CN116322429A - Adapter with interchangeable elements for connecting a cosmetic applicator to an external device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an adapter (1200) that connects any of various cosmetic applicators (101, 205, 301, 303, 305) for applying cosmetics to a motion control device (400) that directs movement of the cosmetic applicators. The adapter includes a base member (1001) having a base connection for connecting the adapter to the motion control device in a particular orientation and an end member (1007) having an end connection for connecting the adapter to a cosmetic applicator. The end member has a central axis passing through a center thereof and is rotatably attached to the base member about the central axis with a structure for locking the end member at a specific rotation angle about the central axis.

Description

Adapter with interchangeable elements for connecting a cosmetic applicator to an external device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of priority from non-provisional application serial No. 17/036,597, filed on 9/29/2020, and french application serial No. 2012204 filed on 11/26/2020, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Background

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to interchangeable elements of an adapter for connecting a cosmetic applicator to an external device, and in particular to a motion control device.

Description of the Related Art

The "background" description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

There are many types of cosmetic applicators, including mascara applicators, lip gloss applicators, eye shadow applicators. Applicators come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and textures.

Conventional mascara applicators include a brush stem (wand) with bristles. The mascara brush stick comprises a rod, one end of which defines an applicator head with bristles. The applicator head may be a flat comb, a conical comb or an arcuate comb. For shorter lashes, the applicator head may be thin, while for thicker lashes, the applicator head may be thick. Further, the applicator head may have a brush design that facilitates separating the eyelashes, or another design that facilitates thickening and volumizing the eyelashes. The applicator head loaded with mascara is applied to the eyelashes. Several brush strokes (pass) are required to apply mascara with conventional applicators.

The end of the mascara brush stick may be attached to the handle. The handle is typically cone-shaped or cylinder-shaped, or in some cases, flat rectangular-shaped. Rotary lever brushes have been proposed that can reduce the need for a user to roll the handle during application of mascara. Rotating the mascara brush can be accomplished by supporting the brush stem for rotational movement relative to the handle.

U.S. patent 8,028,707 to Wyatt et al describes a cosmetic applicator comprising a handle and a stem, wherein the applicator head is coupled to the stem. An actuator is coupled to the applicator head to move the applicator head in a vibratory motion.

While there are all types of applicator heads and handles that can rotate or vibrate the applicator head, users with limited hand tremors or hand and arm mobility may encounter difficulties with applying cosmetics using applicators, particularly cosmetics such as lip gloss and mascara that require fine control. Hand tremors may be caused by parkinson's disease and essential tremors. A person with tremor in the hands may have difficulty holding the cosmetic applicator smoothly. The "limited hand and arm mobility" may be caused by cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, huntington's disease, and post-stroke deficits. A person with limited hands and tremors of the arms may have difficulty holding the cosmetic applicator in a desired position at a particular angle. In addition, various forms of applicators require different movements of the hand and arm.

It is an object of the present disclosure to describe a combination of a motion stabilization device or leveling device with a cosmetic applicator to assist a person with tremor or limited hand and arm mobility. One aspect is an adapter for connecting a motion stabilization device or leveling device to any of several types of cosmetic applicators of different sizes and shapes. One aspect is an adapter having one or more rotating elements to enable easy adjustment of the angle of the cosmetic applicator.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect is an adapter that connects any of various cosmetic applicators for applying cosmetics to a motion control device that directs movement of the cosmetic applicator, the adapter comprising: a base member having a base connector for connecting the adapter to the motion control device in a particular orientation; and an end piece having an end connection for connecting the adapter to the cosmetic applicator. The end member has a central axis passing through its center and is rotatably attached to the base member about the central axis with a structure for locking the end member at a specific rotation angle about the central axis.

In a second aspect, wherein the end member is made of rubber.

In a third aspect, wherein the base connector has an oval-shaped cross-section.

In a fourth aspect, wherein the base connector has an hourglass shaped cross section.

In a fifth aspect, wherein the base connector comprises a pair of magnets positioned at opposite sides of the base connector, and wherein the pair of magnets have a first polarity that attracts the motion stabilization device in one orientation and repels the motion stabilization device in the other orientation.

