CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of United States Patent Application No. 62/815,057 filed on March 7, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for removing excess lipstick.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The application of lipstick may result in some of the lipstick being applied inadvertently to the user’s teeth. This maybe a result of using too much lipstick and/or the lipstick being applied too far inwardly onto the lips.

[0004] It is known to use a cloth to remove the excess lipstick so as to prevent the lipstick from being applied on the teeth. However, such a method may inadvertently remove lipstick from the lips.

[0005] Accordingly it remains desirable to have a device and method for removing lipstick so as to prevent excessive lipstick from being applied onto the teeth.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect a device for removing excess lipstick from the lips of a user so as to prevent the lipstick from being applied to teeth is provided. The device includes a base and a working end. The base may be a generally elongated cylindrical member having a housing configured to hold the working end. The working end may be a generally cylindrical member and is configured to be positioned within the opening of a pair of puckered lips wherein the working end is pulled from the puckered lips carrying with it excess lipstick which prevents the lipstick from being applied to the User’s teeth.

[0007] In one aspect, the working end includes a roll having a plurality of tissues, each of the plurality of tissues are connected to each a perforation. In such an aspect, an inner surface of the tissues may include an adhesive.

[0008] In another aspect, the working end may be removably attached to the base. In such an aspect, the base includes a compartment for storing a second roll. The second roll may include a plurality of tissues which may be separated from each other by a perforation.

[0009] In another aspect, the working end may be axially displaceable with respect to the base. In such an aspect, base may include a knob that is mechanically coupled to the working end and a displacement mechanism configured to translate a rotation of the knob into an axial displacement of the working end.

[0010] In another aspect, the working end includes a cylindrical bore and a lipstick is disposed within the cylindrical bore. In such an aspect, the working end and the lipstick may be axially displaceable with respect to the base. The base may include an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions are rotatable and the lower portion is mechanically coupled to the lipstick and the upper portion is mechanically coupled to the working end. The device includes a pair of displacement mechanisms configured to translate a rotation of the upper portion and the lower portion into an axial displacement of the respective working end and lipstick.

[0011] In another aspect, the base includes a first open end and a second open end, the working end is disposed in the first open end and a lipstick. The lipstick is disposed in the second open end. The working end may be a generally cylindrical member. The working end may be fixedly mounted to the first open end or may be removable mounted to the first open end.

[0012] The working end may include a roll having a plurality of tissues, each of the plurality of tissues connected to each other by at least one perforation. In such an aspect, an inner surface of the tissues may include an adhesive.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0014] FIG. la is perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a device described herein;

[0015] FIG. lb is a view of the device shown in FIG. 1 a wherein the working end has a textured surface;

[0016] FIG. lc is a view of the device shown in FIG. la wherein the working end has a roll;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a device described herein;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of a device described herein;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 3 with the working end in a retracted position;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a device described herein; [0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aspect of the device shown in FIG. 5;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another aspect of the device shown in FIG. 5;

[0023] FIG. 8 is an isolated view of a working end having a roll according to one or more aspects described herein; and

[0024] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the steps of a method according to one or more aspects described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure made in reference to the figures provided herein. In one aspect a device and method for removing excess lipstick from the lips of the user so as to prevent the lipstick from being applied to teeth is provided. The device includes a base and a working end. The base may be a generally elongated cylindrical member having a housing configured to hold the working end. The working end may be a generally cylindrical member and is configured to be positioned within the opening of a pair of puckered lips wherein the working end is pulled from the puckered lips carrying with it excess lipstick which prevents the lipstick from being applied to the user’s teeth.

[0026] With reference now to FIG. la, a first embodiment of the device 10 is provided. The device 10 includes a base 12. The base 12 is shown having a generally cylindrical dimension. Though the base 12 is shown as having a uniform diameter with a smooth outer surface, it should be appreciated that the outer surface of the base 12 may include a textured surface to facilitate a grip, or may include contours adapted to receive a grip. As used herein, the term diameter is not meant to limit the body to which the diameter references to be a circle or a sphere, but to mean a distance between opposite sides of the body. Accordingly, the body may assume dimensions other than cylindrical, spherical or the like. [0027] The device 10 includes a working end 14 disposed on a distal end of the base 12. In one aspect, the working end 14 may be fixed to the distal end of the base 12. The working end 14 may be a cylindrical member having a general uniform diameter smaller than the diameter of the base 12. However, it should be appreciated that the shape of the working end 14 may deviate without limiting the scope of the appended claims. As an example, the working end 14 may have a contour so as to widen to a bulbous end as shown in FIG. 7.

[0028] The working end 14 may be formed of a rigid material suitable for use within the body, such material illustratively includes a polymer or a metallic composition such as a metal alloy or a like. The working end 14 is shown as having a generally smooth outer surface. However, it should be appreciated that the outer surface of the working end 14 may be textured 14a to help remove lipstick from the lips, as shown in FIG. lb.

