Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention.

The present invention is directed generally to a cosmetic application system and method, and more particularly to a system and method for removing excess mascara from a mascara brush upon withdrawal from a container.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various techniques and structures have been used to reduce the amount of mascara on a mascara brush upon removal from a container. However, a number of disadvantages associated with these techniques and structures has inhibited their widespread use and manufacture.

In particular, U.S. Patent Nos . 4,194,848, 4,332,494, 4,407,311, 4,609,300 and 4,705,053 are directed to mascara applicators having a complex structure for varying the amount of mascara remaining on a brush after removal from a container. A flexible member is disposed in the neck of the container to provide some degree of variation in the amount of mascara removed from a brush as it passes through an opening in the container. However, each of these patents is directed to a complex structure, which is difficult and costly to manufacture. Moreover, many of these structures do not facilitate continuous variation of the amount of mascara to be removed from a brush. In addition, because these structures apply an equal force against the brush during removal and re¬ insertion of the brush into the container, these systems unnecessarily impede a user's ability to reinsert the brush into the container after each use. In U.S. Patent No. 5,397,193, an additional attempt was made to provide a

system for removing excess mascara from an applicator brush. In this system, a plurality of internal flexible bristles are used to remove excess mascara from the applicator brush. As with the aforementioned patents, this system is also costly and difficult to manufacture, and does not facilitate continuous variation in the amount of force to be applied to the mascara brush upon removal from its container. In addition, this system also unnecessarily impedes a user's ability to reinsert the brush into the container after each use.

In addition, each of the aforementioned systems, because of their complicated internal structure, is particularly difficult to clean. Accordingly, these systems do not lend themselves for use with any form of reusable or interchangeable mascara system.

Objects of the Invention Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a comprehensive mascara system which is both cost-effective in use and manufacture. I is a further object of the present invention to provide a simple and attractive system for removing excess applique, such as cosmetic, from an applicator, such as a brush, upon removal of the applicator from a container. It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system for removing excess mascara which is continuously variable by a user, thereby allowing the user to specifically determine the amount of mascara for removal from the brush. It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system for removing excess cosmetic from a brush, which does not impede a user's ability to reinsert the brush into a container.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for removing excess cosmetic from a

brush which is easily cleanable and lends itself for use with an interchangeable cartridge system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic containment system having interchangeable cartridges to facilitate use of various forms of cosmetic.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become more readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Summary of the Invention According to a method of one embodiment of the present invention, an excess amount of cosmetic material is removed from a brush including the steps of applying a force to a defor able structure having projections therewithin, and pulling the brush through the deformable structure to engage the brush with the projections. The method may further include the steps of releasing said deformable structure and pushing the brush back through the deformable structure so that the brush passes therethrough with less interference from said projections than the step of pulling the brush through the deformable structure. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for removing excess applique from an applicator is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flexible segment having a first end, a second end, and an aperture passing through the flexible segment from the first end to the second end. The aperture has a wall and is dimensioned to receive the applicator. Furthermore, the flexible segment is manually squeezable so as to engage the applicator, thereby removing excess applique therefrom.

Brief Description of the Drawings

° Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of the cosmetic applicator of the present invention.

Figure 2 depicts a cosmetic brush and handle of the present invention depicted in Figure 1. 5 Figure 3 depicts the open end of a flexible segment of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 depicts malleable wire and bristle arrangement in accordance with the second embodiment shown in Figure 3. 10 Figure 5 depicts the cosmetic applicator of the present invention in use.

