WO2008045786A2

WO2008045786A2 - Mechanical pencil

Info

Publication number: WO2008045786A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/080574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey Wayne Mizell; Steven Bernard Juk; Krzysztof Donat Otoka
Original assignee: Cosmolab Inc.
Priority date: 2006-10-06
Filing date: 2007-10-05
Publication date: 2008-04-17
Also published as: WO2008045786B1; WO2008045786A3

Abstract

A mechanical applicator comprises a barrel (112), a nose-piece (104), a coil (142), a container, and an elongated rod. The nose-piece is rotatably coupled to the barrel. The coil is carried within the barrel and fixed against rotation relative to at least one of the nose-piece and the barrel. The container is movably disposed in the barrel and adapted to contain a mass. The elongated rod is slidably disposed in the barrel and in operative engagement with the coil. So configured, rotating the nose-piece relative to the barrel in a first direction causes the coil to axially displace the. elongated rod and advance the mass out of the nose-piece. Moreover, rotating the nose-piece relative to the barrel in a second direction causes the coil to axially displace the elongated rod and retract the mass into the nose-piece.

Description

MECHANICAL PENCIL

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/828,488, filed October 6, 2006, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

|ΘOO2] The present disclosure relates to a mechanical pencil and, more particularly, a mechanical pencil capable of advancing and retracting a cosmetic mass.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Typical mechanical cosmetic pencils comprise a barrel or outer housing, a mechanical device, and a cap. Conventional mechanical devices are disposed within the barrel and can include a sheath for containing a cosmetic pencil mass and a rod for extruding the cosmetic pencil mass from the sheath. The cosmetic pencil mass is a solid or semi-solid cosmetic product comprising a complex formulation of ingredients such as waxes, esters, oils, pigments, and/or powders. The cosmetic mass ingredients are typically heated and blended to a molten state and then directly filled into the sheath. The filled sheath is then cooled, to room temperature for example, at which time the cosmetic pencil product resides in a solid or semi-solid state. The filled sheath is then assembled with the remainder of the mechanical device inside of the barrel or outer housing,

[0004] As mentioned, conventional mechanical devices include the sheath and the rod. More specifically, the filled sheath is slidably disposed in the barrel. The rod of one conventional device is sized and configured to slide into the sheath, thereby pushing the cosmetic pencil mass out of the opposing end of the sheath. For example, in one conventional device, the rod is rotatably supported by the barrel and includes an external threaded portion and a knob. The external threaded portion of the rod threadably engages an internal threaded portion of the sheath. The knob is disposed on an end portion of the rod outside of the barrel. So configured, a user may rotate the knob and therefore the rod relative to the sheath. The threaded engagement between the rod and the sheath causes the sheath to slidably displace over and onto the rod. Thus, the rod forces the cosmetic mass stored in the sheath out of the opposing end of the sheath such that the mass may be exposed for application by the user. Once the user completes the application, the cap may be disposed on the barrel to protect any cosmetic mass that remains exposed from the end of the sheath.

[0005] As discussed, the rod of conventional mechanical cosmetic pencils may be rotated to push the cosmetic mass out of the sheath. Once the cosmetic mass is extended from the sheath, however, it cannot be retracted into the sheath. Thus, the cap is the only means for protecting any cosmetic mass remaining outside of the barrel and sheath.

SUMMARY

[0006] One embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical applicator having a barrel, a nose-piece, a coil, a container, and an elongated rod. The nose-piece is rotatably coupled to the barrel. The coil is carried within the barrel and fixed against rotation relative to at least one of the nose-piece and the barrel. The container is movably disposed in the barrel and adapted to contain a mass. The elongated rod is slidably disposed in the barrel and in operative engagement with the coil. So configured, rotating the nose-piece relative to the barrel in a first direction causes the coil to axially displace the elongated rod and advance the mass out of the nose-piece. Moreover, rotating the nose-piece relative to the barrel in a second direction causes the coil to axially displace the elongated rod and retract the mass into the nose-piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007} FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a mechanical cosmetic pencil constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. IA is a cross-sectional view of the mechanical cosmetic pencil of FIG. 1 taken through line IA-IA of FIG. 1 and depicting the entire cross-section;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross- sectional side view of the mechanical cosmetic pencil of FIG. 1 with an applicator cap removed and illustrating a cosmetic mass in a partially extended state;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the mechanical cosmetic pencil of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the applicator cap removed and illustrating the cosmetic mass in a near completely extended state; [0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the mechanical cosmetic pencil of FIGS. 1-3 with the applicator cap removed and illustrating the cosmetic mass in the fully retracted state; and