[0029] The device 10 may further include a cover 16. The cover 16 is configured to be attached to the base 12 so as to protect and enclose the working end 14. The cover 16 has an opening 16a on a distal end and is closed on the proximal end by a top wall 16b. The opening 16a leads into a first storage compartment. The first storage compartment is configured to receive the working end 14. The cover 16 may be attached to the base 12 using known attachment mechanism such as a snap fit engagement, or may include a thread in the inner wall defining the storage compartment 16c which threadingly engages a thread disposed on the base 12.

[0030] With reference now to FIG. lc, another aspect of the device 10 is provided wherein the device 10 includes a roll 18. In one aspect, the roll 18 is releasably attached to the working end 14 and the working end 14 may be fixed to the base 12 or removable attached to the base 12. Alternatively, the roll 18 is fixed to the working end 14 and the working end 14 may be fixed to the base 12 or removable attached to the base 12. [0031] With reference now to FIG. 8, an isolated view of an embodiment of the roll 18 is provided. In one aspect, the roll 18 may be a plurality of tissues 20. The tissue 20 is a pliable material configured to remove lipstick. It should be appreciated that any such material currently used or later developed may be adapted for use herein, illustratively including a charcoal tissue, a rice paper or the like. The tissue 20 may be treated with a solvent to assist in the removal of lipstick. Preferably such a solvent is approved for ingestion.

[0032] The tissues 20 may be configured to be separated from each other. For example, a perforation 22 may be disposed between each tissue 20. The roll 18 may be formed by a plurality of tissues 20 layered on top of each other, wherein each of the tissues 20 may be removed from the roll 18. In one aspect, an adhesive 24a may be applied to an inner surface 24 of the protective covers so as to removably bond the tissue(s) 20 to the working end 14. Thus, the tissues 20 may be removed after a single use so as to eliminate the need for the User to clean the working end 14 after each use. This process continues until all of the tissues 20 have been used.

[0033] In one aspect, the roll 18 may be removed from the working end 14. For example, the roll 18 may be rolled onto a sleeve 26. In one aspect, the sleeve 26 is configured to be mounted onto the working end 14. In an exemplary depiction of a working end 14 adapted for use with the sleeve 26, the working end 14 includes a stem 14b and a head 14c. The stem 14b is configured to slide within the sleeve 26. The end of the stem 14b may be configured to be secured to the base 12. In one example, the stem 14b may include a threaded end configured to be threaded into a threaded bore of the base 12. The stem 14b has a length longer than the length of the roll 18 as measured by the axial length of the sleeve 26. As such, the threaded end of the stem 14b protrudes from the sleeve 26 when the roll 18 is mounted thereon and the roll 20 is disposed between the head 14c and the base 12. In such an aspect, device 10 may be configured to receive multiple rolls 18, the rolls 18 replacing a used roll 18. In another aspect, the roll 18 may be simply rolled onto the working end 14.

[0034] In yet another aspect, the working end 14 is removably attached to the base 12. In such an aspect, the working end 14 may include the roll 18. In such an aspect, the roll 18 is mounted directly onto the working end 14. Thus, when the roll 18 runs out of tissues 20, the empty working end 14 is simply replaced with another working end 14 having a roll 18 of tissues 20.

[0035] It should be appreciated that the roll 18 shown herein is not limiting but exemplary in nature. For instance, in one aspect of the roll 18 (not shown), the roll 18 may be have a cylindrical dimension forming a closed end and an open end, so as to be similar to a sock. The roll 18 and may be pulled from the working end 14 after a first use.

[0036] The roll 18 may be desired for users who do not want to clean the working end 14 after each use. For instance, the roll 18 may be beneficial in cases the lipstick colors are mixed as a result of the device 10 not being thoroughly wiped after each use. Also, the use of the roll 18 allows the user to share the device 10 with others without having to worry about spreading contaminants.

[0037] With reference now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the device 10 is provided. The function of the working end 14 remains the same as with the first embodiment described above. That is, the working end 14 is configured to be inserted into an opening of puckered lips so as to remove excessive lipstick. As such, the working end 14 may be a solitary piece formed of a rigid material suitable for use within the body, or may have a roll 18 as described above.

[0038] In the second embodiment, the working end 14 is axially displaceable within the base 12. FIG. 2 provides an exemplary depiction of a displacement mechanism 28 configured to axially displacing the working end 14; however, it should be appreciated that the displacement mechanism 28 for axially displacing the working end 14 is not limited to what is shown, but may include other known mechanism currently used in the art.

