Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to an eyeliner. More particularly, the invention encompasses a hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator. The present invention is also directed to a hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator with an arcuate or curved or crescented applicator tip. The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator also has means for removing and inserting the arcuate applicator tip to the shaft or handle. The inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator with an arcuate applicator tip can be housed in a container, and wherein the container could contain eyeliner related contents.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to an eyeliner. More particularly, the invention encompasses a hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator. The present invention is also directed to a hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator with an arcuate or curved or crescented applicator tip. The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator also has means for removing and inserting the arcuate applicator tip to the shaft or handle. The inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator with an arcuate applicator tip can be housed in a container, and wherein the container could contain eyeliner related contents. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    Various efforts have been done in the past to improve the basic design and utility of a cosmetic eyeliner applicator. Similarly, efforts have been made to further the art of cosmetic eyeliner applicator but they have had limited success. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,980 (Jean-Louis Gueret), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an invention which relates to an assembly including a reservoir that contains a liquid and an applicator equipped with a flexible, elastically deformable pen (3); the pen has the shape of a truncated cone (31), elongated at its end of smaller diameter by a cylindrical portion (32) having the same smaller diameter. The pen may be flocked and may include a cavity (35) through it from one side to the other and opening into the bottom of a capillary groove (34). The invention is usable for applying any liquid makeup product, and in particular for applying eyeliner to the eyelids. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,179 (Joseph P. Capponi), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a cosmetic applicator which embodies two cosmetic applicator elements in a single barrel housing. One applicator element is slidably extendable from retracted position in the housing to extended use position wherein it is extended axially a distance from an opening at one end of the housing. The other applicator element rotatably is axially extended from retracted position in the housing to use position. The operating means by which each element is extended are located in the housing in such manner that the operating means associated with the said other element lies nested in the operating means associated with the first applicator element when that element is retracted. Thus, the length of the housing can be shortened and still accommodate both operating means since they occupy a common length extend in the housing. One applicator element can be a lipbrush and the other an eyeliner. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,853 (Hiroto Nehashi), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an improved eyeliner applicator having a quantity of eyeliner-soaked material packed into the hollow space of its cap, whereby its felt tip is inserted into the eyeliner-soaked material when its cap is placed on its shank, thereby maintaining its tip wet with the eyeliner liquid. This arrangement permits automatic removal of dust from the tip surface every time the tip is inserted into the eyeliner-soaked material, thus maintaining the tip surface free of dust to assure a smooth supply of the eyeliner to the tip surface. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,266 (Volker Schrepf), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses in a cosmetic applicator system including a container for storing a fluid cosmetic material such as eyeliner, and an applicator having a hollow stem formed with a reservoir, a felt applicator tip with a body portion inserted in the distal end of the stem, and a plurality of longitudinal channels extending along the passage in surrounding relation to the body portion of the tip for conducting liquid cosmetic material from the container to the reservoir when the tip is immersed in the container, and from the reservoir to the tip when the applicator is used to apply the cosmetic material after withdrawal from the container. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,255 (Angela Glover, et al.), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an eyeliner applicator and method of using the applicator. The applicator comprises two arms, each arm having a proximal and a distal end. The proximal ends of the arms are supported such that the distal ends of the arms are maintained in a spaced apart relationship. An applicator surface extends from the distal end of one arm to the distal end of the other arm. The proximal ends of the arms may be connected directly to each other or to an intermediary member. Optionally, a handle may depend from the arms or the intermediary member. Optionally, the applicator surface is treated in any of various ways to enhance its functioning. Optionally, a stabilizing member is provided for bracing the applicator against the body during application. Optionally, a supply of applicator surface material is provided to allow the applicator surface to be replaced between applications. 
         [0008]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0194126 (Michelle L. Cassese), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a lightweight, portable article for precise application of makeup is placed upon a user&#39;s eyelid skin, preferably the bottom eyelid skin, adjacent to the eyelashes. With this placement, a user can readily apply mascara and/or eyeliner without contacting the delicate eyelid skin. The article has a handle portion and an arcuate top portion. The arcuate top portion includes an applicator rim with rounded lateral edges and an arced central section, both of which are covered with the rubber guard. The rubber guard contiguously traverses the entire surface area of the applicator rim, resulting in a device yielding a high degree of safety. The article is formed of a smooth polymeric or metal material. It is compact, easily cleaned and enables application of mascara in a safe, hygienic manner. 
         [0009]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0170937 (Jean-Louis Gueret), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an applicator for eyeliner having a stem and an applicator endpiece carried by the stem, the endpiece being of elongate shape along a longitudinal axis and including a flexible zone that deforms while the applicator is in use and that has first and second dimensions d.sub.x and d.sub.y respectively along first and second axes that are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the endpiece, the first and second dimensions d.sub.x and d.sub.y being substantially equal; the endpiece including a head extending the flexible zone, the head being connected to the remainder of the endpiece solely via the flexible zone, the head being flat in a plane containing the longitudinal axis and the second axis, and measured parallel to the second axis having a maximum width that is greater than the second dimension d.sub.y. 
         [0010]    This invention improves on the deficiencies of the prior art and provides an inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator. 
       PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The invention is a hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator. 
         [0012]    Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a cost effective, and durable hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator. 
         [0013]    Another purpose of this invention is to provide a hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator with an arcuate applicator tip. 
         [0014]    Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator which has means for removing and inserting an arcuate applicator tip. 
         [0015]    Still yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator with an arcuate applicator tip that can be housed in a container, and wherein the container could contain eyeliner related contents. 
         [0016]    Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a cosmetic eyeliner applicator, comprising: 
         [0000]    (a) a handle;
 
(b) a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein a first end of said shaft secured to said handle; and
 
(c) a crescented tip, wherein said crescented tip is secured to said second end of said shaft, and thereby forming said cosmetic eyeliner applicator.
 
         [0017]    In another aspect this invention comprises a cosmetic eyeliner applicator, comprising: 
         [0000]    (a) a handle;
 
(b) a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein a first end of said shaft secured to said handle, and wherein said second end of said shaft comprises of a male portion; and
 
(c) a crescented tip, and wherein said crescented tip has a female portion, and wherein said female portion of said crescented tip is secured to said male portion of second end of said shaft, and thereby forming said cosmetic eyeliner applicator.
 
         [0018]    In yet another aspect this invention comprises a combination cosmetic eyeliner applicator and container, comprising: 
         [0000]    (a) a handle;
 
(b) a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein a first end of said shaft secured to said handle;
 
(c) a crescented tip, wherein said crescented tip is secured to said second end of said shaft; and
 
(d) a container having an opening to securely and removably accommodate said handle, such that said shaft and said crescented tip are contained inside said container, and thereby forming said combination cosmetic eyeliner applicator and container.
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbers represent like features and components in the drawings. The invention may best be understood by reference to the ensuing detailed description in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1 , illustrates a front view of the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator invention being used to apply eyeliner material to an upper lash line or eyelid. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2 , illustrates a front view of the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator invention being used to apply eyeliner material to a lower lash line or eyelid. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3 , illustrates a side view of the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4 , illustrates a side view of a second embodiment of the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5 , illustrates a side view of a third embodiment of the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]      FIG. 1 , illustrates a front view of the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 , as it is being used to apply eyeliner material  25 , to an upper lash line or eyelid  28 . The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 , comprises of a base or handle  10 , a stem or shaft  12 , and a curved or crescented tip  16 , which starts at a transition point  14 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , an eye  20 , having an upper lash line or eyelid  28 , upper eye lashes  29 , a lower lash line or eyelid  22 , with lower eye lashes  21 , and where the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 , is used to apply eyeliner material  25 , to the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , so as to create an upper eye line  26 , using eyeliner material  25 . As one can see in  FIG. 1 , that the curved or crescented tip  16 , is substantially curved so as to follow the normal contour or curvature of the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , where the eyeliner material  25 , is applied or deposited using the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 . It should be appreciated that with this invention a person could apply eyeliner material  25 , in just one application as the curved or crescented tip  16 , is substantially curved so as to follow the normal contour or curvature of the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , where the eyeliner material  25 , needs to be applied or deposited so as to create eye line  26 . It should also be appreciated that the curved or crescented tip  16 , has a concave portion  15 , and a convex portion  17 , and that the concave portion  15 , is the portion that is shaped to follow the normal contour or curvature of the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , and is also the portion that is used to apply material  25 , onto the upper lash line or eyelid  2 S, so as to form the eye line  26 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 2 , illustrates a front view of the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 , invention as it is being used to apply eyeliner material  25 , to a lower lash line or eyelid  22 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 , is used to apply eyeliner material  25 , to the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , so as to create a lower eye line  24 , using eyeliner material  25 . As one can see in  FIG. 2 , that the curved or crescented tip  16 , is substantially curved so as to follow the normal contour or curvature of the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , where the eyeliner material  25 , is applied or deposited using the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 . It should be appreciated that with this invention a person could apply eyeliner material  25 , in just one application as the curved or crescented tip  16 , is substantially curved so as to follow the normal contour or curvature of the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , where the eyeliner material  25 , needs to be applied or deposited so as to create eye line  24 . It should also be appreciated that the curved or crescented tip  16 , has a concave portion  15 , and a convex portion  17 , and that the concave portion  15 , is the portion that is shaped to follow the normal contour or curvature of the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , and is also the portion that is used to apply material  25 , onto the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , so as to form the eye line  24 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 3 , illustrates a side view of the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 , invention. As stated earlier that the hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 , comprises of a base or handle  10 , a stem or shaft  12 , and a curved or crescented tip  16 , which starts at a transition point  14 . It should also be appreciated that the curved or crescented tip  16 , has a concave portion  15 , and a convex portion  17 , and that the concave portion  15 , is the portion that is shaped to follow the normal contour or curvature of the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , or the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , and this is also the portion that is used to apply material  25 , onto the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , so as to form the eye line  26 , or the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , so as to form the eye line  24 . Stating it another way, the curved or crescented tip  16 , should be curved in such as way so as to substantially follow the normal contour or curvature of the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , or the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , where the eyeliner material  25 , needs to be applied or deposited so as to create upper eye line  26 , or lower eye line  24 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 4 , illustrates a side view of a second embodiment of the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  33 , invention. The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  33 , comprises of a base or handle  30 , a stem or shaft  32 , and a curved or crescented tip  36 , which starts at a transition point  34 . The stem or shaft  32 , has a stub or knob or a male portion  31 , while the curved or crescented tip  36 , has a blind hole or a female portion  39 , which is used to securely accommodate the stub  31 , of the stem or shaft  32 , so as to create a single unit hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  33 . For some applications the stub or knob or a male portion  31 , could be on the side of the curved or crescented tip  36 , while the blind hole or a female portion  39 , could be on the side of the stem or shaft  32 . The curved or crescented tip  36 , has a concave portion  35 , and a convex portion  37 , and that the concave portion  35 , is the portion that is shaped to follow the normal contour or curvature of the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , or the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , and this is also the portion that is used to apply material  25 , onto the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , so as to form the eye line  26 , or the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , so as to form the eye line  24 . Stating it another way, the curved or crescented tip  36 , should be curved in such as way so as to substantially follow the normal contour or curvature of the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , or the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , where the eyeliner material  25 , needs to be applied or deposited so as to create upper eye line  26 , or lower eye line  24 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 5 , illustrates a side view of a third embodiment of the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  43 , invention. The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  43 , comprises of a base or handle or cap  40 , a stem or shaft  42 , and a curved or crescented tip  46 , which starts at a transition point  44 . The curved or crescented tip  46 , has a concave portion  45 , and a convex portion  47 , and that the concave portion  45 , is the portion that is shaped to follow the normal contour or curvature of the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , or the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , and this is also the portion that is used to apply material  25 , onto the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , so as to form the eye line  26 , or the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , so as to form the eye line  24 . Stating it another way, the curved or crescented tip  46 , should be curved in such as way so as to substantially follow the normal contour or curvature of the upper lash line or eyelid  28 , or the lower lash line or eyelid  22 , where the eyeliner material  25 , needs to be applied or deposited so as to create upper eye line  26 , or lower eye line  24 . The inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  43 , is secured to a bottle or container  48 , having a bottle opening or neck  41 , and having content  25 ,  49 . 