[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of a mechanical cosmetic pencil constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a mechanical applicator, which includes a cosmetic pencil 100 constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure. The cosmetic pencil 100 comprises an outer housing 102, a nose-piece 104, a mechanical assembly 106, and optionally a manipulation device 108. The nose-piece 104 is rotatably coupled to the outer housing 102 and operatively coupled to the mechanical assembly 106, which contains a cosmetic mass 110. So configured, rotation of the nose-piece 104 relative to the outer housing 102 actuates the mechanical assembly 106 to advance the cosmetic mass 110 out of the nose-piece 104, as is shown in FIG. 1, and retract the cosmetic mass 110 into the nose-piece 104 and/or the outer housing 102, as is shown in FlG. 4 and described in more detail below.

[0014] More specifically, as depicted in FIG. 1, the outer housing 102 comprises a barrel 112, an applicator cap 114, and a manipulator cap 116. The applicator cap 114 and the manipulator cap 1 16 are removably disposed on opposing ends of the barrel 112 to cover the nose-piece 104 and manipulation device 108, respectively.

[0015] The barrel 112 includes a generally elongated tube having an open first end 112a and a closed second end 112b. The first end 112a includes a reduced diameter portion 118. The reduced diameter portion 118 includes a generally cylindrical outer surface 120 defining an annular recess 120a. As mentioned, the applicator cap 114 is adapted to be disposed on the first end 112a of the barrel 112 and, more particularly, the reduced diameter portion 1 18 of the first end 1 12a of the barrel 112. The applicator cap 114 comprises a generally elongated tube having a closed end 114a and an open end 114b. The open end 114b includes a generally cylindrical inner surface 122 comprising an annular collar Ϊ22a. The annular collar 122a is adapted to engage the annular recess 120a in the reduced diameter portion 118 of the first end 1 12a of the barrel 1 12 to removably secure and preferably seal the applicator cap 114 to the barrel 112. Similarly, although not depicted, the manipulator cap 116 and the second end 1 12b of the barrel 112 may be arranged and configured to include an annular collar and recess, respectively, to removably secure and preferably seal the manipulator cap 116 to the second end 1 12b of the barrel 112.

[0016] Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 1, the barrel 112 includes a generally cylindrical inner surface 124. The inner surface 124 comprises an annular collar 124a and a plurality of longitudinal ribs 131. The annular collar 124a is disposed at the first end 112a of the barrel 112 and is adapted to rotatably secure the nose-piece 104 to the barrel 112, as will be described. The plurality of ribs 131 extend radially inward of the inner surface 124 and along substantially the entire length of the barrel 112. The plurality of ribs 131 are adapted to cooperate with the mechanical assembly 106 for advancing and retracting the cosmetic mass 110, as will be described. As depicted in cross-section in FIG. IA, the barrel 112 of the disclosed form of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100 comprises eight (8) ribs 131.

J0017] The nose-piece 104 also includes a generally elongated tube comprising a gripping portion 126, an adapter portion 128, a generally cylindrical stepped bore 125, and an outlet flange 127. The gripping portion 126 includes a shoulder 129 in abutment with the barrel 112. In the depicted embodiment, the gripping portion 126 is contoured to provide an ergonomical grip. In alternative embodiments, however, the gripping portion 126 may not be contoured, but rather tapered and having a smooth conical exterior surface. The adapter portion 128 is disposed opposite the gripping portion 126 from the shoulder 129 and comprises a reduced diameter portion 130 having an outer surface 132. The outer surface 132 of the reduced diameter portion 130 comprises an annular recess 132a. The reduced diameter portion 130 is disposed in the first end portion 112a of the barrel 112 such that, as mentioned, the barrel 112 abuts the shoulder 129. Additionally, the annular recess 132a in the reduced diameter portion 130 of the nose-piece 104 engagingly receives the annular collar 124a on the inner surface 124 of the barrel 112, So configured, the nose- piece 104 is adapted for rotational displacement relative to the barrel 1 12 and the barrel 112 is adapted for rotational displacement relative to the nose-piece 104. fOO18] The stepped bore 125 of the nose-piece 104 is defined by a generally cylindrical first surface 134, a generally cylindrical second surface 136, and a shoulder 138. The shoulder 138 is disposed between the first and second surfaces 134, 136. The second surface 136 includes a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the first surface 134. The first and second surfaces 134, 136 of the stepped bore 125 of the nose-piece 104, as well as the outlet flange 127 of the nose-piece 104, are adapted to operatively receive and retain portions of the mechanical assembly 106.