Figure 6 depicts, in cross section, a flexible segment according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 15 Figure 7 depicts, in cross-section, a flexible segment according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 20 OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, several embodiments of the present invention will now be described. With reference to Figure 1, a cosmetic

25 applicator 10 is shown. Cosmetic applicator 10 comprises generally (1) a cosmetic brush and handle 20, (2) a housing 100 having a flexible segment 120, and (3) a replaceable cartridge 200, each of which will now be described in greater detail below. With continuing reference to Figure 1, and with particular reference to Figure 2, a cosmetic brush and handle 20 is shown. Handle 30 preferably has an enlarged rubber ergonomic grip to facilitate a user's manipulation of the cosmetic brush. Although a rubber material is

-. _« - disclosed in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that other types of

materials which facilitate gripping by the user may also be utilized. A rod 40 is attached to the rubber grip 30. A brush 50 is disposed at the end of rod 40. The brush 50 is divided into 3 sections. A first portion 60 contains a series of graduated spiral bristles which is useful for tight areas in mascara application. The second portion 70 includes graduated bristles which are larger and less spiralled than the bristles of the first portion 60. The third portion 80 contains a plurality of non-spiralled bristles which are larger than the bristles of the first and second portions, and which preferably are all of the same length. This third bristle portion 80 is used to apply the majority of the mascara to an eyelash.

With continuing reference to Figure 1, a housing 100 containing a replaceable cartridge 200, a flexible segment 120, a bottom portion 130, and an intermediate portion 140, is disclosed. The use of a replaceable cartridge system 200, which is contained within a hollow cosmetic-containing portion 110 created by bottom portion 130 and intermediate portion 140, facilitates interchangeability of various cartridges 200 within housing 100, thereby allowing use of the structure of the present invention with a plurality of mascara or cosmetic substances.

The bottom portion 130 has a flat anti-roll end 150, disposed at the end of portion 130. Upon placing the entire cosmetic applicator 10 upon a flat or inclined surface, this flat anti-roll end 150 inhibits the cosmetic applicator from rolling away, or off, the surface. Although the flat, disk-like structure 150 is shown, it is to be understood that similar shapes may be utilized to prevent rolling of the cosmetic applicator of the present invention.

Bottom portion 130 and intermediate portion 140 may be twisted apart at juncture 160 to reveal the replaceable cartridge 200 therewithin. In the alternative, other types of connectors including a

threaded, screw-type connector may also be utilized to connect bottom portion 130 to intermediate portion 140 at juncture 160. At the end of intermediate portion 140, a flexible segment 120 is connected at juncture 165, through a similar snap-type connector, screw-type connector or other appropriate form of connector. In the alternative, flexible segment 120 may be fixedly attached to intermediate portion 140, such as with an adhesive.

This flexible segment 120 is a collapsible or deformable structure, which is preferably rubber, and is lined with toothbrush-like bristles 170 in the form of elliptical webs or rings to clean the mascara brush 50 as it is pulled through the depressed flexible segment 120. In so doing, the extent of any engagement between the bristles 170 and brush 50 controls the amount of mascara remaining on brush 50. Although in the preferred embodiment the flexible segment 120 is spherical in shape (much like a balloon) , it is to be understood that other shapes may be utilized.

With reference to Figure 3 , the internal structure of the flexible segment 120 in accordance with a second embodiment of the instant invention is shown. In this alternative arrangement, a series of malleable wires 180 having bristles thereon is used. A malleable wire 180 is shown in isolation in Figure 4. The use of such a wire system maintains the structural rigidity of the flexible segment 120 prior to application of any force by a user. As can be seen in figure 3, the bristles form a space through which brush 50 may pass.

In the preferred embodiment, the flexible segment 120 is deformable from an undeformed state to a plurality of continuously variable deformed states upon application of the desired force by a user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bristles within the flexible segment 120 forms a space in the flexible segment's undeformed state which is larger than the width of the cosmetic brush 50. Accordingly, if

no force is applied to the flexible segment 120, the brush 50 may be reinserted into the cosmetic applicator 10 of the present invention, without interference from bristles 125. Thus, the flexible segment 120 advantageously can be structured in such a way that it does not impede the user's ability to easily insert the mascara brush into the applicator 10.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bristles within flexible segment 120 form a space in the undeformed state which is smaller than the width of the cosmetic brush 50. If no force is applied to the flexible segment 120, the brush 50 may be reinserted into the cosmetic applicator 10 with some interference from bristles 125. However, in its undeformed state, the flexible segment 120 and the bristles therewithin provide less interference to the reinsertion of brush 50 in comparison to the amount of interference provided to movement of the brush through the flexible segment in any deformed state.

