberized, or any other suitable surface that may enhance the stability and/or handling of lip applicator  10 .  
         [0037]     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , applying portion  14  is generally “lip-shaped”. This configuration allows for the even and facile application of a beauty aid  12  to one&#39;s lips. The present disclosure contemplates that applying portion  14  may be integrally formed with stem portion  16  through any suitable method or mechanism including, but not being limited to, screws, adhesives, or monolithic formation therewith. It is further contemplated that applying portion  14  may be releasably connected to stem portion  16 , again through any suitable method, including, but not limited to, a snap-fit arrangement or interference fitting, such that applying portion  14  may be selectively engagable therewith, or replaceable.  
         [0038]     In one embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 2 , lip applicator  100  includes an applying portion  114 , a stem portion  116 , and a base portion  118 . It is contemplated that applying portion  114  and base portion  118  may each be releasably or integrally connected to stem portion  116 . Stem portion  116  includes a first portion  116   a  configured and dimensioned to be selectively movable with respect to a second portion  116   b . First and second stem portions  116   a ,  116   b  may allow for continuous or incremental movement with respect to one another such that applying portion  114  may be adjusted relative to base portion  118  during or prior to use.  
         [0039]     First and second stem portions  116   a ,  116   b  may be configured and dimensioned in any manner such that one of the first and second stem portions  116   a ,  116   b  is movable in relation to, and may be received by, the other, e.g. telescopically. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , first stem portion  116   a  is telescopically moveable in the direction indicated by arrow “A” within lower stem portion  116   b , such that lip applicator  100  is selectively extendable. In an alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that second stem portion  116   b  may be received by, and may be movable within, first stem portion  116   a , again enabling the selective extension of the lip applicator  100 .  
         [0040]     In another embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 3 , lip applicator  200  includes an applying portion  214 , a stem portion  216  and a base portion  218  that defines a cavity  224  therein which is dimensioned to releasably retain a beauty aid  212 . Beauty aid  212  may be releasably engageable with base portion  218  through any suitable mechanism or structure including, but not limited to, snap-fit or interference fit arrangements, to allow for the selective removal, replacement, and/or substitution of various beauty aids, or beauty aid  212  may be integrally associated with, or formed within, base portion  218  such that beauty aid  212  may not be replaced, substituted, or removed therefrom.  
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4B , a lip applicator  300  is disclosed that includes an applying portion  314 , a stem portion  316 , and a base portion  318  rotatably connected to the stem portion  316  through any suitable mechanism or structural adaptation, such that lip applicator  300  may be selectively transitioned or moved from a first position to a second position.  
         [0042]     In the first position, seen in  FIG. 4A , beauty aid  312  is disposed within cavity  324 , whereas in the second position, seen in  FIG. 4B , beauty aid  312  at least partially extends therefrom. To move lip applicator  300  from the first position to the second position, and thereby selectively extend beauty aid  312  from cavity  324 , either base portion  318 , or stem portion  316 , may be rotated. To move lip applicator  300  from the second position to the first position, and thereby selectively retract beauty aid  312 , again, either base portion  318 , or stem portion  316 , may be rotated. In transitioning from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position, base portion  318 , or stem portion  316 , may be rotated either clockwise, in the direction of arrow “B”, or counterclockwise, in the direction of arrow “C”.  
         [0043]     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 A- 4 B, it is contemplated that the configuration and dimensions of the cavity may be varied such that base portion may accommodate a variety of beauty aids. In addition, with respect to each embodiment discussed heretofore, it is contemplated that the lip applicator may employ a plurality of cavities, each of which may vary in size and/or configuration, thereby allowing for the incorporation of a multitude of beauty aids. It is further contemplated, in each embodiment described thus far, that the stem portion may include two or more sections configured and dimensioned to be respectively movable with respect to each other, e.g., telescopically, as disclosed in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0044]     In  FIGS. 5A-5B , a lip applicator  400  is disclosed that includes an applying portion  414 , a stem portion  416 , and a base portion  418 . Lip applicator  400  further includes a release mechanism  426  and a cavity  424  defined in base portion  418  that is configured and dimensioned to removably receive stem portion  416  and applying portion  414 , as will be discussed in further detail below. Applying portion  414  is movably secured to stem portion  416 , e.g. rotatably or pivotably secured, such that applying portion  414  and stem portion  416  are selectively movable in relation to one another, either in the direction of arrow “D” or arrow “E”, from a first position, seen in  FIG. 5A , to a second position, seen in  FIG. 5B .  