[0019] The mechanical assembly 106 comprises a generally cylindrical container or sheath 140, a coil 142, and an elevator rod 144. In FIG. 1, the sheath 140 comprises an elongated tube disposed in the stepped bore 125 of the nose-piece 104. More specifically, the first surface 134 of the stepped bore 125 of the nose-piece 104 slidably supports the sheath 140 therein. The sheath 140 contains substantially all of the cosmetic mass 110, which is in a solid or semi-solid, and preferably, a self-supporting state. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , the sheath 140 extends substantially the entire length of the cosmetic mass 1 10. Additionally, in the position depicted in FIG. 1, the sheath 140 is in engagement with the outlet flange 127 of the nose-piece 104. Therefore, the outlet flange 127 limits axial displacement of the sheath 140 relative to the nose-piece 104 toward the left relative to the orientation of FIG. 1. As will be described below; however, the sheath 140 may be axially displaced relative to the nose-piece 104, and therefore relative the barrel 112, toward the right relative to the orientation of FIG, 1 ,

[0020] The coil 142 is disposed within the barrel 112 and fixed to the nose-piece 104. More specifically, in the disclosed embodiment, the coil 142 includes a coil spring having a first end 142a and a second end 142b. The first end 142b is disposed in the nose-piece 104 adjacent the second surface 136 of the stepped bore 125 and in axial abutment with the shoulder 138 of the stepped bore 125. In one embodiment, the first end 142a of the coil 142 frictionally engages the second surface 136 of the stepped bore 125 and is secured thereto. In an alternative embodiment, however, the first end 142a of the coil 142 may be secured to the second inner surface 136 of the stepped bore 125 and/or the shoulder 129 of the stepped bore 125 with an adhesive or any other device capable of serving the principles of the present disclosure. [0021] The second end 142b of the coil 142 is disposed in axial abutment with the closed second end 1 12b of the barrel 112. The closed second end 112b of the barrel 112 includes an end wall 143 comprising a dimple 143a. In the disclosed embodiment, the second end 142b of the coil 142 abuts the end wall 143 concentric with the dimple 143 such that the dimple 143 serves to axially align the coil 142 during assembly of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100, for example. So configured, the coil 142 of the disclosed embodiment is slightly compressed within the barrel 1 12 (as is illustrated at the first end 142a of the coil 142 in FIG. 1) and is adapted to be rotationally displaced relative to the barrel 112 in response to rotational displacement of the nose-piece 104. Such rotational displacement of the coil 142 is adapted to displace the elevator rod 144, which will be further described.

[0022] The elevator rod 144 comprises an elongated member including a plunger 146, a drive member 148, and a central rod 149 disposed between the plunger 146 and the drive member 148. The elevator rod 144 is disposed within and guided by the coil 142 of the mechanical assembly 106. The plunger 146 is disposed within the sheath 140 such that a seal is formed between an outer surface 146a of the plunger 146 and an inner surface 140a of the sheath 140. In the disclosed embodiment, the seal is provided by a frictional engagement between the plunger 146 and the inner surface 140a of the sheath 140. The drive member 148 comprises a hub 150, a first lug 152, and a second lug 154. The first and second lugs 152, 154 extend radially outward of the hub 150. The lugs 152, 254 are axially, as well as circumferentially, offset from each other. In the disclosed embodiment, the lugs 152, 154 are circumferentially offset from each other approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees (180°). In alternative embodiments, however, the lugs 152, 154 may be circumferentially offset from each other any amount in the range of approximately zero degrees (0°) to approximately three-hundred and sixty degrees (360°). Accordingly, the axially and circumferentially offset configuration of the lugs 152, 154 enable the lugs 152, 154 to extend between and slidably engage distinct portions of the coil 142, thereby providing for a balanced application of force between the drive member 148 and the coil 142 during operation. [0023] Additionally, as depicted in FIG. IA, each of the lugs 152, 154 of the disclosed embodiment are slidably disposed or keyed between two (2) of the eight (8) elongated ribs 131 extending from the inner surface 124 of the barrel 112. So configured, the ribs 131 retain the rotational disposition of the lugs 152, 154, and therefore the entire elevator rod 144 relative to the barrel 112. The ribs 131 prevent the elevator rod 144 from rotating when a user rotates the nose-piece 104 and coil 142 to advance and/or retract the cosmetic mass 110, as will be described in more detail below.