A sixth aspect, wherein the structure for locking the end member at a specific rotation angle about the central axis is a lockable pawl that allows incremental rotation in one direction and locks against rotation in the reverse rotation direction.

A seventh aspect, wherein the end connector for connecting the adapter to the cosmetic applicator comprises an opening for inserting and retaining the cosmetic applicator within the opening.

In the eighth aspect, the opening for holding the cosmetic applicator includes a plurality of rubber bumps protruding inside the opening so as to grasp the cosmetic applicator.

A ninth aspect, wherein the plurality of rubber bumps are arranged in at least two ring patterns.

In a tenth aspect, wherein the opening for holding the cosmetic applicator includes a plurality of equally spaced ribs protruding inside the opening, extending in a depth direction of the opening so as to grasp the cosmetic applicator.

In an eleventh aspect, wherein the end member is interchangeable with other end members having openings of different sizes and shapes.

A twelfth aspect wherein the motion control means directs movement in the opposite direction of any detected hand vibration motion.

A thirteenth aspect, wherein the opening for holding the cosmetic applicator is cylindrical in shape.

A fourteenth aspect, wherein the opening for holding the cosmetic applicator tapers from an inlet to the opening to a smaller diameter.

A fifteenth aspect, wherein the opening for holding the cosmetic applicator is rectangular in cross section.

A sixteenth aspect is a cosmetic applicator system comprising: an applicator stabilizer unit configured to stabilize the applicator in response to unintentional muscle movement by the user; and an applicator coupling element configured to removably attach the cosmetic applicator to the applicator stabilizer unit.

A seventeenth aspect, wherein the applicator coupling element is configured to detachably attach the cosmetic applicator to the applicator stabilizer unit via a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling.

An eighteenth aspect, wherein the applicator coupling member comprises at least: a first attachment portion configured to removably attach the cosmetic applicator to the applicator coupling element; and a second attachment portion configured to detachably attach the applicator coupling element to the applicator stabilizer unit.

A nineteenth aspect, wherein the first attachment portion is removably attached to the applicator via one of a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling; and the second attachment portion is detachably attached to the applicator stabilizer unit via a different one of a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling.

A twentieth aspect, wherein the applicator coupling member comprises at least: a first attachment portion configured to removably attach the cosmetic applicator to the applicator coupling element; and a second attachment portion configured to detachably attach the applicator coupling element to the applicator stabilizer unit; and wherein the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion comprise a bayonet coupling member, a friction fit coupling member, a magnetic coupling member, a snap fit coupling member or a threaded coupling member.

The foregoing general description of exemplary embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not limiting.

Drawings

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E are schematic illustrations of some different types of cosmetic applicators illustrating a range of shapes and sizes;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D are schematic illustrations of some different types of cosmetic applicators illustrating a range of shapes and sizes;

fig. 3A, 3B, 3C are schematic views showing a cosmetic applicator inserted into a handle;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a motion stabilization device;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a leveling device;

fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the applicator stabilizer unit in an inclined position;

fig. 7 is a diagram of the internal components of the applicator stabilizer unit of fig. 6;

fig. 8 is a diagram of an alternative configuration of the internal components of the applicator stabilizer unit of fig. 6;

fig. 9 is a perspective view of an applicator coupling element having a plurality of pawls for rotating the element, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling element having a plurality of pawls for rotating the element, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 11 is a perspective view of an applicator coupling element having a single pawl for rotation in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling element having a single pawl for rotation, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling element having a smaller diameter than the adapter of fig. 9-12;

fig. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection relationship of a motion stabilization device and an applicator coupling element according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection relationship of a leveling device or an applicator stabilizer unit and an applicator coupling element according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection relationship of a motion stabilization device, an applicator coupling element, and a cosmetic applicator according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; fig. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection relationship of a leveling device or an applicator stabilizer unit, an applicator coupling element, and a cosmetic applicator according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; and is also provided with

Fig. 18A, 18B, 18C illustrate different examples of using applicator stabilizer units with different applicators.

Detailed Description

In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, as used herein, the words "a," "an," and the like typically carry the meaning of "one or more," unless otherwise indicated. The drawings are generally drawn to scale unless indicated otherwise or shown in schematic structures or flow diagrams.

Furthermore, the terms "about," "approximately," "about," and similar terms generally refer to a range of identification values included within a margin of 20%, 10%, or preferably 5%, and any values therebetween.

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to an applicator coupling element, also referred to as an adapter, that connects any of various types of cosmetic applicators to a motion stabilizer device, a leveling device, or an applicator stabilizer unit.

In order to provide universal connection of cosmetic applicators of various shapes and sizes, the applicator coupling element (or adapter) is configured to detachably attach the cosmetic applicator to the applicator stabilizer unit via a bayonet coupling, friction fit coupling, magnetic coupling, snap fit coupling, or threaded coupling.

Fig. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E are schematic illustrations of some different types of cosmetic applicators exhibiting a range of shapes and sizes. Fig. 1A is a wide format applicator that may be used to apply a creamy foundation, mask, foundation or foundation. Fig. 1B is a fine tipped swab applicator that may be used with a lip gloss or eyeliner, and fig. 1C is an applicator with a brush at its tip for applying mascara. Fig. 1D is a brush applicator for applying facial or eye cosmetics. The brushes may be small, medium or large and may be circular, square or conical. Fig. 1E is a flat puff applicator for applying powder, body highlights or talc.

Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D are schematic illustrations of some different types of cosmetic applicators exhibiting a range of shapes and sizes. Some cosmetic applicators, particularly those with brushes and puffs, may have a handle of large diameter. The handle may be shaped as in fig. 2A for ease of manipulation, or may be a cylinder with a long conical end (as in fig. 2B), a closed end (as in fig. 2C), or a short conical end (as in fig. 2D).

Fig. 3A, 3B, 3C are schematic views showing a cosmetic applicator inserted into a handle. The applicator may be a lip brush or a mascara applicator. The handle may be tapered (as in fig. 3A) or cylindrical (as in fig. 3B and 3C).

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a motion stabilization device. The motion stabilization device 400 may include a handle for easy grasping of the device and a pair of magnets 403 on either side of the connecting member 405. The shape of the connecting member 405 and the orientation of the two magnets 403 ensure a unidirectional connection orientation with an external device. The motion stabilization device may include a circuit board 411 containing a sensor, a controller, and a motor that controls the movement of the link 405 relative to the detected tremor movement. The sensor detects hand movement and the controller distinguishes unwanted tremors from intended movement of the hand. To stabilize the cosmetic applicator, the controller directs the motor to move the cosmetic applicator in the opposite direction of any detected tremors.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a leveling device. The leveling device 500 includes a pair of magnets 503 on either side of a connector 505. The shape of the connector 505 and the orientation of the two magnets 503 ensure a unidirectional connection orientation with an external device. The leveling device may include a circuit board 511 containing a sensor, a controller, and a motor that controls the movement of the connecting member 521 through a series of movements of the leveling device to maintain its leveling. The sensor detects a change in the intended movement of the hand in three dimensions. To level the cosmetic applicator, the controller directs the motor to bend the flexible joint, thereby maintaining the attached cosmetic applicator at the correct angle.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the applicator stabilizer unit in an inclined position. The applicator stabilizer unit is described in more detail in U.S. PG publication 2020/0085168A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. As shown in fig. 6, the connecting member 621 of the applicator stabilizer unit 600 is configured to twist between an upright posture and a tilted posture (as shown in fig. 6). This is achieved by a hinge mechanism contained within the connecting element 621. Fig. 6 shows that the hinge mechanism is a self-leveling/motion stable hinge. Fig. 7 is a diagram of the internal components of the applicator stabilizing unit of fig. 6. Fig. 7 shows a diagram of the internal components of an applicator stabilizer unit 600 according to one embodiment. In the handle portion 601, the unit includes a power source 701, which may be a battery or the like. As understood in the art, the applicator stabilizer unit 600 includes a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) 703, which may include a position sensor circuit 711, a reader circuit 713, a control circuit 715, and a communication interface 717.

For example, as the sensor circuit 711, the pcba may include at least one inertial sensor and at least one distributed motion sensor to detect unintentional muscle movement and to measure signals related to such unintentional muscle movement that are formed when a user adversely affects the movement of the cosmetic applicator. These sensors also detect the movement of the stable output relative to the unit. The control circuit sends voltage commands to the motion-generating element in response to the signals to eliminate tremors or unintentional muscle movement of the user. This cancellation maintains and stabilizes the position of the applicator, thereby maintaining it stable.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the system and method according to the present invention may utilize various implementations of control circuitry and sensor circuitry and that such would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, control circuit 715 includes an electrical system capable of generating an electrical response from sensor inputs such as a programmable microcontroller or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). In one embodiment, the control circuit includes an 8-bit ATMEGA8A programmable microcontroller manufactured by Atmel due to the low cost, low power consumption, and capability of the programmable microcontroller as a whole for use in high capacity applications.

In one embodiment, the at least one inertial sensor in the sensor circuit is a sensor including, but not limited to, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a combination of both. In one embodiment, at least one distributed motion sensor in the sensor circuit is a non-contact position sensor, including but not limited to a hall effect magnetic sensor.

The system created by the combination of the sensor circuit, the control circuit and the motion-generating element may be a closed loop control system that senses the motion and acceleration at various points in the system and feeds detailed information into a control algorithm that appropriately moves the motion-generating element to eliminate the net effect of unintended muscle movement by the user and thus stabilizes the position of the cosmetic applicator. The operation and details of the elements and control algorithms of the control system are understood in the art as described in U.S. PG publication 2014/0052275A1, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

The communication interface 717 may include a network controller such as BCM43342 Wi-Fi from Broadcom, frequency modulation and bluetooth combination chip (Bluetooth combo chip) for interfacing with a network.

In the connecting part 621 of the applicator stabiliser unit 600 there may be two drive elements to allow three-dimensional movement as a receiver for anti-shake movement. The two drive elements include a y-axis drive element 705 and an x-axis drive element 707 each connected to and controlled by the PCBA 703. Each of the drive elements may be a servo motor as understood in the art. The applicator stabilizer unit 600 further includes a connector 505 configured to couple with an adapter. The connector 505 may include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader 709 configured to read RFID tags that may be included in the cosmetic applicator.

Fig. 8 is a diagram of an alternative configuration of the internal components of the applicator stabilizer unit of fig. 6. Fig. 8 shows a diagram of an alternative embodiment of an applicator stabilizer unit 600, wherein the connection part 621 comprises an electromagnetic positioner 811 in place of the drive element shown in fig. 7. Electromagnetic positioner 811 may include a U-shaped magnetic core 809 arranged around nonmagnetic tube 805 filled with magnetic fluid 813. Each of the cores has an arm portion surrounded by a winding 807. The magnetic core may be controlled by control circuitry in the PCBA 703 to act as a controllable active magnetic field generating structure for generating a variable magnetic field that acts on the magnetic fluid causing displacement thereof, thereby enabling the armature to move to a desired coordinate position and/or orientation. Details of the implementation of electromagnetic locator 811 can be found in U.S. patent No.6,553,161, which is incorporated by reference herein. The applicator coupling element may be configured to detachably attach the cosmetic applicator to the applicator stabilizer unit. The applicator coupling element may be configured to removably attach the cosmetic applicator to the applicator stabilizer unit by any of several types of connection, including, but not limited to, a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling.

The applicator coupling element may comprise at least a first attachment portion configured to detachably attach the cosmetic applicator to the applicator coupling element and a second attachment portion configured to detachably attach the applicator coupling element to the applicator stabilizer unit. The first attachment portion is removably attached to the applicator via one of a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling; and the second attachment portion is detachably attached to the applicator stabilizer unit via a different one of a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling.

The applicator coupling element may comprise at least a first attachment portion configured to detachably attach the cosmetic applicator to the applicator coupling element and a second attachment portion configured to detachably attach the applicator coupling element to the applicator stabilizer unit. The first and second attachment portions comprise bayonet coupling members, friction fit coupling members, magnetic coupling members, snap fit coupling members, or threaded coupling members.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an applicator coupling element (adapter) having a plurality of pawls for rotating the element, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. Applicator coupling member 900 may have a diameter sufficient to mount a cosmetic applicator inserted into the handle. The base portion 901 may include an opening 921 shaped to receive the connecting member 405 of the motion stabilization device 400. Although the illustration in fig. 9 shows an opening having an hourglass cross-section, the opening may have other shapes including, but not limited to, elliptical.

The base portion 901 may include a pair of magnets 923 to ensure proper orientation of the applicator coupling element 900 with the motion stabilization device 400. In particular, the polarity of the magnets 923 may be such that in the correct orientation, the magnets 403 will be attracted to the corresponding magnets 923. In an incorrect orientation, magnet 403 will be repelled by magnet 923. The magnetic force between magnet 923 and magnet 403 is used to hold the applicator coupling element 900 to the motion stabilization device 400. The base portion 901 has a cylindrical outer shape so as to be combined with the end portion 907. The base portion 901 may take alternative shapes including an hourglass shape or a tapered shape to accommodate the reduced or enlarged diameter end portion 907.

The applicator coupling element 900 includes a plurality of detents to enable fine adjustment of the angle at which the applicator is positioned relative to the motion stabilization device 400. With respect to fig. 9, the first pawl 903 allows rotation 913 relative to the base portion 901. The second pawl 905 allows rotation 915 relative to the first pawl 903. The pawl may include one or more springs to exert a force on the pawl. The first pawl 903 and the second pawl 905 can be configured as locking pawls having an arrangement of the latches 931 evenly spaced around the circumference of the ring. The latch 931 allows for a unidirectional rotation direction 913. The amount of angular rotation between the locking positions depends on the number of latches 931. Having two pawls 903, 905 may allow the rotation angle between the locked positions to be split in two, thereby enabling a finer degree of control. In one embodiment, the latch 931 is wedge-shaped to enable easy rotation between the locked positions. In an alternative embodiment, the latch is rectangular toothed which is inserted into a slot of the end tooth arrangement of the corresponding component. The pawls 903, 905 and the base 901 may be made of plastic or a metal alloy such as stainless steel or aluminum.

An opening 909 in end portion 907 is shaped and sized to receive a cosmetic applicator having a handle. The opening 909 may have a circular cross-section such that the opening 909 is a cylinder. In some embodiments, opening 909 may have a rectangular cross-section. To hold the cosmetic applicator in place, a tab 911 may be disposed inside the opening 909. The projections 911 may be uniformly spaced in a linear arrangement around the inner circumference of the opening. More than one linear arrangement may be provided along the depth of the opening. The bumps 911 may be randomly arranged in the inner surface of the opening. End portion 907 may be made of a soft, compressible material such as rubber. In some embodiments, the bump 911 may be rubber. In some embodiments, the tab 911 may be positioned to accommodate cosmetic applicators of different shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the opening 909 may taper to a smaller cross-section relative to the entrance to the opening 909.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling unit (adapter) having a plurality of pawls for rotating the applicator coupling element, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. Similar to the applicator coupling element 900, the applicator coupling element 1000 includes a base portion 1001 that may include an opening 1021 shaped to receive the connecting member 405 of the motion stabilization device 400. Base portion 1001 may include a pair of magnets 1023 to ensure proper orientation of adapter 1000 and motion stabilization device 400. In particular, the polarity of the magnets 1023 may be such that in the correct orientation, the magnets 403 will be attracted to the corresponding magnets 1023. In an incorrect orientation, magnet 403 will be repelled by magnet 1023. The magnetic force between magnet 1023 and magnet 403 is used to hold adapter 1000 to motion stabilization device 400.

The applicator coupling unit 1000 includes a plurality of pawls to enable fine adjustment of the angle at which the cosmetic applicator is rotated with respect to the central axis of the motion stabilization device 400. With respect to fig. 10, the first pawl 1003 allows rotation 1013 relative to the base portion 1001. The second pawl 1005 allows for rotation 1015 relative to the first pawl 1003. The first pawl 1003 and the second pawl 1005 can be configured as locking pawls having an arrangement of latches 1031 evenly spaced around the circumference of the ring. The latch 1031 allows one-way rotation. In one embodiment, the latch 1031 is wedge-shaped. In an alternative embodiment, the latch is rectangular toothed which is inserted into a slot of the end tooth arrangement of the corresponding component. The pawls 1003, 1005 and the base 1001 may be made of plastic.