         [0030]    At least one surface of the bottle or container  48 , optionally could have at least one decorative indicia  50 , and wherein the indicia  50 , could be selected from a group comprising of personalized initials, words of choice, personalized statements, graphics, designs, to name a few. 
         [0031]    It is preferred that the arcuate or curved or crescented tip  16 ,  36 ,  46 , is substantially smooth so as not to irritate or hurt the skin near the eye  20 , where the material  25 , is being deposited or applied. 
         [0032]    It is preferred that the arcuate or curved or crescented tip  16 ,  36 ,  46 , is substantially thin, but also firm enough so that a precise eye line  24 ,  26 , is formed when eyeliner material  25 , is applied near the eye  20 . 
         [0033]    It should be appreciated that the cross-sectional area of the curved or crescented tip  16 ,  36 ,  46 , could be selected from a group comprising of a rectangular area, a triangular area, a circular area, an elliptical area, a polygonal area, an irregular area, just to name a few. 
         [0034]    The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 ,  33 ,  43 , is comprised of a slightly crescented or arched or arcuate tip  16 ,  36 ,  46 , that is curved and attached or affixed to an adjoining applicator wand  12 ,  32 ,  42 , and handle  10 ,  30 ,  40 , respectively. 
         [0035]    The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 ,  33 ,  43 , is comprised of a slightly crescented or curved or arcuate tip  16 ,  36 ,  46 , that is curved and encompassed by a fluid absorbent or fluid-retaining material  16 ,  36 ,  46 , respectively. 
         [0036]    The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator tip  16 ,  36 ,  46 , can also be detachable from its adjoining applicator wand  12 ,  32 ,  42 , respectively. 
         [0037]    The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator tip  16 ,  36 ,  46 , could be pulled-off the applicator wand  12 ,  32 ,  42 , respectively, and to be re-fixed into the tip base  10 ,  30 ,  40 , respectively, by a co-joined fitting  31 ,  39 . 
         [0038]    The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 ,  33 ,  43 , could have a fluid absorbent or fluid-retaining tip material  16 ,  36 ,  46 , which material could be selected from a group comprising, foam, synthetic foam, sponge, synthetic sponge, paper, felt, plastic, fiber, synthetic fiber, cotton, rayon, wire, cotton, textile, polyester, elastane, nylon, rubber, polymer, metal, composite material, to name a few. 
         [0039]    The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 ,  33 ,  43 , may also be used to apply medicine or serum  25 ,  49 , to the difficult orbital eyelid area  20 ,  22 ,  28 . 
         [0040]    The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 ,  33 ,  43 , may be used as a separate hygienic or beauty tool, or device. 
         [0041]    The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 ,  33 ,  43 , may be combined, manufactured, or co-joined with any liquid, fluid, serum, hygienic cosmetic, medicinal bottle, vessel, tube, jar, to name a few. 
         [0042]    The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator&#39;s “wand”  12 ,  32 ,  42 , can be short or long in length—thicker or thinner for ease of manual dexterity. The adjoined handle  10 ,  30 ,  40 , would be compatible to any variance of the length of the wand  12 ,  32 ,  42 . 
         [0043]    The hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator base  10 ,  30 ,  40 , and/or handle  12 ,  32 ,  42 , could be selected from a group comprising plastic, plastic resin, synthetic polymer, polymer, rubber, metal, composite material, to name a few. 
         [0044]    It is preferred that the arcuate or curved or crescented tip  16 ,  36 ,  46 , is substantially shaped to follow the contours of a lash line or eyelid  22 ,  28 , so that the eyeliner material  25 ,  49 , can be applied near the eye  20 , to form the eye line  24 ,  26 , in one application. 
         [0045]    The inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 ,  33 ,  43 , can be used apply different material  25 ,  49 , near or around the eye  20 , and wherein the material  25 ,  49 , could be selected from a group comprising, liquid eye liner, powder liner, glitter liner, eyelid primer, eye shadow, lash enhancer, medicine, serum, liquid eye shadow, to name a few. 
         [0046]    It should be appreciated that the inventive hygienic cosmetic eyeliner applicator  23 ,  33 ,  43 , is brushless or bristles-free around the portion comprising the arcuate or curved or crescented tip  16 ,  36 ,  46 . 
         [0047]    While the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.