(00241 Therefore, during operation, a user first removes the applicator cap 114 from the barrel 112. Thereafter, the user rotates the nose-piece 104 relative to the barrel 112 (or alternatively, the barrel 112 relative to the nose-piece 104) in a first direction to push a portion 110a of the cosmetic mass 110 out beyond the outlet flange 127 and out of the nose-piece 104 toward the position depicted in FIG. 2, for example.

[0025J More specifically, rotating the nose-piece 104 relative to the barrel 112 in the first direction simultaneously rotates the coil 142 within the barrel 112 in the first direction. In the disclosed embodiment, rotating the nose-piece 104 in a first direction comprises rotating the top of the nose-piece 104, as depicted in FIG. 1, out of the page. Stated another way, rotating the nose-piece 104 in a first direction comprises rotating the nose- piece 104 clockwise relative to the barrel 112 when the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100 is viewed from the closed end 114a of the applicator cap 114 for example. As the coil 142 rotates, the coil 142 operates similar to a screw and slidably engages the lugs 152, 154 on the drive member 148 of the elevator rod 144. The coil 142, therefore, forces the elevator rod 144 to the left relative to the orientation of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. It should be appreciated that the coil 142 rotates relative to the elevator rod 144, the coil 142 slidably and rotatably engages the lugs 152, 154. This sliding engagement applies both an axial load and a rotational load on the lugs 152, 154. The rotational load is the result of friction generated at the sliding interface between the coil 142 and the lugs 152, 154. However, as mentioned above, the lugs 152, 154 are keyed between adjacent ribs 131 on the inner surface 124 of the barrel 112. So configured, as the coil 142 rotates and applies the rotational force to the elevator rod 144, the ribs 131 resist the rotational force, thereby enabling the coil 142 to linearly displace the elevator rod 144 relative to the barrel 112. [0026] Therefore, as the coil 142 displaces the elevator rod 144, the outlet flange 127 of the nose-piece 104 maintains the axial position of the sheath 140. This enables the plunger 146 to force at least the portion 1 10a (shown in FIG. 2) of the cosmetic mass 110 out of the sheath 140. In one embodiment, rotating the nose-piece 104 a predetermined distance advances or pushes a predetermined length of the cosmetic mass 110 out of the nose-piece 104. In a preferred embodiment, rotating the nose-piece 104 one full rotation relative to the barrel 112 advances approximately eight one-hundreds of an inch (0.080") of the cosmetic mass 110 beyond the outlet flange 127 of the nose-piece 104. However, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100 may be adapted such that a full rotation, a half rotation, a quarter rotation, or any other rotational distance of the nose-piece 104 and/or the barrel 112 advances or pushes any desirable predetermined length of the cosmetic mass 110 out of the nose-piece 104 to form the portion 110a.

|0027] Once the portion 110a of the cosmetic mass 110 is exposed, however, the user may then apply the cosmetic mass 110 as desired. During application, for example, a user may forcibly and directly apply the portion 110a of the cosmetic mass 110 to one's lips, eyelids, etc. In the disclosed embodiment, an axial force applied to the portion 1 10a of the cosmetic mass 110 transfers to the sheath 140 via an interface between the cosmetic mass 110 and the inner surface 140a of the sheath 140, Additionally, the force transfers from the sheath 140 to the elevator rod 144 via the sealing and frictional engagement between the inner surface 140a of the sheath 140 and the outer surface 146a of the plunger 146. Finally, the force is transferred to the coil 142 via the lugs 152, 154 of the drive member 148. The force, therefore, compresses the second end 142b of the coil 142 against the end wall 143 of the second end 112b of the barrel 112, thereby retracting the sheath 140 into the nose-piece 104 and away from the outlet flange 127. This compression of the coil 142 provides a cushioning or spring-action effect that adapts to the specific magnitude of force being applied to the cosmetic mass 110. Upon the user ceasing application of the cosmetic mass 1 10, the coil 142 of the disclosed embodiment biases the elevator rod 144, the sheath 140, and the cosmetic mass 110 back to the position illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, for example, wherein the sheath 140 engages the outlet flange 127 of the nose-piece 104. [0028] Any given application of the cosmetic mass 1 10 may possibly consume the entire portion 110a of the cosmetic mass 1 10 exposed from the nose-piece 104. Accordingly, subsequent applications of the cosmetic mass 110 may require the user to further rotate the nose-piece 104, which, in turn, causes the elevator rod 144 to displace and advance more of the cosmetic mass 110 out of the sheath 140. Continued use of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100 of the disclosed embodiment eventually causes substantially all of the cosmetic mass 110 to be used. FIG. 3 depicts such a case, wherein the plunger 146 of the elevator rod 144 is displaced substantially entirely through the sheath 140, thereby dispensing substantially all of the cosmetic mass 110.

[0029] Subsequent to each application of the cosmetic mass 110 by a user, the user can rotate the nose-piece 104 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction described above. In the disclosed embodiment, the second direction comprises rotating the top of the nose-piece 104, as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, into the page. Stated another way, rotating the nose-piece 104 in a second direction comprises rotating the nose-piece 104 counter-clockwise relative to the barrel 112 when the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100 is viewed from the closed end 114a of the applicator cap 114 for example. Rotating the nose- piece 104 in the second direction retracts sheath 140 and the remaining cosmetic mass 110 into the nose-piece 104 and/or the barrel 112.

[00301 More specifically, rotating the nose-piece 104 in the second direction simultaneously rotates the coil 142 in the second direction. Accordingly, the coil 142 slidably and rotatably engages the lugs 152 on the drive member 148 of the elevator rod 144 to axially retract the elevator rod 144 within the ribs 131 and relative to the barrel 112 away from the nose-piece 104. The seal between the outer surface 146a of the plunger 146 of the elevator rod 144 and the inner surface 140a of the sheath 140 generates sufficient friction between the plunger 146 and the sheath 140 such that retraction of the elevator rod 144 pulls the sheath 140 into the barrel 112 and away from the outlet flange 127 of the nose-piece 104.

[0031] Continued rotation of the nose-piece 104 in the second direction continues to retract the elevator rod 144 and sheath 140 away from the outlet flange 127 of the nose- piece 104 and toward the fully retracted position depicted in FIG. 4, for example. It should be appreciated that FIG. 4 depicts the cosmetic mass 110 of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100 in a state of use identical to that depicted in FIG. 3, e.g., wherein substantially all of the cosmetic mass 110 has been used. Therefore, as the sheath 140 retracts into the nose- piece 104 and/or the barrel 112, any remaining cosmetic mass 1 10 contained by the sheath 140 likewise retracts into the nose-piece 104 and/or the barrel 112. In a retracted state, the nose-piece 104 and the barrel 112 protect the cosmetic mass 110 from collecting dust, dirt, and/or other debris. Furthermore, in addition to retracting the cosmetic mass 110, a user may reattach the applicator cap 114 to the first end portion 112a of the barrel 112 to protect the nose-piece 104 from collecting dust, dirt, and/or other debris that may ultimately collect on the cosmetic mass 110.

[0032] Further yet, as mentioned above, the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100 disclosed herein optionally comprises the manipulation device 108. The manipulation device 108 is coupled to the second end 112b of the barrel and is adapted to enable a user to manipulate the cosmetic mass 1 10 on a desired application surface, for example, by spreading, shaping, mixing, etc. As mentioned above, the closed second end 112b of the barrel 112 comprises an end wall 143. Additionally, however, the closed second end 112b of the barrel 112 comprises a generally cylindrical cup 156. The cup 156 extends axially away from the end wall 143 in a direction opposite from the remainder of the barrel 112. The manipulation device 108 comprises an adapter 158, a ferrule 160, and a sponge 162 fixedly disposed within the cup 156. The ferrule 160 includes a ring receiving a portion of the sponge 162 and disposed in the cup 56 adjacent the end wall 143. The adapter 162 also includes a ring and comprises an internal shoulder 164. The sponge 162 of the disclosed embodiment comprises a body portion 166 and a manipulator portion 168. The body portion 166 is secured in the ferrule 160 and engaged by the internal shoulder 164 of the adapter 162. Accordingly the adapter 162 secures the sponge 152 to the barrel 112 of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100 disclosed herein. The manipulator portion 168 of the disclosed form of the sponge 162 is generally tapered to a point, thereby providing surfaces having various geometries for a user to manipulate the cosmetic mass 110. In alternative embodiments, however, it should be appreciated that the sponge 162 may be formed of generally any shape. In yet further embodiments, the manipulation device 108 can comprise other instruments such as brushes, combs, and/or flocked surfaces, and the like. [0033] While the cosmetic pencil 100 according to the principles of the present disclosure has, thus far, been disclosed as comprising a container which includes a sheath 140 for containing the cosmetic mass 110, alternative embodiments may include alternative mechanisms for containing and/or retaining the cosmetic mass 110. For example, FIG. 5 depicts a mechanical cosmetic pencil 200 comprising one alternative embodiment of a mechanical assembly 206. Except for the mechanical assembly 206, the cosmetic pencil 200 depicted in FIG. 5 is generally identical to the cosmetic pencil 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, and therefore like components will be identified with like reference numerals.

[0034] The mechanical assembly 206 depicted in FIG. 5 comprises a coil 242, which is structurally and functionally identical to the coil 142 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, and an elevator rod 244. The elevator rod 244 comprises a generally cylindrical container or cup 246, a drive member 248, and a central rod 249 disposed between the cup 246 and the drive member 248. The structure and function of the drive member 248 and the central rod 249 of the mechanical assembly 206 depicted in FIG. 5 are identical to the structure and function of the drive member 148 and central rod 149, respectively, described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, and therefore the details of each will not be repeated.

[00351 The cup 246 is fixed to an end of the central rod 249. The cup 246 includes a generally cylindrical outer surface 246a, a generally cylindrical inner surface 246b, and an end wall 246c. The end wall 246c is rigidly fixed to the central rod 249. The inner surface 246b of the cup 246 in combination with the end wall 246c defines a cavity 247 adapted to receivingly engage a portion 110b of the cosmetic mass 110, as depicted. In one embodiment, the portion HOb is secured in the cavity 247 with friction, an adhesive, or any other means. Therefore, the remaining portion of the cosmetic mass 1 10 extending from the cup 246, as mentioned above, preferably occupies a solid, semi-solid, and/or stick-like and self-supporting state to enable operation generally identical to the cosmetic pencil 100 depicted and described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. [0036] For example, during operation, the user rotates the nose-piece 104 relative to the barrel 112 (or the barrel 112 relative to the nose-piece 104) in a first direction to push a portion ϊ 10a of the cosmetic mass 110a out beyond the flange 127 of the nose-piece 104. So disposed, the user may apply the portion 110a of the cosmetic mass 110 to ones lips, eyelids, etc.

[0037] More specifically, rotating the nose-piece 104 relative to the barrel 112 in the first direction simultaneously rotates the coil 242 within the barrel 112 in the first direction. The coil 242 rotatably and slidably engages the drive member 248 of the elevator rod 244. The coil 242, therefore, forces the elevator rod 244 along the ribs 131 and to the left relative to the orientation of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 200 depicted in FIG. 5, which in turn displaces the cup 246 and the cosmetic mass 110 toward the left. Continued rotation of the nose-piece 104 pushes the cosmetic mass 110 out beyond the outlet flange 127 of the nose-piece 104 such that the user may apply the portion 110a as desired.

[00381 Alternatively, rotating the nose-piece 104 or the barrel 112 in the opposite direction relative to the other causes the coil 242 to rotatably and slidably engage the drive member 248 and drive the elevator rod 244 including the cup 246 and the cosmetic mass 110 into the barrel 112. So configured, the nose-piece 104 and/or the barrel 112 protects the cosmetic mass 110 from breaking off and/or collecting dirt, dust, and/or debris.

[0039 J Preferred embodiments of the mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 are constructed of various materials. For example, the barrel 112, nose-piece 104, applicator and manipulation caps 114, 116, elevator rods 144, 244, and adapter 156 are constructed of a rigid plastic and formed by an injection molding process. Additionally, the sheath 140 depicted in FIGS. 1-4 is formed of a rigid plastic and formed by an extrusion process. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the coils 142, 242 may include coil springs. In preferred embodiments, the coils 142, 242 may include stainless steel coils. Additionally, the ferrule 160 of the manipulator device 108 is preferably constructed of aluminum. Lastly, in one embodiment, the sponge 162 includes an open cell sponge. In an alternative embodiment, however, the sponge 162 may include a closed cell sponge. In further alternative embodiments, the sponge 162 may not include a sponge at all, but rather, may comprise a bristle brush or some other tufted device. Thus, it should be appreciated that the mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 disclosed herein are not limited to being constructed of the materials expressly identified herein, but rather, may be constructed of any materials capable of serving the principles of the present disclosure.