         [0045]     In the first or applying position, seen in  FIG. 5A , lip applicator  400  defines a first height H 1 , and applying portion  414  is substantially horizontal in orientation, thereby facilitating the application of beauty aid  412  by a user. If desired, applying portion  414  may be rotated and moved into the second position, in which applying portion  414  is substantially vertical in orientation and at least a portion thereof is removably disposed within cavity  424 , together with at least a portion of stem portion  416 , as seen in  FIG. 5B . In the second position, lip applying portion  414  may be substantially protected from the ambient, thereby remaining free of dust, particulates, or the like during non-use. In the second position, the overall height H 2  of lip applicator  400  is substantially reduced when compared to that of lip applicator  400  in the first position. This reduction in height may facilitate the convenient storage or transport of the lip applicator  400 , if so desired. It is contemplated that stem portion  416  may include two or more sections that may be configured and dimensioned to move with respect to one another in any suitable manner such that one of the portions may be movable in relation to, and may be received by, the other portion, e.g. telescopically, as depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0046]     Referring still to  FIGS. 5A-5B , as discussed above, lip applicator  400  includes release  426 . Release  426  maintains lip applicator  400  in either the first position, or the second position, until it is desired by the user to move therebetween. At such time, the user may actuate release  426  and configure the lip applicator  400  either for storage, or for use. Release  426  may be any mechanical mechanism suitable for the intended purpose of preventing the unintentional transitioning between the first and second positions, illustrative examples of which include, but are not limited to, a depressible button, a rotatable knob, or a slidable button set within a track  428 , as seen in  FIGS. 5A-5B .  
         [0047]      FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate a lip applicator  500  having an applying portion  514  with two individual portions  514   a ,  514   b  and a hinge portion  530 , a stem portion  416 , and a base portion  418 . Lip applicator  500  functions in a manner identical to that disclosed with respect to the previous embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5B , in that lip applicator  500  is adapted to transition from a first, applying position, to a second storage position in which lip applying portion  514  and stem portion  516  are at least partially disposed within and removable from a cavity  524  in base portion  518 .  
         [0048]     Portions  514   a  and  514   b  are selectively foldable in the direction of arrow “G” relative to one another about hinge portion  530 , such that the dimensions of applying portion  514  may be substantially reduced, thereby facilitating the storage thereof in base portion  518  while in the second position. In one aspect of the present disclosure, applying portion  514  may be manually folded about hinge portion  530  at the will of the user, whereas in another aspect, applying portion  514  may only be folded upon the actuation of release  526 . Release  526 , therefore, may serve dual purposes. First, release  526  may facilitate the folding of applying portion  514  about hinge portion  530 . And second, release  526  may facilitate the movement or transition of lip applicator  500  from the first position, seen in  FIG. 6A , to the second position, seen in  FIG. 6B , or from the second position to the first position, as discussed above. In a further aspect of the present disclosure, lip applicator  500  may employ multiple, independent release mechanisms (not shown), one to permit the folding and/or the unfolding of the applying portion  514  about a hinge portion  530 , and a second to permit the transition of the lip applicator from the first position to the second position. With respect to the folding and unfolding of the applying portion, the release, or releases, employed may be any mechanism or structural adaptation suitable for preventing against the inadvertent folding or unfolding of the applying portion.  
