Coating implements with material supply – Solid material for rubbing contact or support therefor – Including holder
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-30
2001-09-04
Walczak, David J. (Department: 3751)
Coating implements with material supply
Solid material for rubbing contact or support therefor
Including holder
C401S192000, C401S068000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06283658
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to lip balm holders and more particularly to a chapstick dispensing apparatus having an attached cover that is not easily lost as it is not dissociated from the main portion of the dispenser.
2. Description of the Related Art
Lip balms are often used to soothe and heal lips that may become dry or chapped under a variety of circumstances including those encountered in athletic, outdoor activities, such as skiing, sailing, and other environments where dry air comes in constant contact (such as by a breeze or wind) with the lips. Lip balms often comprise a paraffin-like substance which adheres to the lips when drawn over them. Additional emollients or moisturizing additives may even be included in the lip balm, as may UV protective chemicals and the like. By providing a polar or hydrophobic barrier to the elements, moisture is retained in the lips. Additionally, lip balms protect the lips from such harsh environments.
Currently, lip balm dispensers often include a threaded rod or screw that serves to turnably eject the stick of lip balm. The lip balm may have a central channel or circular cavity into which the threaded rod fits and in which the threaded rod turns. As the threaded rod turns, as by a thumbscrew or wheel, the lip balm is selectively ejected from the dispenser.
A cap is generally used to cover the end of the dispenser in order to prevent the drying out of the lip balm. The cap often is spaced away from the end of the dispenser so that a margin of lip balm may be exposed for easy application to the lips. However, the cap is often lost as it is easily disassociated from the dispenser.
Additionally, the dispenser as a whole with its cap may be difficult to manipulate, particularly under inclement conditions such as ski slopes or the like where the hands of the user are often encumbered by gloves or mittens. The disassociatable cap to the lip balm dispenser requires two (2) hands to use or very dexterous one (1) hand. Such one-handed use is often precluded by the presence of mittens or gloves.
Additionally, present lip balm dispensers often have no lanyard ring or tactile side indicators regarding orientation of the dispenser. Furthermore, hand or fingerholds are generally absent from such lip balm dispensers. Aesthetic designs are often absent, preventing the lip balm dispenser from acting as an attractive or fashionable accessory to a person's outfit or clothing.
It would be an advance of the art to overcome these shortcomings and to resolve these disadvantages in a manner that is both useful and attractive, making the use and carrying of a lip balm dispenser easier and more fun.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a lip balm dispenser having an associated cap that remains with the dispenser even though the lip balm product is exposed. Additionally, a translucent or transparent lens or window provides indication of the amount of lip balm product left and the operation of the generally slow ejection of the lip balm product.
A turnscrew or wheel serves to slowly eject the lip balm product. The cover may slidably move along a track provided by a housing in order to expose the lip balm product or application.
In alternative embodiments, principal features of convenience in one-handed use are present, as is the cap-retaining feature. Elevators or the like can be used to expose the lip balm product. Additionally, grips or other tactile features may be present in order to provide better handling for the dispenser. In one embodiment, the cover may hingeably pivot such that the housing and the lip balm product are exposed in the same manner as a switchblade knife. Additionally, lanyard rings or the like can be used to provide attachment for cords or string, making the chapstick dispensing apparatus of the present invention more easily available.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-contained chapstick or lip balm dispenser.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a lip balm dispenser that retains its cap.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a chapstick dispenser that is easier to use when the hands are made less dexterous by means of gloves or mittens.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a chapstick dispenser that indicates the amount of lip balm product remaining.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a chapstick dispenser that is fashionable and attractive.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a chapstick dispenser that is easily manufactured and simple to use.
These and other objects of and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a review of the following specification and accompanying drawings.
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Estevez Carlos Irwin
Thomason Rodger D.
Cisha & Thomas LLP
Masheen, Inc.
Walczak David J.
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