[0039] In one aspect, the displacement mechanism 28 includes a knob 30 fixedly mounted to the base 12. The base 12 includes a second storage compartment 12a configured to house the working end 14. For illustrative purposes, the second storage compartment 12a is shown as having a cylindrical dimension having a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the working end 14. The knob 30 may be rotated in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction, as indicated by the bidirectional arrow Al . The directional arrow A1 illustrates how rotation of the knob 30 in one direction urges the working end 14 in and out of the second storage compartment 12a of the base 12.

[0040] The knob 30 may be disposed on the proximal end of the base 12. The knob 30 is configured to translate a rotary motion of the knob 30 into an axial displacement of the working end 14. In one aspect, the knob 30 is mechanically coupled to the working end 14 and the displacement mechanism 30 is configured to translate a rotation of the knob 30 into an axial displacement of the working end 14. The working end 14 is shown as a cylindrical member having a generally uniform diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the circumference of the housing of the base 12.

[0041] The displacement mechanism 28 further includes a threaded bore 14a disposed within the working end 14. The displacement mechanism further includes a shaft 32 that is fixedly mounted to an interior surface of the knob 30. The shaft 32 is threaded and configured to threadingly engage the threaded bore 14a of the working end 14.

[0042] The knob 30 may include a plurality of ribs 30b to help the user grip the knob 30 to help rotate the knob 30. The knob 30 may include a threaded shaft 32 configured to threadingly engage the threaded bore 14a of the working end 14. Thus rotation of the knob 30 in one direction rotates the threaded shaft 32 which engages the threaded bore 14a so as to axially displace the working end 14 into a fully extended position, and rotation of the knob 30 in the opposite direction moves the working end 14 into a fully retracted position.

[0043] FIG. 2 depicts one benefit of an axially displaceable working end 14 is the reduction in the height of the device 10. In particular, the cover 16 may be shorter relative to the covers 16 shown in FIGS la-lc. Thus, the device 10 is more compact relative to the embodiments shown in FIGS la-lc.

[0044] With reference now to FIG. 3, an exemplary depiction of the device 10 according to a third embodiment is provided. The device 10 includes a lipstick 34. The lipstick 34 is disposed within a bore 36 of the working end 14.

[0045] The base 12 includes an upper portion 38 and a lower portion 40. The upper and lower portions 38, 40 are rotatable. In one aspect, the lower portion 38 is mechanically coupled to the lipstick 34 and the upper portion 40 is mechanically coupled to the working end 14. The device includes a pair of displacement mechanisms 28a, 28b. Each of the pair of displacement mechanisms 28a, 28b is configured to translate a rotation of the upper portion 38 and the lower portion 40 into an axial displacement of the respective working end 14 and lipstick 34. Any displacement mechanism 28a, 28b currently known or used or later developed may be adapted for use herein, illustratively including the displacement mechanism 28 having a shaft 32 configured to engage a threaded bore 12b, as depicted in FIG. 2. Such an adaptation is well within the skills of those skilled in the art.

[0046] The lipstick 34 is configured to move between and extended position as shown in FIG. 3 to a retracted position as shown in FIG. 4. Likewise, the working end 14 is configured to move between and a retracted position as shown in FIG. 3 to an extended position as shown in FIG. 4. As an example, the lower portion 40 may be rotated in the clockwise direction so as to move the lipstick 34 into the extended position and rotation of the upper portion 38 in the counter-clockwise direction moves the working end 14 into the retracted position.

[0047] Accordingly, the device 10 of the third preferred embodiment is configured to apply lipstick 34 and remove excessive lipstick 34 from the lips. In operation, the user may simply remove the cover 16 and position the lipstick 34 into the extended position by rotation of the lower portion 40 as shown in FIG. 3. The lower portion 34 is then rotated in an opposite direction to move the lipstick 34 into the retracted position, wherein the lipstick 34 is seated within the base 12. The upper portion 40 is then rotated so as to move the working end 14 into the extended position, wherein the working end 14 of the device 10 is fitted into the opening of mouth created by the puckered lips. The lips are then pressed and closed onto the working end 14 and the working end 14 is pulled out from the mouth carrying with it excess lipstick and more specifically lipstick which was applied to an interior portion of the lips which may inadvertently apply onto the teeth of the user.

[0048] With reference now to FIGS. 5-7 a fourth embodiment of the device 10 is provided. The base 12 includes a first open end 12a and a second open end 12b. The first open end 12a and the second open end 12b may be cylindrical bores. The working end 14 is disposed in the first open end 12a. The working end 14 may be fixed within the first open end 12a. Alternatively, the working end 14 is removably attached to the first open end 12a.

[0049] The device 10 includes a lipstick 34. The lipstick 34 is seated within the second open end 12b. The device 10 may further include a pair of covers 16a, 16b configured to be removably attached to the respective first open end 12a and the second open end 12b of the base 12. Accordingly, the device 10 may be used to both apply lipstick 34 and remove excessive lipstick 34 as described herein.