         [0049]     With respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 5A-6B , the base portion may be configured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid therein, either integrally or selectively, as disclosed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 2-4B . It is also contemplated that the dimensions of the cavity may be varied such that base portion may accommodate a variety of beauty aids. In addition, the lip applicator may employ a plurality of cavities, each of which may vary in size and/or configuration, thereby allowing for the incorporation of additional beauty aids. It is also contemplated that the stem portion may include two or more sections that may be configured and dimensioned to move with respect to one another in any suitable manner such that one section may be movable in relation to, and may be received by, the other section, e.g. telescopically, as disclosed in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0050]     Referring now to  FIG. 7A , lip applicator  600  includes an applying portion  614  with an aperture  638 , a stem portion  616  having a conduit  632  defining proximal and distal ends  634 ,  636  disposed therein, and a base portion  618 .  
         [0051]     Base portion  618  is configured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid  612  therein, and is formed, either in whole or in part, of any resilient or semi-resilient material capable of transitioning from a first, initial position (not shown) to a second, deformed position (not shown), upon the application of a force “F” thereto, as may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Force “F” may be generated by squeezing base portion  618 , or in any other suitable manner, including, but not being limited to, twisting.  
         [0052]     In the first position, base portion  618  is not subject to any external force. Accordingly, in this position, beauty aid  612  remains within the base portion  618 . However, upon the application of force “F” thereto, the walls  640  of base portion  618  may begin to deform inwardly, thereby decreasing the volume of base portion  618 , as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, such that the beauty aid  612  may be forced outwardly therefrom. Conduit  632  is in fluid communication with base portion  618  such that beauty aid  612  may enter conduit  632  through the distal end  636  thereof upon expulsion from base portion  618 , subsequently being communicated therethrough, and exiting onto applying portion  614  through proximal end  634  and aperture  638 .  
         [0053]     It is contemplated herein that base portion  618  may be rotatably secured to stem portion  616  such that the force “F” required to deform the base portion  618 , and expel beauty aid  612  therefrom, may be generated through the rotation, or twisting, of base portion  618 .  
         [0054]     Base portion  618  may be selectively engageable with stem portion  616  through any suitable mechanism or arrangement, including, but not limited to, screw-type or snap-fit arrangements, such that base portion  618  and the beauty aid  612  retained therein, may be replaced when necessary or desired. Alternatively, base portion  618  may be integrally formed with stem portion  616  such that the lip applicator  600  may be considered disposable.  
         [0055]     Referring now to  FIG. 7B , lip applicator  700  includes an applying portion  714 , a stem portion  716 , and a base portion  718  having a bladder  742  disposed therein and secured thereto through any suitable means, including, but not being limited to, adhesives. Base portion  718  and bladder  742  may be formed, either in whole or in part, of any resilient or semi-resilient material capable of transitioning from a first, initial position (not shown) to a second, deformed position (not shown) upon the application of a force “F” thereto, again generated in any suitable manner. Conduit  732  is in fluid communication with bladder  742  such that a beauty aid  712 , retained therein, may enter conduit  732  through a distal end  736  thereof upon being expelled from bladder  742 , as discussed above with respect to the disclosure in  FIG. 7A . Subsequently, beauty aid  712  may be communicated through conduit  732 , and the proximal end  734  thereof, onto applying portion  714  through an aperture  738 .  
         [0056]     In one embodiment, base portion  718  may be rotatably secured to stem portion  716  such that the force “F” required to deform bladder  742  and expel beauty aid  712  therefrom may be generated through the rotation of base portion  718 . In this embodiment, the force “F” created through the rotation of base portion  718  is transmitted to bladder  742  through the connection therebetween.  
         [0057]     Base portion  718 , and therefore bladder  742 , may be selectively engagable with stem portion  716  through any suitable mechanism or arrangement, including, but not limited to, screw-type or snap-fit arrangements, such that base portion  718 , bladder  742 , and the beauty aid  712  retained therein, may be replaced when necessary or desired. It is further contemplated that base portion  718  may be integrally formed with stem portion  716  such that lip applicator  700  may be considered disposable.  