The opening 1009 in the end portion 1007 is sized to receive a cosmetic applicator having a handle. To hold the cosmetic applicator in place, a ridge 1011 may be disposed inside the opening 1009. The ribs 1011 may be evenly spaced in a circular arrangement around the inner circumference of the opening. The ridge 1011 may extend the entire depth of the opening. The end portion 1007 may be made of a soft compressible material such as rubber.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an applicator coupling unit (adapter) with a single pawl for rotation according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The applicator coupling element 1100 is similar in structure to the applicator coupling element 900, but includes only a single pawl 1103.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling element (adapter) with a single pawl for rotation, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The applicator coupling element 1200 is similar in structure to the applicator coupling element 1000, but includes only a single pawl 1203.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling element (adapter) having a smaller diameter than the elements of fig. 9-12. The applicator coupling member 1300 may have a smaller diameter to accommodate levelers or stabilizers with smaller connection interfaces. Similar to the elements 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, the applicator coupling element 1300 comprises a base portion 1301, which may comprise an opening 1321 shaped for receiving the connection member 505 of the applicator stabilizer unit 500. The base portion 1301 may include a pair of magnets 1323 to ensure proper orientation of the applicator coupling element 1300 with the applicator stabilizer unit 500. In particular, the polarity of the magnets 1323 may be such that in the correct orientation, the magnet 503 will be attracted to the corresponding magnet 1323. In an incorrect orientation, magnet 503 will be repelled by magnet 1323. The magnetic force between magnet 1323 and magnet 503 is used to hold applicator coupling element 1300 to applicator stabilizer unit 500.

The applicator coupling element 1300 includes a detent to enable adjustment of the angle at which the cosmetic applicator is positioned relative to the applicator stabilizer unit 500. In some embodiments, the applicator coupling element 1300 may include a plurality of pawls for fine adjustment of the rotational angle of the cosmetic applicator. With respect to fig. 13, pawl 1303 allows rotation 1313 relative to base portion 1301. Pawl 1305 may be configured as a locking pawl having an arrangement of latches 1331 evenly spaced around the circumference of the ring. Latch 1331 allows unidirectional rotation. In one embodiment, latch 1331 is wedge-shaped. In an alternative embodiment, the latch is rectangular toothed which is inserted into a slot of the end tooth arrangement of the corresponding component. Pawl 1303 and base 1301 may be made of plastic.

The opening 1309 in the end portion 1307 is sized to receive a small diameter cosmetic applicator such as a mascara brush stick. To hold the cosmetic applicator in place, ribs 1311 may be disposed inside openings 1309. The ribs 1311 may be evenly spaced in a circular arrangement around the inner circumference of the opening. The ridge 1311 may extend the entire depth of the opening. The end portion 1307 may be made of a soft compressible material such as rubber.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection relationship of a motion stabilization device and an applicator coupling element according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The magnetic force between magnet 923 and magnet 403 is used to hold the applicator coupling element 900 to the motion stabilization device 400 when the connector 405 is inserted into the opening 921. The motion stabilization device 400 is configured to impart motion to the connector 405, thereby causing vertical angular motion 1401 of the applicator coupling element 900.

Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection relationship of a leveling device or an applicator stabilizer unit and an applicator coupling element according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The magnetic force between magnet 1323 and magnet 503 is used to hold the applicator coupling element 1300 to the leveling device 500 or the applicator stabilizer unit 600 when the connector 505 is inserted into the opening 1321. The leveling device 500 is configured to impart motion to the connector 505, thereby causing vertical angular motion 1501 of the applicator coupling member 1300. Vertical angle motion 1501 is a wider range of motion than motion 1401 because this motion allows applicator coupling element 1300 to remain leveled through a range of orientations of the leveling device.

Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection relationship of a motion stabilization device, an applicator coupling element (adapter), and a cosmetic applicator according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The applicator coupling element (adapter) 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 may be used to couple a cosmetic applicator, such as the applicator 101, 205, having a wide diameter or mounted to a wide diameter handle, such as 301, 303, 305, to the motion stabilization device 400. The pawl 903 allows the applicator coupling element 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 to rotate and lock at a rotation angle 1013. Multiple pawls may be used to allow finer control over the rotation angle 1013.

Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection relationship of a leveling device or an applicator stabilizer unit, an applicator coupling element (adapter), and a cosmetic applicator according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The applicator coupling element (adapter) 1300 may be used to couple a cosmetic applicator such as the applicator 103, 105, 107, 201, 203 to the leveling device 500 or the applicator stabilizer unit 600. Pawl 1303 allows the applicator coupling member 1300 to rotate and lock at a rotational angle 1313.

The applicator coupling elements 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 may be provided in various sizes so that the motion stabilization device 400 may be used with small diameter cosmetic applicators or so that the applicator stabilizer unit 1300 may be used with large diameter cosmetic applicators or inserted into a handle.

Fig. 18A-18C illustrate different examples of the use of the applicator stabilizer unit 500 with different applicators, such as the nail polish applicator of fig. 18A, the mascara brush of fig. 18B, and the lipstick applicator of fig. 18C.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings.

It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims (20)

1. An adapter connecting any one of various cosmetic applicators for applying cosmetics to a motion control device that directs movement of the cosmetic applicator, the adapter comprising:

a base member having a base connector for connecting the adapter to the motion control device in a particular orientation; and

an end piece having an end connection for connecting the adapter to a cosmetic applicator;

wherein the end member has a central axis passing through its center and is rotatably attached to the base member about the central axis with a structure for locking the end member at a specific angle of rotation about the central axis.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end member is made of rubber.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base connector has an oval-shaped cross-section.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base connector has an hourglass shaped cross section.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base connector comprises a pair of magnets positioned at opposite sides of the base connector, and

wherein the pair of magnets has a first polarity that attracts the motion stabilization device in one orientation and repels the motion stabilization device in the other orientation.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the structure for locking the end piece at a particular angle of rotation about the central axis is a lockable pawl that allows incremental rotation in one direction and locks to prevent rotation in a reverse rotational direction.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end connector for connecting the adapter to a cosmetic applicator comprises an opening for inserting and retaining the cosmetic applicator within the opening.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the opening for holding the cosmetic applicator comprises a plurality of rubber bumps protruding inside the opening for grasping the cosmetic applicator.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of rubber bumps are arranged in at least two ring patterns.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the opening for holding the cosmetic applicator comprises a plurality of equally spaced ribs protruding inside the opening extending in a depth direction of the opening so as to grasp the cosmetic applicator.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end members are interchangeable with other end members having openings of different sizes and shapes.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motion control means directs movement in the opposite direction of any detected hand vibration motion.

13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the opening for holding the cosmetic applicator is cylindrical in shape.

14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the opening for holding the cosmetic applicator tapers from an inlet to the opening to a smaller diameter.

15. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the opening for holding the cosmetic applicator is rectangular in cross-section.

16. A cosmetic applicator system, comprising:

an applicator stabilizer unit configured to stabilize the applicator in response to unintentional muscle movement by a user; and

an applicator coupling element configured to removably attach a cosmetic applicator to the applicator stabilizer unit.

17. The cosmetic applicator system of claim 16, wherein the applicator coupling element is configured to removably attach the cosmetic applicator to the applicator stabilizer unit via a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling.

18. The cosmetic applicator system of claim 16, wherein the applicator coupling element comprises at least

A first attachment portion configured to removably attach a cosmetic applicator to the applicator coupling element, an

A second attachment portion configured to detachably attach the applicator coupling element to the applicator stabilizer unit.

19. The cosmetic applicator system of claim 16, wherein

The first attachment portion is removably attached to the applicator via one of a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling; and is also provided with

The second attachment portion is detachably attached to the applicator stabilizer unit via a different one of a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling.

20. The cosmetic applicator system of claim 16, wherein the applicator coupling element comprises at least

A first attachment portion configured to removably attach a cosmetic applicator to the applicator coupling element, an

A second attachment portion configured to detachably attach the applicator coupling element to the applicator stabilizer unit; and is also provided with

Wherein the first and second attachment portions comprise a bayonet coupling member, a friction fit coupling member, a magnetic coupling member, a snap fit coupling member or a threaded coupling member.

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