[0050] With reference first to FIG. 5, an aspect of the fourth embodiment of the device 10 showing the working end 14 as a cylindrical member having a general uniform diameter smaller than the diameter of the base 12. The working end 14 may be formed of a rigid material suitable for use within the body, such material illustratively includes a polymer or a metallic composition such as a metal alloy or a like. The working end 14 is shown as having a generally smooth outer surface. However, it should be appreciated that the outer surface of the working end 14 may be textured 14a to help remove lipstick from the lips, as shown in FIG. lb.

[0051] With reference now to FIG. 6, another aspect of the fourth embodiment of the device is illustrated. In such an aspect, working end 14 includes a roll 18. The roll 18 is releasably attached to the working end 14 and the working end 14 may be fixed to the base 12 or removable attached to the base 12. Alternatively, the roll 18 may be fixed to the working end 14 and the working end 14 may be fixed to the base 12 or removable attached to the base 12. An exemplary illustration of a roll 18 for use herein is provided with reference to FIG. 8.

[0052] As described above, in one aspect, the roll 18 may be a plurality of tissues 20, such as a charcoal tissue, a rice paper or the like. The tissues 20 may be configured to be separated from each other. For example, a perforation 22 may be disposed between each tissue 20. The roll 18 may be formed by a plurality of tissues 20 layered on top of each other, wherein each of the tissues 20 may be removed from the roll 18. In one aspect, an adhesive 24a may be applied to an inner surface 24 of the protective covers so as to removably bond the tissue(s) 20 to the working end 14. Thus, the tissues 20 may be removed after a single use so as to eliminate the need for the User to clean the working end 14 after each use. This process continues until all of the tissues 20 have been used.

[0053] In another aspect, the roll 20 may be removed from the working end 14. For example, the roll 20 may be rolled onto a sleeve 26. In one aspect, the sleeve 26 is configured to be mounted onto the working end 14. In such an aspect, the device 10 may be configured to receive multiple rolls 18, the rolls 18 replacing a used roll 18. In another aspect, the roll 18 may be simply rolled onto the working end 14.

[0054] With reference now to FIG. 7, the working end 14 is made of a rigid material. The working end 14 may be fixed or removably attached to the first open end 10a of the base 10. The working end 14 includes a distal end 14D and a proximal end 14P. The proximal end 14P is disposed within the first open end 10a of the base 12. The distal end 14D has a radius larger than the proximal end 14P. A medial portion 14M is generally centered between the distal end 14D and the proximal end 14P. The diameter of the working end 14 from the medial portion 14M to the proximal end 14P is generally uniform in diameter. The radius of the working end 14 increases from the medial portion 14M to the distal end 14D. The distal end 14D is larger in diameter than the medial portion 14M and is illustratively shown as being bulbous.

[0055] FIGS. 5 and 7 shows the working end 14 being generally smooth; however, like with the first preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the working end 14 may be textured to help remove lipstick from the lips, as shown in FIG. lb. It should further be appreciated that other aspects of the device 10 may include a kit having a plurality of working ends 14 each of which are removably coupled to the base 12 and different from each other. In such an aspect, the user may interchange the working ends 14. Thus, the user may choose between a working end 14 having smooth outer surface with a shape as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7, a working end 14 having a textured surface 14a as shown in FIG. lb, or a working end 14 with a roll 18 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0056] With reference now to FIG.9 a method 100 for removing an excess lipstick from the lips of the User is provided. The method 100 may be implemented using the device 10 described above, as indicated in step 102. In particular, any of the embodiments or aspects of the embodiments of the device 10 described above is suitable for use in this method 100. The method 100 includes step 104 of puckering ones lips wherein the lips are protruded outwardly. The mouth is also opened so as to receive the working end 14 of the device 10. It should be appreciated that steps 102 and 104 are not required to be performed in any particular sequence to achieve the method 100.

[0057] The method 100 proceeds to step 106, wherein the working end 14 of the device 10 is fitted into the opening of mouth created by the puckered lips. The method 100 proceeds to step 108, wherein the lips are then pressed and closed onto the working end 14. The method 100 proceeds to step 110 wherein the working end 14 is pulled out from the mouth carrying with it excess lipstick and more specifically lipstick which was applied to an interior portion of the lips which may inadvertently apply onto the teeth of the user.

[0058] It should be appreciated that the method may be implemented using any of the embodiments of the device 10 described herein. For instance, the working end 14 may be a solid monolithic member made of a rigid material, or may include a roller 18 with a plurality of tissues 20

[0059] As such the device 10 prevents lipstick from being inadvertently applied onto the teeth of the User and eliminates the problem of having lipstick applied to the base of an index finger as shown in the prior art. [0060] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination.

We Claim: