CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 63/336,504, filed April 29, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present subject matter relates to cosmetics and, more particularly, to lipstick. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to replaceable cartridges for lipstick products.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Lipstick is a cosmetic that is applied to the lips. Application of lipstick can allow for color and/or texture variation of the lips. Lipstick and/or lip balms can be applied to protect the lips from sunburn, chapping, etc. Lipstick and lip balms may contain wax, oils, emollients, etc. The wax may provide structure to the lipstick. Oils, emollients, pigments, etc. may be used to provide color and/or texture as well as provide for ease of application to the lips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0003] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0004] FIGS. 1 A and IB show a refillable lipstick system, in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure.

[0005] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show components of a cartridge applicator in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 3 A and 3B show exploded assemblies of a cartridge applicator in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure.

[0007] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show a cartridge applicator in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure.

[0008] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show assembly of a refillable lipstick system in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 6 shows cartridge applicators in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Disclosed herein are refillable lipstick systems that may include a removable and replaceable cartridge system. When empty, a replaceable cartridge may be removed and replaced by a new filled one. The lipstick base and cap may be reusable. Thus, waste may be minimized, which may help improve the environment.

[0011] The refillable lipstick systems disclosed herein may include any number of distinct components. For example, the refillable lipstick systems may include a cap, a base, and a cartridge. The cartridge may be made of distinct components. For example, the cartridge may be made of a cartridge applicator, a cartridge screw drive, and the piston. The cartridge applicator may be clear so that a user can see how much lipstick is remaining in the cartridge applicator. The cartridge may be assembled into the base so that the refillable lipstick systems resemble non-refillable lipstick systems.

[0012] As disclosed herein, when holding the base and turning the cartridge applicator clockwise, the piston may move upward and push the semi-liquid or liquid product through an orifice of the cartridge applicator. The product exposed on the applicator can then be applied on the surface of the lips. The amount of product needed can be adjusted by turning less or more to expel more or less of the product from the orifice.

[0013] When done with the application, the cap can be placed on the base to close the lipstick. A pintel, such as a cylindrical pintel, inside the cap may plug the orifice of the cartridge applicator and seal it.

[0014] New cartridges may be sealed on both ends by, at the bottom the piston and at the top by a molded membrane closing the orifice of the cartridge applicator. The cylindrical pintel inside the cap will pierced the membrane when assembled and closed for the first time.

[0015] To replace an empty cartridge, the user can hold the base, remove the cap, and pull off the empty cartridge. The empty cartridge can be recycled. A new cartridge can be inserted into the base. Closing the lipstick with the cap at least one time before using the lipstick allows the pintel to pierce the cartridge membrane and allow the lipstick to flow through the orifice.

[0016] As disclosed herein, when the cartridge applicator is empty, the user does not have to throw away the entire system. Instead, the cartridge applicator can be removed and replaced with a new filled one. The cap and base of the lipstick can be reused.

[0017] As disclosed herein, the cartridge is made of at least three distinct components, the cartridge applicator, the cartridge screw drive, and the piston. When assembled, the base of the cartridge screw drive seals the base of the cartridge applicator. The top of the cartridge applicator is sealed by a molded membrane obturating the top orifice of the cartridge applicator. [0018] The piston has a threaded portion, sometimes called a threaded chimney or inside chimney. The cartridge screw drive has a threaded rod. The piston is assembled with the cartridge screw drive and screwed down to the bottom of the cartridge screw drive. The cartridge applicator is filled with semi-liquid or liquid lip product, such as lipstick, lip gel, and/or lip balm, and the cartridge screw drive and piston are assembled to the filled cartridge applicator. Snap beads inside the cartridge applicator keep the cartridge screw drive in place after assembly.

[0019] The piston may have a friction fit with the inside of the cartridge applicator and is assembled with the cartridge screw drive. When the cartridge screw drive base is locked inside the base of the lipstick and the consumer turns the cartridge clockwise the piston moves up and pushes the substance, (e.g., the lipstick or lip balm) out of the cartridge applicator through the orifice at the top of the cartridge applicator. When the cartridge is empty, it can be removed from the base and a new cartridge can then be inserted into the base.

[0020] The above discussion is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The description below is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

[0021] FIGS. 1A and IB show a refillable lipstick system 100 in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure. System 100 includes a cap 102, a base 104, and a cartridge applicator 106. Cap 102 may define a cap cavity 108 in which a first portion 110 of base 104 and cartridge applicator 106 can be inserted.

[0022] A second portion 112 of base 104 may define a recessed portion 114. Cap 102 may define a complementary recessed portion 116. When base 104 and cartridge applicator 106 are inserted into cap cavity 108, recessed portion 114 may engage complementary recessed portion 116 to secure cap 102 to base 104. For example, a perimeter of recessed portion 114 may be substantially equal to a perimeter of complementary recessed portion 116 so that when cap 102 is connected to base 104, sufficient friction is created to secure cap 102 to base 104. Cap 102 and/or base 104 may also include seals, such as an O-ring or other gasket, that may be used to generate friction between cap 102 and base 104.

[0023] While FIGS. 1A and IB show cap 102 and second portion 112 of base 104 as having a square shape, cap 102 and/or second portion 112 of base 104 can be any shape. For example, cap 102 and second portion 112 of base 104 may be round, hexagon, octagonal, etc. First portion 112 of based 104 may also be round as shown or hexagon, octagonal, etc.

[0024] FIGS. 2 A, 2B, and 2C show components of cartridge applicator 106 in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure. Cartridge applicator 106 may include a piston 202, a cartridge screw drive 204, and a cartridge applicator tube 206. FIG. 3A and 3B show exploded assemblies of cartridge applicator 106.

[0025] Piston 202 may include a body portion 208 that has an interior surface 210 that defines a through hold 212 and a threaded portion 214. Piston 202 may have a sharp edge 216 that may act as a squeegee and form a seal against an interior surface of cartridge applicator tube 206. Thus, as piston 202 travels within cartridge applicator tube 206, piston 202 may push the substance located inside cartridge applicator tube 206 toward an orifice 218 defined by an applicator surface 220 of cartridge applicator tube 206.

[0026] Cartridge screw drive 204 may include a base portion 222 and a threaded member 224 extending from a surface 226 of base portion 222. Base portion 222 may include a flange 228 that, when cartridge screw drive 204 is inserted into cartridge applicator tube 206, that forms a portion of a cavity 230 defined by cartridge applicator tube 206. Base portion 222 may also include a rib 232. Rib 232, sometimes called a bead, protrusion, or protuberance, may form a connecting member that engages with a corresponding portion 238 of cartridge applicator tube 206 to secure cartridge screw drive 204 to cartridge applicator tube 206.

[0027] Base portion 222 may include an interior surface 234. Interior surface 234 may define one or more protrusions 236, sometimes called ribs or protuberances. As disclosed herein, protrusions 236 may engage one or more groves and/or protrusion in base 104. Protrusions 236 may act to fix cartridge screw drive 204 relative to base 104 so that when cartridge applicator 106 is rotated relative to base 104, cartridge screw drive 204 remains stationary relative to base 104 and piston 202 traverse along threaded member 224 as disclosed herein.

[0028] Cartridge applicator tube 206 may have a first end 240 and a second end 242. First end 240 may include applicator surface 220, which may define orifice 218. Applicator surface 220 may have a concave or convex shape, or a combination thereof. Still consistent with embodiments disclosed herein, applicator surface 220 may have a flat shape and/or include a wavy or otherwise textured surface. For example, applicator surface 220 may be a flat surface that include one or more protrusions that can massage the lips while applying a substance to the lips. [0029] Orifice 218 may be located in a central region of applicator surface 220. The size of orifice 218 may be dependent upon the viscosity of the material contained inside cartridge applicator 206. For example, if the material has a high viscosity, then orifice 218 may have a larger diameter. For materials with a lower viscosity, orifice 218 may have a smaller diameter. In addition, more than one orifice may be defined by applicator surface 220. Multiple orifices may allow for a smoother application of the substance (e.g., lipstick) to applicator surface 220. [0030] A membrane 244 may be located in orifice 218. As disclosed herein, membrane 244 may seal cartridge applicator 106 before an initial use. After perforation of membrane 244, cap 102, or a portion or cap 102, may seal plug or otherwise seal orifice 218 to keep the substance from spilling or otherwise leaking from cartridge applicator 106 when not in use.

[0031] Second end 242 may include a tapered surface 246. Tapered surface 246 may allow for easier installation of cartridge applicator 106 into base 104 as disclosed herein. Second end 242 may also define an indentation 248. As disclosed herein, indentation 248 may engage a protrusion or other feature of base 104 to secure cartridge applicator 106 in base 104.

[0032] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show cartridge applicator 106 in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure. FIGS. 4A and 4B show piston 202 in a first position and FIGS. 4C and 4D show piston 202 in a second position. The first position may be where piston 202 is located at second end 242. The second position may be where piston 202 is located at first end 240.

[0033] As disclosed herein, during use, a user may twist cartridge applicator tube 206 with respect to base 104 as indicated by arrow 402. Twisting of cartridge applicator tube 206 can cause piston 202 to traverse along threaded member 224 as indicated by arrow 404. As piston 202 traverses threaded member 224, the lipstick within cartridge applicator tube 206 is expelled through orifice 218. Upon piston 202 reaching the end of threaded member 224, cartridge applicator tube 206 can be removed from base 104 and replaced as disclosed herein.

[0034] FIGS. 5A and 5B show assembly of a refillable lipstick system in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5A, cartridge applicator tube 206 can be inserted into base 104 as indicated by arrow 502. Upon insertion into base 104, protrusions 236 may engage protrusions 504. The engagement between protrusions 236 and protrusions 504 allow cartridge applicator tube 206 to rotate while base portion 222 remains in a fixed position relative to base 104.

[0035] Base 104 may be a multicomponent part. For example, base 104 may include a first base component 506 and a second base component 508. First base component 506 may include a protrusion 510 that may engage an indentation 512 defined by second base component 508. [0036] Second base component 508 may define one or more protrusions 514 that may engage respective indentations 516 defined by cap 102. Upon placing cap 102 base 104, protrusions 514 may engage indentations 516 to secure cap 102 to base 104. Protrusions 514 may be a gasket, such as a rubber O-ring that rests in an indentation defined by second base component 508. Upon placing cap 102 on base 104, the O-ring may rest in an indentation 516, which may be continuous, to seal cap cavity 108.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5B, cartridge applicator tube 206 can be inserted into cap 102 as indicated by arrow 518. Upon insertion into cap 102, membrane 244 can be punctured by a pintel 520 that protrudes into cap cavity 108. After initially puncturing membrane 244, pintel 520 can seal orifice 218 as shown in FIG. 5C. By having pintel 520 seal orifice 218 when not in use, pintel 520 can clean and prevent lipstick from drying within orifice 218.

[0038] Cap 102 may also include an inner cap 522. Inner cap 522 may have a diameter that is substantially similar to a diameter of cartridge applicator tube 206. Thus, when cap 102 is connected to base 104, inner cap 522 may form a seal with an exterior surface of cartridge applicator tube 206 to prevent the lipstick from oxidation, leaking, etc. Inner cap 522 may also include a seal such as an O-ring or other gasket to seal against the exterior surface of cartridge applicator tube 206.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows cartridge applicators 600 (labeled individually as cartridge applicators 600A, 600B, 600C, 600D, and 600E) in accordance with at least one example of this disclosure. As disclosed herein, cartridge applicators 600 may be components of a system. For example, cartridge applicators 600 may be the same or similar to cartridge applicator 106 disclosed herein and may be sold together or separately with a cap 100 and base 104. As such, a user may purchase cartridge applicators 600 to replace other cartridge applicators that have been used up or to give the user variety. For instance, cartridge applicator 600A may be a first lipstick602A having a first shade, cartridge applicator 600B may be a second lipstick 602B having a second shade, cartridge applicator 600C may have a lip balm 602C, cartridge applicator 600D may have a chapstick 602D, and cartridge applicator 600E may have a sunscreen 602E.

Additional Notes

[0040] The following, non-limiting examples, detail certain aspects of the present subject matter to solve the challenges and provide the benefits discussed herein, among others.

[0041] Example 1 is an applicator for applying a substance to a lip, the applicator comprising: a cartridge applicator that defines a cartridge applicator cavity sized to house the substance and a through hole sized to allow the substance to flow from the cartridge applicator cavity onto an applicator surface of the cartridge applicator; a cartridge screw drive connected to the cartridge applicator, the cartridge screw drive including: an applicator base that defines a base cavity, a rib protruding into the base cavity, and a first threaded member extending from the applicator base into the cartridge applicator cavity; and a piston that defines a second threaded member sized to engage the first threaded member, wherein rotation of the cartridge applicator in a first direction relative to the applicator base causes the piston to ascend the first threaded member and expel a portion of the substance through the through hole and onto the applicator surface.

[0042] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes wherein the substance is lipstick.

[0043] In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally include wherein the substance is lip balm.

[0044] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally include wherein the cartridge applicator is made of a clear polymer.