[0040] While the mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 have been described as including mechanical assemblies 106, 206 wherein coils 142, 242, respectively, are fixed for rotation with the nose-piece 104, alternative embodiments may include the coils 142, 242 fixed for rotation with the barrel 112. So configured, the coils 142, 242 would rotate with the barrel 112 relative to the nose-piece 104 and, in turn, slidably engage and displace the elevator rods 144, 242, respectively, in a manner similar to that described above. For example, with respect to the cosmetic pencil 100 depicted in FIG. 1, such a configuration may include the sheath 140 having lugs similar to lugs 142, 144. Additionally, the nose- piece 104 may include ribs similar to ribs 131 along the second surface 136 thereof. In should be appreciated that such an arrangement of the nose-piece 104 may include a second surface 136 having a greater longitudinal dimension than that which is depicted. The lugs on the sheath 140 would be received by the ribs formed on the second surface 136 of the nose-piece 104 to retain the rotational disposition of the sheath 140 relative to the nose-piece 104, Accordingly, rotation of the coil fixed to the barrel 112 would propel and retract the lugs formed on the sheath 140 along the second surface 136 of the nose-piece 104, and therefore propel and retract the cosmetic mass in a manner similar to that described above.

[0041] Alternatively, with respect to the cosmetic pencil 200 depicted in FIG. 5, wherein the cosmetic mass 110 is retained in a cup 246, the cup 246, the cosmetic mass 110, or both may comprise lugs similar to lugs 142, 144. The lugs formed on the cup 246, the cosmetic mass 110 or both would be received in ribs formed on the second surface 136 of the nose- piece 104, thereby enabling operation identical to that described above.

[0042] Furthermore, while the present disclosure has expressly disclosed the coils 142, 242 as including conventional coil springs, alternative embodiments may include other damping or biasing devices. For example, in alternative mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 the coils 142, 242 may comprise rubber or foam dampers shaped and configured to transfer a rotational torque or displacement applied to one of the nose-piece 104 and the barrel 1 12 into a linear displacement of the elevator rods 144, 244, sheath 140, and/or cosmetic mass 110. In yet other alternative embodiments, the mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 may not include coils 142, 242 at all, but rather, may include transmission assemblies including gear sets, for example, for transferring a rotational torque or displacement applied to the nose-piece 104 or the barrel 112 into a linear displacement of the elevator rods 144, 244, sheath 140, and/or cosmetic mass 110.

[0043] Still further, while the disclosed embodiments of the mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 include coils 142, 242 which serve to both convert rotational displacement of one of the nose-piece 104 or the barrel 112 into linear displacement of the cosmetic mass 110 and to cushion or provide a spring-action effect to the cosmetic mass 110 during application, alternative embodiments may include separate components for providing these two functions. For example, in one alternative embodiment, the barrel 1 12 may include a rigid coil integrally formed with an internal surface thereof and a damper may be disposed in the barrel 112 or on the elevator rod 144, 244 to provide the cushioning or spring-action effect. The damper may include a rubber damper, a foam damper, or any other material capable of serving the principles of the present disclosure.

[0044] Further yet, with respect to the embodiment of the cosmetic pencil 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the seal between the inner surface 140a of the sheath 140 and the outer surface 146a of the plunger 146 has been disclosed herein as being provided by a frictional fit between the plunger 146 and the sheath 140. Alternative embodiments, however, may provide the seal via different means. For example, in one alternative embodiment of the cosmetic pencil 100, at least one of the outer surface 14όa of the plunger 146 and the inner surface 140a of the sheath 140 may include a resilient rubber liner, grommet, bushing, or a plurality of tufted members to provide the seal, hi alternative embodiments, generally any other device, structure, or means may provide the seal.