         [0058]     In one embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 8 , lip applicator  800  is disclosed which includes an applying portion  814 , a stem portion  816 , and a base portion  818  that defines a recess  844  therein configured and dimensioned to releasably retain at least one cleaning sheet  846 , e.g., a tissue or an anti-bacterial wipe, for selective distribution. Base portion  818  may be selectively engagable with stem portion  816  such that base portion  818 , and the cleaning sheets  846  retained therein, may be replaced when necessary. It is further contemplated that base portion  818  may be integrally formed with stem portion  816  such that lip applicator  800  may be considered disposable.  
         [0059]     In another embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 9 , a lip applicator  900  is disclosed that includes an applying portion  914 , a stem portion  916 , and a base portion  918  including at least one reflective surface  948 . Reflective surface  948  may be disposed on any suitable surface of base portion  918 , including, but not limited to, any face  950 , or the bottom surface  952 . Reflective surface  948  may also be disposed in any other suitable location, including, but not being limited to applying portion  914 . It is further envisioned that base portion  918  itself be formed, in whole or in part, of a reflective material, thereby obviating the need for an additional reflective element.  
         [0060]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a lip applicator  1000  is illustrated. As illustrated, base portion  1018  and/or stem portion  1016  may be grasped by the user. Applying portion  1014  may then be raised and pressed to the user&#39;s lips, either by the user, or by another party, as shown. Applying portion  1014  is then pressed against the user&#39;s lips until such time that the desired beauty aid (not shown) is sufficiently applied thereto.  
         [0061]      FIG. 11  discloses yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Lip applicator  1100  is generally similar to lip applicator  10  shown in  FIG. 1  and includes applying portion  1114 , stem portion  1116 , and base portion  1118 . Applicator  1100  further includes an applicator surface  1154  configured to releasably retain an applicator sponge  1156 . Applicator sponge  1156  has a general configuration mimicking that of applicator surface  1154 . Applicator sponges of various shapes and sizes, in particular, but not limited to, small, medium, and large sponges  1156   a ,  1156   b ,  1156   c  may be used in conjunction with lip applicator  1100  dependent upon the labial characteristics of the person to whom a beauty aid (not shown) need be applied.  
         [0062]     In preparation for use, the user orients applicator sponge  1156  with respect to applicator surface  1154  and applies a force thereto in the direction of arrow “H”. Applicator sponge  1156  may include an adhesive substrate (not shown) disposed on any suitable surface thereof, including, but not being limited to, underside  1158 , which may releasably adhere to applicator surface  1154 . Applicator sponge  1156  may also include a peel-away liner (not shown) to protect the adhesive substrate (not shown) prior to use. Any adhesive substrate may be employed, including water or liquid-activated adhesives. Alternatively, applicator surface  1154  may include an adhesive-like substance (not shown) which adheres to applicator sponge  1156  when placed upon applicator surface  1154 . A reusable or tacky substance may be utilized to accomplish this purpose.  
         [0063]     As best shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , a plurality of applicator sponges  1156   a - 1156   c , that may vary in size, may be arranged on sheet  1160  and sold as a package. Sheet  1160  may be made from a releasable film (e.g., wax-like paper) that allows a user to simply peel-away one or more sponges  1156   a - 1156   c  for use. Sheet  1160  may also simply be a support structure, e.g., cardboard, for selling a large number of sponges in a single package. After use, the user simply peels applicator sponge  1156  from surface  1154  and discards the sponge  1156 .  
         [0064]     The present disclosure contemplates that a beauty aid (not shown) may be pre-applied to applicator sponges  1156 . To preserve the integrity of the beauty aid (not shown) prior to application, the beauty aid may by disposed beneath and protected by a peel-away film (not shown), or the like, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Following the orientation of sponge  1156  atop applicator surface  1154 , as describe above, the user may simply remove the protective film (not shown), and thereby expose the beauty aid (not shown).  
         [0065]     From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims to be appended hereto.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0