[0045] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally include wherein the cartridge applicator further comprises a perforable membrane located within the through hole that separates the cartridge applicator cavity from the applicator surface.

[0046] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally include wherein the applicator surface is concaved.

[0047] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally include wherein the cartridge screw drive is a monolithic component.

[0048] Example 8 is a system for applying a substance to a lip, the system comprising: a first base member that defines a first base cavity and a first protuberance within the first base cavity; a second base member having a first end sized to be received with the first base cavity, the second base member defining a second base cavity and a second protuberance located on an exterior surface of the second base member, the second protuberance size to engage the first protuberance and secure the second base member to the first base member, the second base cavity sized to receive a first end of an applicator that includes the substance; and a cap that defines a cap cavity sized to receive a second end of the applicator.

[0049] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 optionally includes wherein the second base member defines at least one rib arranged to engage at least one corresponding rib of the applicator, wherein engagement of the at least one rib with the at least one corresponding rib fixes an applicator base of the applicator in position relative to the second base member.

[0050] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 8-9 optionally include wherein an exterior surface of the second base member defines a first mating element and an interior surface of the cap define a second mating element, engagement of the first mating element with the second mating element secures the cap to the second base element.

[0051] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 8-10 optionally include a seal located within the cap, wherein upon attachment of the cap to the first or second base members, the seal contacts an exterior surface of the applicator to form an airtight chamber around an opening in the applicator.

[0052] In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 8-11 optionally include wherein the cap including a cap pintel size to puncture a perforable membrane of the applicator.

[0053] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 8-12 optionally include the applicator.

[0054] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 optionally includes wherein the applicator is one of a plurality of applicators.

[0055] Example 15 is a system for applying a substance to a lip, the system comprising: a first base member that defines a first base cavity and a first protuberance within the first base cavity; a second base member having a first end sized to be received with the first base cavity, the second base member defining a second base cavity and a second protuberance located on an exterior surface of the second base member, the second protuberance size to engage the first protuberance and secure the second base member to the first base member; an applicator having a first end and a second end, the applicator comprising: a cartridge applicator that defines a cartridge applicator cavity sized to house the substance and a through hole sized to allow the substance to flow from the cartridge applicator cavity onto an applicator surface of the cartridge applicator, an applicator base located at the first end of the applicator and sized to be received within the second base cavity, the applicator base defining a base cavity, a rib protruding into the base cavity, the rib size to engage a corresponding rib of the second base element, and a first threaded member extending from the applicator base into the cartridge applicator cavity; and a piston located inside the cartridge applicator and that defines a second threaded member sized to engage the first threaded member; and a cap that defines a cap cavity sized to receive the second end of the applicator, wherein rotation of the cartridge applicator in a first direction relative to the applicator base causes the piston to ascend the first threaded member and expel a portion of the substance through the through hole and onto the applicator surface.

[0056] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 optionally includes wherein the substance is lipstick.

[0057] In Example 17, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-16 optionally include wherein the substance is lip balm.

[0058] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-17 optionally include wherein the cartridge applicator is made of a clear polymer.

[0059] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-18 optionally include wherein the cartridge applicator further comprises a perforable membrane located within the through hole that separates the cartridge applicator cavity from the applicator surface.

[0060] In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-19 optionally include wherein the applicator surface is concaved.

[0061] In Example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-20 optionally include wherein the cartridge screw drive is a monolithic component.

[0062] In Example 22, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-21 optionally include wherein the second base member defines at least one rib arranged to engage at least one corresponding rib of the applicator, wherein engagement of the at least one rib with the at least one corresponding rib fixes an applicator base of the applicator in position relative to the second base member.

[0063] In Example 23, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-22 optionally include wherein an exterior surface of the second base member defines a first mating element and an interior surface of the cap define a second mating element, engagement of the first mating element with the second mating element secures the cap to the second base element.

[0064] In Example 24, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-23 optionally include a seal located within the cap, wherein upon attachment of the cap to the first or second base members, the seal contacts an exterior surface of the applicator to form an airtight chamber around an opening in the applicator.

[0065] In Example 25, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-24 optionally include wherein the cap including a cap pintel size to puncture a perforable membrane of the applicator.

[0066] In Example 26, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-25 optionally include a plurality of applicators, the applicator being one of the plurality of applicators. [0067] In Example 27, the applicators and systems of any one or any combination of Examples 1 - 26 can optionally be configured such that all elements or options recited are available to use or select from.

[0068] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0069] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

[0070] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0071] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.