[0045] Further still, while the drive members 148, 248 of the elevator rods 144, 244 have been disclosed herein as including a pair of lugs 152, 154 disposed between or keyed into adjacent ribs 131, alternative embodiments of the mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 may include elevator rods 144, 244 having any number of lugs or other structure disposed between or keyed into adjacent ribs 131 and in operable communication with the coils 142, 242, or other similarly adapted device to serve the principles of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that while the present disclosure provides a barrel 112 including eight (8) ribs 131, an alternative embodiment may include any number of ribs 131. Nevertheless, one advantage of having eight (8) ribs 131, as disclosed herein, and only two (2) lugs 152, 154 is that during assembly, a technician or other assembly-person is not required to accurately position the elevator rod 144 within the barrel 112, which can increase assembly time and cost. Rather, the greater number of ribs 131 allows one to simply insert the drive member 148 into the barrel 112 and slightly rotate the elevator rod 144 until the lugs 152, 154 fall into sliding engagement between any two pairs of adjacent ribs 131.

[0046] Further yet, while the mechanical assemblies 106, 206 of the mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 have been disclosed as comprising cosmetic mass containers, which include a sheath 140 and a cup 246, respectively, alternative embodiments may include generally any device capable of securing the cosmetic mass 110 in operable engagement with the mechanical assemblies 106, 206. For example, in one alternative embodiment, the elevator rod 144, 244 may be equipped with a central elongated stake upon which the cosmetic mass 110 is disposed.

[0047] In light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure provides a mechanical cosmetic pencil 100, 200 capable of advancing a portion 110a of a cosmetic mass 110 for application by a user. When exposed from the nose-piece 104, the portion 110a of the cosmetic mass 110 may be applied by a user. Subsequent to use, the portion 110a may or may not be completely diminished. Therefore, the user may rotate the nose-piece 104 to retract any remaining portion 110a and/or any remaining cosmetic mass 110 into the nose-piece 104 and/or the barrel 112 of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100, 200 to store the cosmetic mass 110 away from collecting dust, dirt, and/or debris, as well as preventing the portion 110a from being broken off and/or wasted. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the mechanical assemblies 106, 206 of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100, 200 disclosed herein provide for a cushioned or spring-action effect during application of the cosmetic mass 110. This cushioned or spring-action effect alleviates the hardness associated with application of cosmetics intrinsic in non-cushioned applicators.

[0048] Further still, while the present disclosure includes mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 adapted to advance and retract a cosmetic mass 110, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments of the mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 may be adapted to advance and retract generally any coating medium. For example, the sheath 140 of the mechanical cosmetic pencil 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-4 or the cup 246 of the cosmetic pencil 200 depicted in FIG. 5 may contain and dispense a wax, a charcoal, a crayon, a lead, a chalk, or any other material as may be desired by consumers.

[0049] Thus, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments of the mechanical cosmetic pencils 100, 200 expressly disclosed herein, but rather, includes all variations and deviations thereon, which may be considered within the scope of the present patent application.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A mechanical applicator, comprising: a barrel; a nose-piece rotatably coupled to the barrel; a coil carried within the barrel, at least a portion of the coil fixed against rotation relative to at least one of the nose-piece and the barrel; a container movably disposed in the barrel and adapted to contain a mass; and an elongated rod movably disposed in the barrel and in operative engagement with the coil such that displacement of the nose-piece relative to the barrel in a first rotational direction causes the coil to displace the elongated rod in a first axial direction for advancing a mass out of the nose-piece, and such that displacement of the nose-piece relative to the barrel in a second rotational direction causes the coil to displace the elongated rod in a second axial direction for retracting a mass into the nose-piece.

2. The mechanical applicator according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a sheath movably disposed within the nose-piece and the barrel.

3. The mechanical applicator according to claim 2, further comprising a plunger attached to the elongated rod, the plunger slidably disposed in the sheath and adapted to force a mass out of the sheath upon displacement of the nose-piece in the first rotational direction.

4. The mechanical applicator according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a cup attached to an end of the elongated rod.

5. The mechanical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one lug extending from the elongated rod and in engagement with the coil.

6. The mechanical applicator according to claim 5, wherein the lug extends radially outward from the elongated rod.

7. The mechanical applicator according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising at least two elongated ribs carried by the barrel, the elongated ribs accommodating the at least one lug therebetween for limiting rotational displacement of the elongated rod.

8. The mechanical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coil comprises a coil spring adapted to absorb axial loads transmitted to the elongated rod.