Accordingly, in use, the user may squeeze the flexible segment 120 while withdrawing the brush 50 therethrough to remove excess cosmetic from the brush 50, and then subsequently release the flexible segment 120 and reinsert the brush 50 therethrough without substantial, or any, depending on which of the aforementioned embodiments is utilized, interference from the interior of the flexible segment 120. Such an arrangement allows the user to easily reinsert the brush 50 through flexible segment 120.

In addition, should a user wish to fully clean brush 50, the user may simply rapidly insert and reinsert the brush through the flexible segment 120 and apply a force to that flexible segment 120 so that substantially all of the mascara is removed from the brush if desired. Accordingly, the simplicity of the structure of the present invention facilitates cleaning of the system by simply separating flexible segment 120, bottom portion

130 and intermediate portion 140. After these three segments are separated, a user may readily access the internal portions of the flexible segment 120, bottom portion 130 and intermediate portion 140, to clean any debris therefrom. In addition, the modular construction of the present invention forms the basis of a reusable cosmetic applicator system which is implemented through a replaceable cartridge system.

With reference to Figure 5, the present invention is shown in use. In particular, this figure depicts an arrangement whereby a user' s left hand is used to squeeze the flexible segment 120 while withdrawing or inserting the brush 50.

A flexible segment according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 6 and continuing reference to Fig. 1. The flexible segment 300, which is shown in cross- section, has a generally barrel-shaped profile and an aperture 310 therethrough. As can be seen, the aperture 310, which receives the rod 40 and brush 50, has a generally saw-tooth-like profile. More specifically, the aperture 310 is formed by a series of concentric frusto- conical sections, one of which is designated by reference number 312.

As can be seen in Fig. 6, where each frusto- conical section 312 meets another, a projection or tooth 314 is formed. In operation, depressing or compressing the flexible segment 300 causes each tooth 314 to collapse on itself, thereby narrowing the aperture 310. As with the earlier described embodiments, the degree of depression of the flexible segment 300 while the brush 50 is pulled through the aperture 310 controls the amount of cosmetic on the brush 50. More specifically, as the brush 50 is pulled through the aperture 310, excess mascara is collected by each tooth 314. It should also be noted that when the brush 50 is re-inserted into the flexible segment 300, the brush 50 pushes the excess mascara collected by

the teeth 314 back into the housing 50, thereby preventing wasted mascara.

The flexible segment 300 also includes a first end 320 and a second end 330. At each of the first 320 and second 330 ends, the flexible segment 300 includes an enlarged right-cylindrical recess 322 and 332, respectively. The flexible segment 300 further includes at each end 320, 330 a flange 324, 334.

It is to be understood that the recesses 322, 332 and the corresponding flanges 324, 334 allow for a snap-type connection between the flexible segment 300 and a male-threaded fitting 340 at the first end 320, as well as between the flexible segment 300 and a female-threaded fitting 350 at the second end 330. In order to achieve the snap-type connection, both of the threaded fittings 340, 350 include a right-cylindrical flange 342, 352, respectively having substantially the same dimensions as the recesses 322, 332 of the flexible segment 300. Thus, by engaging the flange 342, 352 of each threaded fitting 340, 350 with the recess 322, 332 of each end 320, 330, the threaded fittings 340, 350 can be secured to the flexible segment 300.

In an alternate embodiment, the threaded fittings 340, 350 are not snap-fit into the recesses 322, 332, but instead are attached to the flexible segment 300 during the molding process. Specifically, the threaded fittings 340, 350 are fabricated by any suitable means prior to fabrication of the flexible segment 300. The threaded fittings 340, 350 are then placed in the mold for the flexible segment 300, and the flexible segment 300 is formed around the existing threaded fittings 340, 350. It is to be understood that projections from the threaded fittings 340, 350, such as the flanges 342, 352, pins (not shown), and the like, prevent the fittings 340, 350 from being pulled or twisted from the flexible segment 300 when in use. Such a method of manufacture may be employed with any of the embodiments herein discussed.

The male-threaded fitting 340 is used to secure the handle 20 to the flexible segment 300. To this end, the male-threaded fitting 340 is composed of a plastic similar to that of a typical mascara housing and includes an external male thread 344 having, in the present embodiment, the same dimensions as the threads on a typical mascara housing 100. With such threads 344, a typical mascara handle 20 may be secured to the male- threaded fitting 340, thereby sealing the first end 320 of the flexible segment 300. Similarly, the female- hreaded fitting 350 is used to secure the housing 100 to the flexible segment 300. The female- hreaded fitting therefore includes an internal female thread 354. The female thread 354 has substantially the same dimensions as the thread on a typical mascara handle 20. Therefore, the female-threaded fitting 350 may be secured to the housing 100, thereby sealing the second end 350 of the flexible segment 300. It is to be understood that the flexible segment 300, when coupled to the male and female threaded fittings 340, 350 is thus capable of attaching to any standard mascara housing and handle.

A flexible segment according to another alternative embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 7 and continuing reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the flexible segment 400 is generally cylindrical in shape. The flexible segment 400 includes an aperture 410 passing from a first end 420, through the flexible segment 400, to a second end 430. The aperture 410 includes a projection or ridge 412 that extends around the circumference of the aperture 410. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 7, the ridge 412 provides a narrowing of the aperture 410. In operation, depressing the flexible segment 400 causes a greater narrowing of the aperture 410, thereby allowing the ridge 412 to remove excess cosmetic from the brush 50 as it is pulled from the housing 100.

° As with the previously described embodiment, the first end 420 includes a recess 422 and a flange 424. Together, the recess 422 and flange 424 provide for a snap-type connection between the flexible segment 400 and a male-threaded fitting 440. This male-threaded fitting 440 is similar to that described above with reference to Fig. 6.

Unlike the previous embodiments, the flexible segment 400 includes an integrally threaded end segment 430. As can be seen, the threaded end segment 430 includes an enlarged section 432 of the aperture having a female thread 434 integral therewith. The female thread 434 is dimensioned so that the housing 100, which includes a male threaded end section (not shown) , is engagable with the female thread 434 of the flexible segment 400. Thus, the flexible segment 400 can be screwed to the housing 100, thereby sealing the flexible segment 400.

It is to be understood that the flexible segments described above are merely exemplary, and other embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. For example, any combination of connection means, such as snap-type, threaded fittings, integral threads, and the like, may be used. Additionally, projections from the aperture are not limited, either in shape or number, to those shown. For example, alternate embodiments include a series of discrete, spaced-apart projections, which may be found either at random locations or in a predetermined pattern of rows, and each projection may be rounded, cone- shaped, frusto-conically shaped, cylindrically shaped. Also within the scope of the present invention are flexible segments having an aperture with a tread-like or other suitably roughened or irregularly shaped surface so as to be capable of collecting and removing excess cosmetic from the brush.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the flexible segment includes a generally smooth-walled aperture. In such an embodiment, the wall

of the aperture contacts the brush as the brush is pulled through the deformed flexible segment. Consequently, the aperture removes the excess cosmetic as the flexible segment is depressed. In a sense, then, upon being flexed inwardly the wall of the aperture itself becomes a projection capable of removing excess cosmetic from the applicator brush.

It is to be understood that while the aforementioned description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is directed to a mascara brush, the structure and method of the present invention is not limited to use in a mascara application system and may be used to remove excess amounts of appliques, other than mascara, on other types of applicators.

Although several embodiments of the preferred present invention have been shown and described, the present invention is not to be limited to the aforementioned detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Rather, the present invention is to be defined only by the scope of the appended claims.